Hello from London ka.
I've been away from home for about one week already because of some wonderful family matters, being around our niece before she gave birth to her second baby boy ka.
It gave me some good lessons to be away from my usual routine and environment and let me share some ka:
- Being a mom in a foreign country has to be tougher and more efficient to manage the family life, my niece is one as well. We were with her a bit earlier before she went into labor so we got to take care of her 2-year old boy when she had to go to the hospital a very early morning to give birth. It was a big challenge because the boy is very attached to his mom and in fact was crying a lot waiting for his mommy to come back home. My niece and her husband decided to return home that very evening without staying over at the hospital at all. Admittedly, my sister--the grandma-- and I were relieved. It was a long day for my niece, her husband and definitely us two:))!
- My niece has a one-year maternity leave, which is really great. My niece can get 90% of her salary for the first month and the government will pay a sum from the second to ninth months. No government allowance is given for the third baby on as it's considered 'luxury' ka.
Her husband has a two-week paternity leave and his presence at home has been so very helpful, from bringing the oldest son to a football class and a child minder, to nappy changing and food shopping plus many other. I hope our younger Thai males will play more active paternal role.
- Traveling on our own is convenient but I had to adjust myself the first few days. Was thinking it's been a healthy challenge to be in such a situation once in a while to understand cross-cultural issues even more deeply. I expect to see many elderly but find it amazing to see lots of babies from diverse groups. Can't help thinking of the US where diversity is also high. Somehow I feel London may be far diverse!
- uber is convenient and quite popular while there're private companies too.... and the black cabs stay on! How I wish our country could solve the uber issue soon since it's really convenient to passengers. The idea of having uber car pool system sounds good but may not be that applicable to us for now?
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