One day last week, I had to cram a
lot into the day, racing against the clock.
Doctor’s appointment at the hospital first thing in the morning, ending
with our monthly LP meet up – shopping, a movie, and much travel in
between.
With so much on my To Do list and
limited time, coffee wasn’t going to get me moving, so I toked some good
Cannabis sativa before my shower. I
didn’t have enough time to limber up with my usual morning follow-up of Tai Chi
and calisthenics, so I was still quite stiff and sore. I couldn’t find a taxi, so out of desperation
I took a motorcycle taxi, something I very rarely do since it is so insanely
dangerous on Thai roads.
What a ride! No helmet, stoned, wind in my hair, we flew
through the streets, sped by the river and braked at the hospital door. I was so stiff I could barely dismount from
the cycle. But it was an exciting way to
start the day.
It was a follow-up with the
orthopedic doctor, who was pleased with my exercise program and gave me two
rules: don’t do any further injury to my
spine, and keep exercising. I then had a
great conversation with my long-time hospital translator and case manager, about
Tai Chi and many different exercise routines.
Leaving the hospital, I had another fine conversation with a long-time friend who speaks English and has a
business just across the street, making copies of keys and repairing watches. He comes from Thailand’s rural Northeast and we
often talk of our appreciation for life in the country. I’ve known him for years and often stop by on
my walks. During our recent Covid years,
we have all worn masks – and it is still the general practice most places, but
it is getting more relaxed, especially outdoors. On this morning, I wore my mask down on my
chin, so I could breathe easier, as did he.
For the first time in a couple of years, we could now see each other’s
smiles and laughs. We sat down and reminisced
about our younger days. He was trying to
remember a song that always made him think of America, and we finally figured
out that it was “Take Me Home, Country Roads” by John Denver – back in the
day.
I walked the mile home, and there I
finally had time to do my limbering-up Tai Chi and calisthenics routines. I did some reading before again hitting the
road for the rest of the day in downtown Bangkok.
The mass transit was not crowded –
I carefully avoid rush hours – and I was able to get seats on both train
connections. I walked to a cannabis
shop, looking for a waterpipe, and I found a fine one. It rained on me for the walk back, but my “traveling
light” gear included an umbrella.
I saw a movie, The Menu,
which I really enjoyed, and then I walked to the restaurant for our LP meet
up. (I relish their Reuben Sandwiches.) There were only two others at the meet up,
but we had good conversation. They
left early, so I finished the final leg of my day’s trek at The Rock Pub, to
hear a favorite band that I hadn’t heard in a long time.
There was a good crowd – the tourists
are back! – and the rock music was excellent.
They played the one song they all know is a favorite of mine, “Rock and
Roll” by Led Zeppelin. Later, when asked
for a request, I chose “Paint It Black” by the Rolling Stones, and they played
their own special rendition of it, really well done. A night of fine music.
After the last song, I had a good
conversation with the band’s vocalist/ guitarist. I’ve known him for years, and we had a lot of
catching up to do.
I caught a taxi for the long ride
home after midnight. This time I didn’t
stagger or limp on the final walk to my house – the THC start to my day still
put a spring in my step and an alert energy that the several evening beers
could not dull.
The best parts of this busy day
were the many conversations I had with my rare old friends.
-Zenwind.
.
