The local branch of Skål International, the group
for tourism professionals, held their monthly meeting at the Thai Garden
Resort’s Moon River Pub, and at the same time, celebrated the birthday of
one of their group, the Thai Garden’s GM Rene Pisters. The evening was
enjoyed by over 40 members and guests, with even one of the South African
branches of the world-wide organization being represented.
Rene
performing the ceremonial cake cutting, joined by Ploy, Andrew, Murray and
Peter.
The
lovely Janine draws the raffle prizes, assisted by Andrew and Bob.
Amorn,
ruler of the Raj, making promises. Don’t listen to him Janine.
The evening was a buffet, with the Moon River’s
legendary large choices on offer. Local gourmet, Jan Olav Aamlid was seen
going back and forth many times, which may partly explain his 2 metre plus
height; however, his lovely (and diminutive) wife Mio was also seen making
frequent forays, so it must be more than the food, in Jan Olav’s case.
Maybe it’s in the jeans. Genes?
President of the local branch of Skål International
is Murray Hertz, and he invited Rene and his wife Ploy to join him for the
ceremonial cake cutting, with a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday”
being led by secretary Andrew Wood.
Ib
Ottesen seems to be telling Rene something really amusing that only men
would understand.
Amorn
was making promises to Pat on the dance floor.
Murray
and Clarisse let it all hang down.
Time to
let loose, Ploy, Janine and Kannikar do the boogey woogey.
Rene
with his favorite people, son Anthony, Janine and Pathama. Now where is
Ploy?
It was pleasing to see hard working Bob Lee back from his
recent overseas fact-finding mission, but his wife Elmarie winning the first
raffle looked a little suspicious, particularly since Bob was selling the
tickets! However, the Thai Garden’s guest relations lady, the delightful
Janine Tillmans was on hand to ensure the drawing was transparent, with no
dark influences or sticky ping pong balls being used. The second raffle was
drawn by Max (dark brown voice) Foster, who came up from beneath the waves
for the evening’s entertainment. This prize was won by Axel Borsdorf the
local representative of TUI Travel who have brought hundreds of thousands of
German tourists to Pattaya in the last 30 years.
The
South African connection Brian and Leonie Croucher
Norman
and Eileen from the Yorkies have a romantic night out.
Bob
serenades Elmarie, hoping to get a cut of the loot.
So here
she is! Ploy Pisters having a cozy chat with Jan Olav and Mio Aamlid.
The resident group, Up-Set, upset no-one, keeping up a
steady diet of easy listening and easy dancing numbers. By the end of the
evening, some of the members looked in need of easy-shuffling numbers, but
all got through unscathed. Certain members with the Lothario look were seen
queuing to dance with Pathama Krapinij, the vibrant sales manager from the
Thai Garden, but she looked more than capable of handling the situation.
Further information about Skål International and the next meeting
can be obtained from the Skål secretary, Andrew Wood, email andrew @royalcliff.com
