Learning to crawl again

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Yesterday, I experienced my first time doing a Hash with the Bangkok Angkaan Horny Hares Hash House Harriers.

It was certainly a different experience, combining a Hash trail with a bar crawl. And the event was by invitation only. Apparently, in Bangkok, the Hares select a limited number of participants and exclude assholes or others who don’t fit well with the group. It’s a unique concept, although I still prefer our “everyone is welcome” ethos. I’m not normally one to mix my walkaholic and alcoholic lifestyles, so last evening was an exception to that rule. But I had a good time, and it was nice to do something new for a change.

There was a 1,000-peso participation fee, and I kept track of my beer consumption along the way just to see whether I got my money’s worth. I think I did. The group met at Snackbar to kick things off.

The early arrivals. Sign-up were scheduled from 4:30 to 5 p.m. I arrived at around 4:15.

I bought three beers (San Miguel Extra Lights) waiting for the start, and the Hash provided two more before we began our trek. So, that makes 5 beers at Snackbar.

Fourteen Hashers (we had one no-show) in attendance for the event.

The Hares, Leech My Nuggets and Auto Fellatio, got a five-minute head start, marking the trail with powder and chalk. Then the chase was on.

I was surprised to see Barretto will be getting a KFC. It’s being built next door to our McDonald’s.
Our first stop was less than a kilometer away, Smokes and Bottles.
Hanging out an Smokes and Bottles. I’ve got to admire the legless guy in the wheelchair, nothing stops him from living life on his terms.

One beer for me at Smokes and Bottles (a San Miguel Light, no XL available).

A sign of the times at Smokes and Bottles.
Highway walking at dusk.
But the Hares did a good job marking the trail.

We walked through the back streets of Matain, the got in a small banca boat for the river crossing to take us to Baloy Beach.

My balance ain’t so good on the best of days. Climbing into that rocking boat after a few beers was more challenging than usual. I successfully boarded without falling. Good thing this was relatively early in our trek.

I knew the wheelchair guy wasn’t going to be able make the river crossing. Luckily, he was escorted to our next stop via Baloy Road.

The bay view from the river.
Second stop, Tropical Zone Resort on Baloy Beach.

Two beers (XLs) for me at Tropical Zone.

Then we hoofed it down Baloy Road back to the National Highway, and headed into Barretto.

Our third stop was my old darts venue, Alley Hideout.

One beer for me at Alley Hideout.

Then we moved on to Cyclone Bar.

A totally different vibe than I’ve ever seen at this bar. One of the girls played pool topless. Definitely the wildest stop on our journey. I had 3 more beers here.

Leaving Cyclone for wherever it is the Hares are leading us.
Turns out it was Voodoo Bar.

Two more beers for me at Voodoo. Then on to our final stop:

Hot Zone.

It had been a LONG time since I’ve last visited Hot Zone. It felt nice to be back again. The pole dancer put on an amazing show, then the Hash Circle was conducted while we munched on some pizza. Enjoyed my last two beers of the night, and I said my goodbyes.

What a night, eh? Sixteen beers from beginning to end, and I was still standing when we finished. I’d call that a successful Hash, especially for a virgin like me.

I got home well past my bedtime, but no worse for the wear.

In the January 2023 LTG archives, there’s a post in which I mention that drinking is in my genes. Some of my earliest memories are of sitting in beer joints with my father. The bar scene wasn’t a big part of my adult life until I moved to Korea and spent my nights on the mean streets of Itaewon. And now I’m finishing my golden years living the Barretto bar life.

Today’s YouTube video answers a question I’ve often wondered about: Why isn’t Spanish a thing here in the Philippines, as it is in other former colonies of Spain? And now I know.

Hold on to your sanity and we’ll get through these:

Ah, the grumpiness that comes with old age. The noise here can be more than a little irratationg.
I’m not sure what a “dchool” is, but Johnny seems to know his stuff.
Dude, it’s called bartering.

For what it is worth, I suffered no repercussions from overindulgence last night. And now I’ll get on with today and see what happens next.

Well, it is 1964 and we are in the midst of the British invasion. Here’s the number one song of the year:

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