OK Why? Two years ago I joined with nineteen Rotarians from around the world to spend two weeks touring Alaska. Check my blog here. I had such a good time, there was no hesitation to join, now seventy Rotarians, as they explore northern Thailand. Why Thailand? First, The International Rotary Conference is being held in Bangkok 6-9 May. This tour will be a post conference tour centered in the Chiang Mai area. See the map above, it is due north of Bangkok in the mountains. Secondly, my good friend Paula has traveled and lived all over the world. It was she and John who hosted my visit to Beijing in 2007. I called Paula to ask, "Of all the places you have traveled, what was your favorite." Without hesitation she replied, "Thailand." I booked passage the next day and haven't looked back.
The itinerary shows a cost of 27,800 Thai Baht, or $891 (approx. 31B to the $), but there are extra costs bringing my cost to $1,299. Airfare another $1,300 and I have a pretty cheap trip to Thailand.
I have no idea of WiFi connectivity in the different places we will be, but I will post as often as the Internet permits. I am learning a few words of Thai. These are my priority:
choy doe-i HELP
kun poot paa-saa-ang-grit? Do you speak English?
may-cow-chi I don't understand
kop-koon-(mak) Thank You (very much)
hong naam yoo tee nai? Where is the bathroom
ko-thod-ka/krab Sorry/my mistake
chan/phom-cheu....My name is....
chai/mai-chai yes/no
and the number one phrase
chan/phom-yak-pob-maw
I need a doctor
Please add your comments. I would like to incorporate some of your questions and ideas into the blog.
