VTH3# 918

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7/8 DECEMBER 2019
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LONG HAI - CHRISTMAS PARTY 2019

Hares: Flying Finn, Slipper
Hash Flashers: Hot Pants
Ringmaster: Sweeper
Report: Faulty Brakes

As the sands of time slowly run out for 2019, Mismanagement’s decision to hold the annual Christmas party early to allow people to attend their own family functions later this month, proved to be an astute decision. Seventy people turned up to attend the function at Goldstar Hotel in Long Hai. 2019 was another momentous year in VTH3 history with the acquisition of a new Sponsor - SAGOTA BEER. The away trip to Nam Cat Tien and with attendances averaging 50 people per week the outlook for next year looks bright.The only blot on the copybook was the untimely departure of our good friend Tom “Fluffer” Mulvenna.

Saturday morning at Uno Coffee saw the loading of beer and soft drinks into Eskies along with spares for Sunday onto our trusty bus. 70 people had booked to travel to Long Hai and we were rescued by generous families who decided to bring their own cars to the venue. Leaving Uno at 12.00 we headed to the Co-op Mart to pick up more Hashers, and eventually we were rolling out towards Long Hai and on to our Hotel, the splendid Goldstar. Removing the eskies and checking in, soon our new home was being prepared for the forthcoming party. The swimming pool proved to be a winner with the children as they spent the afternoon enjoying themselves, meanwhile music was being prepared and our VTH3 banner was hung proudly over the stage for the pending Hooley.

The bar opened at 5.00 pm when people sat around chatting and enjoying the ice-cold SAGOTA, as we watched the sun going down. Slowly the tables filled up. The VTH3 ladies arrived looking resplendent in all their finery and for a moment I could be forgiven if I thought we had stumbled into a “Miss World Competition.” The food was described as Ngon qua, meaning very delicious in Vietnamese and to all our foreign guests who hailed from Finland, Ireland, Australia and Romania who devoured the excellent Vietnamese cuisine there was little doubt in their minds about that testimony. The ladies were treated to  a nip of Baileys when Mr. T and Cleaver toured the tables dispensing the famous Irish Liqueur and, not to be outdone, and in the interest of fairness the compliment was accorded to the boys with some Aussie Rum that was kindly donated by Bryce, well done mate.

The focus of the night turned to football when enthusiastic Vietnamese fans watched the game against Cambodia and before half time the game was won with Vietnam scoring four without reply. A phone call came through to Faulty Brakes when he was welcoming everyone, Santa had arrived in Saigon and would be arriving shortly in Long Hai. We welcomed Stewie our guest singer for the evening as he treated us to some fabulous numbers and soon the place was rocking. The Karaoke bug had struck and if Vietnam’s Got Talent? - most of it must be in VTH3. Interrupting the procedure once again, the news came through that Santa Clause was in the building. Then as if by magic there was S.C. complete with bags of goodies, assisted by some elves and then sitting on the stage with a reception only afforded to superstars. The 21 children received their gifts and watched in amazement. The magic of Christmas had arrived, pencils, crayons, colouring books, sweets and pencil cases were revealed. When the parcels were opened, the looks on the children’s faces, justified the work that Santa’s helpers had laboured for so many months previously.

The night continued with some great singing and another party erupted on the balcony in the hotel, great food, great music, Vietnam winning 4 - 0, the arrival of Santa Clause. Where would you get all these coming together on the one night? Answer: Vung Tau Hash House Harriers’s Xmas party. 

I was informed the next morning that the breakfast was excellent, unfortunately my head refused to leave the pillow until 12.00. Checking out there were the prospect of a  “Flying Finn Trail”, ending at the nearby beach. True to his word, it was relatively easy circling the the nearby mountain and then ending at the ocean nearby. Golden Fish had procured some Banh Mi and with the beer chilled it was soon time to go again, resting in a nearby restaurant looking out at the silhouette of Vung Tau in the distance, it does not get much better for a Down Down location.

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