Thailand 2012

Michelle

Flew from Bangkok to Tokyo in a less than comfy economy class seat. You know what I hate the most about not being in first class? It was my near constant anxiety that I will fall asleep and lean on the person next to me. Even worse, who owns that other arm rest? Obviously everyone has one arm rest exclusively for them but there is one extra, and I never want to be that bitch who takes it for my own. I watched Moonrise Kingdom on the flight, cute movie.

Once arriving in a snowy Japan my family parted two ways my parents to Detroit and my sister and to the longest most inefficient security line ever leading to the JFK gate. Once we refreshed the seat assignment list and saw we were sitting in first class all inconveniences were forgiven. I enjoyed my 12 hours watching This Means War & Wanderlust while drinking upwards of 4 glasses of wine and enjoying my fancy business class food served on real plates.

I didn't know how I felt when I arrived to NYC, a huge part of me does not want to stay in The States and despises every return. Being here means it's back to work and the reality that I am a struggling young adult living on the edge of poverty in a town that has a way of making you feel like you are never good enough. I was happy to see my amazing apartment that Beth rearranged in a way better fashion while I was away.

This trip has made me clear to the fact that my life needs to involve travel. I want to explore and have adventures. Now I am more motivated to fix my financial mess and get On The Road more often. Thai people have also taught me that life does't need to be so serious all the time, living in the moment is an easier way to be content. Hopefully I can be less stressed and more grateful with what I have here and now.

Thank you Mom and Dad for funding our best vacation yet! Until next year ... Ireland I suggest?

Donna

We left Linda's about 4am, and there was already traffic on the road to the airport. We checked in for the flight, and put our names on the "airport list", then we were told to take a seat in the departure hall. They were not allowing any non-rev's past the security point. This worried me, since I was not standing at the gate and wondered how we would board the flight at the last second if there was a seat available?  So we waited, and waited, till an agent appeared and began calling out names.  Once our name was called,  we were told to run to the gate..so that means also security ( which was a joke), We ran passed all the interesting shops I would have liked to stop in to spend my last Bhat's! We kept running....this gate was the furthest one from the ticket counter. We arrived breathless to find a huge line trying to board the flight. We had been given seats in coach, and I was happy to be on our way! 

Michelle

I couldn't believe that this was our last full day, it was making me really depressed. Yet I got up bright and early with a small on my face and headed out for a day of tourism. Our first stop was a guided audio tour at the Grand Palace. It was really beautiful, I found it interesting that they take so much influence from different parts of the world (statues from China, and main buildings straight out of Europe). The royal Mother of Pearl thrown was very impressive. My mom reminded me that the room would soon be used for the King's funeral (he is 84 and in the hospital), morbid mom.

Our next stop was the Reclining Buddha. Built very large so that nothing/nobody wouldn't be intimidated by Buddha. The statues were most impressive. 

We then took our driver out for a little lunch. This man sort of speaks English, he is literally so nice. Then we went on a boat cruise, which we somehow snuck on and off of without paying ... good lessons my parents are teaching me. On the tour we found the big building were the Hangover 2 was filmed, I was so bummed that we wouldn't have a chance to eat there.

For dinner we got a little crazy and went for Mexican (buy 1 get 1 Margs). After eating more food than a horse I went for a Thai Massage, it was amazing and much to my astonishment I didn't throw up! Once we arrived back at Linda's it was all about packing (I found a little time for wine of course). I went to sleep/took a nap knowing that in only 4 hours I needed to wake up and return to that real home of mine in The States. 

Donna

Michelle

Back in Bangkok! We spent our last long morning at the pool, grocery shopped and then went off to the mall. Terminal 21 is a really cool place, it is set up to look like an airport and every floor is a different major city. It doesn't have a NYC but oddly two floors of San Francisco (clearly the investor is from San Fran). My favorite floor was Istanbul, I really want to go there!

Donna

Good thing this is the last day of unlimited breakfast buffets.  So much great food…..my clothes are getting tight.  

Michelle

It seems my family has a thing for visiting European pubs while in Asia. Our trip to Chaing Mai would of course not have been complete without good-bye drinks surrounded by white tourist. It was enjoyable to watch my Dad befriend a group of young Aussies, while drinking a Blue Lagoon because he was "tired of beer". They got a really kick about the concept of the ever popular Outback steakhouse. 

Back to Bangkok! I am really growing to love to love it here, I can't believe in a few days I am expected to resume normal life.

Donna

We met our driver for the day and headed up into the National Park to visit Wat Phra That Doi Suthep.  This is travel advisers #1 thing to do in Chiang Mai, so it had to be on my list.  The trip was very interesting thanks to our guide.  Mr. Seart, email [email protected], or +66 (0) 81 952 4895.  We discussed Buddhism, and he explained the difference between the traditional view usually practiced in Thailand, and the more modern Mayhana version practiced in India and other places in Asia.  He is a former Monk, and holds to the traditional view.  When we saw a tourist hand over his wallet to a monk for a blessing, he laughed.  Money is not brought to you by luck, he said, you have to work for it.  He is disappointed by the commercialism of Buddhism for tourists, and I agree.  He tells us Buddha was not a God, and one shouldn't be praying to him or asking for favors. 

Later we drove to a silk factory to see how silk is made and woven into cloth.  The factory then led to the store. Of course. I expected that, but I didn’t expect the prices to be SOOO high.  Tom bought a tie, and I figured I could do better buying at the Night Bazaar near our hotel or at a Macys sale. With touring being over for the day, we had some time for me to catch up on this writing at the pool.  I plan to have something to eat, and then get myself into the gym.   Funny how things happen. I have be so very careful watching my steps, looking ahead for obstacles, trying not to fall and pop my hip joint.   The grinding and squeaking noise is getting louder, and the popping more frequent, but I have been ignoring it so it wouldn’t ruin this trip. (Not telling anyone till now how worried I am about it).  So I’m sitting here with my leg up, a scraped knee, and a nervous hotel staff after a fall.  I missed a step at the pool and came crashing down on my bad hip.  About 5 people at the pool rushed over to help me…none of which was my husband.  I’m always so afraid after a fall that I will not be able to get up. I have to take a minute to see if I’m in pain or not, and if I’m broken or not.  I guess just being able to think at that moment means I’m not broken…so then I can attempt to get up.  Today I had to be lifted, and was happy that at least Mallory came over to check on the commotion.  With help, I limped over to the pool chaise.   My right hip is actually pretty sore, but I’m not telling anyone.  I guess no gym for me today.  I was planning on walking over to the Ping River to watch the beginning of a local festival. People decorate elaborate floral floats with candles and incense, and place them in the water as offerings. Maybe we won’t walk?

When we were ready to go to the River….it was pouring rain…ended up at the hotel restaurant. It was still raining after dinner, so we just strolled around the night bazaar across the street.  I was disappointed as I was hoping to get a few gifts, but there really wasn’t anything I liked. Lots of silver, but tarnished.  After a short while everything started to look the same and I just wanted to leave.

The entire city seems to be celebrating this festival…there was a parade with elaborate floats and costumes in front of our hotel.  At the end of the evening, with Tom sleeping, I sat in the dark and watched fireworks and Chinese lanterns in the sky from our 14th floor window.  Beautiful!

Tom

I’ve been reticent to blog too many entries since my travel cohorts have already found quite a lot to comment about.  Today we met a taxi driver who turned out to be rather more of a wealth of knowledge about all things Thai.   He was a former novice Buddhist monk so he was the perfect   resource to take Western minds into the Buddhist path of life.  He painstakingly explained many of the principles and precepts that cover the broad spectrum of the practice of Buddhism from the old conservative style to the Mahayana or modern way.  Donna and I were rapt with the lecture covering our Mountain temple and the background meanings that monks spend a life time studying.  Our daughters were somewhat less than transfixed with the substantial volume of information conveyed by our taxi tour guide.  That probably had more to do with the lingering motion sickness that was incurred during our winding trek up the mountain to our destination.

I am pleased to have done more than shoot photos of the many ways we have ambled through during this exotic excursion.  Our guide spoke of the superficiality of the stream of tourists that pass through superficially without an understanding of the 2600 years of Buddhist practices that have built up this religion since the death of their founder.  I admire the ideal of living without ego and understanding the mindless pursuit material things.   Westerners could learn a preferable state of mind of living in the now rather than the comparably tortured mind chatter that sadly has no off switch.  

Michelle

Despite suffering the effects of a long drive up a mountain, I was really enjoying my day at the temple. My parent's are of the opinion that if you are not physically acting like you are hanging on someone's every word than you are not listening. Long before my parents had opened themselves up to ideas outside of Catholicism, I have been Agnostic and wondering if there is something to believe in. Buddhism was always interesting to me but I definitely had a confusion of the differences between it and Hinduism. Buddhists are pretty chill and relaxed and in no way pushy. I find that I could a line really with the practice but unless your Richard Gere can white people really be Buddhist? 

I saw silk worms in all there creepy glory and definitively gained an understanding of why we pay so much for the precious material. The women at this factory had strenuous manual tasks to complete.

The night market depressed me as I am poor and shopping with no money is right up there with food poisoning. We bought a boot leg copy of Girls so at least I ended my day with a couple of laughs to accompany my green tea.  

Donna

Cruising up the Ping River I wondered where all the expats lived? I’d seriously consider spending a cold winter month here instead of Michigan.  We spent the rest of the day temple hopping.  I’m sure I would not want to stay any length of time inside the city.  Way, way too much traffic. I felt like we were experiencing “Asia Light” from the inside of the brand new air conditioned SVU with a hired driver.  Not much interaction with the locals. It was interesting when we got a chance to talk to a novice monk at the “Monk Chat” at Wat Phra Singh.   This evening we all went to a spa and enjoyed being pampered for 2 hours for about $27 each.  Spa Lily employees   recent residents of the Chiang Mai women’s prison earning their way back into society.  Interesting concept.

Michelle

As I woke up from my deep slumber and peered out our 13th floor window (as in most large hotels they are trying to be sneaking and call this the 14th floor but I am not one to be fooled) to my surprise I was stunned by the majestic site of mountains. The fog often covers the site so last night they were just hiding from my view. I enjoyed yet another breakfast buffet (no calories on vacation right?) and then it was out to sea.

Despite the brown tint of the water the two hour cruise was lovely. I enjoyed snapping away with the camera, capturing images of mansions and seaside restaurants. The boat took us to an herb garden that was recovering it's business after dealing with the circumstances left behind by natural disasters. They had hogs, bunnies and decrepit puppies that brought joy to my day.

Then it was off to the temples. I enjoyed taking in the sites of Buddhism. We did a monk chat with a 19 year old who explained to us his life of religion. He has a cell phone and studies English, not really what I imagined. He did explain to me that he faces trouble everyday, internal trouble (in my head he ran away from home after committing crimes and womanizing to join the monkhood). I do like that he had so much time to focus on the internal. He also explained to us that he had no regrets of the past and he didn't worry about the future as what really mattered was the now. I came here wanting to be a Buddhist, I now want to convert even more.    

Donna

Linda, Tom and I started the day with an intro to Tai Chi class, and then walked on the beach. I was sad to leave Phuket. I’d like to return to spend more time on the water and explore the other beaches. 

Landing in Chiang Mai, we checked into the hotel and explored the area a bit. We found McDonalds for a snack and 7-11 for beer and wine…what more could a stranger in a strange land want? Our hotel was near a huge night market, and there are stalls everywhere selling clothing, sunglasses, and jewelry.  I’d like to look around a bit. There doesn’t seem to be any time. We are always going somewhere, or tired!

Michelle

Our last day in Phuket was a rainy one. As much as it’s fun to watch the rain pour down while in a bikini (I mean it in all sincerity), I would have preferred another day to work on my tan. I swear I am developing a Thai sleeping sickness because I have been sleeping nearly every chance I get. I was hoping the excitement of reaching Chiang Mai would keep me up but no. Looking around I expected to see mountains and lack of development, instead I saw no mountains and a big city. I curled into my comfy twin bed at the Le Meriden to take up my new favorite hobby of sleeping.  

Donna

Phuket is a place to enjoy the water, and we did so today. Linda, the girls and I swam, sometimes even in the rain, canoed through caves, had lunch and dinner on the boat, and thoroughly enjoyed the day.  After our first trip into the caves, we were served warm tea on the boat, as I enjoyed the light rain and rocking of the boat. My girls tortured me all day about the clothes I was wearing.  They didn't approve of my SPF 50 shirt and zip off pants, and Toms running hat with the sun protecting veil on the back.  Equipped with my new REI clothes, sunscreen and bug spray, I felt like a true adventurer. They laughed at me all day.  It would have served them right to have gotten sunburn or bit up by bugs (but they didn’t).  Returning about 8pm, Tom informed me he hadn’t eaten dinner yet as he was waiting for me!  I was so tired, I almost fell asleep having a drink with him while he was eating.

Michelle

Today our plans were a little more ambitious as we were planning to set sail and adventure through caves. It was decided that my Dad would stay behind as his motion sickness issues would have probably made this trip a miserable experience for him.

After a nearly 2 hour bus ride through the city we arrived at our port of departure.  It was about a zillion degrees as we headed out on our ferry boat eating Lo Main and Spring Rolls; I feared that I wouldn't be able to maintain my pale skin for much longer. As we came close to our first cave a switched flipped in my Mom’s head. Although the sun was now starting to be replaced by darker cloudy skies, she suddenly felt the need to cover her entire buddy in clothing that made a mockery of Indian Jones. While she boarded her kayak in the crazy get up we were all wearing bathing suits and small cover ups.

The caves were beautiful, but a little spooky. As much as I love nature I can’t pretend I don’t suffer minor panic attacks when I see small creatures such as bats and crabs everywhere. I did enjoy kayaking in the open waters alone and swimming in the warm bath like water. I already forgot what bay it was, haha it isn't the ocean (I kept verifying this fact sort of wanting it to change). 

Donna

What a glorious view we had from our room of the sea.  I went on the balcony and was greeted by a blast of humid heat; it was so breathtaking that I didn’t mind.  Linda arrived just before breakfast. After enjoying the best breakfast buffet ever we spend the day enjoying the pool, the views, the bars, and each other.  I even made it to the gym!

I’m trying to catch up on this blogging so Michelle stops bugging me……but I have to stop now to watch this gorgeous sunset from the outdoor bar at the Westin Suray Bay…today has been a glorious day of waiting for happy hour to begin!   

Michelle

Our plans in Phuket were very minimal, which was perfect. Mallory and I did find the ambition to attend an Abs Workout class in the morning. Beyond that my day consisted of trying to figure out if the boys I thought were cute were straight and if they spoke English. It was a fun game that I must say amused me for many hours.

Michelle

Last day in Bangkok (sad face). Of course anytime you have to travel time runs your day like a pestering employer. After a morning of playing blogging Hitler (my family doesn’t understand blogs need to be written in order to be posted), I showered and got ready to get a haircut. I have a very deep emotional attachment to my long locks so haircuts are on the level of pulling teeth for me. Usually in The States hairdressers talk me into losing 3-4 inches of dead ends, this Thai man didn’t have the English skills to argue, and therefore I lost barely two. Regardless at least I can now say my hair has been cut in the last 6 months.

The flight to Phuket was pretty short and therefore pleasant. Everyone who has been to Thailand has raved to me about the tropical paradise that is Phuket, if anything they under aggregated. Crystal clear waters (which I don’t think are actually ocean), large island land masses and to top it off we landed as the sun was setting above all of this, not one to throw this word around but magical.

Our driver took us to the Westin Resort, about an hour drive away from the city of Phuket. This oasis is thus far blowing my mind. My sister and I are sharing this amazing room with water views, heavenly beds and a bathtub fit for a Queen. It is a lot more relaxing when it is just the two of us, as we are both often content with silence. After rushing my parents out the door it was dinner time. It doesn’t seem like it matters when you are in Thailand, but technically today is Thanksgiving. Our feast consisted of Asian Fusion delights, I had salmon as I think my stomach will get mad if I attempt to eat Thai food another night. It wasn’t long before a storm started up, the heavy rains mad the resort even more wonderful. I have a feeling my 3 nights here are going to be life changing. Vacations always have a way of changing the way you think and feel about everything. Without life’s distractions clarity isn’t hard to find.

Donna

Before flying to Phuket , Tom and I went for another amazing massage.  We made a quick stop at the grocery store for lunch. I got sushi, and a spinach croissant for Tom, and a regular croissant for myself.   Guess what he eats first? Doesn’t he know I don’t like spinach or sushi!

Michelle

Promptly at 8:30 am we headed out with our driver/tour guide. Our first stop was the Summer Palace ... the historical details escape me but it was really pretty and I want to live there. Our next stop was to ride elephants. Elephants have long been my favorite animals for whatever reason, yet I don't think I have ever really seen one. Maybe at a circus but definitely not in their natural element. Before rushing into riding we got to pet them. They actual have really rough freckled skin. It wasn't long before my sister and I were boarding our elephant (come Sam or The Big Apple). As the 40 year-old animal moved along the seat rocked side to side. As he started to speed along the terrain I found myself clutching on for dear life. Soon my nerves began to settle and I was smiling uncontrollably. We got to ride bare back once we were more comfortable which resulted in an amazing photo shoot. I am sure someone else will report on why we had to return to the apartment so I will ignore it for now. With our new found free time we decided to go for massages and facials. After my facial the lady did my make-up, it was totally great. With my Dad down for the count it was time for a girls night out. Our first stop was Cheap Charlie's a all wooden bar on the street where we got to take in the sights, by sights I mean stray cats and geckos. As we missed NYC it was time to go to a rooftop bar that would make us feel at home. Nest was like being in the Meatpacking District, the food and drinks were amazing and unlike NYC very cheap. We had two drinks each and shared six tapas and our total was roughly $25 each. We have been really tired at night so sadly we all had to go home and sleep but this was for sure one of the greatest days of my life.

Mallory

Today was the first day of our Bangkok touring.  Our lovely driver picked us up at Linda's promptly at 8:30 AM and we began our drive to the Bang Pa-In Royal Palace (the Summer Palace) in Ayutthaya, which was about an hour's drive away.  The grounds and gardens were really beautiful, but even at 10 AM it was hot as hell and Michelle and I had to cover up in scarfs (because you can't show your shoulders or your legs), which made the heat even worse.  Here's a picture of us with the Ho Withun Thasana (Sages' Lookout).

Donna

 I awoke anxious with excitement to spend the day in the ancient capital town of Ayutthaya. Linda had hired a driver to take us on the 2 hour drive. Her friend Kathy suggested we also stop at the summer palace.  It was a little tight in the back seat, but away we went.  The Pang Nai Palace was very beautiful; it was difficult to take in all the beauty of the flowers and the gardens when it’s so HOT.  Getting back into the car after just that first part of the visit finds all us of us hot and a little grumpy.  Riding the elephants was next.

It was so hot walking to the elephant area, I was wearing an old hat to protect my head and the girls were teasing me.  I thought we were going to ride the elephants to the sites of the temples and ruins and then we’d get down, go touring, and continue along the route on our elephants. Not So!  Our ride was on a trail leading around some stacks of bricks.   We proceeded to the elephants and had the chance to pet one before we climbed aboard.  They are so cute, and their skin feels like hardened like tough leather, with a surprising amount of hair.  I was hoping the elephant was happy as I petted his ear and looked into his eye.  Mallory and Michelle wanted to have the elephant pick them up with its snout; however, they decided to let that photo opt wait till after the trip.  The girls boarded their elephant and rode together, Tom and I did the same. Photos were taken as we boarded. Good thing….cause Tom was sick 5 minutes later.  I was really worried about him and wanted the mahout to let him off the elephant.  Tom was breathing heavily, and then his hands and feet started shaking. I was afraid he was having a stroke. In 30 years with this man, this is the most he has scared me. Why didn’t he take the motion sickness pills I brought?

The girls were having a blast and they each got to slip onto the elephants neck and ride without a saddle. They didn’t know how sick their Dad was……I honestly was worried about finishing the ride, and the mahout wasn’t about to let Tom get off.   When we reached the end…we had to pull Tom off the elephant, and placed him on a bench nearby, all the while fanning him, and holding water bottles behind his ears and trying to get him to drink.  When he was able to walk, we moved him into an air conditioned office at the camp, and the staff offered him smelling salts, while our driver massaged his shoulders.

Tom wanted to be gallant and allow us to continue the days touring, but there was no way we could leave him alone.  We got into the car ad headed back to Bangkok.  He needed to be put to bed.  

Michelle

Pool, grocery shopping and than dinner. Linda wanted to take us to one of her favorite restaurants, that in order to help promote sexual education has condoms everywhere and goes by the name of Cabbages & Condoms. It was really exciting to meet some of her international co-workers from South Africa and France. My stomach has no been taking so well to all of this Thai food ...hence why my account of this day is short.

Mallory

I woke up around 7:30 AM today and started a new book, No Easy Day, about the Navy SEAL who killed Bin Laden (allegedly).  We had some breakfast and made our way down to the pool.  The apartment/condo complex where Linda lives is absolutely beautiful, as evidenced by the pictures below.

After eating lunch by the pool (Noted - No more eating American food in Thailand, it's not good), we went to the nearby mall to get some groceries and Starbucks.

Then we met Linda and a few of her work colleagues for dinner at Cabbages and Condoms.  This place was interesting.  You name it, they had it built out of condoms.  Tiger Woods, Santa Claus, light fixtures, you get the picture.  The food was not "rubbery" (so clever Dan Fumai), it was actually delicious.  The atmosphere, gin and tonics and great Company made for an enjoyable night.

Donna and Tom (party animals) stayed up until 2AM with Linda and her colleague, while Michelle and I were asleep by 10PM.

Donna

Michelle

My Dad arrived 24 hours after I did .. My mom and sister were not so lucky.

As it was Monday, Linda had to return to work so I was navigating the city with my Dad. We started out again by the pool, I am reading On The Road, really digging it. After a relaxing morning we went and got sushi to commerrate our missing half. Then we got Thai massages, which are pretty intenese whole body experiences. The creepy part was that my dad and I were in the same room and I think they thought we were a couple. As calm as I felt after the massage the status of my Mom and sister was still pending. When I found out that the two of them got on the flight and in business class no less I wanted to cry!!!!

Regardless of the fact that I knew their arrival was coming shortly I still felt horrible enjoying myself. Hard feelings pushed aside we went to a Thai cooking class. Literally have never had more fun! The food was amazing and I feel like with cooking skills like mine I won't be single for very long. The best part was meeting the other tourists and hearing their stories. One couple from DC took 4 months off to travel the world .... I wanted to join them in going to Vietnam so badly! I have decided it's my new life goal to be able to travel around the world.

A tuk tuk took us to an Irish Pub that was just like being in Ireland ... But with more Asians. The singer rewrote songs to retell the tale of his escapades with a he-she. After that we went to the airport and our family reunited!!!!!

Tom

I am the second arrival in the Bangkok leg of the Holloways Amazing Race. The nerve racking ordeal of standby roulette remarkably got me the last seat with moments to spare on the second day from Narita airport.  I felt a gnawing survivor's guilt as I hugged Mallory and Donna farewell and boarded from Narita.  Seven hours later I felt like an immigrant clearing customs from Ellis Island as I reunited with Michelle and our host Linda.

  After some local exploration of the neighborhood around Linda's home, we ventured out via subway to rendezvous with Linda at a Thai Cooking class.  Who knew I had a latent culinary talent. We prepared three thai dishes under the patient instruction of our teacher Goong.  We sliced, diced, mortared blended and then woked our concoctions into remarkably tasty results.  I came away inspired to  do this again.  The entire experience with the staff and all of he students was great fun and I came away well fed and gratified to learn that it tastes even better when you've poured your soul into the meal.

Mallory

Donna and I woke up in Japan AGAIN and began the process of refreshing the Airport Standby List throughout the day hoping we'd finally get on the 6:20PM Bangkok flight.  Today's flight was the first day the flight actually had positive seats available, however there was a stand-by list of around 44 people.

We decided to pack up and head into Narita City to tour around and have some lunch before heading to the airport for another Bangkok try.  When we got to the hotel lobby and walked outside we quickly realized our Thailand outfits weren't going to fly in the 45 degree Japan weather.  So we took the hotel bus to the airport, checked in for the flight, got rid of my bag and did some shopping/dining/wandering around the airport.  We found an outdoor observatory where you could sit and watch flights/pray to the stand-by flight Gods, see picture below.

I kept refreshing the Airport Stand-By List and as we got closer to the departure time, we realized we weren't going anywhere tonight.  We knew we had to go to the gate and try though so we finished shopping and headed through security to await our fate.

Here's a picture of my Mom in the Tokyo airport with a t-shirt we found about departing Narita Airport...how we wished we'd be doing that soon.

While waiting for the flight, we started weighing our options of purchasing tickets to Bangkok or which other cities we could fly though (we learned that Singapore is an option and we can then take Air Asia to Bangkok).

I was next in line to go to Bangkok and by some miracle there was one seat available, and in BUSINESS CLASS nonetheless.  There were so many stand-by passengers ahead of us, but a lot of them were traveling with buddies that are a lower priority than we are as retirees, so a lot of people passed up the lone Business Class seat.  NOT THIS GIRL THOUGH!  I waited until the entire plane had practically boarded before I could bear to leave my Mom in Japan alone.  I finally hugged her good-bye, left her with my iPhone and my International Plan and boarded the plane.

When I sat down I noticed that there was a seat in Business Class that was open. No one had drank the Evian or touched the comforter.  Between sips of my pre-flight champagne, I kept glancing back to seat 4G wondering who the occupant of that seat was (I probably looked like a nervous terrorist awaiting my accomplice to my neighbors).

After the flight attendants searched the plane and paged seat 4G's owner several times, they gave up and allowed the next stand-by passenger to board, which was none other than DONNA HOLLOWAY!  I couldn't believe it when I saw that little blonde board the plane in a sea of dark haired Asians.  I fist pumped the air I was so excited.

During the flight I kept looking back to make sure she was really over there in 4G.  Four more glasses of champagne and The Hunger Games and the Justin Bieber Movie (again I know I'm really a huge fan...) we were landing in BANGKOK!  I couldn't stop smiling.  When we got off of the plane and cleared immigration (no stricter than Mexico) we saw Michelle and Tom!

We took a cab to Linda's and all celebrated our arrival with some wine!  See the picture below of Donna and I with the sign Michelle had made for us at the airport, best sister/daughter ever!

As I was falling asleep that night, about to begin the trip of a lifetime (and the last Holloway Family Vacation, as my Mom always says...) I got to thinking how stand-by travel is very much like The Hunger Games..."May the odds be ever in your favor."  Tonight, they finally were.  We were the victors.  (Not cheesy at all).

Until tomorrow!

Donna

We had great intentions of getting up to use the pool and gym, but it didn't happen. We instead ate our NY style bagels and drank tea and listened to the commentary on Obama’s visit to Thailand and Myanmar. It wasn't a positive sign when the check in agent told us she’d check our bags, but we didn't have a chance to get on the flight. We tried to put her comments out of our minds while we shopped at all the airport stores that were closed yesterday. There was so much more to see today! We knew now of a sweet little spot at Narita airport where there are some free reclining chairs and a TV, so we proceeded to out spot with the fries we had been craving all day. The recliners were full today, so we arranged the other seats so we could put our feet up and watch the Myanmar visit news. By departure time, we were checking out hotels again, and even considering buying tickets.  At what point, do I buy a ticket, reroute somehow, or just go home?  In my head I was figuring how much we’d lose from the Air Asia tickets and hotels I did already pay for.  If there was one seat- I said Mal would go, then I’d have to start making other plans. Why would I tell her to go first?  I didn't want her to miss out on the vacation, and I knew if I wasn't there, she would be able to get everyone where they needed to be. Having a new respect for the importance of her iPhone, I asked that she leave it with me so I could keep everyone updated.  We were both resigned to looking for another airport hotel when Mal says the standby list is still clearing people, and that some ahead of us had been skipped. And then they called her name and handed her a seat in first class.  I knew she wanted to cheer. But she looked like she wanted to cry.  I can’t leave you, she said, and actually believed for a few seconds she wouldn't….But I would not allow her to give up the seat.   I took the iPhone from her and kissed her good-bye.   

Michelle

I had arrived a little after midnight. Thankfully finding Linda was easy and before I knew it we were racing down the freeway towards her retreat.

She had prepared a welcome party that sadly was reduced in size to just the two of us. I felt obligated to drink a bottle of wine in honor of the family. It was great to really get to know Linda (who by the way is my Dad's BFFs wife's brothers ex aka close family friend), she is wild (in a good way), she definitely proves that growing up doesn't need to be boring.

Later that morning I woke up a mix of jet legged/hungover. I pulled through and roughed it at the pool. For lunch I had the most amazing Pad Thai (turns out they really do eat that here). After indulging In a little white wine we headed to the spa for a mani/pedi. These people are intense! They take pride in everything they do even when the task at hand is making your feet pretty.

After an amazing Thai dinner that I consumed while sitting on the floor it was off to the"red light district" to check the accuracy of Hangover 2. In all honesty it was sad to see all of these beautiful little girls standing on the street trying to get people inside to watch them do ... Crazy things I won't mention. What bothered me the most was everywhere I looked there were white guys with their teeny tiny Asian escorts (girlfriends?). It was sick .... And a little reminiscent of Brooklyn lol.

Mallory

Because we were on the other side of the world, Donna, Tom and I woke up at 3:30AM Japan time.  Since our next try for Bangkok wasn't until 6:20PM that night, we decided that it would be fun to take the SkyTrain into Tokyo, because I had never been to Tokyo (I wasn't lucky enough to Honeymoon there like Donna and Tom!).

The SkyTrain left from the airport, so we got on the bus to the airport, checked in for our flight, got rid of our bags and began the search for breakfast at the airport.  I smelled it before I saw it.  I turned a corner and there it was.  Starbucks.  I was in heaven.  Across the hall from the Starbucks, there was (pictured above) a BAGEL PLACE.  As you've already read in my first blog post, I love bagels.  I couldn't believe I was going to get "New York Style Bagels" in Japan.  I could live there.

After breakfast, we boarded the train to Tokyo, transferred to their subway (puts the MTA to shame it was so nice) and arrived in the Ginza district of Tokyo.  We were so lucky to have been given such a beautiful day!  We walked around, saw all the stores (the Ginza is a shopping district), found Hibiya Park and got MORE Starbucks!

Then it was time to head back to the airport to try again for the Bangkok flight.  This time Dad got out!  We couldn't believe it, as this was an impossible flight with negative seats available.

Donna and I said good-bye to Tom, went through immigration, headed to our airport hotel, donned our hotel provided kimonos and went to sleep.

Donna

So what does one do at 3am after getting left in Tokyo? As jet-legged travelers we were not tired in the slightest, we decided to go into the city and walk around the Times Square of Japan, the Ginza. Tom and I had been there, and wanted Mallory to see it.   It’s one of the busiest intersections in the world. I was preparing her for the mass of humanity we’d see after we navigated the trip into the city.  It’s quite a long way, and required a brand new high speed train, the subway, and lots of money. We surfaced at Ginza Station to find the intersection empty.  It then occurred to us that it was Sunday, and only 8am.  The giant Mitsokushi Department Store didn’t open till 11am!  We wondered around the area, until we heard the sound of beating drums. We followed the rhythmic beats to a city park, where a “green” festival was occurring. There were tents full of organic produce, teas, and craft beers – of which we only had enough yen to buy one. It was a cool but sunny day, very enjoyable for a walk in the city.  We did as the locals did, walked around, and sat in the parks enjoying the last bits of fall sun.