I leave the clinic at 3 and pedal my ass off to pick up the kids. You can picture me, pedalling through traffic, sweating profusely and jamming to my ipod. Here’s what I saw today on my return trip:
A woman carrying a huge bag of rice on their head, balancing a kid on her hip. She may be one of 200+ people with HIV who recieve a ration of rice and other foodstuffs once at month Mae Tao Clinic, where I work. One of my colleagues told me that there are at least 20 new HIV patients per month.
A man and his child walking along the road begging occasionally. The man is on crutches and has one leg. I see them often.
A man eating out of a garbage can. I have never seen that before.
A family on a motorcycle: dad at the wheel, kid standing on the seat in the middle being supported by mom. This is so frequent as to be not noticeable.
Two overweight Thai 60 year olds in full jogging outfits (jackets and matching pants) and huge hats. It was easily 95 degrees. I don’t even pee any more its so hot, I just sweat. No joke. But there are the Thais and Burmese dressed head to toe to avoid sun exposure.
A woman in a burqua. Two Muslim men holding hands. There is a significant Burmese Muslim population here.
A sixty-something farang (foreign) couple riding bikes toward Mae Sot Villa, where we live. There are a number of Baby Boomer farangs here.
As I rounded the corner to pick up the kids at daycare, I noticed the lyrics to the song I was listening to on my ipod. Jerry Garcia’s words: ”What a long strange trip its been” seemed very appropriate. Though I’d only ridden 2-3km I saw more of humanity than I’d see at home in a month.
(Pick up the kids. Usual craziness ensues as they climb onto the bike wanting to get the hell outta there. The well-meaning teacher, in mixed Thai and English, bombards me with the day’s accomplishments.)
Said hi to our friends who sell grilled chicken and pork. We see them 10 X per day and always exchange “Sawadi Kas” (Hellos).
Ring the bell. WanderPapa comes out. Whew…another commute done.
Love this post. No need for pictures, it’s all there. Though I would love a picture of all 3 of you on the bike racing home