Keep in Touch with the Dutch

Tonight, I found myself sitting on the grounds of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, listening to American Big Band music, in Bangkok, Thailand.

The band was excellent.

We were asked to move out of our front row seats to make room for the Dutch Ambassador and the Governor of Kanchanaburi.  

A little girl in her school uniform who could not have been more than 13 years old sang a couple of the King's jazz compositions, including an amusing one called "Hungryman's Waltz".  The lyrics were something like, "if you were in this band, you would be hungry too, if you eat enough, we want to eat with you..."  She had an amazing voice.

There was also a fabulous Thai high school marching band that put most college marching bands I've seen to shame.  The Dutch Ambassador presented them with gifts, hats that said, "Keep in touch with the Dutch".  I wanted one sooo badly.

The Embassy grounds were beautiful and quite extensive, with sprawling grass lawns and oodles of foliage.  Lauren pointed out how neat it was to be sitting surrounded by grass and trees and see skyscrapers all around.  I imagine its similar to being in Central Park.  

Though I felt bad for the Dutch band members who were not used to the humidity, the weather was perfect for an outdoor concert.  

Not too shabby, Bangkok.