50 something on her travels

I can never get my camera out quick enough to capture the gems I see on mopeds and motorbikes.  These include: * Carrying a fridge under arm and then stopping to balance it on their knee.  * Holding full tray of food in air with one hand whilst riding from road across beach.  * Father carrying baby in arm whilst riding one handed.  * Carrying kitchen equipment and wearing a wok on their head.  * Dogs sitting where riders feet should go.  Tonight I observed a moped with a full gas cyclinder strapped to the seat. With a small space for the rider in front. You don't want to be in an accident with that rider. 😱

I'm continuing with the health and safety theme this week.  Textured tiles on pavements are known as tactile paving or ground surface indicators. They are safety features for visually impaired people, to guide them along routes and avoid any hazards.  However it's not very safe when you stick lampposts in the centre of them 🥺

Last week we went to the food stalls in the evening to sample some of the local cuisine.  We liked the look of this stall, but unfortunately it didn't have any english translation. But we took a photo to perhaps return another day.  The Google translate app is wonderful on your phone. Imagine our laughter when we saw the English version later. That would be a truly authentic experience. 🤣

It's always important to ensure your workplace follows the correct health and safety regulations.  Like I witnessed today: Exhibit 1 Performing maintenance on a thin ledge, two floors up. With an occasional helping hand of a colleague holding the ladder through a window. 😱 Exhibit 2 Standing on the top of a ladder in the street putting your Christmas lights up.  But still allowing access close to the ladder in and out of the restaurant. 😄

Just outside Cha‑am lies Wat Tham Chaeng, home to one of Thailand’s largest naga statues!  Opened in 2023, it stands 31 metres tall. with a 227 metre long coiled body.  It is certain a very bright serpent! In Thai culture, nagas are sacred serpent beings , believed to bring protection, prosperity, and good fortune .  With that in mind, George sent me in there twice in the hope we'd win the lottery this weekend. 😃

When bars and restaurants close for the day in the UK, everything is taken inside and locked up.  Here it is very different. Many hospitality venues are outdoor spaces or built on terraces. When they close, they pull a simple tarpaulin around the area. All the tables, chairs, bar spirits, glasses etc all stay in the same place.  We've been to many bars, guest houses, and the beach where locals leave their mobile phones out in public places. They also leave their keys in their mopeds. Nothing is stolen.  And what's the meaning of "mai pen rai"? No problem, or don't worry!