Long Time

Boy Baradero and his 4 grandsons, John, Benedict, Paolo and Jason

Life in Thailand appeared to be settling down following the Red Shirt protests in Thailand. However a bomb exploded in central Bangkok Sunday 25th July 2010 and killed one person. We were in town at the time but for away from the location at the time of detonation. On a different day at a different time we might have been on top of this bomb. It felt quiet, depressed and tense in Bangkok and indiscriminate bombs Belfast and Beirut style are not going to improve prospects. I hope this was a one-off incident.

We have been very busy since term began. Hence the lack of entries plus I was without a computer for almost four weeks as the hard drive died on my notebook. I have to say the shop in Bangkok did a splendid job in backing up my data and fixing the notebook at a very reasonable price. I don't think I lost any data at all other than programmes which can be reloaded easily. In addition they repaired the external case for free. All in all I am very pleased with the result. iStudio at The Digital Gateway next to Siam Square in Bangkok are recommended.

Sadly Luna's father died suddenly at the end of June 2010 so we had an unexpected trip back to The Philippines for Boy Baradero's funeral. I have to say it was a lovely few days given the sad circumstances. They really send their dead off with style, dignity and respect. The funeral mass was said in the local dialect, Ilongo, and it was one of the most beautiful  ceremonies I have been to. Really beautiful singing to an acoustic guitar and the priest had a fine rich voice which echoed throughout the church.  The whole process was beautiful: from not leaving the body unattended during the waking period right up to the funeral and the way many people came round to the memorial chapel to pay their respects. This is in stark contrast to the 30 minute slot at somewhere like Mortlake Crematorium in London.

Boy & Jona with their grandsons

Boy was a comparatively young man, aged 64 years, a great guy he will be sorely missed not the least by his 4 grandsons. I am glad Benedict and Boy managed to meet each other earlier this year. I am glad I also got to know him. He was a really decent gentle guy. May Boy's soul rest in peace. 

I have to say that progressively the Philippines is growing on me and we are booked to return October 2010. I guess it is a case of familiarisation. Plus The Circle Inn in Bacolod City is a good place to stay and that makes a difference! I hope we can do a fair bit of birding on our next trip.

Benedict and I recently in Siam Paragon, Bangkok

Benedict recently in the play area 

Putthamonthon Park, Bangkok

We are half way through our school term and we are both busy. Benedict has experienced a bit of sickness including bronchitis but I am glad to say he has come through his woes and.... well he can manage about 12 steps. His first birthday on 7th July 2010 was overshadowed by his grandfather's death and funeral but we had a special lunch with the family in Bacolod City.

So we are well if a little sad to lose Boy so suddenly. Life goes on and by and large we are happy and well.