May 15, 2010
We made attempt #2 this afternoon to survey accessibility beyond our immediate soi in trying to figure out the exit routes should there be a need to make a dash when shit hits the fan. What we found out turned out to be quite positive: No problem in getting out of the soi whatsoever; the potential problem is coming back in, especially if you attempt entry via a vehicle.
Basically, the army seems to have secured our soi from the potential Red threats. They have installed check-points with mini-barricades every 100m from one end of our soi to the other end, as well as bunkers along the streets. By the looks of it, they have pretty much sealed off the main road that intersects our soi, preventing unauthorised vehicles or perhaps even taxis coming in. It is, however, still OK to get in and out on foot – which was what did after we checked out the area, went to visit out neighbour in Bumrungrad Hospital (they just had a baby), went for a foot massage and then decided to do a little bit of groceries.
Sukhumvit was pretty much quiet with armed soldiers everywhere, checking on every single vehicle that passed through. Despite the tension, they seemed helpful and smiling quite a bit.There were still a few people walking around and hanging about – locals and tourists alike.
It also appeared that they were installing snipers in some of the buildings within our soi. Residents here have been given some form of formal certificate to certify that we have the right to be here, with advise from our apartment staff that we should stay in after 6 pm.
If anything, it is looking like our soi is probably one of safest place to be in, given that it has been secured by the military. Only, I’m skeptical about the fact that most of the soldiers seem pretty young and if they know what they are doing. Perhaps, it might not be inaccurate to speculate that these young boys themselves are also probably nervous to take on this massive responsibility.
I’m hoping this madness will stop soon. It’s annoying that we can’t even send the cats to the vet for their imminent annual jabs which happened to be due today!
May 15, 2010
It took me a while into the book to realise that it’s about a mountaineering expedition. It is purported to be a semi-historical novel. Well into the book, I then realised that it was inspired by a true story, and , so we all know how the story ends. Yeah…I’m THAT slow! :p
It really is a simple story line, but one that got me hooked from page to page. To me, it does not seem atypical of Jeffrey Archer’s – which, could explain why, apart from the fact that I was on vacation, it took me a while to realise what the heck I was actually reading.
The bit of synopsis from the back cover of the book of: ”But not until you’ve turned the last page of this extraordinary novel will you be able to decide if George Mallory should be added to a list of legends because, if he were, another name would have to be removed”. It is, indeed, a great topic to ponder, speculate and discuss about for a bit.
There really are no twists or turns in this so called thriller type of tale. It is in fact a rather well-told biographical adventure story. It is colourful and dramatic and well worth the read. To me, it is another bloody brilliant read from Mr Archer.
May 14, 2010
We have been hearing intermittent explosions since late last night and, gunshots after gunshot around our apartment. It almost felt surreal.
We were told that pretty much every road surrounding the area where we live will be sealed off; which meant that we won’t be spared the inconvenience, as all exits from where our soi meets the main roads will no doubt be affected. That means, we will pretty much be like prisoners in our own home, with no real date of being “released”.
Wondering how bad the extent of the road’s accessibility (or in this case, the INaccessibility) will be, in case we need to make an exit if shit happens, we decided to take a walk to the end of our soi. Just so, we can get a feel of things. Walking halfway down towards the end of the soi, we literally stopped short in our tracks when we saw soldiers after solders emerging from a corner in a war-like stance as they moved towards us. I swear my heart started palpitating almost immediately!
Every one of them was armed, and within seconds, humvees and military trucks followed suit. Helicopters were seen circling around. It felt really intense, as if anything could happen at that very moment. I started getting jittery and thought that we should turn back! Silver Bullet had brought his camera gear along, and so took the opportunity to snap a few pictures, making ME feel extremely bothered and impatient. It felt like a very long wait! But! He does have a few nice pictures to boot.
We abandoned the thought of walking towards the end of the soi. At least for now, till it feels like it is easing out a little. Till then, we will be prisoners in our own home…
Here are some snapshots of the army marching right into our soi this afternoon:
