Back From Thailand!!
What a treat! When the port visit in Hong Kong was canceled and the ships were sent off to Myanmar, I wasn't sure when I'd get to see Russ again. They sat out there off the coast for a month, unable to do anything to help the people of Myanmar. What a frustrating time for the service people. Then, we got word they were being sent home, with a stop off in Pattaya, Thailand.
I was really excited about the opportunity to see Russ again. I was supposed to be taking scuba diving lessons that weekend, so I didn't think I could go. He was getting to Thailand on Tuesday, and I was supposed to have the 2nd half of scuba the following weekend. There was no way I could get there for a visit of any length and still get home in time for class Saturday morning. Luckily, or not, I freaked out from gulping water through my nose. I know you get some water in your nose when you scuba. That doesn't bother me. What bothers me is when the combined pressure of the bubbles and the suction from removing your mask forces water up your nose and down your throat. That's not supposed to happen.
The instructor sent me home, where I called my dive master friend Nancy and cried to her for a few hours. She convinced me that I shouldn't be in the class, that the instructor was unable to meet my remedial needs, and that I really did need to be able to snorkel first. Something I told the people who signed me up, but they signed me up anyway. I went back to class that morning and got a full refund. Also, the next day, I came down with a horrible cold thanks to the pool chemicals I had ingested. I couldn't finish the class anyway.
Then, I went on the Internet. The earliest flight out I could get to Bangkok without paying through the nose was on Wednesday morning with Thai Airways. Also, Russ ended up having duty on Tuesday and couldn't leave the ship, so I wouldn't have been able to see him then anyway. My flight over to Thailand was wonderful! I was in economy class, but we were treated at least as well as business class in the US. Also, it was a non-stop, 5 hour flight. All the other wives I knew who went had to stop off in Taipei. The only glitch was that when I got the airport, my driver wasn't there. The hotel mistook my e-mail and canceled the car. Luckily, a lady from another hotel called a driver for me and I was on my way!
What a wonderful two days in Pattaya. I got there Wednesday afternoon, about 20 minutes before Russ came to the hotel. I was able to stay until Friday night with a 1:00 am flight on Saturday. Wednesday night, we went to a farewell party for one of the men on the ship. The had excellent food and a nice pool in which we went night swimming. I like Pattaya best at night when it's not morbidly hot. Thursday, we went on an MWR tour of elephant riding. We rode in an oxcart, played with an orphaned gibbon, rode an elephant and learned about how to make silk. Our final stop for the day was at the self proclaimed "worlds largest gem store." They sold mostly Thai sapphires and rubies, but they also had other stones and jewelry available. The most affordable pieces were set in silver with zircon, the most valuable pieces were set in 18K gold with diamonds. In the middle, were the pieces in white or yellow 14K gold with zircon. I'll let you guess which one I bought. :)
That evening, Russ and I each got a massage at the hotel. The massage felt wonderful and helped break up the cold that had moved down to my chest. Side note, the air conditioning in the hotel worked so well that I had to sleep on the balcony. The room was so dry, I couldn't breathe!
The next day, we went to a crocodile farm. They also had a neat rock and water garden, huge snakehead fish, some elephants, tigers, and bears. No lions. :) I scratched the back of a tiger and bottle fed a cub. Russ hugged the golden bear and shook his hand. As long as you gave the bear bananas, he would do anything for you. We finished off the day with a little shopping and some dinner. Then, my driver showed up and took me back to the airport to come home and get the house ready for Russ to return.
My PartyLite business is doing really well. I'm doing it as a hobby, and I'm having some good parties and meeting lots of nice people. I only do a few shows a month, but they're good ones. If anyone wants to order anything, or have a catalog party from the states, I help you out! OK, I'm done advertising.
Next up - Australia!
