Tropical Essentials

In this Hot Season, one appreciates the small comforts and bare essentials.  First, a pair of shorts with pockets, then sport sandals or flip-flops, then a bandana sweatband.  Going up in tech, I love a waterproof smartphone that resists massive sweating, as well as rain later in the year.  (I have had three wives and several girlfriends testify that I am too stupid to come in out of the rain.) 

A new essential in this Time of Plague are face masks.  We have long had good N95 dust masks available to protect against the toxic smog and PM2.5 pollution during our “winter” when there is no wind or rain.  They fit tight, are hot, and I don’t like the uncomfortable fit of the loops around my ears.  Also, on long marches I wear a sweatband bandana which covers the top of my ears, so putting the mask on and off is pure aggravation; I solved that by connecting the two ear loops with elastic cord around the back of my head.  This has always been good for neighborhood marches. 

Now, with the virus scare, we wear a mask every single time we step out, even briefly.  Surgical masks, which are also easy to get here, are much easier and comfortable to wear when I don’t wear a bandana – going to the store, Immigration, a doctor’s appointment, etc. 

Hand sanitizer is now essential, and besides using it religiously at home I have small bottles of it for when going out.  I reassure my Thai neighbors when entering stores, masked up, by cleaning my hands as I enter.  All of it is part of being polite and considerate here as well as being cautious. 

Re:  neighborhood markets, etc.  The convenience stores are still open at the moment, as are Tops food markets as far as I know (although I haven’t been that far from home for quite a while).  Neighborhood street vendors are thinning out a bit because of less foot traffic.  But my popcorn vendor next to the police station was still there this last week. 

As for more traditional tropical essentials, I would list fans as high on the list.  A/C is great, if it works.  Refrigeration is a modern marvel, and I make plenty of Ice in our new fridge.  Drinks are important (stay hydrated!):  beer, tea, chocolate milk, iced coffee, good clean water, etc. 

I have a treasured collection of stainless steel, wide-mouthed Thermos bottles, by Laken (.35L, .5L, .75L).  They keep liquids cold for an incredibly long time.  For the big .75L I throw in a lot of ice & fill with a pint of Beer Chang.  

Blessed Coolness.  Zen Delight. 

-Zenwind. 

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