Page 50 of 60 FirstFirst ... 404243444546474849505152535455565758 ... LastLast
Results 1,226 to 1,250 of 1496
  1. #1226
    Custom Title Changer
    Topper's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Last Online
    Today @ 12:11 AM
    Location
    Bangkok
    Posts
    12,124
    Tomorrow is my last day of being quarantined. Saturday, the wife (who hasn't been out of the house in 45 days) will venture forth.

    I imagine the malls will be a nightmare. I'm going to go out and sample the local version on Mexican food I think.

    I also plan to buy several bottle of vodka and gin. I've missed GnT's and Bloody Marys.

    Monday, the office will be open and it will be back to work. I honestly have to admit I've missed it.
    "I was a good student. I comprehend very well, OK, better than I think almost anybody," - President Trump comparing his legal knowledge to a Federal judge.

  2. #1227
    Thailand Expat
    Simon43's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2009
    Last Online
    Yesterday @ 08:44 PM
    Location
    Luang Prabang (again!!)
    Posts
    3,914
    I think the lock-down in Laos ends around May 18th, unless it is extended again. Some outdoor cafes are already open in town, but waiting for the night market food stalls to open again. I also need to take a trip to Vientiane to buy a dirt-bike, and it's probably easier to ride across the different provinces after lock-down is over.
    Groping women when you're old is fine - everyone thinks you're senile

  3. #1228
    Thailand Expat
    panama hat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Mar 2007
    Last Online
    21-10-2023 @ 08:08 AM
    Location
    Way, Way South of the border now - thank God!
    Posts
    32,680
    Quote Originally Posted by AntRobertson View Post
    and my kids no longer qualifying for children's fares.
    Leave them behind . . . save money

  4. #1229
    Thailand Expat
    katie23's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    PI
    Posts
    6,594
    @topper - lucky you! I'm still quarantined until the end of the month. By the end of it, I'll have been on lockdown for 75 days! I told the BF (we're apart) that if the lockdown is extended further, I think I'll go on protest to say that I need a haircut! Lol.

    I don't know if your area will allow dine-in for restos. I've seen some areas in GCQ already (e.g. Cagayan de Oro city in Mindanao), and they're allowing take-out/ take-away only. Good luck!

    It was my "yard leave" day today, so I went out for groceries. To my surprise, there was no queue to enter the supermarket! It was a good day to shop - probably because most ppl will get their salaries tomorrow, so they don't have cash today. I imagine that on Saturday, supermarkets will be packed.

    Wherever you are right now, stay safe & sane!

  5. #1230
    Thailand Expat
    Join Date
    Oct 2015
    Last Online
    16-07-2021 @ 10:31 PM
    Posts
    14,636
    Quote Originally Posted by kmart View Post
    House prices in the UK predicted to fall as much as 16% this year. Might be time to consider a retirement home over there, mibbe..
    House prices will fall 7% says agent, but BoE predicts a 16% drop | This is Money
    only 7%? not good enough, 30% and more and then it would be an opportunity, for now Real Estate in the UK is still ridiculously overpriced

  6. #1231
    Thailand Expat
    kmart's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2008
    Last Online
    03-10-2022 @ 11:24 AM
    Location
    Rayong.
    Posts
    11,498
    ^Yep, agreed. Wait and see what happens at the end of this year with the UK economy post C-19 and Brexit. Not sure if I really want to retire in some dystopian "Hunger Games" scenario, tbh.

  7. #1232
    Hangin' Around cyrille's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Home
    Posts
    33,543
    Quote Originally Posted by kmart View Post
    Wait and see what happens at the end of this year with the UK economy post C-19
    You'll be waiting until well beyond the end of this year to find that out.

  8. #1233
    Thailand Expat
    Mandaloopy's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2017
    Last Online
    Today @ 12:44 PM
    Location
    ᠮᠣᠩᠭᠣᠯ ᠤᠯᠤᠰ
    Posts
    3,047
    The airport is now a quarantine hospital, so I won't being leaving Mongolia to 2021 by the looks of things. I have to say I think that all these repatriation flights will eventually be where something falls though the cracks and it gets out in general population. I really really hope I am wrong. I was at the local hospital to get the chest x-ray for my new visa- the entire district of Khan-Ull in UB has one x-ray machine in the state hospital- the local hospitals would be swamped in less than 2 weeks.

  9. #1234
    Custom Title Changer
    Topper's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Last Online
    Today @ 12:11 AM
    Location
    Bangkok
    Posts
    12,124
    Got the new guidelines for living "life" here in Bacolod, Philippines:

    How has Coronavirus affected you ?-98318429_947431205753701_6927451634750455808_o-jpg

    How has Coronavirus affected you ?-97091731_947431215753700_964533570305523712_o-jpg

    The reason for the continued alcohol ban gave me a laugh, since there has been a whopping 11 cases of covid here in Bacolod, 9 of which have fully recovered. I'm guessing someone is making some nice money with the current rules and doesn't really want them changed.

  10. #1235
    Hangin' Around cyrille's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2006
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    Home
    Posts
    33,543
    Quote Originally Posted by Topper View Post
    I'm guessing someone is making some nice money with the current rules and doesn't really want them changed.
    Not easy to see opportunities for graft there.

    To me it's more likely that there are influential people driven by religion with a thing against alcohol.

    The reason given suggests that they'd prefer it outlawed indefinitely.

  11. #1236
    Thailand Expat
    katie23's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    PI
    Posts
    6,594
    @topper - thanks for the info, very interesting to see. My area is still on modified ECQ until the 31st, so all the rules still apply. I received a "PI road map to reopening economy" via FB, but that was based on lifting of ECQ by May 15. So now, all the dates in that road map are pushed 2 weeks further. What's interesting to see is that inter-island travel is still not allowed.

    Re: covid cases, I believe that the real numbers are much higher - PI is not doing enough testing. In my town, last week (or other week?), there was a 9 year old kid who died as a suspected case. They found out he was covid-positive only after the burial. Now there are 8 or 9 ppl in that village who are positive - they're a mini cluster. It just takes one. I've heard/ read that it takes ~7 days to get the results of the test. Thus, some ppl have died, not knowing the test results (and extended funerals allowed, which spread the disease).

    Also, most Filipinos are afraid of going to the hospital because of the cost. So if they're coughing or with fever, they'll stay at home. Most don't have health insurance, and private hospitals will not treat you unless you have money. For public hospitals, you have to queue up (with lots of other sick ppl). Doctor consultations are free, but you have to buy your own meds. That's the reality.

    Re: liquor ban, some cities in Metro Manila, like Pasay & Quezon cities (those 2 have big areas & population) have decided to lift their liquor bans, but with restrictions - can only do take-outs of liquor, no drinking in pubs/ bars (which are still closed anyway).

    Maybe time to buy juice & yeast, and make your own wine!

    Links:

    Liquor ban lifted in Pasay City, but conditions apply

    QC lifts liquor ban but gives restrictions | Inquirer News
    Last edited by katie23; 16-05-2020 at 10:13 AM.

  12. #1237
    Custom Title Changer
    Topper's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2007
    Last Online
    Today @ 12:11 AM
    Location
    Bangkok
    Posts
    12,124
    Quote Originally Posted by cyrille View Post
    To me it's more likely that there are influential people driven by religion with a thing against alcohol.
    That was my first thought as well. I've met a couple of members of the city council and they are fairly religious, however I'm guessing money trumps religion.


    Quote Originally Posted by katie23 View Post
    Maybe time to buy juice & yeast, and make your own wine!
    The sari-sari store literally next door keeps beer and whiskey stocked. Amazing! They also have a pldt fiber internet connection so they must have "connections".

    What makes me wonder is that if all the bars, restaurants and other basic drinking places are closed, why can't we buy alcohol for consumption at home?

    My guess, people are making a killing selling alcohol on the black market. I know the price I'm paying has risen, understandably, for a bottle of pilsen.

    By the way Katie, I hope you're alright storm wise!!!! We've had just a tad bit of rain and some thunderstorms, nothing major.

  13. #1238
    Thailand Expat OhOh's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2010
    Last Online
    Today @ 05:25 PM
    Location
    Where troubles melt like lemon drops
    Posts
    25,226
    Quote Originally Posted by katie23 View Post
    Now there are 8 or 9 ppl in that village who are positive - they're a mini cluster.
    Heresay or you've watched the 9 tests being administered, followed them through analysis and received official notifications from your health authority of the 9 results?

    Quote Originally Posted by katie23 View Post
    For public hospitals, you have to queue up (with lots of other sick ppl). Doctor consultations are free, but you have to buy your own meds. That's the reality.
    Maybe the voters who elected the governments should take more interest in who they voted for and the candidates health proposals/funding sources.
    Last edited by OhOh; 16-05-2020 at 09:07 PM.

  14. #1239
    Thailand Expat

    Join Date
    Aug 2017
    Last Online
    Today @ 12:36 PM
    Location
    Sanur
    Posts
    8,004
    This is why the UK did not have a stockpile of Spitfires prior to the outbreak of WWII. Blame the government.

  15. #1240
    Thailand Expat
    katie23's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    PI
    Posts
    6,594
    @ohoh - the covid 19 results are on the official website of the local govt, so it's not hearsay. I also personally know of a medical doctor (a schoolmate) who died of the disease. That cluster of 8 or 9 ppl - they live in a slum area of the town. The mini clusters sprouting up are the reasons why my area & several other cities are still on lockdown until the 31st. Have you gone to a PI govt community hospital? It's probably similar to a Thai govt hospital, but worse. Many, many people lining up for free doctor consultations.

    As to lack of healthcare, facilities, infrastructure, etc - most of the people in PI belong to class C & D. They vote ppl who are popular, or those who will give them 500 pesos/ T-shirts/ 5 kg of rice during elections. Then the cycle of corruption continues... Sigh..

  16. #1241
    Thailand Expat tomcat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    17,217
    Quote Originally Posted by katie23 View Post
    @ohoh - the covid 19 results are on the official website of the local govt, so it's not hearsay. I also personally know of a medical doctor (a schoolmate) who died of the disease. That cluster of 8 or 9 ppl - they live in a slum area of the town. The mini clusters sprouting up are the reasons why my area & several other cities are still on lockdown until the 31st. Have you gone to a PI govt community hospital? It's probably similar to a Thai govt hospital, but worse. Many, many people lining up for free doctor consultations.

    As to lack of healthcare, facilities, infrastructure, etc - most of the people in PI belong to class C & D. They vote ppl who are popular, or those who will give them 500 pesos/ T-shirts/ 5 kg of rice during elections. Then the cycle of corruption continues... Sigh..
    ...no wonder everybody emigrates...

  17. #1242
    Thailand Expat jabir's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2016
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    12,009
    Quote Originally Posted by kmart View Post
    ^Yep, agreed. Wait and see what happens at the end of this year with the UK economy post C-19 and Brexit. Not sure if I really want to retire in some dystopian "Hunger Games" scenario, tbh.
    I got your drift, but can't see that we will be past either Brexit or C19 by the end of this year.

  18. #1243
    Thailand Expat tomcat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    17,217
    Quote Originally Posted by jabir View Post
    I got your drift, but can't see that we will be past either Brexit or C19 by the end of this year.
    ...muddling through...

  19. #1244
    Thailand Expat

    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Last Online
    Today @ 03:21 PM
    Posts
    18,512
    Quote Originally Posted by Switch View Post
    This is why the UK did not have a stockpile of Spitfires prior to the outbreak of WWII. Blame the government.
    Usual guff.

    The Spitfire was an innovative aircraft that did not see development until the mid 1930s but its place was secured, with the Hawker Hurricane, as the chosen aircraft to form the bulk of Fighter Command and orders were placed in 1937/8 for its production - in the early days the lead time for supply was around up to two years given the complexity of manufacture requiring higher levels of machining skills in the workforce complicated by the aircraft design in which leading edge rivets were flush mounted. Nevertheless, by outbreak of war in September 1939 over 360 were in frontline service with a further 2000 on order. By the commencement of the Battle of Britain Fighter Command had over 680 frontline aircraft in service. The point was, pilots needed to be selected and trained, and then replaced, but that is not a matter of mere logistics, it is dependent on aptitude. In the end, the increased production rate could only be matched with pilot availability by relying on Commonwealth personnel and Poles etc, a pool of labour that could only have been developed after the outbreak of hostilities, and not before.

    The supply function of fighter production in 1938 was well organised and adapted subsequently to suit unfolding events to meet demand.

    The stupid notion that everyone was twiddling their fingers until 1940 is a myth.

    The analogy between dereliction of the nation's health by the current Tory scum and readiness for war in 1940 is ridiculous.

    The way these old duffers talk is as if one merely woke up one morning and decided " You know what, I think Fritz the Hun is going off on one, again, and I think I'll just pop off to the Spitfire shop to stock up, just in case."
    Last edited by Seekingasylum; 17-05-2020 at 09:57 AM.

  20. #1245
    Thailand Expat

    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Last Online
    Today @ 03:21 PM
    Posts
    18,512
    Quote Originally Posted by Dragonfly View Post
    only 7%? not good enough, 30% and more and then it would be an opportunity, for now Real Estate in the UK is still ridiculously overpriced
    The market is in stasis and was pretty much moribund before COVID due to the continuing dislocation in the debt-to-earnings ratio and Brexit, a stasis that has only ben ameliorated by the government Help to Buy scheme subsidising the developers and increasing their profit margins on ever smaller houses built to indifferent standards on tiny plots in estates with toytown sized roads.

    It's truly bizarre that the average earnings nationally is around the £27,600 mark yet the average house price is £233,000. Given that lenders are not meant to sell loans more than 4 x earnings it is scarcely surprising that home ownership is now slipping back to levels prevalent in 1970s.

    The imminent crash will be the perfect storm for those who bought in the past few years given the inevitability of negative equity and rising interest rates when inflation takes off again - those forthcoming tax rises and increased food costs will trigger wage claims and no government will be able to stem the demand as disposable incomes are eaten away.

    The future is truly grim and when the Reaper comes back in November misery will stalk the land to a degree no-one under the age of 50 has ever witnessed before.

    I am truly relishing the prospect.

  21. #1246
    Thailand Expat
    katie23's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2014
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    PI
    Posts
    6,594
    Quote Originally Posted by tomcat View Post
    ...no wonder everybody emigrates...
    Yup. For most ppl, the way out of poverty is to study, put up a business, or be an OFW (Overseas Filipino Worker), emigrate, or any combination. Problem is, many OFWs are going home/ have gone home now - jobless due to Covid.

    Re: poverty - I've visited a friend's hometown in one of the islands in the Visayas region. They live in a 1-ATM town (I kid you not). When I visited in 2015, there was no ATM in their town. We had to go to the nearest city (1 hour away by jeepney) to withdraw money. In 2017, I visited again. There was now 1 bank with 1 ATM and the town also had 1 Family Mart. No Jollibee or McD in their town. (As I've said before, the number of Jollibees in a town/ city is an indicator of progress & income levels). My friend (and her siblings) were able to study university because her mom worked as an OFW (seamstress) in Saudi. In their hometown, we walked in the town proper. Most of the big houses were owned by OFWs (usually seamen/ maritime ppl). I would say that my friend belongs to the town's middle class, but there were many more dirt poor ppl, especially in the fishing villages or in the mountains. (one part of the town was seaside, the other part was mountains)

    Anyway, going back to Covid - most of the islands locked down fairly early (mid March), so they were able to lessen the spread of the virus. The govt knows that our health system can't handle it. I've read that by last count, we only have 1,500 ventilators, 500 of which are in Metro Manila - which also has the majority of cases. The president said in a recent report that "we can't afford a 2nd or 3rd wave".

    Link here:
    https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2020/05/12/2013568/duterte-philippines-cant-afford-second-third-wave-covid-19-pandemic

    @topper - my area is OK after the storm, thank you. Some strong rains but not much wind. Nothing to write home about.

  22. #1247
    The Fool on the Hill bowie's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    นนทบุรี
    Posts
    5,839
    Quote Originally Posted by Seekingasylum View Post
    The future is truly grim and when the Reaper comes back in November misery will stalk the land to a degree no-one under the age of 50 has ever witnessed before. I am truly relishing the prospect.
    Ahh, yes, the joys of a retiree... being able to sit on the sidelines as the personal impact is minimal - what happens will not affect me or my immediate family more than a tad bit, a small speed bump. Hardly noticeable at all.

    Now, that being said - I am truly NOT relishing the prospect of the financial upheaval that will come. The impact on many friends, acquaintances and my extended family will be a very sad series of events.

    There are so many families whose financial plans have been sidetracked, ruined and in some cases absolutely destroyed. They will never be able to recover - the future is far from bright and the true financial impact, along with the damage of the financial domino effect - is going to set everybody back - and a good number will wind up impoverished and unable to recover.

  23. #1248
    Thailand Expat

    Join Date
    Sep 2014
    Last Online
    Today @ 03:21 PM
    Posts
    18,512
    Enough about the consequences of Brexit, how do you think COVID will affect them?

  24. #1249
    The Fool on the Hill bowie's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jul 2014
    Last Online
    @
    Location
    นนทบุรี
    Posts
    5,839
    Quote Originally Posted by Seekingasylum View Post
    Enough about the consequences of Brexit, how do you think COVID will affect them?
    Well, guess I'll have to check out the Brexit thread.

  25. #1250
    Thailand Expat tomcat's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2005
    Last Online
    @
    Posts
    17,217
    Quote Originally Posted by bowie View Post
    Well, guess I'll have to check out the Brexit thread.
    ...no need: it's the end of the world and the only effective strategy is to moan repetitiously...makes for good reading...

Page 50 of 60 FirstFirst ... 404243444546474849505152535455565758 ... LastLast

Thread Information

Users Browsing this Thread

There are currently 1 users browsing this thread. (0 members and 1 guests)

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •