offwego in BKK Feb 07
 

Here I sit on the 24th floor of the Peninsula Hotel after an uneventful flight today (and yesterday!). Ain't life grand?

Got in this afternoon; thought the new airport was dreamy but then, I didn't have to use the bathroom.... from the time I landed until I was at the hotel was 1 hour and 45 minutes which I thought was record time.

Had the good fortune to have a drink this afternoon with Craig and Jeane at the Intercontinental and even squeezed in a bit of shopping since their hotel is practically in the malls.

Tomorrow morning Tong and I are headed to Siem Reap to swim in the sea of children with Ponheary. The week-long stay there will be jam packed with events at the schools (if you don't know what I'm talking about go to www.theplf.org) and heck we'll even see some temples since Tong has never been. After that we'll be in Hanoi for a few days and LP for a few more.

I have painstakingly planned this trip for Tong and I. You can't imagine the pressure of planning a trip with a tour guide in tow....thanks to everyone for the tips on Hanoi-never been there before. To avoid penalties, will try to report as we go along.

More to follow!

Have a wonderful time !! It sounds like you'll be the guide for a big part of this too. Please give my best to Ponheary -- I sent her two Balinese coloring books when we got back -- thought the kids would enjoy pictures from another rice-growing land.

Jen

I have the coloring books you sent me along. (They are great!) Going to talk to Ponheary about doing a similar project. Will be in touch about this when I return.

Lori

have a great trip....it should be fun with tong...

Best wishes! Hope you enjoy Hanoi, I loved it. Maybe a second career as a tour guide is in your future? lol

Have a fantastic time!

If you don't mind, I'd be very interested in hearing more about why you are traveling with Tong (besides the fact that she sounds absolutely charming from all accounts) :-)

PS. Please tell Ponheary Kristina and David from Los Angeles say "hi" too. We stayed in her guesthouse and toured with her back in 2002. I hope to return someday and visit the schools as well.

Enjoy your trip! Looking forward to your report!

Kristina

Because we are great friends and enjoy each other's company, because she wants to see what we're doing there in the schools, because she and Ponheary have heard a lot about each other and want to meet, but mainly because the girl needs a vacation!

Fantastic! I was just wondering...:-)

I've been to BKK many times and never used a guide. However, after reading all the fab accounts of Tong here (especially the food related ones!) I'm hoping to meet her next time we go.

Kristina

I hope you do! You will see a side of the city (and some great food) that you might not see otherwise!

How is the penalty fund going to grow if ebven Lori writes timely reports. We may have to begin assessments for grammatical mistakes. One baht per error.

Have a great time. Give Tong a hug from Beth and me. A curt wave from Bob will suffice.

Lori, It sounds just wonderful! I knew you were taking Tong to Cambodia, I just didn't realize the trip was so soon!

Have a great time!

Hi Lori
Have a wonderful, wonderful time with Ponheary - I know you will. Send her my love! Only 5 weeks, 5 days until we will be back in wonderful Thailand - counting the minutes... Debbie

PLEASE can you give Tong a big Hug from Nikki and Muffin and tell her we hope to see her in the UK this year

Lori
So glad you got the other coloring books and liked them -- will look forward to any next steps and hearing about your trip as it progresses.

For anyone else reading, what I sent Lori was a set of environmental activist coloring books I had published through a kids environmental organization I ran during the early 90's.

Have a great trip! How nice of you to arrange a much needed vacation for Tong.

That's increddible that Tong is with you. She is a delight and last month provided us with lifelong memories. Please say hello to her from Sue & Vince.

Her normal workday is really hard to believe. The fact she is having a vacation makes me really smile.

We all look forward to your reports.
Sue

Lori - all our best to you and Tong - we'll be waiting for your updates!

Liz and Richard
http://lizandrichardsa.typepad.com/2007_adventures/

Have a great trip!

I met Tong for a little while when we were in Bkk earlier this month. We were touring with one of her guides (Nui - who is excellent). Tong is such a bundle of energy and I was so glad I got to meet her after hearing so much about her. Funny thing is Nui had heard she's going to Cambodia, but I had no idea it was with someone on this forum!

I'm sure you'll have a good time. I look forward to hearing more. Please tell Tong Sharon Dias says hi:)

Typo - I meant to say Nui had said Tong's going to Cambodia, I just didn't know it was with someone from here! How exciting.