Happy Chinese New Year 2020

Bangkok, Thailand
Saturday, 25 January 2020

Happy Chinese New Year 2020!
Now it is supposed to be a great time for people in China  and Chinese descendants in other countries around the world to happily celebrate a New Year festival.  However, this Chinese New Year seems not that happy time considering what has been happening in China, especially in Wuhan, with more than 1,200 cases of coronavirus infection are reported, scores of which are dead.  Then, over the past few days, there have been several infectious cases found in several other countries not only near China but also far away in Europe and America. And the infection shows no sign to stop easily while health experts in several countries including in my country Thailand have stepped up to cope with this scary infection and prevent people from getting infected.

Here in Bangkok has the problem of  PM 2.5 air pollution been looming over the past week, causing  many people  to unavoidably wear masks. Now people get another reason to wear their masks--preventing or at least minimizing risk  from coronavirus infection. However, despite scary news on PM 2.5 and the ongoing spread of viral infection from China, some people show little concern or even no awareness of the serious health incidence, and they wear no mask when going out and leading their life among the crowds, many of whom are tourists from China.

Let's keep monitoring the serious event while protecting ourselves as best as we can. I also hope the infection to be stopped soon and no more loss of life.

Happy Chinese New Year 2020! Be happy and be safe.

Gigi

Not too late to say "Happy New Year 2020!"

Thursday, 9 January 2020

Hi there,

Happy New Year 2020!
I knew that it's already Day 9 of this new year. Still, I think it 's not too late for me to give you my best wishes this new year. Here is the reason of my delayed statement.

Since after Christmas Day, I had been suffered from a very bad cold for several days. Sorethroat, no voice, running nose, fever, headache, sneezing, muscle pain, etc. Yes, you name it. So many I-never-wish-for symptoms seemed happening to me.  While most people enjoyed New Year holidays and had fun with family and friends, I simply dragged myself around in my small den, sipping hot water, taking medicine, feeding myself some food, and sleeping as possible. Oh, taking care of my five cats too. Yet, I felt lucky that at least no work beckoned me during that long tormenting holiday.

I started getting better on the second day of this year, just better, not back to normal.  After that, I still had to take medicine and tried to get my energy back.  Later, my voice returned, which I thanked all gods and holy spirits whoever look after me because my classes would begin on the next few days.

Once I was in good shape, all I had to handle first were teaching, writing and translating jobs.  Now I can breathe better. Although I have my mission outside, but I  don't want to miss this chance to say to you on "Happy New Year 2020! Wish you all to be happy, healthy and prosperous throughout this year."  Besides, today is 9th January, which in my Thai tradition, 9 is the auspicious number and its pronunciation in Thai language "kao" means progress or move forwards.   Thus, my wish for you all is never too late.

Gigi