Festivities

The yule tide celebrations here in the Magic Kingdom are discreet and out of the public eye. There are festive lights and decorations all over the ex-pat only compounds, but nothing visible where any of the locals might see, lest they are corrupted away from Islam, one assumes.

The Gnomadette being a filipina has allowed the Gnomads to make a good many friends in the Philippine community here. It's good to have friends who are nothing to do with work, life can become very insular indeed if ones social circle is exactly the same as ones working circle. We were invited to spend Chi$tmas eve with some of our new Filipino friends. What a splendid party it was too. There was masses of food, the house was beautifully decorated and the new people we met there were extremely friendly. The Gnomadette was delighted o see TFC (The Filipino Chhannel) on the TV there. This is available via satellite and is the abs cbn channel direct from the Philippines. The Gnomadette misses her favourite shows so this will be making an appearance in the Gnomad's residence before long.

The highlight of the evening was the Prime Note Ensemble. These are a group of 35 or so men who are an acapela singing group. This groups represents The Magic kingdom in international competitions and was recently placed third in a global competition in China. They are all Filipinos. We had the enormous privilege of six of their number coming to the party to sing for us. The group makes appearances like this to raise money for a number of charities back in the Philippines and so can be booked for any size of function. The men sang beautifully and with enormous enthusiasm, in English and in Tagalog, all seasonal songs and carols. Some we listened to enraptured, others we sang along with. A truly joyful experience.

Chri$tmas day itself the Gnomads spent quietly at home. Presents after breakfast were many, there being what the Gnomads gave to each other and also what the children at school had given generously to us. Dinner was roast duck and roast chicken, with most, if not all, the trimmings in both Filipino and English style, but without the wanton excess which now seems to be so much a part of the Western festive season. Very pleasant, all in all.

G