China Town blues

17 July 2004
The last time we visited Manila, my best friend and her husband took us to China Town in Binondo and Hubby thought that was the most interesting part of the trip. He loved the little shops and trinkets they sell. However, he was appalled at the pollution of the river. I have to say I was horrified as well and very sad that the local government does not seem to care! They had a similar problem in London years ago when the Thames was getting polluted. It took them a decade to fix the problem but they did it. Now the swans are back (by the way, all swans in Britain are owned by the Queen so no-one are allowed to kill them etc) and the air quality has improved. This also coincided with the prohibition of chimney fires, which polluted much of London air. There is a marked boundary between London and the Home Counties where chimneys are banned from being used. Good thing gas and central heating came into the picture. Anyway, I digress.
I suppose I notice the dirty streets more when I come home for a visit. It is not meant to be a criticism, just surprised that people put up with it. Correct me if I am wrong but just because people are poor, does it mean they have to be slovenly and dirty as well? The damage to one’s health and safety could be devastating. Simple things like not urinating, defecating or spitting in public areas should be enforced. The government should encourage recycling and pride in one’s environment. It is the same reasoning that I couldn’t understand why some people smoke. It is a slow way to commit suicide. I believe that it is possible to quit if you are disciplined enough. I remembered when I first met my hubby. He used to smoke a couple of cigarettes a day (mostly at night watching TV). I told him I was allergic to smoke and it affects my asthma. Since he really hasn’t seen me having a major attack, it was not an issue for us. He just made sure the room was properly ventilated when he smoked. Then he switched to cigars. He and my father in law enjoyed their cigars and ales/scotch after dinner. At one time I even bought hubby cigars from America. Anyway, one day he witnessed an attack and that made him aware of my problem. Suddenly, about four years ago he simply told me he quit smoking altogether. At first his father was sceptical because although hubby was not a chain smoker he had the odd one every now and then. But to his credit, he’s never puffed another cigar or cigarette since then. A year or so after that my father in law also gave up his cigarillos. We are now a non smoking family and my house is a non smoker’s haven.
What I am saying is people could change their habits if they put their minds to it. Smoking is an addiction and poisons the body like no other. It is not a normal way of life. Even at work I take a dim view about smokers. These people will be a burden to our National Health System when they get sick but then again life isn’t fair to those who wish to walk the straight and narrow.
Enough of my ranting!
Hubby and I are celebrating our anniversary in by staying overnight in the Cornish coast in Newquay. I can’t wait for the mini break. I’ve been working really hard and I’m ready for this.