krobbie
August 24th, 2008, 15:56
I went to see Kevin again on Wednesday. It was early out of bed at 6am as I wanted to get there for 9-10.30 visiting time so as not to impinge on Kevin's bf's visit in the afternoon.
Rush hour going from the start of the BTS at Saphan Thaksin to the last stop at MO Chit was a bit of a crush. Not a seat to be had. I was quite pleased to get in the cab at Mo Chit for the 15 minute ride to Klong Prem.
In a total reversal of my last visit the officer in charge of visiting was a bit abrasive. He said I could not leave the 2 books, newspaper and crosswords I had been cutting from the BKK Post for a week as Kevin had to write a letter to the "people upstairs" and then I could leave them.
It is very difficult to explain to a Thai Policeman that Kevin is not clairvoyant so he is unable to know what I have in my now sweaty paws. Please may I leave them for him? NO! Bugger that. There is nothing more final than a "NO" from a prison guard except myself. I decided to bide my time until I had seen Kevin.
As usual Kevin was scrubbed and looking squeaky clean. Visiting day is big news. Kevin's daily routine is to arise and wash/shower and while away the morning and sleep through the afternoon and write letters and read through the night and then get a little sleep. He finds this passes the time seemingly quicker than being awake through all the daylight hours.
His hair is great and is cut well, so I guess they have a decent barber in the building. He looks good but says he requires more exercise as he only has his room to manouver in. He has no recreational time but is hopeful that his request for some time in the gym or at least an exercise yard may bare fruit without lessening his need to be in the clean hospital wing.
By the time I had imparted some news, exchanged some information he required and handed over the phone to my partner for him to have some time to speak, than they pulled the bloody plug. Literally. We were in the middle of a sentence and snap, gone. He says you never know. The nice guard will let you know there is only a little time left but this one just flips the switch and the conversation is ended. There is only time then to press finger tips to the perspex before you all are herded out into the waiting area again. The total conversation time was exactly 20 minutes.
Okay ... time to tackle the officer again. Kevin explained why I should not to lose my temper with the guard but smile through my teeth but be adamant. I can be quite charming and relayed my apologies for being so stern with him but it was because I was going home to New Zealand in 2 days time and there was no time to waste as I would not be back again until December.
Grumpily he gestured the space in the grille to leave the books and other offerings. He checked these to make sure I wasn't trying to smuggle a pound cake with a file in it or some other escape assistance and with a wave of the hand I was dismissed. Well pooh to you to. At least I got the books across the counter and look forward to a rematch in December at which I will be sweetness and light.
All I can say is Kevin is holding up well in view of his situation. He is a string man emotionally but am sure he has his moments of desperation and aloneness. He is keenly aware of who holds the power though and is just as keen not to ruffle feathers and play by the the rules. This way his life currently is a little more bearable.
I took note of all who had messaged me or who wrote here and wanted me to say hello for them. He was heartened at the kind wishes. Good on you. You know who you are and the rest ... well I guess you have ascertained my thoughts on the detractors. Don't bother me with your petty pevishness. I ain't interested.
Cheers jinks. A job well done,
krobbie
Rush hour going from the start of the BTS at Saphan Thaksin to the last stop at MO Chit was a bit of a crush. Not a seat to be had. I was quite pleased to get in the cab at Mo Chit for the 15 minute ride to Klong Prem.
In a total reversal of my last visit the officer in charge of visiting was a bit abrasive. He said I could not leave the 2 books, newspaper and crosswords I had been cutting from the BKK Post for a week as Kevin had to write a letter to the "people upstairs" and then I could leave them.
It is very difficult to explain to a Thai Policeman that Kevin is not clairvoyant so he is unable to know what I have in my now sweaty paws. Please may I leave them for him? NO! Bugger that. There is nothing more final than a "NO" from a prison guard except myself. I decided to bide my time until I had seen Kevin.
As usual Kevin was scrubbed and looking squeaky clean. Visiting day is big news. Kevin's daily routine is to arise and wash/shower and while away the morning and sleep through the afternoon and write letters and read through the night and then get a little sleep. He finds this passes the time seemingly quicker than being awake through all the daylight hours.
His hair is great and is cut well, so I guess they have a decent barber in the building. He looks good but says he requires more exercise as he only has his room to manouver in. He has no recreational time but is hopeful that his request for some time in the gym or at least an exercise yard may bare fruit without lessening his need to be in the clean hospital wing.
By the time I had imparted some news, exchanged some information he required and handed over the phone to my partner for him to have some time to speak, than they pulled the bloody plug. Literally. We were in the middle of a sentence and snap, gone. He says you never know. The nice guard will let you know there is only a little time left but this one just flips the switch and the conversation is ended. There is only time then to press finger tips to the perspex before you all are herded out into the waiting area again. The total conversation time was exactly 20 minutes.
Okay ... time to tackle the officer again. Kevin explained why I should not to lose my temper with the guard but smile through my teeth but be adamant. I can be quite charming and relayed my apologies for being so stern with him but it was because I was going home to New Zealand in 2 days time and there was no time to waste as I would not be back again until December.
Grumpily he gestured the space in the grille to leave the books and other offerings. He checked these to make sure I wasn't trying to smuggle a pound cake with a file in it or some other escape assistance and with a wave of the hand I was dismissed. Well pooh to you to. At least I got the books across the counter and look forward to a rematch in December at which I will be sweetness and light.
All I can say is Kevin is holding up well in view of his situation. He is a string man emotionally but am sure he has his moments of desperation and aloneness. He is keenly aware of who holds the power though and is just as keen not to ruffle feathers and play by the the rules. This way his life currently is a little more bearable.
I took note of all who had messaged me or who wrote here and wanted me to say hello for them. He was heartened at the kind wishes. Good on you. You know who you are and the rest ... well I guess you have ascertained my thoughts on the detractors. Don't bother me with your petty pevishness. I ain't interested.
Cheers jinks. A job well done,
krobbie