I am not just a parade participant, I am leading the procession!

What a fun afternoon!  Upon arrival to the factory I am whisked away to the blue team's dressing room (someones office sacrificed for the festivities).  My traditional Thai outfit is a bit complicated and requires a team effort.  Next stop is the makeup room.... and what a fun room it is!  The blue team is helping each other apply makeup and doing each others hair.  The room is full of excited Thai chatter...and even though I have no what is being said the excitement is contagious.  When wearing traditional Thai clothes a lot of makeup is required.... and I mean alot.  I question my ability to put on a lot of makeup (and make it look good).  No reason to worry though because I am at the hands of Khun Oh (all Thais have a nickname).

Once outside I discover that I am just not in the parade I am leading it (the blue procession), and they are waiting for me to start.  The pink team does their procession and then it is the blue team's turn.  I follow the truck to our destination (which is the parking lot of the factory).  My team is chanting and shouting but I have no idea what is being said so I just smile. 

The two teams line up side by side and do the who can be the loudest competition.  This is followed by speeches by the management.  Then begins the first competition of two weeks of competitions.... Volleyball. 

The competitors have already been chosen and are in their team uniforms.  Each group has a drummer and throughout the competition the drummers drum and the cheering sections dance and chant/sing.  And wave flags (blue or pink).  Never in my life have I seen adults with so much energy.  The Thais love to have fun....and I love this about them.  Unfortunately I do not have pictures of the game, drums, and dancing but there were so many cameras and pictures taken I am sure I will get copies of some.

Preparation Room: