So then, Pahkat. Or PAHKAT... pahkat? Umm. I don't think I've even seen it written. In any case, it's a combination of the initials of the founders. The... thing is an annual gathering of old friends [and their kids (and their spouses and/or kids, eventually, though I'm not sure wether all the kids want to continue the tradition our parents started)]. Our families live all across the country, so there's no point in having a 'permanent' place for it. We take turns organising it, though everyone participates in some way. We meet up, hang out for a couple of days and (mostly) nights, eat great food and go home. It's always fun, even if 'the girls' decide to skip more ofen than not these days.
The location is always somewhere relatively remote. By a lake. Or a river. Or something. This time, we actually had two buildings. They were rented out separately, but didn't really have much in between them. Even if there weren't so many of us, we thought it better to book both to save potential neighbours.
That place was just something else. I loved the 'main house' to bits. ;w; It was like a huge maze~ Doors everywhere and more rooms lined up you'd think possible - until you got to the kitchens in the middle. You could go anywhere from there. All in all it must've had over ten doors leading out. And big windows and enough bathrooms, which is pretty much a miracle.
Me and one other 'kid' slept in the other building, however - it had lovely windows too. Surprisingly maze-ish for a cottage that size, too. Then, there were storage buildings. Both at least partly abandoned - missing doors, walls or floors. Alternatively, with doors nailed, bolted and otherwise jammed shut on both sides. It was way awesome~
I had to climb through collapsed shelves to get anywhere from the main door. Then I got to a bigger room that... made noises. Creepy. Ee, it was so cool~~
Then we (me and the oldest boy) stumbled into the smallest room. It was so completely isolated not even dust could gather. The whole building must have been left alone for decades. We found enough materials to build three saunas, two barbecue stalls and various other things. >__> It was just bursting with unwanted things.
... did I mention I like exploring? I'll just shut up now.
So yeah. If we're far away from others, no one has to look their best. The adults also like to drink. And then sing. And talk and play guitar and laugh and cry. Us kids... we bring the PlayStation 2 with us every time. My laptop, too. It's fun, sure, and since there were four of us (three ditched) not everyone could play. This naturally leads to discussion. Of games, often. The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion (which I got from the boys then), Guitar Hero, Left 4 Dead and Assassins Creed for the most part. It's sad, really, I haven't even got to play all of those yet.
When I did play, it was either Guitar Hero Metallica or Ape Escape 3 (couldn't bring anything you'd need to focus on, having to take turns and all). I'd forgotten how entertaining that can be. @____@ And the music, uhh, it stays with you for weeks. Some way or other, the combination of those, Doctor Who and Which late at night led to the most confusing nightmare comedy I've seen in a while. It involved a giant zombie ape with crazy tank strength down in the sewers. >__>; It smelled bad. I think I laughed out loud when I woke up.
I spent time with the adults as well, of course. It's just not that easy to keep up with them when they've been drinking (and your aunt is trying to get you to drink cider). But well, they have some style. I've never seen them throwing up for all this. X'3
So I sat down near someone and the discussion drifted to swimming. Then... I got an offer. An old one repeated, really, but with something new thrown in. I did mention I liked water,
right? That someone often goes diving and, nowadays, works in Thailand at times. He invited me to go see him. Again.
So now I was seriously considering going there for a week or so to get a diving license, either to 18m or to 30m depending on how long I'd be there. This 'someone' is the one who brought up the idea in the first place and later made it possible, he even offered to find me a place to stay and pay for the course if necessary (so all I'd need to do would be along the lines 'run when your mum's not looking'. She didn't appreciate the idea very much). The offer is likely to become a yearly tradition unless I get to go or have to flat-out reject it. Both of which I failed to do, thanks to my parents.
I've wanted to be able to explore underwater ever since I was a child. I hope one day I'll have a real chance.
