Off to Thailand Today

[thongd4me 69]

3-2-1 Blastoff!

Going to JFK within hours.

I'll be in Bangkok Tuesday.

Hope to get NOA2 before I leave Thailand.

Taking Care of Business - we already have evidence of meeting within 2 years but this will hopefully seal the deal.

[JimVaPhuong 4,863]

Have a great time!

[Anh map 2,098]

safe trip

[DaveTX 2]

Enjoy it! We got NOA2 as I was about to check in for my flight home on last trip. Takes some of the sting out of leaving and I avoided a teary round of "Why you leave me here?"

[HYENA 4]

Warm weather...fresh mangoes....iced coffee in the morning and lots of nothing to do....ahhhh!

Oh and fresh Lamyai!

Edited October 5, 2009 by HYENA

[thongd4me 69]

Arrived safely Tuesday (Oct 6 @ 7:00 PM).

In the last 2 years they changed a NYC subway stop I used to change at (51st St.) to get to

Queens for the "train to the plane." I had luck to ask an MTA employee who pointed me to

the effective alternative (R at 59th, then E to Sutphin Blvd.). No time lost.

I flew to Dubai (Emirates Airlines) and the last stretch of the first leg was flying N to S

the whole length of Iraq and then over the Red Sea. No "friendly fire" antiaircraft fire

or pirates encountered.

Dubai was a let down visually but was a GREAT stopover (only 2 hours) when compared

to previous ones in Tokyo and San Franciso. I thought it would be clear skies (as Dubai

is a desert region) but it was overcast and foggy (I guess because it is coastal). I didn't

land at night as anticipated but at 7 AM, no impressive skyline to speak of. Everybody's

front lawn was pretty much sand, although in the center of the city you could see some

grass & trees (I'm guessing the soil was imported from temperate climates as sand

limits what can be grown.)

The NY - Dubai leg was great, as I had a window seat in a row that only had 2 seats and

the seat next to mine was unoccupied. The leg to BKK was pretty much packed but shorter.

Thai Airlines still holds 1st prize for service AND food; Emirates had OK service but the

food was strictly NY-cafeteria style.

A short taxi ride to the hotel (one we stayed at since 2004).

Writing this from the high school (she is always working even on holiday time) the following day.

Best wishes,

TD4Me

SO happy to be here!

No NOA2 yet but big CONGRATS to all who have it.

Hope to get it before going back to NYC.

[b_weeks 6]

Have agreat trip

[thongd4me 69]

Had my jet lag nap and we're going to dinner with some Ministry of Education types tonight.

She had her annual medical exam at the school today and they had a full setup for eye examination

including choosing the frames. Since I've been long overdue for new glasses, I asked them and

got a very professional exam, chose frames etc.

I couldn't make up my mind which of 2 frames to choose so she formed a "blue ribbon committee"

of 5 young high school girls to decide which frames were best for me.

Thailand - gotta love it!

[ThaiStyleUSA 1]

Good luck on your journey and best wishes always. :thumbs:

[thongd4me 69]

Day 2

Last night we were invited to an informal pot-luck supper with some Ministry of Education

big shots, but it was very relaxed. If you can imagine a retired female school director (over

60 yrs old) shouting "I told dirty joke!" Thais are so relaxed compared to Americans that

it no longer shocks me. This group may have some influence on obtaining her early

retirement (still not in the bag, as she was one of the top award winning teachers for

many years). Many of them said they don't want her to retire, but since she says they

like me that may help smooth things over.

Thai teachers as a group have impressed me with their great teamwork and family

feeling for each other. They often travel in a mixed (not all one sex) group just for "sanook."

Tonight we'll have a restaurant dinner with her soon-to-be University grad son, who also

knows me well. I got a pic last night with her current & former school director and the two

of us which will be great to show at the consulate interview.

I don't have brother Hyena's talent for remembering names of Thai dishes, but what we had last

night was fantastic for the variety & taste. They mix ingredients that Americans wouldn't

imagine in a million years. Julia Child may have been a genius French chef but

I wouldn't trade Thai food for anything.

I forgot - both of us are supposed to be on diets!

[Mountain Climber 186]

Sounds like you are having a great time. Good luck on your journey!!! :thumbs:

[Kang Lang 7]

glad you made it safely enjoy your time! continued good luck on the journey!!!!

(asiana is also an AWESOME airline, fantastic service and pretty good food if you like korean and i do, impeccable service! voted 2008 airline of the year in fact)

[thongd4me 69]

Day 4

Went to her hometown Friday after morning at her school.

Took lots of good pics of us together at the big assembly with

all the students.

Visited some of her relatives & went to Buddhist temple to

ward off evil spirits (see ex-husband's former girlfriend from hell).

Released eels and turtles in temple pond to generate good vibes.

[thongd4me 69]

Last night was the wake for a neighbor woman.

Today (Saturday) will be the cremation; we will attend.

[HYENA 4]

my Issan family was singing...doing the dead relative worship service. 4 family members are going into the monastery; pretty cool.

Just describe the dish and I'll have my fiancee name it. I have no memory except for my absolute favorites.

I agree; Thai food is second to none! I thought Pad Thai was some complicated dish...we make it here all the time now!