My post-lockdown commute back to work

[cyrille]

*shudder*

[strigils]

And then it was time to get serious.

My last three ASQ tips have also held me in good stead in 'general' life.

Before hitting the bright lights always make sure you have a decent stock of alcohol in your hotel room, particularly in times of Covid. You never know how things may turn out, although it has been no problem finding bars that serve alcohol during the current 'ban'.



.

I can't see Jif Lemon in that bag, just two large lemons with big nobbly bits on the end like a wet nurseys ...?

[cyrille]

Shit - looks like you're right.

Not jif - just rather old lemons.

Apologies Mendy.

[Mendip]

Apologies accepted!

Never have I had such slanderous accusations made against me.

But thanks for the tip Cyrille... a Jif lemon has gone on the shopping list.

And a big thanks to Headworx as well for his culinary tip.

I feel better already!



One hour outside Korat but the daughter's school doesn't finish for two hours... my planning is failing me at the last hurdle.

[Shutree]

my planning is failing me at the last hurdle.

Not really failure. You can be early, she won't mind.

You have the makings of a litre of gin and tonic there if you get bored.

[Headworx]

And a big thanks to Headworx as well for his culinary tip.

Looking forward to you getting back into the kitchen, cooking up a storm, the ensuing pics, and banter

I've gone with baking a lamb rack today, rendered the fat down in a skillet first and it's in the oven now. Mash and peas also on the go

[Mendip]

You have the makings of a litre of gin and tonic there if you get bored.

That's true enough, and I have two real lemons to use as well. I couldn't find a lemon tree on the way up... all the usual roadside places seem to have disappeared due to Covid I guess. Cyrille really has come up trumps this time.

But would it be setting a good example to turn up completely rat-arsed at my daughter's posh school?


Not far at all now... we just passed the rather grand temple at Sikhio. I'm sure my wife told me the build was paid for by some Isaan movie star or other.

[Saint Willy]

That honestly took me a while to decipher. Finally the penny dropped:

Attachment 64181

oh lord!

[Dillinger]

Finally, The nipper will be tickled pink when she sees that sweet stash you have for her.

On the flip side of the coin, the Asian Siamburis

Only cost me a packet of seaweed

[Mendip]

I got her some Whotsit kind of crisps at Villa Market as well, she'll go mad!

I spent over 8000 Baht on nothing at Villa Market yesterday... recon it would have cost less than 50 quid in Blighty.

[Edmond]

Safe travels!


Enjoy it.

After 8 months away you're about to have yer first root in 16 hours.

[strigils]

On the flip side of the coin, the Asian Siamburis
Only cost me a packet of seaweed

Have you introduced her to Baltis and magic carpets yet Dillinger?

[strigils]

I spent over 8000 Baht on nothing at Villa Market yesterday... recon it would have cost less than 50 quid in Blighty.

Perspective Mendip, that's less than a mornings work

[Stumpy]

That's true enough, and I have two real lemons to use as well. I couldn't find a lemon tree on the way up... all the usual roadside places seem to have disappeared due to Covid I guess. Cyrille really has come up trumps this time.

But would it be setting a good example to turn up completely rat-arsed at my daughter's posh school?


Not far at all now... we just passed the rather grand temple at Sikhio. I'm sure my wife told me the build was paid for by some Isaan movie star or other.

Stopped by that temple on my Moto while on my loop ride from Wang Nam Khiao back through that silly little Italian wanna be village area and the fake leaning tower of Pisa then by Khao Yai when I lived in Korat. I was ushered in to take pics with that movie star guy, They gave me some buddha necklace and I coughed up 200 bht to the donation pile.

[strigils]

Anyway...i expect Mendips daughter is overjoyed at seeing dad.

[Mendip]

After eventually picking up the kids (my daughter plus one classmate) and battling through Korat evening rush hour traffic I arrived back home at 5:45pm, thus completing my work commute.

This was exactly 194 days and 7 hours after leaving home at 9:45am on 23rd July last year.

I'm in no hurry to do this again.



The dogs were well pleased to see me and there was none of the nervousness or trepidation I was worried about. Within 5 minutes it was as if I'd never been away, although maybe they were showing me a bit more attention than normal.

One thing I am very concerned about is not slipping back into my old habits as soon as I arrive back home.



The daughter was happy to see me as well. She seems to be the new master so I'm gonna have to sort that out.



She's done a great job with the dogs while I've been away. Maybe she will be a vet after all!



My last Isaan meal before leaving last July was steak and kidney pie, chips and beans. It seemed only fitting to get stuck in to the same Isaan fare tonight, my first night back.



And I think that's about it for this thread. Thanks to everyone for putting up with it and contributing... it really has been very good therapy for me and I've enjoyed it immensely. It hasn't been easy being away from home for so long.

One day I hope my daughter will read it and see what her old man got up to... apart from the French references of course.

But for now we have a late Christmas family celebration and an early night!

Cheers everyone!

[bsnub]

Fantastic! Mendy you are one of a kind! So happy you are home with your blessed little lady and the mutts. I even bought an American beef pie to eat in your honour.

[hallelujah]

Brillliant, brilliant, brilliant!

The only question is what next for our very own Paul Theroux.

[bsnub]

The only question is what next for our very own Paul Theroux.

A well-earned break.

[PAG]

Well done, keep taking deep breaths, and remembering to exhale.

[Joe 90]

Brilliant thread Mendip!

I'm sure everyone has enjoyed it as much as you.

Careful not to slip into old habits, priceless

Next time you visit a temple leave them Jesus boots outside and see if someone steals them

[bsnub]

Next time you visit a temple leave them Jesus boots outside and see if someone steals them

[ootai]

Mendip
I am sure you will come back here to check at sometime in the future so I just want to say.
Over 6 months, over 100 pages and over 2600 posts its been a journey.
While most of the thread is just drivel there have been some interesting moments and information.
So now as you fuk off into the morning please start thinking about what you are going to call your new thread.
My morning would be very empty without being able to get up and check what you have been doing and what the guys on here have been winding you up about.
So I thought I would make a few suggestion for the new thread's title:

At home at last with me daughter and dogs!
Stuck in Korat, again!
Out of work and destitute in Korat!
Dithering in the garden!
Fat and lazy at Home in Korat!

Just a few ideas but then i am sure you will come up with something better as being a Geologist you have a much more creative mind than an Engineer like me.

Good Luck and safe travels both around Bangkok and back to home.

Brillliant, brilliant, brilliant!

The only question is what next for our very own Paul Theroux.

Mendip
I am not sure if you managed to read my previous post that I made when you were "off comms" in Bangkok but hallelujah reminded me that i had asked a similar question to him.
So, "What's it gonna be Mendy?"

[Neverna]

Well done, Mendip. Welcome home. And good night. Have a good sleep in your own bed tonight. Cheers.

[Looper]

This was exactly 194 days and 7 hours after leaving home at 9:45am on 23rd July last year.

Champion effort Mr Mendip and champion thread sir. Welcome home