My perfect air is leaving me.

In downtown Bangkok, Thailand
Saturday 15 December 2019

Hi,

I remember I just recently welcomed December, and look now, it's in the middle of the month already.  Over the past week Bangkok has become much more beautiful than ever for many Bangkokians like me and travellers. No, almost nothing has changed. Bangkok still has had too many people living and passing by, too many cars, too much bad traffic, too many shoppinging malls, too few green areas, too few nice libraries, too many idiots, etc.  But we have got a real winter air here! 

We have experienced a real winter this year after long wondering if the National Meteorology Office bragged again about an arrival of cold air in winter time. I don't have much trust them on their weather forcast. Until around a week ago I could feel nice cool breeze in the morning and the nicely cool air stayed all day and all night later on.  Although it has been still far from coldness since the temperature ranges just around 17-25 degree Celcius, I, like many other Bangkokians, feel it's just perfect, compared to the temperatre at 32-38 degree we have faced normally.  My electric fan and air conditioner could take a good rest over the past week. That means their life spans with me remain a bit longer, I hope. 

Over the period of nice cool air, I have enjoyed looking at the bright and clear blue sky and feeling the touch of soft cool breezes on my skin. I need no sweather, but several others had put on their jackets happily, which I guessed some just want to give their jackets a chance to experience cool air after being bought and kept for a while in the cabinet. Also, the power of perfect weather seems making many hard working people have a brighter smile on their face easily despite that nothing else around their life changes. Those people might feel the same as I do. I love the feelings of no sweating like a pig despite my taking a long walk along the street in midday, of sleeping comfortably without airconditioning, of getting up with no headache from the heat, and of rushing to work with better excitement.  The surroundings seem nicer to look at.

     

Unfortunately like the old saying, good time never lasts forever, my perfect weather is leaving. According to the meteorology office, the temperature is rising back to normal, which I hate mostly.  In fact, I have felt its ascending since two days ago  once I needed to turn on my fan at night. So, my fan now
gets back to its work as usual, and very soon my air conditioner must return to do its duty too. I know when that time comes I would miss my perfect cool air very much. I just wish it to visit Bangkok again next year.

Gigi  

"The most importance is ...

Sunday, December 1, 2019
Not long after midnight of November 30.

Hi there,
I should have gone to bed already , for I have to go to work tomorrow morning.  Yet, I am still up and alert. Maybe writing something will help drag me to bed later soon. Let me talk about the topic I put above : The most importance is....   Actually I have nothing to share what the most importance is , but I  notice that line seems a top hit currently from Thai TV news anchors and reporters as well as emcees on Thai TV variety shows or events.

 In a TV program I watched yesterday, for example, I heard the emcee repeated that "the most importance is ..." so many times that I stopped counting it. She kept saying that line when she mentioned further details in the story , which  made me wonder what  the most importance meaned in her sense. Instead, I found her program have nothing near the importance.

As I remember, "the most importance is..." is normally reserved for emphasizing the point(s) meant to be the center of the story. Instead, many  press people or media  nowwadays seem confused with or knowing little about what they are talking. Sometimes I would like to ask them, "Why don't you just choose what the most importance is first before you put your program on air? So, the audience would know what truly the most importance in your show is ."

I don't know if there is anyone else noticing it as I do. I just feel annoyed and I hope it might be just a trend that will be gone soon. Otherwise, I might have to watch something else that is more important than watching those programs.
Now the most importance is heading to bed.

Good night. :)
Gigi

We have got a new family member here!

Hi! Gigi is back.

Over the past several months I have been busy working and handling things around myself to make my life, and others' lives probably, continue as smoothly as possible. I guess I achieve that, for at least I still have time and chance to return to this blog before this year end.

November 2019 is going to be the past  soon, and coming quickly is December.  Now I notice several of my clients/students start taking leaves or calling for cancelation of our appointments. Although some said of their urgent business, others simply informed of their plan for early holidays. I can't blame them for that, though. This is festive time, every year. The only sad thing is I am not in those plans, and I still have no plan for my holidays.  Not because I am extremely deligent and love to work till I drop but because I don't think I can fully enjoy myself with any holiday, especially if it means that I have to go away from my den and my five cats.

Yes, I have got five cats so far. I should have mentioned about my latest kitten earlier that I brought her home some 4-5 months ago from my mother's house. Her name is Siam-zee which I borrowed from the name of a Chinese fortunetelling tool that appears in many temples around the  country. She was at first tiny and skinny but now grows up a lot and very energetic.  She loves exploring and climbing to the top of whatever she could climb over. And that makes me worry the most if I leave her alone with her four brothers and sister for just a long holiday from home. I can take them to the shelter or clinic but I don't want, for I used to do that 3-4 times already, and every time I returned I saw how unhappy they had experienced even at different places. Thus,  it might be better for all of us to wait and let the little one grow up a bit more before I am confident enough to leave her with her gang.  See the pictures of Siam-zee and you will see how lovely she is now. 

Anyway, I will get back to meet you my audience again before the end of December. See you later soon. 

Gigi  😻💛😁

The heat is on and I seek a way to cool down

Tuesday, 21 May 2019

Actually, I don't want to complain how hot the weather is again, since I have complaint about it too often already. Yet, the very hot air does come back despite that it's now in rainy season. Over the past three days I can feel my skin sizzling every time I stepped out from the shade. I first talked to myself, "You're crazy, maybe because you are getting too old and grumpy. Stop being such a nag."  But as we're in the era of social connection through a variety of social media network, I found that not just I but many friends of mine felt the same about the weirdly hot weather. Well, I have to admit that I feel better and less concerned about my complaint and grumpiness. ^^ 

Anyhow, let's get to the part "I seek a way to cool down" together.  As the temperature increases and I have experienced that taking a cool shower, turning on an air-conditioner and keeping electric fans working around the clock are not enough, I seek another way--a basic way to cool down my body's temperature from the inside, specifically speaking, my stomach, getting some nice herbal drinks such as drink made of butterfly bean flowers.

I made my own butterfly bean flower drink.  It takes a very simple process to get this herbal drink. First, I need to get the main ingredient, butterfly bean flowers. This morning I walked to the fresh market nearby and bought a pack of fresh butterfly bean flowers from an old seller who I often visit his stall for vegetables and fruits fresh from his own orchard. I  also got ripe bananas this time. Next, once reaching home, I separated sticks and dirt  from the flowers and rinsed the fragile flowers gently with clean water. Then, I dropped a handful of cleaned flowers into a pot of water and let them boil together.  It took a short period of time when the boiling water turned impressive greenish blue. I could have just turned off the stove and got the drink for myself. But I didn't. 

I  got a small slice of lime and squeezed it to have some drops of lime juice dripped into the butterfly bean flower water. And the next moment was precious. Amazingly, the transparent greenish blue turned brightly transparent purple as if it were sapphire.  I felt cooler even before I tasted that dazzling liquid.

Until now I have already sipped a few glasses of the crystal-like herbal drink. The heat is still on, but I know it has less power upon me now. Go and try it yourself  and you may tell me later how you feel.

After Thai New Year 2019 holidays, the heat is mounting in Thailand

Sunday 21 April 2019

A long public holiday of Thai New Year 2019 has already past and people in Thailand return to their normal lives. Workers get back to work. Most students go back home and head to tutorial schools although a few number may continue their holidays with their parents or friends in abroad or upcountry. The fun and relaxing moods cling in many people's memories.  However, those fantastic memories seem fading fast by the powerful heat of the sunlight that strikes every pore of all skins in the country.

Although hot weather is common here, this year the temperature surges higher than ever. According to the weather forecast reports, the central city of Bangkok 's temperature hits 40 degree C while the northern towns get worse, Chiang Mai at 42 and Lampang, the worst, above 44.  Other provinces are also not lucky, for their temperatures are quite high as well.

What causes those high temperatures in the country once having such a nice, cool air?  It doesn't need to be genius to get the answer.  There are several causes in combination that bring Thailand's weather up to this extreme heat especially in big or growing towns-- that are more people, more automobiles and emissions, more houses and buildings, more power consumption, more deforestation, etc.

Meanwhile, a large number of idiots seem enjoying destroying nature and the natural surroundings with no conscience. Quite often, despite some groups of tree lovers have campaigned and tried to educate the society about how the green are important and beneficial to everyone, several idiot public authorities,  due to their non-sense reasons, just give their orders to cut down many big trees. As a result, many streets are too hot for pedestrians to take a stroll or walk to other nearby destinations.

At the same time, in small towns or countryside, the forests are constantly invaded and burnt down by both the greedy rich and poor. The big investors along with corrupt authorities put their hands on the land in the mountains or seaside towns with excellent views for so-called land development to build up resorts, condominiums and orchards-n-resorts as mainly for tourists.   Those poorer but with equal greed also burn the whole forests just to get wild mushrooms, wild vegetables or catch wild animals for sale in good prices--a few hundred baht, or less than 10 dollars.

That sounds unbelievably idiot and senseless, yet setting fires for such reasons did happen and not just once, but many. When the arson makers are caught by the police, they usually claim of their poverty and need to make a living always. Then  they would call for justice. They never look back that the fires they caused claimed so many lives of animals and destroyed so many trees that take scores of years or even hundreds of years to make them stand proud and give fruits and shelters to other lives.

Besides those, burning wastes on the agricultural land after harvesting is increasing and getting more serious.  Farmers want to save costs, so rather than using other ways to clear off their land, they choose burning. The government has tried to educate and campaign for them to stop taking the burning method since not only the spreading fires but also the air pollution can suffer  every life involved in such burning areas. Laws are written to warn and punish those who set fire on certain hours and areas. Still, few follow the laws or concern about the community or the public interest. Most farmers continue their habits. Worse, several authorities don't take it seriously on catching the wrongdoers and so the fires carry on.
 
As there are so many local factors involved and affecting the hot weather in Thailand, many people including I are aware and put our efforts to help minimize the causes by several ways each can do. Unfortunately the number of people who care little or nothing but themselves seems increasing more and more these days. 😟😠

Happy Thai New Year 2019! Happy Songkran Day 2562!

Sunday 14 April 2019

Today is part of a long holiday weekend in Thailand where Thai people and many foreigners are celebrating Thai New Year 2019, better known as Songkran holidays. The Thai New Year date actually begins on April 13 in each year. Thai people usually make merits by giving alms to Buddhist monks and visiting or spending time with  their parents or senior family members to show them their gratitude. Many Thai Buddhists  go to temple to pray and make merits while others also donate food and other necessary items to the poor or the needy. But perhaps the major part that makes Thai New Year famous among both local and foreign visitors is water splashing or water throwing.

Since this New Year festival takes place in summer season and it is usually very hot in the month of April, this traditional event truly answers the need of people for refreshing and relaxing moods. And they can get that easily through water splashing. People from the very young to the elderly can enjoy splashing water to others for fun and they must be ready for the same revenge, water splashing, too.  In the past water splashing is purely joyful and with politeness. One needs to ask for permission first before making a splash.

 However, as time has gone by, politeness seems fading and people go bolder and focus on having fun with least consideration. Many care little about others but themselves. Some people especially teenagers or young adults throw ice cubes at others or shoot others with high pressure water and both harm others. Some men exploit this wonderful event by committing shameful acts. They have fun seeking and groping female victims amid the happy crowd and quite often those victims are too shocked or frightened to seek help.
Yet, the traditional event and the celebration continue while more people join in this Thai New Year festival.  Women learn to protect themselves and warn their female friends and relatives to prevent themselves better too. The police also become more vigilant on possible crimes on this special occasion including such sexual exploitation against women.

Every year the Songkran festival lasts three days, 13-15 April. During the time, Thailand's Bangkok city can enjoy the moment of near-empty streets, for most people travel out of  the big town. Most return to their hometowns in other provinces , while some take a long summer vacation to local or foreign destinations.  All in all it is the best period to stay in this big city which usually ranks the top of the world record as the worst traffic city in the world.

Happy Songkran Day!

Happy Teachers' Day

Wednesday 16 January 2019
Happy Teacher's Day!

Today is Teacher's Day in Thailand.  It reminds me of  my younger years in school. I am lucky to have met and studied with several great teachers. Some are full of knowledge of the subjects they taught while others are talented at teaching, and that made my learning moments more joyful and unforgettable. Some are very kind and they took care of their students including me like their own children. These teachers may not realize that they had left a priceless touch imprinted on the souls of many of their students, one of whom is me.

During those years, my beloved teachers appeared in different characteristics. My kindergarten teacher Ms. Somjai who was already in her middle age looked very strict, but she was actually very kind with all the kids. She hardly let any little kids out of her sight.  Later in primary school, I always recall my meeting and studying with my English teacher Ms. Sooksri. I was a new comer in grade 6 at a new school which was much bigger than my previous one. I failed the first test in English class and that experience shook me to the core. I used to get much better grades at the old school. So, at lunch break, rather than going for lunch like other kids, I ran to see Ms. Sooksri and asked her how I could improve my English, so I would be able to catch up with the other students in the class.

Oh, let me explain about Ms. Sooksri a little. She was at least mid-50s and well known as a very strict teacher with whom most students dared not to talk, if not necessary. I heard her reputation from other kids in the class but that didn't stop me from running to her.

After pouring out my concern over my English study, despite that I was afraid of her too, I remembered that Ms.Sooksri looked straight at me and kindly smiled at me. She asked me if I didn't feel hungry. I told her food was not in my mind at the moment, for I worried  if I could be better in English like the others who studied with her  before. She said I could, but I had to work harder. I told her that I was ready to work harder but how I could understand better and fast since I was already in the mid-semester year. That moment she told that I could come to study with her at lunch time if I wanted. I said, "Yes, I will."  Later whenever I look back, I knew that this teacher gave me a great gift and new perception on learning languages.

Those are just only two in my long list of great teachers. I would like to hug them all and tell them I love them and how great they are.

Gigi

Air Pollution in Bangkok And How We Live with It

Tuesday, 15th January 2019

After New Year celebration, people are back to their routine lives; some continue working or studying , others simply killing the time with no goal. Living on this planet is just like that. 

I falls into the first category--I work, not because I have any big goal for myself but because I have four (always) hungry cats to feed and care. Each day is simple. I get up early at dawn (or earlier), have four bowls filled with cat food, boil water for my hot chocolate, and turn on an old TV set to check on news and whatever program they put on, while cleaning up and clearing whatever mess my four kids brought about over the night. While doing those activities, I usually get to my small balcony to catch morning breeze and a glimpse of sky and/or some clouds which change every day.  The sky becomes very bright blue with no cloud at all in winter, yet it can be very dark and no trace of bright blue dot--only utterly dark grey as if the world was dying. 

However, the vibrant mood of sky has gone over the past few days.  When looking at the balcony, I have seen mostly smog looming above and blocking my bright sunny blue sky. The air, although not very hot in the morning,  made me sneeze and slightly hurt my nostrils. My throat turned sore. According to the news, the air in  Bangkok has become harmful because of tiny particles exceeding the limit into the dangerous level. 

At first the Bangkok City and some other government organizations seemed  paying very little attention until the pollution information was spread virally through social media. Then more and more people posted their concern on the Internet so the City and those state agencies could no longer ignore and started responding by holding press conference to calm down the panic and announcing some measures to cope with the problem.

Yet , as many people can see, the measures they chose are just short -termed and merely better than doing nothing, since all hardly touch the causes of the problem. For example, water spraying in some areas, distributing 10,000 free masks to the public, while the Bangkok population is nearly 10 million, and advising wearing a high quality mask and not going out if not necessary.  One of those big heads even said that people should not be worried or panic, for the air is not that harmful. Yes, we can guess he spoke in air-conditioning room before hopping into his air-conditioning car heading home, most likely well equipped with more than one air-conditioners. 

Like many other Bangkokians, I would love to not going out and prevent myself from bad air but I couldn't. We have to carry on our lives--to study, to work, to do whatever business we have. The only thing we can do at the moment is self-protecting--getting a mask to wear, which seems hard because the masks run out and many stores sell them with much higher prices. Such a good-hearted society.

Besides that, we share and update information that are useful for others to protect themselves and their beloved ones, such as how to make a good mask with handy materials. Many people including I wish the government to take responsible for solving this long time problem swiftly and seriously by focusing on limiting the numbers of vehicles, factories, construction sites especially hi-end condominiums, apartments and luxurious shopping centers, as well as growing more trees and expanding more green areas around the city.  But, despite people have urged every government to consider their requests, none shows real interest and seems making worse. And maybe our wish will come  true when some of the authorities get suddenly sick and die from the air pollution.