At a sign given by the lead monk, the food was taken away to be shared with the onlookers. It was a great honour to eat from the same tray as a monk, then the monks left and Lek’s parents stepped forward to bind the couple’s wrists, his left to her right, with string. Dozens of other people stood in line to do the same – it was the sign they were married.
It was very hot inside the house, so once the knots had been tied people rushed outside where food and drink were being distributed.
The party had begun.
The guests were seated at trestle tables in the garden, where friends delivered the food that they had been preparing that morning, several bottles of beer and a bottle of whiskey per six people. There was also water, Sprite and Coke for the children.
The celebrations lasted until ab
