Panamanians Rule OK!

What do the Republic of Moldova, Sao Tome and Principe, Pakistan, Yemen, Panama, Svalbard & Jan Mayan Islands and South Georgia have in common? All were ably represented at the Christmas Olympiad held at mine on Christmas Day. The ham and salmon would have to wait, there were games to play!

Seven countries selected arbitrarily by closing eyes and pointing to a list. Seven teams of two selected at random. All dressed totally inappropriately in home made attempts at depicting their country's colours, primed, ready and eager to let the games begin:

Panama represented by a Drug Lord and a Banana Magnate

Pakistan came armed and ready for fight

The Moldovan Olympic Physio and Coach

South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands were marooned
with nothing more than Wilson to keep them company
and a bottle of champers by the looks of it

The Yemenites were bonding . . well as long as his wife behaved!

The Sao Tome and Principe ladies shook their booty
and found their geles surprisingly comfy

As for those Svalbard & Jan Mayen Islanders . . all threats and no pillage

Egg nog and spoon race
Each pair has to run a relay with a Chinese spoonful of eggnog then empty the remaining contents into a shot glass. The first filled to the brim wins. Of course the egg nog is consumed immediately afterwards. No photos I was too busy participating in this one.

Tinsel three-legged race
Partners are tied at the ankle with tinsel and race a gruelling course hampered by rabbit dug divets, spikey balls that fall off the liquidamba, rain and snapping tinsel. Same deal, very competitive, we were ripped off!

Speed Wrapping
All were given a box, some paper, bows, ribbon, cellotape and bendy sparkly pipe cleaners to create a wrapped gift of unusual splendour. The efforts were remarkable and each 'country' had to explain their rationale. There was some consternation and an official challenge to Panama by the Sao Tomeans who made a beautiful little reindeer handbag.

Mango Daiquiri Sculling
Now this is a travesty in any language, those little glasses of fruity sunshine should be savored not sculled!
Pin the Pom Pom on the Grinch
There's always one at Christmas so we blindfolded the faithful, spun them round three times and made them pin a Christmas pom pom on that Grinch's butt!

Twisted Carol Singing
A carol or Christmas song is randomly selected from a hat then the lyrics read from an obscure book. A favourite being "How to Care for Your Pony" and "The Little Book of Farts". Don't ask.


In the end, Panama won in a games off of trivia selected from the net because there was a three way tie between, Panama, Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands and Yemen. Whilst nobody was keen to upset the Yemenites, we were all glad that Pakistan was out of contention. They had weapons and weren't afraid to use them. I found some projectiles on the roof the following day.

To the Victor's went the spoils. Although I think they were bloody lucky! Yes, there were chocolate medals and a trophy!

Smug Conquering cousins

I've just come from visiting Ces and her beautiful table settings and civilised fare . . she must think we're a bunch of nutters. One day . . we'll have a civilised, sophisticated sit-down meal with fine china and beautiful glassware. Sadly, probably not at Christmas! I hope yours was wonderful. Looking forward to catching up.