Monday, November 24, 2003: Trying out the new computer for the 1st time. New Toshiba Sat-ellite, 2.3 GHz Pentium 4 processor, 512 K RAM, 60 GB hard drive, 802.11g WiFi, DVD reader, CDR-RW reader/burner. Only $1149 USD.

Once again, did not get any sleep the night before the trip. Lesson learned, finally, I hope: DON’T PUT OFF UNTIL THE LAST MINUTE! Gary called about 9:50 PM and said he was getting late from seeing his parents in Nebraska. He asked me to leave my car at the short-term lot. He’s now driven me and picked me up 10 times. Many thanks to him! I did miss our morning pep talk, though.

Got to the airport at 5:45 from. Check-in- one bag was 4 pounds overweight. They made me move some books to my other bag. Brought an extra bag in the car, just in case - UA allows 3 bags for Premier Executives.

Seat 4A out of Cville. Napped on the plane, woke up in DC. About 30 minutes to board the next flight. I had already been given an upgrade 2 days before take-off. I have the 777B- seat 1D! Fell asleep before taking-off from DC- woke up in Seattle! Wow! I missed breakfast, but bad a great lunch. Taken 2 Valium- 1 from Foodland, the other from a little pharmacy- At the corner of Suk soi 13. Good stuff!

I had a 1.5 hour layover at Seattle. I went to the Red Carpet Club for “Elite” flyers. Very comfy. I always go there, but have never written about it before. Good food, free bever-ages (but not alcohol). I got seat 30A on the 777B, a wonderful exit row. I think it’s one of the best seats on the plane- not E+, but plenty of legroom. Plus, the seat next to me was empty. FA’s were great- chatty, pretty, and helpful. As of this writing, I’ve snagged 3 bottles each of Bailey’s and Black Label. With a little luck, I’ll get another 4 before NRT, then another 6-10 on the way to BKK. Good small gifts for LOS.

Fell asleep again shortly after leaving SEA. This was maybe because I took another Foodland Valium. I did read an article in the Washington Post today that seemed to say that the best way to avoid jet lag is through medication. Melatonin was mentioned, but it said that it wasn’t nearly as effective as sleeping pills.

It is now 11PM Cville time. Local time is who knows. Only 3 hours 20 minutes to Tokyo. Just crossed the international date line about 30 minutes ago so it’s now officially Tuesday. I’ve been airborne for 15 hours, awake for maybe 2-3. One thing that I never get over is IT’S STILL BROAD DAYLIGHT OUTSIDE, BECAUSE WE MOVE IN THE SAME DIRECTION AS THE SUN. Speed is 501 MPH, 64 MPH headwind, -53o F outside.

I missed all the movies and some meals. That’s OK- saw “Nemo” 2 weeks ago, along with all of the other offerings- the only change the movies once/month.


Tuesday, November 25: We are running a little behind schedule because of the headwinds. I hope to get to NRT in time for one of those great showers! I’ll put a recharge on the To-shiba, too. After NRT, it’s only 6 hours to BKK and it’s nice to arrive there fresh and full of energy, even if it is 11:30 PM. It usually takes about 1.5 hours to clear immigration, customs, retrieve luggage and get a taxi to downtown. I will be staying at the Nanatai Mansion for 5 nights. 1000 B/night, then moving over to the Ambassador, Suk soi 11, on Nov 30. Fon will check-in Nov 30 and I will arrive by taxi late that night, “fresh from the airport”.


Wednesday, November 26: Get up late morning today. Head out for a massage and a day on the town

Thursday, November 27 Thanksgiving Day: Well, a bunch of us expats are going to go to the new Subway at Nana for turkey sandwiches today. Now, in the States, I would consider Thanksgiving dinner at Subway as one’s final meal before committing suicide, but, here, somehow it feels OK. Miss the “family” (H******lls), my adoptive family for some 30 years. Nancy always does a wonderful job.