I had the chance to do some bagpiping for the Irish Embassy in Bangkok at their St. Patrick’s Day reception at the Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel. I was invited to play at the entrance to welcome in the guests, and then enjoy the reception afterwards.
This opportunity was a result of playing for Guinness last year and getting to meet the Irish Ambassador, Pat Bourne.
As dignitaries arrived the hotel, I was playing Irish tunes on my bagpipes next to the front door. The hotel was beautiful! The walk to the doors has a pond on both sides and flower petals in the colors and order of the Irish flag were laid at the edge (as seen in the picture.)
It was quite a fun experience playing a variety of Irish marches, slow airs, and jigs while diplomatic cars with little national flags at the front to indicate the country would arrive at the hotel’s drop-off. There were so many pictures taken with national representatives, both outside and later inside the reception. I only got to hear a few of the representatives tell me where they hailed from.
After playing outside, I was invited to join the reception to hear the young harpists play, to enjoy the Irish dancers, and to enjoy some food and drinks.
I hope to get the chance to do some bagpiping for the Irish Embassy again in the future.