I was fortunate enough to be invited to come play bagpipes for the Burns night in Laos at the end of February – one month after the traditionally celebrated night for Robbie Burns.
Bagpipe for kids, then have a beer
After flying in to Vientiane, I was picked up at the airport and taken to the hotel to change. I was invited to play for an international school in the city. It was the same day as their career faire. I don’t think anyone was going to take up the bagpipes for a job, but they were already in a large basketball court area – so they were already out of their classes.
After the school, I got a chance to wet my whistle at the MGB – the Mekong Garage Bar.
Bagpiping for Burns Night in Vientiane, Laos
Saturday night was the grand event in the grand ballroom at the Crown Plaza. As I was staying at the hotel, it was nice to be able to chill out, then shower and change, and take the elevator down to the ballroom.
I carried out the usual duties for a piper at a Burns Night:
- played for the guests as they arrived at the top of the escalator to the ballroom
- piped in the haggis, of course
- played Auld Lang Syne towards the end of the evening
- refrained from having too much of the whiskey at the table before the end of the night
Although not sure if it is common practice or not, I was given a little shot of whisky at the end of the Address to the Haggis. This time the address was kept short to keep the festivities moving right along.
Overall, was a great night. I had fun playing my pipes, everyone seemed to agree that I added a great sense of authenticity to the evening. I will need to keep my calendar open for the end of February next year.
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