Today I participated in a Hash Run.
Hashing began in Kuala Lumpur when a group of British soldiers created a way to help run off their weekend festivities and stay in physical shape. They choose a Hare and the object is to chase them through the woods or jungle or wherever is available.
Let me tell you, it was literally a run through the jungle. And running is an overstatement..it was more like walking fast. At point we scaled a rock cliff, crawled through a maze of trees and vines, and practically slid down a slippery incline. I have to admit, it was perhaps, one of the most fun things I have down on island. The hares go out ahead of time and set the trail by marking it with flour. Your goal is to follow the flour and find the correct trail and attempt to catch the hare. Our goal was to just get out alive:) After climbing, crawling, and hiking our way through the jungle, we came out to the most amazing overlook..green fields below giving way to the ocean and the sunlight was just perfect. The scene was too beautiful for words.
You finish and end with what is called “Religion.” I have to admit, this is the part that may make my hashing days few and far between. It is a rambunctious party and the rituals, being passed down from army days, bring with them lots of swearing and drinking. Thankfully no one is forced to participate, although us newbies got the lovely titles FNG. I will leave you to figure out what it might mean. 🙂 I did meet some really cool people and enjoyed myself. I do plan to figure a way to run through the jungle more..but perhaps not with the hashers.
Overall, it was so much fun and one of those experiences that stretch you as a person and makes the adventurous side of me happy for a little while:)
