[faultytowers]

Last night was strange and very unusual , and not for the normal reasons. Started off in Faulty's for a couple and noticed that the barmaid,Ning, kept walking outside and looking up at the sky. Tried to find out why , but got the usual "Me not speak good English".

Headed down to M.T.B , and was having a few drinks when the staff at Freedom Bar started lighting "joss sticks". Not just one or two but hundreds, soon the air was filled with smoke and it looked like the fire brigade may be needed. At this point a very large duck/goose was plonked down on the bar at MTB , along with assorted other "goodies". Nicke asked Ead what was going on , but her reply was "You no understand"!!!!

Eventually all the "offerings" were placed by the dancing poles , all of the girls then lit a handful of joss sticks and knelt down and prayed for at least 2-3 minutes. It was very solemn and , at least to me , looked very serious . Soon girls from a lot of other bars were coming over and repeating the process.

All that us "farangs" could pick up was that it was something to do with the moon. Later , I noticed that the girls kept walking out and looking at the sky , until with much screaming , they saw what they were looking for. Ead went out looked and immediately came back and rung the bell. This started a "chain reaction" , I think every bell in Soi Eric was ringing within 1 minute. Went out and looked myself but could not see what all the excitement was all about.

All the girls were very happy and soon started with the "Ting-Tong" dancing , so, whatever it was , it must have had a "happy ending".

Today , after a bit of asking around , found out it was an eclipse of the moon (not sure if full or partial). But in 10 years of visiting I have never seen this "ceremony" before , neither had Nicke or any of the other farangs I spoke to.

If anyone has any more info it would be appreciated , as it seemed a very moving/honorable ceremony , which all the girls took seriously.


1. At first I just thought "Bar Snacks are getting bigger".
2. Then the other "gifts" were assembled.
3. The girls took it in turn to "pray".
4. Even the Irish joined in. (Pad Mc)
5. Dancing
6. More dancing.
7. "Liver Dance"