Travel Day

---

We made it! After a very long day of travel, I have finally arrived in Chiang Mai, Thailand. Let me tell you, it's no easy feat getting here. It's just about exactly across the world from the U.S. A whopping 21 hour flight. Just about the longest flight that can be done. We flew Korean Air, and I was pleasantly surprised. Being in economy class, I was expecting cramped seats with hardly any leg room and kicking children behind me, like your typical Southwest or Spirit flight. The seats were pretty spacious, the attendants very friendly, and the meals were delicious. I'll be honest, the first 14 and a half hour flight was getting to me. I was having trouble sleeping because it was midday, I was stuck on an airplane, and frankly those neck pillows that everyone buys for flights is just pointless in my opinion. I was trying to get accustom to Thai time, since they are 12 hours ahead of the U.S. I wanted to nap on the long flight during the day time and stay up for most of the layover and 6 hour flight in the evening. Needless to say I was not too successful. I watched about 3 different movies, 2 different tv shows, and took some laps around the plane. I was mildly jealous of my friend next to me who somehow slept the whole flight with no problems, she has a gift that's for sure. I watched a whole day go by as I sat in that plane. 8am on Thursday quickly turned into 6pm on Friday. We flew up through Canada, right near Alaska, through Russia, around North Korea, where we then landed in South Korea. Posted here is the sunrise we got to watch while flying over Russia.



After the first long plane ride, we arrived in Incheon, South Korea. The airport was really nice, and the layover wasn't long. It wasn't long before we were back in the air, trying to stay up for the last 6 hour flight. I was unsuccessful to say the least. As much as I wanted to stay up so that I could crash when we arrived in Chiang Mai at 10pm, my body was still thinking that it was 3am US time and winning the sleeping battle. I'd been awake for over 18 hours so I figured a few naps wouldn't hurt.



And there we were, 10:05pm, entering the Chang Mai airport. Customs was a real mess. Hundreds of people cramped into a small area, trying to push into this huge line while others are yelling and creating a scene. Not my favorite experience so far. But hey you gotta have tough skin sometimes. After going through customs and receiving our bags (all accounted for thank God), we walked out the front double doors to see a group of 20+ uniformed college Thai students with cameras held in the air, awaiting our arrival. They ran up to us cheering and taking pictures, while grabbing our bags for us and putting what looked like a small white flower lei over our necks. I was grateful for the lei, it smelled amazing and masked the musk that I was giving off after being on a plane for so long (that's probably why they do it). I met my Thai buddies, Jenny and Mond, who are very friendly and fun (picture posted). I am looking forward to getting to know all of the students better. They bussed us over to their school campus, where we are staying. Their excitement definitely surpassed mine at the time, as I was still exhausted and jet lagged, but it was all so new and exciting I managed to keep my eyes open for them.

And thus, here I am now, in Thailand, sitting in our simple little apartment, writing to you all. I am so excited for the rest of this trip to start and experience Thailand. I can already tell that this is a trip that I will never forget.



Till next time,

Molly

---

Comments

[Ellie Chauvette]

Grandmas response
Sounds like a great experience so far Moll girl, so happy you’re getting to do all this now. It was all so different when I was a young girl. Times have surely changed. I really enjoy following your special time inThiland. I’m praying for you every day....continue to be safe and enjoy every minute. Love you.❤️