September 7, 2010 THAI COOKING CLASS There are so many things to see and do in Bangkok, Wats, massages, street food, night life, and so on. But if you have the time I strongly recommend taking a Thai cooking class. There are several to choose from, guide books will steer you to the Blue Elephant Cooking school, more expensive and less hands on. I recommend the Silom Thai Cooking School. It was 1,000 bahts a person, basically $35, which includes all the food and reimbursement for travel to and from. We took a cab to Silom and Soi 11 and waited on the corner for our instructor to arrive. Also waiting was three people from the Philippines and a young German couple. The husband of the German couple did not look overly excited to be there. ... read more

September 5, 2010 The beds were so comfortable and we went to bed early the night before, so we were able to get up early to begin our first full day. We are not morning people, some of us less so than others, but we managed to be up showered and to breakfast by 9 am. This is actually a record for us. AN INTERNATIONAL BREAKFAST When traveling in Europe and they say breakfast is included, this typically means, coffee a roll and some cold cereal. At the Lebua, when they say breakfast is included they mean, breakfast and much more. We are greeted at the breakfast are with a sawatdee and Wai, asked our room number and seated. Then we are pointed towards the breakfast buffet. This is not a brunch buffet at the Red ... read more

September 4, 2010 A PAMPERED BEGINNING The ride from the airport to the hotel was pretty much like many others we have experienced. They drive to close together and to fast, just like London, Mexico City, New York, Paris or Rome. The major difference was it was like driving in to London that happens to be in Mexico. Let me explain. In Thailand they drive on the left side of the road and their steering wheel is on the right side of the car, just like England. However, the scenery on the way to Bangkok is much the same as if you were driving into Mexico City. You notice the poverty, and the poverty is intense. Worse is the difference between those who have and those who don’t is readily apparent. I will discuss that further ... read more

TWO DAYS OF PACKING It is the morning of the day we leave. Jerry has been working 24 hours a day on finishing his projects for all of his classes. Meanwhile I have been trying to tie up all the loose ends at the office. Work is almost done, but still much to do before we get on the plane. We did last minute trip shopping yesterday then began packing. Since neither of us has been to Asia before, deciding what to pack was a challenge. Jerry wants to take 5 pair of shoes, but that puts you over the baggage weight limit very quickly. I have few slacks to take, for reasons that need not be discussed here, so I packed mostly shirts and other necessary items. Last night and now this morning the packing ... read more