Countdown At Traffic Lights

Well, hey there! You just light up my day! Coffee’s fresh and so’re the muffins, doughnuts and croissants. Quite a virtual selection for you up on the top shelf. 

The city of Bangkok, which is notorious for traffic jams, has installed timers at busy intersections to let motorists know how long they have to wait for a green light.  The timers were installed to help drivers calm down who may have been waiting at a red light for a long time. I’ve waited up to 20 minutes for a light to change!

Actually, it is not only Bangkok. We have had them them here in the Pattaya-Banglamung area for at least a couple of years now so presumably they are now located throughout the Kingdom.  I think they are great. Now you don’t have to wait and wonder a) if you are can make it through the light, or b) how long before the redlight changes. Sometimes there is even a counter on the amber light. Now, you don’t have to keep your foot on the gas ready to race ahead. You can relax because you know you have exactly 37 seconds to wait. Isn’t knowledge wonderful? Think of the peace of mind it brings. 

 

Of course, there is another side to it. There is one light where, coming off the road onto the main highway, the light is green for 30 seconds. If I am three or four cars back and the lead car takes its time, as often happens, the angst is back!

The digital countdown numbers are what Thailand uses but there is another ‘timer’ kind where there is a circle around the light and this uses the ‘timer’ principle. It’s better than nothing but I like to see the actual numbers so’s I know where I’m at, eh!

See ya!

Bob

Comment from Jenny in Farnborough, England:

Hi bob, I noticed in your picture of khat, there was a chunk missing,( did any one else notice) , come on bob did that little piece go in your arabica coffee, lol . Jenny

Bob’s reply:

Could have gone into my latest batch of purr…fect meow muffins! I can’t seem to remember…