All’s well
Sunday, April 18th, 2010 at 12:37 pmJust a quick note to say that I wasn’t in any kind of danger during the trouble in Bangkok, and that I’m in Australia now and for the next few weeks. I don’t like writing about political goings on in Thailand, as it’s always complicated and I don’t feel particularly well informed by the English-language news sources. But our part of town is very safe from disruptions, as there isn’t anything there to interest political agitators.
Had quite a good flight, stopped in Singapore for an hour and visited the butterfly house at the airport. I didn’t have my camera with me, but will on the way back when I have a longer stopover. There were some particularly lovely swallowtail butterflies like this one, which looked like black lace with the light behind them.
Flying over Australia, I saw more green than I have for years. Who knows if the drought has really broken, but there has at least been a respite. My parents’ garden is looking great and they have a lawn for the first time I can remember — even if most of it is weeds!
April 18th, 2010 at 5:35 pm
People panicking about friends Bangkok are over-reacting, as far as I can tell. I know last week there was some very nasty violence, but so far it’s been peaceful after that. Tori and I walked through a group of redshirts at Silom – I’ll blog it in the next day or two, just a few pictures – and they were very friendly, making V-signs and smiling when I raised my camera. I don’t intend to go wandering around there at night, as there’ve been warnings from the govt/army that stronger measures may be taken against non-”innocent” protesters – I dearly hope not – but it’s been so localised so far. I think people abroad forget how big Bangkok is, and how small and particular are the areas full of redshirts.
Green Australia, indeed! When I was in the “red” centre, it was being nicknamed the green centre. And of course it rained while I visited Uluru. A much needed respite, which’ll hopefully last into winter.
April 19th, 2010 at 5:05 am
Good to hear you’re okay! I wondered a bit when I heard there was more trouble going on, but I figured you would have posted if the situation was particularly dangerous in your area.
I got your package (and postcard) btw! Eee, thank you so much! The book is so pretty, and I lol’d at the cartoon. 8D (Do you mind if I post pics?) I’ve tried a couple of the incenses – they smell high quality, most of the Tibetan incenses I’ve tried have been much harsher-smelling. Reminds me of the Shoyeido Zen series actually, but with an added herby/musky tang.
April 19th, 2010 at 12:27 pm
Pictures and tiny, personal not analytical, commentary: http://www.alexdallymacfarlane.com/2010/04/redshirts-in-bangkok/
April 20th, 2010 at 6:19 am
Glad to hear you’re safe! Hope Australia brings in a lot of inspiration, whether for your fiction or art (or simple mental well-being).
April 22nd, 2010 at 4:43 am
Alankria — I saw your photo of rain pouring off Uluru! Melbourne has been strangely humid; warm and dry or cold and wet, and sometimes both in one day, are what we’re more accustomed to, but warm and wet is a bit of a new thing.
I guess the foreign media hasn’t been pointing out that the protests are easy to avoid. (EDIT: Which isn’t to say that things are perfectly safe for travellers — grenades were fired at Saladaeng Skytrain station yesterday.)
Laurie — yup, would have posted and got out! Sure you can post pics (I don’t mind people seeing my bad drawing…) I only bought the incense he said was high quality — which was still way cheap compared to the online price.
Charles — thank you! So far the break in Australia has been good for my nerves.