On the day that I was jubilant about the 'magnificent' weather for Dutch standards (see Message from Holland 4) it was drizzling and it was chilly. So my striptease did a 180 degree turn and put the winter jersey back on.
Well, this is the Netherlands. One day nice weather, the next day punishment. In Bangkok I never have to look outside and ask myself: what should I wear today? This is desirable in the Netherlands. It would be even better if we Dutch had an implanted umbrella.
Countdown
I've already started the countdown to my departure, since my last task was done: renewing my passport. The passport makers have done their job well: the passport is now valid for 10 years, the signature and photo are larger than in the old passport; a second photo has been added, a hologram, and the citizen service number (BSN) is on a different page, so that there can be no confusion as to what the passport number is.
There is a second reason for this move, an acquaintance explained to me. This prevents identity fraud. Fraudsters often use a copy of someone's passport. With a copy they can, for example, apply for a loan or take out a telephone subscription in the name of someone else. The victim receives the bills and then the bailiff at the door.
Mean rods and dog poop
I walk a lot in the Netherlands, more than I do in Thailand, despite the advice of a retired family doctor to walk at least 1 hour a day. Walking in Bangkok requires a double focus for tall people like me, because the dangers lurk on two levels.
On the one hand, it is important to keep looking upwards where shelters, pipes and dangling electrical wires are inevitably located at the height of my head. One moment of inattention or I'll hit my head - or worse, one of those mean rods will pierce my head.
On the other hand, the gaze should be directed downwards. Pavement tiles – if there are any – are loose or uneven, the pavement consists of hilly concrete or asphalt, holes have fallen in the sidewalk, a manhole cover is lower or a broken base of a street lamp forms a nasty hurdle.
In the Netherlands, the gaze is directed downwards, because the route to my house is littered with dog poop. It requires a lot of steering skill to navigate between them. Nothing worse than dog poop stuck in the grooves of your shoe sole.
Orange madness and new herring
So far only one house seen that was pavoised with an orange flag. There was also a large banner with the text Dutch House. Although I am not a football hater – nor a fan for that matter – it will stay that way, because on June 5 I will leave the Netherlands behind me and the World Cup will start when I am high and dry in Thailand. Dry in quotes, because the rainy season has started.
A downside of my departure date is that I miss the new herring. So can't comment on the quality. The herring currently available is a bit disappointing. It's too salty for my taste. But yes, as the English say: You can't have your cake and eat it.
Ascension Day
On the day that Our Lord sought it higher, Ascension Day, I walk through the city on my way to a cafe where coffee, Trouw, NRC Handelsblad en de Volkskrant wait for me. I don't see anyone, not even overzealous men washing their Sacred Cow. I could walk with closed eyes, which you only do in Bangkok when you are tired of life.
The contrast with my Thai residence or comparable provincial town could hardly be greater. In my hometown, no street trade, no pedestrian traffic, no motorcyclists speeding past, no car traffic, no smells of corn on the cob being roasted, no carts carrying mango, watermelon, and other fruits, no ice cream carts clinking. There is the tranquility of a cemetery. Do you think it's strange that I feel a little homesick?
Thailand in the Netherlands
Is it a coincidence or are the ghosts playing games with me? While I'm having a coffee in my morning café, my eye falls on the June-August issue of the Waalkrant – hot off the press. The 'newspaper', which also serves as a menu, opens with an article about a Thai massage parlor that was established in December 2013 in my hometown. Strange sensation because in four days I will be boarding a plane and I will have a choice of thousands of massage parlors.
Not that I set foot over the threshold. Massages hurt me; will have too little fat. Moreover, not all masseuses are skilled. But that does not apply to the four women who are in Chokdee massage. They are trained in Wat Pho, which is a guarantee of quality. I know that from a former friend who took a course there. I have seen the course book and it was a bulky book.
With the same coffee I read an article Trouw about fraud, self-enrichment, financial mismanagement, overly ambitious projects and risky investments. Not in Thailand, if you think so, but with housing corporations in the Netherlands, that neatly raked country that likes to raise the finger of the pastor when abuses occur abroad. A parliamentary committee of inquiry takes the plunge. That's all right, to use an expression I've been hearing a lot lately.
You're lucky Dick. Pim from Hua Hin will receive the “Dutch new 12” around June 2014th.
Here in Chiang Mai, the second Dutch new party is on June 18. Start at 19.30 and then the second
football match of the Dutch national team. At Cheryle's rest bar (renamed Holland House).
Dick, I've landed in the meantime. Was a bit tired, was able to get my hair cut, but didn't feel like having my pants shortened. Wonder if the education of the ladies in your place are really trained in Wat Pho. You can buy driving licenses here, so such a simple document too. You should give it a try and then respond if they are really knowledgeable. (Leave it to you in which)
Don't compare NL with Thailand and vice versa, every comparison is flawed. In one country the sun shines and everyone smiles and in the other country not.
Dick is lucky again.
He should have been in Holland a week longer for that New Herring .
They will only be sold on the 12th .
In Thailand it may take a little longer for these to reach the market.
So be wary in Thailand before paying the price of New from the 2013 catch.
These are absolutely delicious now.
The difference is that they have been ripening longer.
Many people also think that herring is raw, that was before.
Those people should look on google to keep up.
That can be compared to someone from Thailand who believes everything mother tells .
The world is changing rapidly because of the internet, for many it is the best school,
I see that the schoolmaster in Isan was always highly regarded.
Now there is the internet and sometimes the master is in front of the class as Jan with the short surname.