Travel jitters
Gorinchem
Twice a year Joseph gets the travel itch and wants to flee the Netherlands, where he lives with great pleasure and pleasure. Usually three months during the winter period from the beginning of January to the beginning of April and when autumn approaches in the month of September.
Yet I still love the Netherlands and Europe. Of course, as a right-minded Dutchman you can raise all kinds of problems, but just name one thing that is better in Thailand or anywhere else in the world. I can already hear it: the climate and the tax burden. Admittedly you're absolutely right, but honestly, in all fairness, what else? Last January I was in Brunei where the population does not have to pay taxes and healthcare is free. Alcohol and smoking are prohibited and gays and adulterous women are stoned to death. You wouldn't want to live in such a country for any money, would you? If you move to any country, you weigh up the pros and cons and, as a global citizen, you make a well-considered decision.
Recently there was big news on Dutch TV; Wolves are back in our country. A week later on the same news channel; a young woman with a flock of sheep is afraid that those wolves will attack her flock. That's really world news, isn't it? And what about the far too high rate of the baht? Have booked a ticket to Bangkok and stay there for a few days and then leave for Cambodia, so hardly affected by the baht-euro exchange rate. But frankly, that's not the real reason. Have traveled Thailand from north to south and from east to west for quite a few years now, so for a change let's go to Cambodia again, a country that I know quite well.
The only reason why I spend a few days in Bangkok is because of the sad story of Gringo, who, as an avid cigar smoker, misses his cigars. I've known him for quite a few years now and as an ex-addicted smoker I know all too well how he yearns for 'exporters' as he described this earlier on Thailandblog.
Because I'm only spending a few days in Thailand's metropolis this time, Gringo will pick up his cigars in Bangkok and we can tackle the world's problems together in a good conversation and certainly come up with solutions.
Cambodia
All joking aside; this time I fly on my own from Don Muang Airport in Bangkok to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. The fun of traveling is a true experience for this spacious eighties, who still feels young and vital.
That 'we'll see how it turns out' travel is not for my young Dutch girlfriend. She is a strong girl and two years younger than her boyfriend, but still enjoys a planned trip with a little more comfort and luxury.
I have been to Cambodia several times before so I am familiar with the country and the terrible deeds that the Khmer Rouge rogues have done. I have admired the temple complex Ankor Wat and Siem Reap a few times before and let it pass me by this time.
Sometimes it is wonderful not to fix too much in advance and to improvise on the spot. The flight to Bangkok has been booked and the same to Phnom Penh, the capital of Cambodia. And not to forget the so-called e-visa for Cambodia, which is a great improvement compared to the visa on arrival. (http://www.evisum.nl) For the rest we'll see and that's the nice thing about traveling on your own and on your own.
Confused
Yet today I am confused and wonder in all conscience why I am going to leave the Netherlands with this beautiful weather. Yesterday I made a boat trip from Zaltbommel over the Waal to the castle Loevenstein and after the visit I sailed on to Gorinchem with another boat. I am ashamed to admit that I have now visited this beautiful historic place for the first time and have been amazed. Looking at the weather forecast for Bangkok, I am terrified. On arrival on Sunday September 1 cloudy and this also applies to Monday. Thunderstorms on Tuesday followed by rain on Wednesday and Thursday. What do I start?
When the sun shines, nothing beats the Netherlands. Just like the accompanying photo, there are many places worth seeing. My whole family, children and grandchildren, old friends and acquaintances are always worth a visit. However, the mentality of many Dutch people is visibly deteriorating. The recent messages cannot have escaped everyone's attention. This did not come overnight but developed over the last 10 years. What the future will look like I don't have a crystal ball, but if there is no turnaround in the unruly lives of many, I don't see that point improving. The Rutte governments have left their mark. Poverty is increasing hand over hand and the lies from politics with their secret agendas are often not fathomable but certainly present. The social aspect is no longer in the minds of many. Every society for itself is a better description of the current climate. Life goes as it comes and nothing is certain. Values and norms are different for many and that does not bring a sense of togetherness to a desired level. Joseph is doing well with his travels and stay in the Netherlands. It has been awarded to him and his wife and I hope that they can experience this for many more years. My travels were never fixed either. Space to deal with it creatively has proven to be the best way for us. What my life will look like when I'm 80 is looking at coffee grounds. For the time being I am still doing well in Thailand, but if the world continues to mess around like this, I am afraid that I will be behind the geraniums again in the Netherlands, because by then my pension will be worth nothing.