Today was dragon boat day here. We didn't see any dragon boats this year as we got out too late to get to the beach. We went into the city and took a couple of ferries and had a walk around, but it got up to 34c and it really was hot and humid out there.
The tradition dates back to the legend of Wat Yun, a Chinese minister a very long time ago, in other words I have no idea when! Anyway he disagreed with the evil emperor of the time and in protest jumped into the sea or river and drowned. Impressed by his dedication the locals went out in boats and tried to scare the sharks and fish away by banging on drums or failing that dropping food into the river to discourage the fish from eating Wat Yun's body.Today's races were mainly for fun and are fun to watch. They will hold the international races next weekend in the harbour. It will be the first time for 17 years that dragon boats have been in the harbour, mainly due the danger posed to boaters from the pollution. Now either the harbour is cleaner or they want tourists to see the city in the background, which will make great pics. I think it is more likely to be the latter as although the harbour water quality may have improved fractionally it is still very dirty. One mouthfull of that water, and you can expect some stomach problems for sure, as well as various skin allergies rashes etc.That is what the government were warning only a couple of years ago. But those pics will be nice.
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