Reader Submission: A day to remember!
During my youth, as the son of a church warden, I was a devout altar boy for many years. As a result, I was more than usual established in the study of the scriptures. One story I kept doubting was the miraculous catch of fish (John 21.1-24). There, after his resurrection, Jesus had the apostles catch 153 large fish in a short time.
Today I was able to help with such a fishing in Hua Hin. Walking along the beach of Takiab, I notice six tough Thais trying to uncoil a meter-wide net to roughly 100 meters in length in the surf of the sea. After the usual Sawasdee and my question (phoot phasa Thai tae mai keng) what they are up to, a burst of laughter follows and the request to help.
Under the all-seeing eye of my wife-baroness I walk into the water and get a pin in my hands that I have to stick in the beach water and hold. The Thais begin to unroll the net, a few meters further into the sea at a time. Each of them knows his place and after making a wide arc, with loud cheers and laughter, the last Thai is placed parallel to me, but 100 meters away.
WAAH… after 3 minutes I have to rub my eyes. Not from the splashing seawater, but from the incredible catch that they are now all pulling out of the net. Every 10 to 20 centimeters a fish is entangled. They are thrown in a heap on the beach in record time. Two Thais roll up the net. I'm there as Piet Snot. I am told that their leader (probably that man is around 85) can perfectly predict where and when a school will come close to the coast.
Meanwhile, dozens of people are taking pictures, and as Falang I feel like a star for a while. With my stage experience I would like to play a Jesus film version of this catch, but I am still looking for a convinced Christian Joseph who should not be too young to play the role of that fish leader. Anyway, after a thunderous applause and the blissful fraternization with the fishermen, I got a much too large share of the loot. Just took a picture, and then gave it back to the fishermen.
Very satisfied with a few fish back home. In the evening a memorable fish feast with the Pla Kapong Sam Lot. Thanks to my dear kitchen princess who prepares more than decent Ahaan Thai.
A day not to forget!
Submitted by Michael
look, that is another helpful man that we can all take an example from. Helping people and pampering his lovely wife is his true nature! Would that altar boyhood and pious attitude to life have borne fruit after all? Michael I'm proud of you! But judging by the photo, your baroness should spoil you a little less.
Yes, those are fun experiences. Fishing with the locals. I once went on a fishing boat at night. Nice experience though. And a lot of work is done on such a boat. Everyone knows their place and their task on the boat. And then there were a lot of catches. Of course I helped a hand. But not as hard as those guys. Was a very nice experience.
Michel, what a nice and atmospheric story. I myself am NL with storm and rain and spontaneous jealousy arises. Joseph has closed his response in a special way so that I will omit this. On to the next fun experience, Michel? I am watching you.
When, after this miraculous catch of fish, you are going to turn water into wine – also a miraculous story from John – would you please let us know, Michel?
Dear Michel,
Very nice and happy' written story of a day to remember.
You have my blessing with the next catch.
I myself also love fish and it's just how the fish is prepared.
Yours faithfully,
Erwin