An Interesting Seatmate on my way to Bangkok

 On my flight from Singapore to Bangkok, I had an unforgettable seatmate. Before the flight, I noticed two young ladies trying to communicate with an older female passenger who had placed her feet on the seat and seemed annoyed by the interruption. Eventually, the lady reluctantly moved to the seat next to me, which was not her assigned one.

As soon as she settled in, she removed her high-heeled shoes and put her feet on the chair while reclining her seat. She wore golden rings and bracelets, a flowery red, green, and orange dress, and heavy makeup with red lipstick and nail polish. She even used the flight attendant's hot towel to clean her arms, legs, and feet, but not her face.

During takeoff, she was already snoring with both her feet up. She complied reluctantly when the flight attendants asked her to straighten her seat. Later, she tried to talk to me in Mandarin, but I told her I only understood English. She then stood on her seat to reach for her backpack in the storage bin and left it open when she couldn't close it. A flight attendant had to close it later.

When the FA served meals, she again talked to me in Mandarin, and I had to rely on the FA's translation. She took photos of the food and ate with gusto and slurping. After the meal, she went back to sleep with her feet up. I put my earphones on to tune her out.

Before landing, the FA reminded her to straighten her seat again. But as soon as the plane landed, she unbuckled her seatbelt, grabbed her backpack from the storage bin, and tried to leave before the FA allowed it. The FA scolded her in Mandarin, and she reluctantly returned to her seat, but not before putting her backpack on her lap and wearing her high heels.

As soon as the plane parked, she rushed out like a rhino on drugs, ramming people along the way. When she disappeared from my view, I felt relieved yet fascinated by her peculiar behavior.

My seatmate was interesting, although not the most considerate or polite. I couldn't understand her language, but her body language and actions spoke volumes. It was a lesson in cultural differences and patience.

Harmful Effects of Leaf blowers to the Environment

I have been contemplating purchasing a leafblower machine for our home and farm. While looking for the machine and appropriate brand online, I stumbled on a memo that said, "Avoid Pesticides and Leafblowers." 

So I went to look for why this machine hurt the environment.

Leaf blowers are harmful to the environment for several reasons:

1. Air pollution: Leaf blowers produce emissions, including carbon monoxide, nitrogen oxides, and volatile organic compounds, which contribute to air pollution. This pollution can harm humans and the environment, particularly in urban areas with high concentrations of people and vehicles.

2. Noise pollution: Leaf blowers are loud, and their noise can disrupt the peace and quiet of residential neighborhoods and natural areas. This noise pollution can also have adverse health effects on people and animals.

3. Disruption of natural ecosystems: Leaf blowers can disrupt natural ecosystems by blowing away leaves, soil, and other debris. This can harm beneficial microorganisms and insects essential to soil health and plant growth. Also, leaf blowers can destroy habitats for small animals such as insects, lizards, and rodents.

4. Waste of energy and resources: Leaf blowers use fossil fuels, which contribute to climate change, and they consume electricity if they are powered by electricity. They also consume valuable resources, such as oil and gas, that could be used better.

Thus, leaf blowers are harmful to the environment and should be used sparingly or avoided altogether if possible. Alternative methods, such as raking or using a broom, can be just as effective and have a less environmental impact.