Rooster Crow; Taxi Ride

Today I took a taxi to the provincial Immigration Office for my routine 90-Day Report of Address.  It was not crowded, so it went smoothly and quickly.  I will go again in February, and then the big visit in March for my Extension of Stay based on retirement (the red tape nightmare of the year). 

The return taxi driver took an alternative route home, part of it through areas of the greater Bangkok “suburbs” that I’d never seen.  He drove fast through tightly-cornered narrow streets, taking his hands off the wheel momentarily to give a respectful wai whenever coming to a temple and monastery.  And there were a lot of temples on this route, many smaller old ones in poorer areas.  It was a scenic, and thrilling, ride, but I was glad to have a good seatbelt fastened. 

The rains have ended, but the river is still high from upcountry runoff.  The humidity and dewpoints are lower and more comfortable, although the direct sunlight is hot.  In the shade, the breezes are wonderful relief. 

Someone in the neighborhood now has a rooster that crows, and I just realized that there hasn’t been one around here for years.  During my first years here, there were always one or two around.  I have always enjoyed hearing them, as it reminds me of fond childhood memories on the farm. 

-Zenwind. 

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