March 19, 2010
Civics Lessons
The Red-Shirt protesters, as their party is called and who all do wear red shirts (unlike the opposition party that are the yellow shirts), are continuing their demonstrations in hopes of ousting the current government. Since we didn't get to see some sights in downtown Bangkok because of the Red Shirt protesters the children are very aware of their presence and agenda.
One day, while we were staying near Bangkok with friends, I told the kids it was time to do school work. Ben ran right up stairs and with a big grin came down the stairs - having changed in to a red shirt - and started marching around the room smiling all the way and protesting school.
As I told Ben, just as the Prime Minister had said, "No," to the Red Shirts' demands I was saying, "No," to his request.
Driving to the airport to catch our flight to the Phuket area police had roads blocked and military personnel were stationed along the way. The last time there was a big protest in Bangkok the protesters took over the airports and no flights could go in or out. The governement did not want it to happen this time so they are gaurding the airports.
While we were still loading the plane I thought I over heard someone saying to the flight attendant, "The Red Shirts are coming, the Red Shirts are coming." Now, in retrospect, as far as we know no Red Shirts went to the airport (and we made sure not wear our red shirts that day) so I don't know what it was they were saying, but at the time I was hoping we would just board and take off fast. Amelia's response was to say, "That's almost what Paul Revere said, 'The Red Coats are coming. The Red Coats are coming.'"
Nothing like making civics and history come alive.
Kata Beach
Our hotel is up hill from the beach. Amelia sat for about 2 hours while she had her hair done in braids and beads today. Tsunami
We can easily walk to the blue clear water beach in ten minutes at most but it's a climb back. Something I am glad of once we started seeing all the signs for, "Tsunami Evacuation Route," pointing uphill towards our hotel. Especially as the last Tsunami hit when it was early and most people were still in bed.
So, while the Red Shirts may (or may not) be coming we'll hopefully miss being washed away by a Tsunami.
Love,
Jackie
1 comment:
Jackie, your kids will know (and remember) more about the political unrest in Thailand than they could ever learn at home. Travel really is the best education.
Post a Comment