
During our trip to Hua Hin, Sebastian had two moments where he made exceptionally wise choices. The first happened when we went Go Karting. Seb drove a small go-kart at Fintry in 2008 and 2009. Even though the Hua Hin track had faster cars, we were told by the track owner that he could put a governor on the accelerator. That didn't work too well - Sebastian took a single seater racing go-kart around the track at a speed that had all parents jumping out of their skin with a fright, and had him completing the first lap a good 10 - 15 seconds ahead of the second car. (There are no pictures of the first lap - he was going too fast.) Then Sebastian pulled into the pit.
Above: A shot of the track; Tess and Jasper on their way out for a spin.


I ran over to see how Sebastian was doing. As I leaned down into the face of his helmet I heard him say, "It's TOO FAST." Sebastian decided he shouldn't drive the single seater. This was when we discovered that the double seaters were the same chassis as the single seaters, but in addition to the double seat, also had a fiberglass body to them. The owner said, "If your boy can't drive the single seater he won't be able to drive the doubles."
(Above: Carys and I try to overtake Jasper and Tess. I was trying to show I wasn't driving. Carys thought I was waving at the camera and waved, too. Who is steering? Next, Sela and Ursula driving together.)

We allowed Sebastian to drive a double-seater (it had double steering wheels) with Seb controlling the pedals. I provided back-up steering (required 50% of the time) and instruction on when to accelerate, brake and so on. This appeased Seb a little, but overall was kind of a drag. Sebastian was in a funk for the next several hours saying, "Stopping that car was the worst decision of my life." No, actually it was a VERY GOOD decision, all the adults agreed, and I am sure it was God's Grace that had Sebastian survive that first lap.
(Above: honest Sebastian, no hands, I am not steering!)

Our last day in Hua Hin, the triplets went pony riding with the girls from the other family we vacationed with, while the other dad, teenager, Seb and I went to shoot real guns. We went to a local range operated by either the police or military. (Most likely the police.) Ahead of time I briefed Sebastian on the usual listening and obedience reminders along with (1) that we would each only shoot a few bullets from each gun; (2) he would most likely only shoot a rifle, not a hand gun because it would probably be too powerful for him to hold and (3) he would have an adult with him at all times, possibly even helping him hold the gun.
(Above: Sebastian tries on a real bullet proof vest, on sale at the shooting range.)

The first gun we shot was a .22 caliber M16-style Heckler and Koch. The light gun was substantial enough to absorb most of the recoil energy. Very simple gun to shoot with little kick back. I stood behind Sebastian while he "dry-fired" it then live fired a few rounds. He was quite thrilled but serious.
(Above: yours truly shoots the H&K, M16-style rifle.)The second gun we shot was a 9mm Glock. This handgun provided quite a bit of kick. I fired a few rounds then asked Seb if he wanted to give it a try. He said no. By this time another man was practising with a .38 caliber revolver and 9 mm Beretta. Without earmuffs the sound was frightening and hard on the ears.


The third gun we shot was a 9 mm caliber, automatic Heckler and Koch UMP. Despite being the same caliber as the Gloch, this gun had power behind it probably from the focused energy of the bullet when exiting the barrel. Sebastian dry fired the H&K while I made sure the rifle butt stayed affixed to his shoulder. Seb then live fired two rounds in the semi-automatic mode, that kicked against his shoulder despite me providing some assistance holding the end of the gun on his shoulder. That was enough and Sebastian declined any further shooting. The other father and son opted for another round on the M16 while Seb and I had a soft drink inside.
(Above: Sebastian dry-fires [unloaded] the H&K with and without support.)I asked Sebastian why he didn't want to shoot the handgun. Essentially it came down to Seb being uncertain if he could properly control the gun. Another wise choice.


Overall the experience gave Sebastian a sense that guns are extraordinarily dangerous. Sebastian was able to see other people taking extreme care while handling and shooting their guns. He also appreciates that movies are incredibly unrealistic: lots of goodies and baddies shoot guns without earmuffs. Sebastian now understands that's just not reality without hurting ones ears. Finally, Sebastian tried on a real bullet proof vest: heavy, thick and restricts movement... but only US$ 180 in Thailand! We had a fun morning and Sebastian made his second wise choice of the trip.
(Above: Sebastian listens to instructions while he prepares to live-fire the H&K. The second picture he is firing but unfortunately it is blurry.)