Musing in Bangkok

Sitting here at the airport in Bangkok waiting for my connecting flight, I can sense the worry and tension that has gripped the nation as it, alongwith several others, is grappling to contain the destruction that last week's tsunamis caused. Thailand has declared national mourning and it is not at all a good situation here. There is not an ounce of enjoyment or celebration in this otherwise joyous place, where, under normal circumstances, tens of thousands of tourists flock during this time of the year, escaping the severe cold of the north, to luxuriate on the beaches of Phuket or trek along the tough terrain of Cambodia.

I notice that even the Royal Orchids, Thailand's place of pride in the floral kingdom, are wilting away in the duty free shops as there are no buyers. Of course, it is not an occasion to gift someone a flower, says the keeper at King's Duty Free. On the contrary, I believe. This should be as much an occasion to gift someone a flower as any. Don't get me wrong. I'm not advocating insensitiveness. That would be insane. I'm saying that this is the time when people, one and all, need support - moral and financial - more than any other time. So, why not cheer up someone's day with an orchid? And to top it, why not buy flowers if the shop is promising to donate a part of its earnings for relief work?! I buy some, and lay it at the lonely Christmas tree distastefully decorated on the third floor. And say a prayer.

'Distastefully decorated'. Hah! That reminds me of a bunch - a big bunch - of complaints I have against this airport. Including its layout, the services offered to commuters, and a host of other things. I'm glad there is some airport in Asia which is in league with our aamchi airports back home! But then, that's an entirely different story.

I still have four hours left. Wonder what I'll do. Maybe I'll call her up and wish her New Year's again. I just did. But just for the heck of it, I'll do it again. It feels so good talking to her, my inspiration and anchor in life. She's out there partying off to glory. And to top it, she's drunk... Trying to compete with me? Whattagirl!!

Should I get up and go from this table? I've almost finished my coffee and spent over an hour sitting here. That lady at the bar has given me quite a few glares. But who cares. Let her come and say something. I'll show my coffee cup. There's still a little left in it!!