Are You 75, Now, and Still in Thailand, after all these years?

[GammaGlobulin]

My Dearest Friends,

 

I am writing here, now, simply because, last week, one 75-year-old reader replied to a topic of mine, so thoughtfully and kindly.

 

I was sincerely touched by his short comment. No doubt, I can supremely identify with it.

 

Being 75, after living three-quarters of a century, is not for the faint of heart. I thought I might even faint, reading his comment, because his comment reminded me of what the world once was, filled with people of greater respect, and true class, typical of those living before the Great War, and before several other wars.

 

I know that one of my greatest faults, posting here, is to never come to the point, or to, seemingly, rarely come to any point, for that matter, and also to use too many commas, maybe up to about ten, in just one sentence.

 

So what is the point?

 

The point is that, while reading this post, you are probably sitting down at your breakfast table, wondering what you are doing with your significant other, while she sits opposite you, as she stares at her phone, and you are reading this post on your phone, rather than reading The Times, or the New York Times, and being puzzled by what you are doing, in fact, and wishing you did not need to continue doing the same old thing, every day, and maybe even for years to come, before you finally call it quits.

 

If you might be asking the point of this topic, and if you have read up to this sentence, I really often wonder what you are eating for breakfast of a morning, while reading topics such as this on TV, every early morning.

 

Maybe you are not in Thailand, and you are thinking that you wish you were in Thailand. I am in Thailand, and thinking that I am blessed to be here, every morning of my life.

 

Like you, sometimes I often consider the question:  What am I going to have for breakfast?  Probably, this question might similarly be on your mind, even though, being in a different time zone, you will have decided this question before me, each and every day. My guess is that you are living in a place where GMT is your real time. 

 

One thing for sure, is that I will not have a copy of the Times delivered to my door, tomorrow morning, 08:00 GMT, which is a shame, really.

 

I know that most of you love English Breakfast tea, the traditional blend, to start your mornings.

 

How do I know this?

Easy.

I have been reading your posts, here, for years.

 

English Breakfast tea, for me, is a bit too bitter, and too much like coffee.

Might I suggest Lipton Yellow Label, instead?

 

I am not a Tea Snob, even though I have spent most of my life drinking and loving tea.

Each to their own, just as preference for music should be each to their own.

 

Besides tea, I have definite preferences for breakfast, as I am sure is the case with you.

 

My favorite breakfast fare goes like this:

 

Lamb Vindaloo (large bowl)

Half-pound Stilton cheese

Jasmine rice (large bowl)

One suckling roast lamb, splayed out on a platter

Fried dumplings stuffed with Chinese cabbage

Suan La Tang

The New York Times of yesteryear. (These days, the NYT is a rag not worth reading.)

 

Anyway, wherever you might be, if you are 75, then you are extremely lucky. You have had the best of it, while it lasted. And, maybe, you will live to see the end of it.

 

Much love to all of you good guys on this forum.

I am not sure just how much longer we will be able to continue meeting this way.

 

Take care, my friends.

Best to all of you, for sure.

 

Regards…..

 

Note:  Enjoy your tea.  Tea is the simple pleasure in life which is inevitably always underrated.  Many good men have died just to ensure our right to drink tea in the mornings.

 

Breakfast is the best meal of the day.

 

Have a nice day!

Edited September 14, 2021 by GammaGlobulin

[GammaGlobulin]

Shout Out, to the guys from the UK who love Stilton with Tea in the mornings!

 

All my love.

 

[Why Me]

5 minutes of my life gone. And at my age every one counts, dammit.

[zzaa09]

Eating too much and too frequently is not substantially healthy. 

But then, you're a Farang and I wouldn't expect anything less.

 

 

Fasting is much more spiritual and connected than gluttony - 

[sirineou]

I scrolled to the bottom of the Op before I read, and saw so many words,  some of them big. and no pictures. So I started to think of something clever to say, but I saw something shiny . Ohhh shiny!!!

[bkk6060]

1 hour ago, GammaGlobulin said:

I know that most of you love English Breakfast tea, the traditional blend, to start your mornings.

I hate tea. A double fresh dark grind espresso with natural la crema on top starts my day.

[Etaoin Shrdlu]

My taste in breakfast food is a bit different than yours, but yes, the Gray Lady has indeed lost her way.

[GammaGlobulin]

Lest ye forget. Duane Allman is 75, this year, if not mistaken.

 

Drink more tea, my friends, and be thankful to be alive.

 

Good morning.

 

Hope this tune might wake you up, a bit.

 

 

 

 

 

[Damrongsak]

I don't drink tea, nor eat breakfast or lunch.  But I'm a young buck, only 68 years old.  I do get up in the middle of the night and eat Cheerios cereal and drink milk. Whatever.

[HappyExpat57]

I'm always reminded of Goldie Hawn on Rowan & Martin's Laugh-in when I see these posts.

Edited September 15, 2021 by HappyExpat57
added graphic

[ezzra]

 

2 hours ago, Why Me said:

5 minutes of my life gone. And at my age every one counts, dammit.

I'm not falling for his posts... clearly the OP has insomnia and thinking all night what to come up with in the morning...

[KannikaP]

3 hours ago, GammaGlobulin said:

Might I suggest Lipton Yellow Label, instead?

Absolute bilge water. Taylor's Extra Strong Yorkshire is the only way.

[KannikaP]

2 hours ago, zzaa09 said:

Eating too much and too frequently is not substantially healthy. 

But then, you're a Farang and I wouldn't expect anything less.

 

 

Fasting is much more spiritual and connected than gluttony - 

Are you suggesting that ALL farangs eat unhealthy breakfasts?

And what are you suggesting fasting is connected to please?

[Hummin]

Structure and dicipline the older you get concerning what you eat, drink and quality sleep.

 

Monday - Friday unless we are travelling

Oat pudding with banana or some other fruit, brasil nuts, cashew nuts and almond 3-4 of each. No added sugar

 

saturday and sunday

Homemdade egg and bacon, bread fresh from oven and tomato beans

 

one bottle of water and one to two cups of freshs grinded coffe made in espresso stovetop or if travelling using my aeropress. 

 

I always believed breakfest is the most important meal in a day, even they trying to come with new science (as always) I still take care of that moment on my balcony every morning. A good start makes the day!

 

However at 75 I hope I am not in Thailand anymore, but it is still a long time before I reach that age, and that statement maight change by the years. At least for the moment I have options and still a home back where I come from. 

Edited September 15, 2021 by Hummin

[GammaGlobulin]

Show some Respect for your decrepit Elders, my sons.

 

Anytime you see someone 75 years of age, then extend your hand, and help him cross the road.

 

 

 

[pgrahmm]

 

I'll be 74 next month....This was my breakfast yesterday..... It's typical of most days, eggs, bacon or sausage, fruit, non fat milk, & a salad of some sort <from our garden> with homemade bread....Other days it could be breakfast burritos, Belgian waffles, pancakes, or french toast.....Meals are always varied....

I intermittent fast, so a big breakfast & a 14:00 afternoon meal, then reset until the next day....I made pizza from scratch yesterday afternoon....

 

It's baseball season, so I'm usually watching the Giants season unfold - Feb to Oct.....

 

Some days the phones are around when we eat (I'll turn the sound off & glance at the game)..... It's about 50/50 phone-food wise....Some meals, no phones....

 

That's my gastronomical report of the day....

Got to go - time for breakfast..... Giants play at 8:45 today....

 

Possibly, I'm out of the age demographic - if so - disregard....

Edited September 15, 2021 by pgrahmm

[CharlieH]

If I make it to 75 ,I seriously doubt  I will be in Thailand.

If you think how much the world has changed in the last few years, the ever shifting uncertainty that is Thai immigration and the political scene etc and the next new "boss" in any given authority it all amounts to a "roll of the dice".

 

I used to drink Tea, and of course we all have different taste, I found the yellow label Tea only just about acceptable in some Hotels whilst travelling.

Nowadays my day starts with a Coffee, and that will be the only coffee of the day usually, unless I pop the local Cafe which does an extremely nice Mocha coffee. Generally thoughout the day its just plain water.

I am not a big eater in the morning and single piece of whole grain toast with my coffee is sufficient .

Newspapers ? well there is a blast from the past ! I used to enjoy the Sunday papers the most,although as a kid hated delivering them,extra sacks because they were so thick with supplements, a particular problem climbing the stairs in the blocks of flats ! All replced nowadays of course bt the digital media.Kind of makes you wonder whats next.

 

I think that old age for many is quite unsettling and uncertain. Things do change rapidly now, time seems to get faster with each passing year. The ever shifting sand and the knowledge that the "home" you once knew and indeed the way of life back there has gone ! wonder if there are many that do worry what will become of them here as they reach, if indeed they do reach, that age of 75.

 

 

 

 

 

[nkg]

No. I got here early ????

[nkg]

4 hours ago, GammaGlobulin said:

Much love to all of you good guys on this forum.

I am not sure just how much longer we will be able to continue meeting this way.

 

So long as crime-fighters get paid by the word to write, superheroes like GammaGlobulin will always be here in times of need ????

[BKKBike09]

4 hours ago, GammaGlobulin said:

Might I suggest Lipton Yellow Label, instead?

 

You may not.

[GammaGlobulin]

17 minutes ago, CharlieH said:

If I make it to 75 ,I seriously doubt  I will be in Thailand.

If you think how much the world has changed in the last few years, the ever shifting uncertainty that is Thai immigration and the political scene etc and the next new "boss" in any given authority it all amounts to a "roll of the dice".

 

I used to drink Tea, and of course we all have different taste, I found the yellow label Tea only just about acceptable in some Hotels whilst travelling.

Nowadays my day starts with a Coffee, and that will be the only coffee of the day usually, unless I pop the local Cafe which does an extremely nice Mocha coffee. Generally thoughout the day its just plain water.

I am not a big eater in the morning and single piece of whole grain toast with my coffee is sufficient .

Newspapers ? well there is a blast from the past ! I used to enjoy the Sunday papers the most,although as a kid hated delivering them,extra sacks because they were so thick with supplements, a particular problem climbing the stairs in the blocks of flats ! All replced nowadays of course bt the digital media.Kind of makes you wonder whats next.

 

I think that old age for many is quite unsettling and uncertain. Things do change rapidly now, time seems to get faster with each passing year. The ever shifting sand and the knowledge that the "home" you once knew and indeed the way of life back there has gone ! wonder if there are many that do worry what will become of them here as they reach, if indeed they do reach, that age of 75.

 

 

 

 

 

Believe me:

 

a. You will make it to 75.

b. By age 76, you will be looking at 86.

c. At age 90, you will be in Chiang Mai, and loving it.

d. There is really nowhere else to go, once one has lived in heaven on Earth.

e. Believe me.

f. 100 years from now, no one will be living in BKK.  

g. Believe me.

h. Are you old enough to recall the smell of newsprint?

i. I still feel nostalgic about the smell of the NYT, and the weight of it, each and every copy.

j.  Again, I tell you that you will be here in Thailand long after I am reduced to ashes.

 

Note: If you wish to remain a happy person, then please remain in Thailand, rather than to seek greener pastures elsewhere.  There are none.

 

 

[Pravda]

I hate English breakfast and I hate drinking tea in the morning

[StreetCowboy]

I love posts about wat you have for breakfast - that's why we have the internet.
I am sad that I see so few breakfast posts on Facebook nowadays; it's all adverts and learned articles and criticism of dinosaurs.

 

Any meal would be an improvement.  Or even half-empty beer glasses, with a bit of constructive criticism of the beverage and the venue.

[fredscats]

24 minutes ago, Pravda said:

I hate English breakfast and I hate drinking tea in the morning

Too true,concerning breakfast

 

Ty-Phoo tea mornings (no strings on tea bags) couple rounds of toast.... coffee evenings.

 

Its the age there is no free medical support,just expensive here in Th,......it was a 4000baht return tix to India that I took for granted as my medical mainstay,but covid robbed me of that   Hopefully the route will reopen soon,cancer scans at  35-50,000  baht here in Thailand,there for 800 baht and so on   Want eye laser surgery too,here as I read  600,000 plus,there 35000 prob less as Rp has plunged

 

Often wonder what Id be doing in UK at exact time here,     here Im at sauna most morns,swimming early afternoon,massage later afternoon,life aint that bad,but I have medivac booked cheaply through past employment if events turn ugly

 

   Years ago I bought a Yard-O-led propelling pencil,c/w paperwork,sterling silver,date stamped 1946,what would that be worth?

 

PS   I do read the Times  and Telegraph full versions..but on kindle/computer

 

Edited September 15, 2021 by fredscats

[KannikaP]

41 minutes ago, Pravda said:

I hate English breakfast and I hate drinking tea in the morning

Then I presume you do not indulge in either, but you must have done once or twice to know that you hate them.

I hate sweetbreads and warm milk in the morning!   LOL 

[GammaGlobulin]

27 minutes ago, KannikaP said:

Then I presume you do not indulge in either, but you must have done once or twice to know that you hate them.

I hate sweetbreads and warm milk in the morning!   LOL 

Even worse than warm milk, is Napalm in the Morning.

[Fat is a type of crazy]

3 hours ago, HappyExpat57 said:

I'm always reminded of Goldie Hawn on Rowan & Martin's Laugh-in when I see these posts.

Coincidence. She is now 75.

I am not sure if this post is about being 75, or breakfast, or specifically tea.

I am disappointed in the cost of good muesli in Thailand.

On holiday in Thailand I tend to eat at huge hotel smorgasbords. It's included and sometimes excellent. Not always the smart thing but I just have a small lunch and dinner. 

The best breakfast I had somewhat recently was the hotel in Koh Chang that had the issue where a negative review landed a bloke in jail.  Good bread. Good meals. Good muesli. Outlook over the sea.

I used to drink tea but now I find it heavy. Never drink coffee. 

[jwest10]

2 hours ago, CharlieH said:

If I make it to 75 ,I seriously doubt  I will be in Thailand. 

If you think how much the world has changed in the last few years, the ever shifting uncertainty that is Thai immigration and the political scene etc and the next new "boss" in any given authority it all amounts to a "roll of the dice".

 

I used to drink Tea, and of course we all have different taste, I found the yellow label Tea only just about acceptable in some Hotels whilst travelling.

Nowadays my day starts with a Coffee, and that will be the only coffee of the day usually, unless I pop the local Cafe which does an extremely nice Mocha coffee. Generally thoughout the day its just plain water.

I am not a big eater in the morning and single piece of whole grain toast with my coffee is sufficient .

Newspapers ? well there is a blast from the past ! I used to enjoy the Sunday papers the most,although as a kid hated delivering them,extra sacks because they were so thick with supplements, a particular problem climbing the stairs in the blocks of flats ! All replced nowadays of course bt the digital media.Kind of makes you wonder whats next.

 

I think that old age for many is quite unsettling and uncertain. Things do change rapidly now, time seems to get faster with each passing year. The ever shifting sand and the knowledge that the "home" you once knew and indeed the way of life back there has gone ! wonder if there are many that do worry what will become of them here as they reach, if indeed they do reach, that age of 75.

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, who knows whether I will make 72 let alone 75 or 76 and yes do eat well and breakfast is varied and also enjoy Thai food.
Charlie H and others a great post and some amusing and yes others stating when the money dries up (and LOL think this has come from the so-called other Grandmum who has not contributed it seems not one single Baht as far as I know and 16 years ago gave 10k for a health bill of 30 or 40K and that was when first came over and stated "That is all I can afford"
Yes heard this question before and heard " What happens when the money runs out"
the answer is well you can start contributing and if lucky to reach 75 (am 71 a mere spring chicken) but by that time to old to go back to the UK or as well many of us could not afford the fare and especially at the moment.
Just try and enjoy each day as and when it comes, it is the only way and just do the best for your family and that is all we can ask for and do.
Perhaps some of the very wealthy family members will help but just saw 10 pink elephants fly by my window.
However, I do notice that the extended family never ever give back substantial loans but state it was a gift!!!
I am not complaining or ranting but so pleased done the things in my life and hopefully more to come.

Just enjoy folks
 

Edited September 15, 2021 by jwest10

[Hummin]

16 minutes ago, jwest10 said:

Yes, who knows whether I will make 72 let alone 75 or 76 and yes do eat well and breakfast is varied and also enjoy Thai food.

 

I have met expats who still paragliding, go to gym, riding motorbikes, diving and skydiving past their 70íes, and still got the child in them, but common for all of them, they are careful with their diets and what they drink, and how much they drink. I have also met those who already have given up in their early 50íes or 60íes, and most of them is not so careful with their diets, nicotin or how much they drink. What also seperates them, the first group very rare stays up late at night and wake up early, and still find life amazing and fun. The second group like to stay up as long as possible and wake up late, complains alot, and think life is boring alot more than the first group mentioned.

 

 

 

A little black and white, but truth is, you got a choice to make at what end you want to be. 

[GammaGlobulin]

11 minutes ago, jwest10 said:

Yes, who knows whether I will make 72 let alone 75 or 76 and yes do eat well and breakfast is varied and also enjoy Thai food.
Charlie H and others a great post and some amusing and yes others stating when the money dries up (and LOL think this has come from the so-called other Grandmum who has not contributed it seems not one single Baht as far as I know and 16 years ago gave 10k for a health bill of 30 or 40K and that was when first came over and stated "That is all I can afford"
Yes heard this question before and heard " What happens when the money runs out"
the answer is well you can start contributing and if lucky to reach 75 (am 71 a mere spring chicken) but by that time to old to go back to the UK or as well many of us could not afford the fare and especially at the moment.
Just try and enjoy each day as and when it comes, it is the only way and just do the best for your family and that is all we can ask for and do.
Perhaps some of the very wealthy family members will help but just saw 10 pink elephants fly by my window.
However, I do notice that the extended family never ever give back substantial loans but state it was a gift!!!
I am not complaining or ranting but so pleased done the things in my life and hopefully more to come.

Just enjoy folks
 

Why are you so worried about making 72, or reaching 76?

 

Have you never heard of Jack Bruce?

 

Do you even THINK that Jack Bruce was worried about his age???

 

Jack Bruce was NEVER pussyfoot.

 

Get a grip, man, and be like Jack BRUCE, and enjoy your breakfast.

 

Get a grip, my friend.