March 29, 2004

Don't give up your day job

Halong Bay, Vietnam

My name is David. I have sung karaoke.

It all started innocently enough. A boat trip out to Halong Bay, a remarkable area of huge rock formations thrusting out of the water. We were staying overnight on Cat Ba island and a few of my shipmates suggested we drop in on the Flightless Bird bar. Run by a Kiwi chap no less.

A couple of drinks later and our Vietnamese guide catches up with us and suggests we check out the karaoke bar down the road. With mixed enthusiasm we agree and wander down to find the place deserted except for us. The owner was quite happy to fire up the karaoke machine and our Vietnamese friend, with his very limited english, starts proceedings by giving his all on Lionel Ritchie's "Hello".

Before long we've taken over the microphone and I find myself belting out "Fame" and a duet of Bon Jovi's "Living on a Prayer". Those high notes can really kill. Unfortunately there must have been something wrong with the microphone because I sounded terrible. I know I sound excellent when I sing in the shower.

After a remarkable two hours we finally decide to call it quits, but somehow I'm induced into giving a final rendition of "When a Man Loves a Woman". Growling and all. Percy Sledge would have been proud.

Posted by David at March 29, 2004 09:09 PM