Monk Party

I should start off by mentioning that I'm about to tell a tale that occured several months ago in Sukaithai, Thailand. Ros and I only recently realised that neither of us had recorded this amazing evening - so here it is.
It is very quickly learned in Asia that good food can be found outside of the main streets - especially good CHEAP food. And so it was that Ros and I diverted our course from the main street of Sukathai into what looked like a busy side street. We found plenty of tables, an abundance of food, and surprisingly an abundance of rum also (surprising as most Thai's can't afford to drink liberally).

To our surprise a lady came to us immediately, guided us to a table, placed a full bottle of rum in front of us. Food then promptly arrived, and our new host directed our attention to a large stage where a male singer was performing before 5 stunning dancers who were making some very suggesting pelvic thrusts as part of their dancing routine. A little perplexed we reviewed our environs more closely and realised that we had stumbled upon a private party, and the host had, in the best Buddhist tradition, welcomed us to join them and share in their lavish celebrations.
We also spotted a very nervous looking novice monk (maybe 15 years), and with some effort learned that the party was to celebrate his commencement as a monk (all males in Thailand spend some time as a monk, usually in their teen years). So what better way to celebrate the start of abstinence, celibacy and modesty than by watching about 150 of your extended family go on an eating, drinking and dancing binge, with the hottest babes in town thrusting their groin everywhich way they can?

He was certainly nervous, and so watched from a quiet corner where he was not able nor tempted to look at the stage.

After having a beer in acceptance of their kindness (we couldn't refuse their offers, but it was too much for us to accept a full bottle of rum knowing that it cost them more that it would to feed someone for a week), we were encouraged onto the dance floor...
Suitably embarrassed (both us and the monk), we boogied for about 15 minutes, blessed the monk, and made a speedy exit. We felt sorry for the monk. It was a party in his honour, but there was not one part of it in which he could participate. Not only that, but a few random farang had just hijacked the interest of all the other attendees...