We fled the impending Bangkok floods for the airport during a tropical storm; the lights went out in our apartment and we had to pack in the dark and then find a taxi in the roaring rain, thunder and lightening. The children and I have settled in well at the Parental Evacuation Centre here in Kent, UK. We’d only been here three days when I asked Husband when we could come back. I don’t think he appreciated that.
But you see, this is an unscheduled visit and it feels wrong. The kids should be in school; they have exams. They’ve had nearly two weeks unplanned time off and it might be one more… School has obtained permission to open on Monday 7th but things aren’t back to normal in Bangkok – they aren’t even better than when we left. Provisions are being made for online learning for those not in school but still…. So we feel we should wait a week before we go back. Or should we? I don’t know. I don’t like making decisions. (I found this online decision maker. I asked it if we should go back to Bangkok and it said no. So there we are: decision made.)
And there ARE things to keep us amused here: let’s see, there’s the paperwork I brought with me. Hmm, I haven’t touched that. The novel? The non-fiction book? Nope; untouched. As you can see from the picture, there are kittens. Oh yes. Five of them. Five weeks old and pretty perfect entertainment. And if we get bored of them, there is another, very pregnant cat, due any day now.
Here she is showing off her bellyful of kittens:
9 comments:
How can you even think of leaving such cute kitties?
More seriously, I have every sympathy with your uncertainties, but you can't help what's happened in Bangkok and it's good that you are out of it and safe over here.
How about a couple of educational museum/gallery/ancient monument trips with the family? It may not hep with the exams, but it does add to their overall education and may make you feel more productive.
Good luck!
Sorry it's all still so uncertain, but I'm glad you have lights and water you can see through since you're here! How's your husband faring?
Lovely lumpy cat!
I suppose when you think about it, everything about floods and evacuation is bound to feel wrong and ill-timed. Nature of the beast, etc. So glad you posted cos been wondering how you were getting on. I'm not surprised you haven't done paperwork - such an unsettled feeling, like being in permanent limbo - not conducive to focusing on that kind of thing. But the kittens are GORGEOUS and the pregnant lady looks beautiful. xxx
Bernadette, thank you. Aren't they divine? They are huge time wasters; I can even just sit and watch them sleep.
I think you've hit the nail on the head about my not being able to control what's happening... it's so hard to sit and wait.
Denise, thank you and me too. It's easier in so many ways. Husband's doing okay; waiting for the wellington boots I sent him! Nothing's really changed there so we just need to bide our time.
RTC, thank you. I'm not very good at limbo! There's plenty to be doing at my M&D who are both poorly at the moment so the paperwork will have to wait!
I have to say, a "Parent Evacuation Centre" sounds a bit scary, actually. But it's good that you guys are safe. I agree that you can't control these"acts of God" and you might as well do what you can to make the event interesting and fun. I like the idea of the educational trips into London, or around Kent. You can go to Rye and teach the kids all about Kipling and WW I. I wouldn't worry about the school issue. that will all work itself out. they can always use the experience for their personal essays on their Uni apps :-)
It all sounds very nerve-wracking and I hope everything returns to normal for you soon.
Please can we have pictures of new kittens when they arrive ? Sorry your parents are poorly. xx
Hi Jenny,
If you are still in the UK., don't worry. We all feel the same strange here about waiting and waiting.... Patana has started, yes, but parents don't think it will remain open until the end of the week. The water is still coming. Although it might not be dangerous for most of the expats living in apartments of inner Bangkok, the on and off with schools are not fun. (Int. Day is likely to be cancelled since the school might be closed again).
You could send your kids to school in the UK or do as Bernadette said. And Enjoy European autumn! You made the right decision to stay and wait over there.
I am curious if the rubber boots will ever arrive! Keep us posted.
Take care, greetings from Bangkok
S
the kittens are wonderful - hope your situation sorts soon JJ. Take care xx
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