Got my ff business class ticket on Japan Air out of Chicago. Will fly to bangkok on Feb. 16th and return on March 6th. Trip will be simple: Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Anantara in the Golden Triangle. Other hotels equally simple: Oriental in Bangkok and Baan Orapin in Chiang Mai.

It sounds wonderful, Gloria!

We also recently booked ff tickets to thailand for March 2008. It's a great feeling to have free flights and of course to start the fun planning process Congrats on your free business class ticket!

I'll be going with a friend who has never been to thailand so I will certainly be showing her some old favorites and see some new things as well. But I plan on spending a lot of time at Cotton House having a complete new wardrobe made as I plan to be 60 pounds thinner than I was my last trip (currently am 35 pounds down since September and going strong).

Wow! Congrats on your weight loss! That is a big accomplishment. Good luck reaching your goal-- I can't think of a better reward than a new wardrobe.

GOD---there will be nothing left of you...we need more heavy types on here...!!

i hope this trip makes up totally for your skip in 2006...

is your friend prepared to be your lady in waiting while in the oriental lobby?? 'keeping up apprearances'

we will delight in your telling of this trip story....

B&K

Gloria- you said simple hotels- Oriental? Come now its anything but simple!

Her choice of hotels was simple: she always stays at the Oriental!

Gloria,
I'd be interested in your observations about your accommodation as we recently also stayed in the Anantara and the Baan Orapin, both of which we loved for different reasons.
The Anantara is one of the most beautiful places I've ever stayed -- incredible service, attention to detail, wonderful massages, food and rooms. To say nothing of the elephant camp which is so unique.
The Baan Orapin was perfect in Chiang Mai as it is very centrally located but feels as though it is off the main hub in a quiet little oasis. The owners are simply wonderful and make the place very special in their kindness and attentiveness (they filled the room with roses for us when they heard it was our honeymoon). Have a wonderful time!

Gloria,
So glad to hear that you are turning to Thailand soon! I know you will enjoy it. Have fun selecting your new wardrobe!
Carol