Getting there...

Leaving Tuesday 24OCT 2006
Shawn and I are soo excited to start our journey. So happy in fact that Shawn felt compelled to sing "I'm leaving on a jet plane" in its entirity to me in the morning as we prepare to leave. We got a scare though.
When we arrived at the airport and tried to check in the computer said that we needed to seek help from a counter person. So we did. Turns out, we had purchased tickets for 38 days and had no proof that we were not going to spend it all in Thailand. Apparently the Cambodia visa that we had arranged was not proof enough that we were going to leave Thailand. I felt sick. We thought that we had done everything that we needed to. After a long time typing on the computer the guy tells us that we can buy a 10 day extended visa at the Bangkok airport. Whatever!!! Shawn quickly agreed but I knew that once we got to Thailand that they would not ask us when we were leaving. Yeah!! We could proceed with our trip!!

Chicago to Narita/Tokyo 12 hour flight
They fed u 5 times during the flight!! Shawn and I talked for 7 hours straight - they even turned out the ligts to make it comfortable for sleeping but we kept on talking! There was even this flight attendant that stopped and asked us why we were so happy. Why? Why not? We thought it odd that we would be asked such a question - then of course, we were embarking on an exciting journey- away from the everyday working in America- same, same- Ahhhh!!! Wonderful to be alive!!!
When we were getting off the flight this Japanese man in front of us turned around and asked us how long had we been married? No, we are not. When do we plan to marry? No plan. Shawn and I really give off this vibe, as it was not the first time we had been questioned....hmmm....

Narita/ Tokyo to Bangkok 7 hour flight
This flight was rough to say the least. Shawn and I crased soo hard. Our legs and feet hurt, swelled, and we were tired - an indescribable feeling, Wow! Definitely the lay-over did us no god!!

Bangkok Arrival
We arrived about an hour or so early which really confused us! As we were getting off the flight this older Thai woman asked Shawn for assistance and we started to talk to her. She said to me "hold on to him tightly and don't let go! He is soo handsome!" Good Advice!! Thanks!!
We stayed in China Town the first night. Out Taxi driver was topped out at 160 kmh - the speed limit signs said the speed limit was 80 kmh!! WELCOME TO THAILAND!!


We stayed at the New Empire Hotel which was shabby but decent enough after such a flight. Shawn was really inquisitive about things- especially in the bathroom. Why is there a kitchen sink spray hose attached to the toilet? Do they do dishes in the bathroom? It is so interesting that the shower is the bathroom. Shawn is intrigued by the tile work..hehehehehe!!