Bangkok

Arrived at the posh new Bangkok Airport. Stayed at the posh new Novatel Airport Hotel (orchids in the bathroom.)
Had breakfast with Nok and her mom. Both are doing well. Nok has a new job as a procurement officer at the UN. She was offered a 2 year contract in NY, but she turned it down.
They loved their gifts and I was happy to lessen my luggage. But no. UN t-shirts, hats and bags! Well, no surprise. After all, Nok is a procurement officer.
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Off to the airport

Up at 6 am. We have to get to the airport. Out the door at 8:30. (I will admit I did go skiing with my new skis. They are fantastic.) Caught a no. 14 bus at 67th and Jeffrey -- no taxis in sight. Down to the office to pick up our luggage, do more Xeroxing and say goodby to Dan. Taxi to the airport, check-in and screening all in Lacoco time -- 3 hours early.
Please admire my luggage identification ribbon.
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More on the Lacoco Thai AFS connection

Our daughter Sara spent the summer before her senior year in high school(1995)in Thailand. She lived with a family in a town outside of Bangkok near the floating market. The family had a lovely home and a trucking business that they were able to finance when they won the lottery. Sara was the only one of the group of AFS students who slept in an air conditioned room.

The picture is of Sara (and a friend) when they dressed the AFS students in Thai clothing, including hair and makeup, for a celebration at the school. I could not find the best picture of that event. After they were dressed up, the AFS students were escorted on to a playing field where the Thai students were all standing in formation in their school uniforms. The picture shows Sara, with her bright red hair teased into a bouffant standing three inches above her scalp, surrounded by Thai students who came up to her shoulders. It is priceless.

She had a great experience.

Ree

We have strong ties to both Thailand and AFS. When I was in high school, another Thai student lived with us (for the 65-66 school year.) Ree is from the Northeast of Thailand. After she went home, she became an agronomist and taught in college. She has two boys, one of whom is pursuing graduate study in England. The flowers are from her garden. The pictures are of her in high school and recently with her husband (captured from Facebook).

We won't be seeing Ree because she still lives in the Northeast of Thailand, but I have her number and will talk to her on the phone.