August 4, 2012
Just returned home from playing Frogger – you know the Nintendo game where the frogs had to dodge cars in order to cross the street. The only problem was that Steve and I were the frogs. Bangkok
is treacherous for pedestrians. No one slows down, toots a horn or stops. I have seen people standing perfectly still in the middle of the road waiting to cross the rest of the way because no one would stop for them. But, we made it.
And we did it alone!
This was actually the first time we have been allowed out on our own. We went shopping for fruit and a few other groceries. We were handed the security card to travel on the apartment elevator and Katie’s
cell phone for emergency use. We were told we could take our time and even go to the park if we wanted to. LOL! Are rolls being reversed here or what!
So, we strolled to the park (next door to the grocery store on the
fifth floor of a luxury shopping mall). A performance was taking place so we sat and listened. At one point, after an introduction and song everyone stood up so we stood up too. I’m glad we did because I think it was a silent tribute
to the king and queen who are much loved and revered by the Thai people. At least I hope that is what I was doing. The banner behind the performers has the queen’s pictures on it and her birthday is coming up. Since I don’t read
Thai and I don’t know what was being said or sung, I can only hope.
After sitting and listening for a while Steve and I moved on to the mall. We rode the escalators to the 5th floor and entered a disorienting environment.
First you had to make your way by a large and fancy group of bakeries and food kiosks and candy displays just to get into the modern market. Then we had to find the fruit section and try to find the pineapples, and papaya. Those weren’t bad
because we could at least recognize them. But then it came time to find the parmellos, mangosteens, and custard apples. That took a while longer. We ended up finding what we wanted with only one mishap. I told Steve I was heading toward
the produce section but he became distracted by something and didn't follow me. He was "lost" for a few seconds. I can understand what happened - there were too many things catching his attention. But don't worry, I put Katie's address and
telephone numbers in his pocket just in case.
It was dark outside when we left. But that isn’t a problem. The streets are safe. Even the back alley shortcut is safe – except for the scooters that cut through.
We made it to the apartment where we were able to say Kop-kun-ka (thank you) to the “guard” who opened the door and the elevator for us. And when we entered the apartment we heard someone say “they’re back”.
Now it is time for night swimming but I will pass (I went swimming this morning). I will just sit, read, and enjoy the lights.