Super Bowl Monday in Bangkok, Thailand - author in back standing with closed fist
original photo by Ted Nelson
Super Bowl Monday in January of 2005 featured the New England Patriots against the Philadelphia Eagles, and I was in Bangkok, Thailand. I was in the middle of a three month jaunt around Southeast Asia. I had done my best to immerse myself in the local cultures of the countries I had visited, but sometimes it is necessary for a little home cooking and there is nothing more American than the Super Bowl.
I woke up at 5:30am on Super Bowl Monday and headed out to Kho San Road, which is the tourist Mecca of Bangkok. I poked my head into one of the bars and there was a large screen TV with an image of a football stadium. I walked into the bar and there were a few people sitting around waiting for the game to start. As game time approached the room began to fill up and all with Americans. I had not met many Americans during my travels as most other travelers were Canadian, British, and people from other European countries.
Everyone was watching the game and drinking coffee and eating omelets and pancakes as it was only 6am. I scanned the room and laughed at how odd it was that not one person had a pizza slice, a hot wing, or even a beer in front of them. There was something disturbing about the lack of beer drinking and in fact a little un-American about the phenomenon. In fact, I felt as if we were aiding and abetting terrorism by collectively watching the Super Bowl and not imbibing in an alcoholic beverage of our choice.
As if reading my thoughts a brave voice behind me yelled out to the room and saved us all from our sins. The voice exclaimed “I am having a beer, anyone want a beer? I am buying.” Before I could answer another voice affirmed with "I will have a beer." At first I was hesitant since it was still 6:30am, but I felt it was imperative from a national security standpoint, so I seconded the motion and soon Kip from Alaska, Mark from Seattle, and me were having a Singha before 7am and started to really enjoy the game in the proper fashion.
Kip from Alaska - the brave man that got the party started
original photo by Ted Nelson
Soon others joined the festivities and more tables and chairs were added to accommodate new friends and of course more Singhas. The game was a classic and it was great to enjoy this most American event with other Americans. We shared many travel stories, remembrances of home, and many more Singhas while watching the game. This was the first time I have ever been intoxicated by 10am.
The only disappointment was the lame commercials. The game was televised on ESPN International and they were not showing the latest blockbuster commercial from Pepsi, Coke, or Miller Lite. Instead they showed classic moments from Wimbledon. Watching Bjorn Borg in short shorts celebrating victory or McEnroe throwing his racket was not the same, but at least we had the game.
Soon it was 2pm but felt more like 2am. The game was over and our table was littered with empty pitchers. We all exchanged emails and hotel information and made plans to meet later and then we all staggered to our respective hotels and guesthouses for a much needed nap.
Chicagoans who wish to experience a Super Bowl Monday need to drive, take a taxi, or the CTA Blue Line to O’Hare airport. Buy a ticket for halfway around the world, find a bar, and enjoy.
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Comments
I have a friend in England that will tape the Super Bowl (wee hours for him to watch live) and then email me with questions about the game/entertainment/etc. later. I'm guessing that the Super Bowl is rapidly becoming international in scope and watchers.
Looks like a lot of fun was had! :)
Ah, loved it! Reminded me of stumbling upon the 2007 World Series at 7am every day via ESPN International while basking on the beach in Koh Samui, Thailand. We're big Red Sox fans, so it was even more special! It's so interesting to find your doses of Americana while so far from home. Cheers!
Well, Ted, this simply confirms a widely held suspicion that you're a party guy. And we finally get to see your eyes. The ladeez must be so pleased!
I had no idea it was so international.
Okay, I got to the part that read "At first I was hesitant since it was still 6:30am . . . " and thought there is NO way Ted said that. NO WAY! This article cracked me up!!! Thanks for sharing!
What fun!
What fun, and I bet you've inspired a bevy of Chicagoans to do a last-minute trip somewhere to enjoy Super Bowl Monday! O'Hare is getting swamped as we speak!
This reminded me of when "my team" won the World Series while I was traveling throughout Germany. When we heard the news (via a telephone call back to the U.S. -- pre-'net days), we persuaded the owner of the place where we were staying to re-open the little lounge there just for us so we could toast the victory. Just another couple of crazy Americans! ;-)
Looks as if you traveled a ton to get a beer, Ted. Fun story...
Cheers...
Another fun piece Ted thanks for this.
Can you and Leslie lead us through an expedition around the world!?
Kip here from the article. My friend sent this to me. Here I am in Saigon and already ready for Superbowl Monday 6:25 am kick-off 2010! Cheers
Hey Kip,
That is amazing you found this article. Hope all is well and have a great time watching the game in Saigon and keep getting the party started.
What a fun experience! It sounds surreal. I watched the last presidential election in Laos-- I imagine it was a similarly strange feeling watching the Super Bowl in Bangkok.
Sounds like fun, but NO COMMERCIALS? That's the only time I do watch the commercials!
Nice to have such memories and glad you shared them with us. That is so "small world" that Kip was sent the article and responded. Very cool!
When I lived on a boat, I watched the Super Bowl from so many places, including Australia. BTW, ale, or a version of beer, was a classic drink in the olden days, for breakfast, too. We go by the mood, not the clock on these things!
Pauline is right- no matter what your watch says- its five o clock somewhere, and in other countries the time of day just tells you when you have to be at work. Alcohol can be served at all meals at any time. No wonder they are so much happier....
Great article.
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