I'm Here!

After months and months of planning...the vision became a reality as I arrived in Bangkok today around 12:30 p.m. Though the trip was long, it was uneventful and at times comfortable. China Air kept us well fed--perhaps too much so, and entertained with movies, etc., but the seat were pretty packed. No matter, I'm here now.

I was fortunate to meet two American women who grew up in Thailand. Both Peggy and Jintana were wonderful to me, helping with the first words of Thai greeting (I can't spell it correctly, but sounds like Sa-wat-te- Kaay. When I greet the Thai with these kind words, the Thai respond with a heartfelt smile).

Jintana is from Seattle and is the owner of Ocean Thai near Greenlake (across from what used to be Albertsons), so you Seattlites go check out her restaurant. Jintana & her family were lovely to me; she was going to help me get cab, and her brother Somchai decided to drive me all the way into Bangkok--through Bangkok traffic--to my hotel. It was an unexpected gift and after 17+ hours of flight with negligible sleep I was, and still am, very very grateful.

I'm at the Rambuttri Inn & will likely be there for at least the next couple of days unless I see another area I would like to explore. My room is very basic, but clean and air conditioned. And with the 90 degrees outside, I'm very comfortable inside.

I had a quick shower when I got in, then took the evening to amble around ChakkaPhong road, near a very beautiful temple and a lot of tourist shops. The air was warm, but breezy, and the sound of palm and coconut fronds gave the night a sleepy mellow feel. I've already had a wonderful meal of fresh coconut juice and garlic fried snapper. Yum!

Check out some pictures My photos link, if you wish. Until then, I am so very grateful for the fortune of good friends and family--old and new--who have supported me in with this journey.