Friday, November 28, 2008

Not normal

It looks like a normal day in Bangkok out of my window, but it doesn’t feel it.

Last night we heard rumours of an impending coup; that tanks were on the move; and an official suggestion that we should have enough money, food and water to hole up in our homes for three days. News reports here and here.

My husband was in India this week – not Mumbai thank god - but because of the troubles in Bangkok’s Airports he was unable to get back into Thailand, and because of the troubles in Mumbai, we didn’t want him staying in India. He arrived in Singapore this morning. All the flights are booked to other airports in Thailand so we just have to wait and see if he can get back. At least he is safe where he is.

It isn’t often I come over all lioness about my cubs. A combination of the rumours and being alone here meant I made the decision to keep the children at home today. I went downstairs at 6.30am to tell the bus monitor. I felt a bit silly actually, everyone else was going but I think feeling foolish is a small price to pay.

22 comments:

Zinnia Cyclamen said...

I think you're right about that, it's a case of 'err on the side of caution'. I bet you're missing your husband, but it's good that he's safe. I wish safety for all of you in the coming days and weeks.

Carol said...

I think you made the right decision too!! The atmosphere here is very tense and,like you, we're just waiting to see what's going to happen next.

I'm very glad Husband is safe and in Singapore!!

C x

Deborah Carr (Debs) said...

I'd rather feel foolish than worry about them all day. I would have done exactly the same as you. Hope your husband returns home soon and that you're all okay.

Caroline said...

You should always trust your lioness instincts, so I think you're perfectly wise. Hoping you're allsafe x

Pat Posner said...

Hope everything is back to normal really soon.
Stay safe
xxPat

Un Peu Loufoque said...

Not foolish at all very sensible. I have been thinking of you this week, my parents in law were living in Bangkok during the last coup and I remember the fear then.Keep a close ear on what teh British Embassy in your area is suggesting, they don't take risks,and remain a strong lioness.

Anonymous said...

Here is what my husband did to get back from Singapore yesterday -- he flew into Siem Reap, then took a 'taxi' five hours to the border, then his driver met him at the border (after one hour to get through immigration) and drove him home in about three hours. He had to get up at 3:30am yesterday to catch the Siem Reap flight. It was an exhausting trek but worth the peace of mind. I hope your husband gets home safely and that this whole mess heals itself as peacefully as possible...

If things get really rough and we're all trapped in our neighbourhoods next week, I'd love to invite you over for a cuppa -- after all, we live across from the "haunted cow pasture" next to your building's entrance. I've been meaning to say hallo for so long but time has flown since we moved in last May.

Lane Mathias said...

Glad Husband is safe and hope he can make it home soon.

Take good care jj. x

Fiona Mackenzie. Writer said...

Trust your instincts. You are not being silly.

The mentoring sounds great. How do they actually help you?

Cathy said...

I'm glad your husband is safe and always go with your Mummy instincts, they are nearly always right.

Stay safe, I'm thinking of you.

Cx

Sue Guiney said...

I think you were absolutely right to go with your gut instincts. I know we all think we should "proceed as normal" in these situations, but we must never allow ourselves to think that these situations are normal. We can't let this be our normal world, can we? I'm glad to hear your husband is safe, though far away. Another reason for you all to huddle together for a bit. Please stay safe! xo

sheepish said...

Feel foolish anyday rather than take risks with your children. Stay safe and hope hubby gets back very soon.
On another topic entirely I keep getting a strange message from Adobe player when i open your blog[nobody else's] have you changed anything recently and is anybody else encountering this problem or is it just me?

Flowerpot said...

So glad husband is OK - be thinking of you all and take care.

CL Taylor said...

I think about you whenever I see those scenes at Bangkok airport on the TV. Thank GOODNESS that your husband wasn't in Mumbai. I know the situation in Thailand is scary but, from what I've read in the press, they're leaving Westerners alone - it's what's happening in India that's SO worrying for Westerners. That said I think you absolutely did the right thing keeping your children at home - you never know if the mood will change and sometimes people can get caught up in something by accident and that's when people get hurt. I'm sending you and your family lots of 'keep safe' vibes x

Anonymous said...

i think you were wise to keep your kids home. it is sounding like it's getting very tense.

hope your husband makes it home soon, but glad he's safe!

HelenMWalters said...

You've had enough stress without adding to it. If you feel safer with the children at home that's totally the right thing to do. Glad your husband made it to Singapore safely.

Chris Stovell said...

Thinking of you and hope peace and normality return soon.

Kat W said...

I'd have done the same thing!They're your babies whatever age they are and your job to be as protective as your instincts say is necessary!

Thinking of you and your family.
Big Hugs
Kat x

Yvonne said...

You're dead right. Love the image of the lioness - that's how I see all great mums. Hope your husband gets back very soon.

Angie said...

I was worried about you when I saw the news, but I'm glad to hear you and yours are safe. It's best to trust those instincts and keep your peace of mind.

Sending you hugs. Stay safe!
xx

Sarah*G* said...

I too think about you whenever I hear about the things happening in Bangkok. I hope you are all ok and that your husband gets home to you all safe and well and quickly.
I would have done exactly the same thing as you and kept my children at home. I think mummy instinct is always the way to go.
On another note there were lots of ooohs and aaaahs when people were looking at the raffle prize you gave me and they were one of the first things snapped up! Thanks again for giving it to me.

Jenny Beattie said...

Thank you all so much for the comments and thoughts. A special post will appear this week on my very own Milk Tray Man...

Watch this space.