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1. Mishari Muqbil (mishari@mastodon.technology)'s status on Monday, 20-Jun-2022 12:49:46 UTC Mishari Muqbil

   Yesterday I walked 10kms with my 8yo child. This is a short thread on what we did and why car dependent cities are a catastrophe for raising children:

   • Mishari Muqbil (mishari@mastodon.technology)'s status on Monday, 20-Jun-2022 12:49:44 UTC Mishari Muqbil

     in reply to

     At the protest site we were discussing the riot police, riot gear, what the protests were all about and who would win. I taught him about situation awareness, and witnessed the cheery atmosphere and the food. He said he really enjoyed the protests!

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   • Mishari Muqbil (mishari@mastodon.technology)'s status on Monday, 20-Jun-2022 12:49:45 UTC Mishari Muqbil

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     After that we went to Union Mall so I could scout the location for the OpenTech Thailand Meetup. He watched people do dance practice (for an hour) and we talked about poor people, how to make and maintain wealth, and donating to buskers whom we passed along the way.

   • Mishari Muqbil (mishari@mastodon.technology)'s status on Monday, 20-Jun-2022 12:49:45 UTC Mishari Muqbil

     in reply to

     Upon our return, he wanted to take a 3 wheeler, so we stopped several stations away from our destination so we could call the service. While we were waiting, he said he wanted to check out the protests happening nearby, so we walked to the protest site.

   • Mishari Muqbil (mishari@mastodon.technology)'s status on Monday, 20-Jun-2022 12:49:46 UTC Mishari Muqbil

     in reply to

     Bangkok may not be the most pedestrian friendly city in the world but the inner city is is blessed with functioning sidewalks, crossing points, and a kaleidoscope of public transport options from trains, buses, boats to 2 - 4 wheeled taxis. It's also notorious for heavy traffic.

   • Mishari Muqbil (mishari@mastodon.technology)'s status on Monday, 20-Jun-2022 12:49:46 UTC Mishari Muqbil

     in reply to

     My son wanted to go to the Air Force Museum so I tasked him with figuring out how to get there, following closely behind. He read the signs, talked to the staff and managed to navigate to the Museum. I taught him to pay attention to the announcement and read maps.

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   • Mishari Muqbil (mishari@mastodon.technology)'s status on Monday, 20-Jun-2022 12:50:33 UTC Mishari Muqbil

     in reply to

     Then we continued the walk, I dropped by at the apple store for a warranty claim and we looked at all the gizmos while we waited for attendance. After that we walked to the restaurant where he said they have super yummy Japanese food.

   • Mishari Muqbil (mishari@mastodon.technology)'s status on Monday, 20-Jun-2022 12:50:33 UTC Mishari Muqbil

     in reply to

     He was also surprised to have walked 10kms as last time he was complaining of being tired when he walked 4. I explained to him that mental framing is very important, if you concentrate on the job instead of feeling tired, then you will be able to keep going no matter what you do.

   • Mishari Muqbil (mishari@mastodon.technology)'s status on Monday, 20-Jun-2022 12:50:33 UTC Mishari Muqbil

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     If we had taken a car, I would've drove to the air force museum, drove to union mall, drove to the restaurant, and drove home. It would have been a sterile air-conditioned bubble, devoid of human interaction, learning opportunities, or culinary sampling.

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   • Mishari Muqbil (mishari@mastodon.technology)'s status on Monday, 20-Jun-2022 12:50:58 UTC Mishari Muqbil

     in reply to

     The skills he learned along the way is also repeatable, he doesn't need a driving license to be free and self sufficient. This will be essential for him when he's a little older and would like to go out and experience things for himself.

     Santa Claes 🇸🇪🇭🇰🎅 repeated this.
   • Mishari Muqbil (mishari@mastodon.technology)'s status on Monday, 20-Jun-2022 12:50:58 UTC Mishari Muqbil

     in reply to

     If we lived in a city or area that's heavily car dependent, my son would be unable to gain the organic experiences that makes life worth living. There's no serendipity and a very rigid flow to one's daily schedule. He'd be in a virtual prison.

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   • Mishari Muqbil (mishari@mastodon.technology)'s status on Monday, 20-Jun-2022 12:51:29 UTC Mishari Muqbil

     in reply to

     I'd also be burdened with his logistical needs until he gets his drivers license as well as have the additional burden of buying him a car. This way as a family we're all free to pursue opportunities and experiences for ourselves.

     This is why I advocate for car free cities. /end

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   • LearnTribe :neurodiversity: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 (learntribe@disqordia.space)'s status on Monday, 20-Jun-2022 12:51:42 UTC LearnTribe :neurodiversity: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

     in reply to
     @mishari
     Thank you for sharing your story, it's powerful advocacy for what is possible if we break the mindset of using a car.
     I also feel it was a valuable reminder that life is to be experienced, not fitted into a strict timetable, my normal habit is to think in terms of getting from A to B to C at set times as a logistics exercise of making sure the family all get to where they need to be in the most efficient way. We all need to have more days like this one where we take time to see what is happening around us!
     
     Would you mind if I shared a screen grab of your post with my sustainability group at work - I think they would find it inspiring.
   • Mishari Muqbil (mishari@mastodon.technology)'s status on Monday, 20-Jun-2022 12:51:42 UTC Mishari Muqbil

     in reply to

     • LearnTribe :neurodiversity: 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

     @LearnTribe also I read your profile, cool, I'm into homeschooling and I organise CoderDojo a programming club based on open source principles.

     Santa Claes 🇸🇪🇭🇰🎅 likes this.