Lindfield Bonfire Night 2006

There was plenty of food to go round last night. Started off with mulled wine made by Bryony(recipe involves 4 bottles of red wine, oranges studded with cloves, many slices of lemon and a huge metal pot to contain all the ingredients) which was really yummy cos it was sweet n warm. Perfect for cold weather. The first time I had it was in Prague where it was sub-zero and the drink really helped, but just keeps you craving for more. =)

Bryony's Dad, Dave has been growing some of the season's finest vegetables: pumpkin, 'export-quality' garlic and onion, flower shaped chillis etc etc and has even started preserving them e.g. pickled dill. kind of reminds me of this one stall at the pasar malam that always sells the preserved stuff....*sour*

After a great feast of pumpkin soup(+croutons!), roast lamb, assortment of cheeses and quiches and pies and a few more drinks later, we wrapped ourselves up in many many layers before making our way out to the common.

10 of us marched down the streets to watch the procession which is an annual event organized by the Lindfield Bonfire Society. There was the band accompanying the carrying of fire torches made in the shape of crosses and words(i couldn't decipher) and also a big 3-storey high 'guy fawkes' who is stuffed full with firecrackers. and everyone along the streets is shouting 'burn him', 'he's evil'! Funny why such an event is propagated still, kind of sadistic isn't it if you are having fun by supporting the 'burning of guy fawkes'? However, it's all for a good cause as all money raised last night will be given to charity. After reciting the 'Bonfire Prayer', 'guy' is set on fire and the firecrackers go off. Then we had the fireworks display, which was the highlight of the evening. Never fails to disappoint. Really like fireworks. =)

After the bonfire, we trekked back to bryony's place for some sparkler action. 'screaming' sparklers are really scary!!!! but it was fun... too bad smoke makes it hard to take proper photos =(

We had pumpkin pie with peacans that bryony's mum made and chocolate fondue for pudding. Interesting suggestions for choclate fondue were raised...let's just say that olives are a no-no and the best way is to dip lindt chocolate in melted chocolate. =)

Last but not least, it was time to test the potentcy of dave's chilli plant. The chillis are really small i.e. very very very hot and come in different colours (purple, orange and red). I was the first to go....tried it with chocolate which didn't help much, and had to drink more ame to numb the sensation and trying my best not to tear.... I looked so brave that everyone else (zhe wei, andy, matt, bryony and harriet) had to give it a go too. Let's just say that some suffered more than me.

Despite the moment of chilli madness. It was still a great evening out, getting to see the tradition of guy fawkes in the smaller villages, rather than in the city; having a glimpse into the interesting lifestyle of English families. Definitely a day well spent. =) ZW n me loved it!