Asia: first stop Bangkok

 It's been a few years since my last visit to Asia. Annalisa and I left town January 2020 and visited Myanmar, Laos, Cambodia, Bangkok, and Vietnam while a unseen foe chased us through each country. We are glad that we had no idea the scope of this thing called Covid until our trip was over. It was a fantastic trip even with a menace in hot pursuit. 

After about nine months of planning, we have taken to the air once again to explore islands in the Andaman sea, get a taste of India, and then head to the Maldives for more sun and beautiful beaches. 

Our transportation from LAX was on Cathay Pacific which reminds me (looking at the schematic) of a large, long metal tube that defies gravity. The "tube was cold but, since we were seated in business class, we were able to snuggle under a nice comforter and rest our heads on a down pillow. Annalisa managed several hours of sleep but, as usual, I only caught a couple hours which seemed sufficient.  I didn't watch any movies in favor of finishing a wonderful book called "The Wishing Game." I highly recommend reading this well written endearing story. 







Fourteen plus hours later we landed in Hong Kong where we spent six hours in the Business Class lounge enjoying a noodle bar, steaming bowls of soup, and steamed dumplings.  The sections of food are too numerous to mention. We were then treated to dinner on our three hour flight to Bangkok.  Our trip was uneventful until BKK airport. This is where our first glitch occurred.  








Picture a multitude of people in serpentine lines vying for the opportunity to get through to the customs agent. An hour later we were turned away because we had not filled out a visa-on-arrival on line. Oops! Back to a kiosk, scrounge for necessary information,  and hope we answered correctly.  Then back in line and wait some more. Eventually, we collected our suitcases,  found our prepaid taxi and set off for another hour into a crowded, traffic filled city to our hotel.  We were tired, full, and ready to stretch out in bed.  We are staying at the Berkeley Hotel Pratunam. It is a city unto itself.  Nice people, fast elevators and delicious breakfast that transports you to many countries through your taste buds. 

Next entry we explore the local shopping near our hotel. And yes, we had fun!


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