5.22.12

It felt like spending the night in a B&B. Last night in Colorado. Last night in my parents’ house.

It still doesn’t feel real. I am moving, literally, to the other side of the world. I just did it. I quit my job, I bought a ticket, I packed up my stuff. Done. I don’t think that it will hit me as a reality until I have been in Thailand for more than a couple weeks.

I went to see my brother and his pride the evening before I left. Although this was the third or fourth time that I had said goodbye to them, it felt the most real. When I think about it, I realize that my youngest niece, Lillian Joy, won’t even know who I am when I come back. And it’s entirely possible that I could have two or three more “niecephews” by the time I return…

After a tearful goodbye to my parents (they were crying, I’m more stoic than that), I had a nice drive to the airport with two of my besties, Ryan and Matthew. Glad I got to spend the last hour or so with them. They will be missed.

Had a nice surprise when I found out that even though I am flying two different airlines, they go with the baggage rules for the international carrier. Yay for free bag and the fact that it will be checked all the way through to Bangkok! Goodbye Samsonite. See you in a couple days.

I debated what I wanted to eat at the airport. While I traditionally go with Panda Express (doesn’t everyone?), I decided to forgo ‘Asian’ food in favor of something a little more American. Ben & Jerry’s. Yes, I had a CoffeeCoffeeBuzzBuzzBuzz milkshake with caramel for lunch. Because I’m an adult. And I can.

I found a nice spot near my gate to sit down and write. Except I decided to read the card that Ryan gave me before I left. So I cried a little instead. Thanks, RyRy.

Several hours later…

In retrospect, the milkshake was a bad idea. It didn’t want to leave Colorado in my stomach, apparently. I think that orange-flavored, chewable Dramamine will be my new must-have when flying. Sick on the way up and sick on the way down are not the ways that I want to travel.

Here is my impression of LA based on LAX. They have palm trees. And the TSA agents are kind of jerky. And getting to the international terminal and through security is daunting. Bye LA.

I would like to say at this juncture that I would highly recommend Singapore Airlines to anyone. They have the most beautiful and friendly flight attendants ever. Even in economy class the seating is comfortable and more spacious than with other airlines. I flew in a superjumbo which is the largest aircraft out there today. Spectacularly large with two decks. And because of its size, a super smooth flight. Even when there was turbulence, you could barely feel it. Flying through a lightning storm was a breeze. The food. Seriously? They served a dinner meal 3 times on the flight. Each time you had your choice of the international meal or the Japanese meal. All had an appetizer, main course, light bites, dessert and a bakery item. I ate the Japanese selection for the first meal (out of necessity since they had run out of the international one). Zensai (Japanese appetizers), Japanese cold noodles, Buta Kakuni (simmered pork served with vegetables and steamed rice), rice crackers, ice cream, a roll with butter and your choice of green tea or Oolong. I did not eat at the other two meals which they deemed “Light Meal” for the second feeding from LA to Narita and another “Dinner” for the third on the flight from Narita to Singapore. I desperately wanted some breakfast food…

I was able to sleep off and on for most of the flight from the States to Japan and from Japan to Singapore. This was a blessing as I was worried that I would remain awake and then be absolutely delirious when I arrived in Bangkok.

I had to go through security for a third time when we arrived in Narita and, let me say, their TSA agents are friendly, courteous and helpful. Take note, LAX.

At Narita Airport, I enjoyed the best bubble tea and the best shumai I have ever had. Go figure. And it only cost 900 Yen ($11.04), even with a bottle of water. Since I used the restroom and ate there, it counts as “going to Japan”, right?

Changi Airport. Oh. My. God.

This airport is MASSIVE. And elegant. And immaculate. Their restrooms put most bathrooms in private homes to shame. Elegant furnishings and spotless. They have multiple areas with computers for free internet access. They also provided free wi-fi (which you don’t find in many airports). An area with large TVs and comfy chairs. They have a butterfly pavilion and two beautiful Koi ponds with amazing orchid gardens, a hotel with a swimming pool and more high-end shops than the Via Condotti and Rodeo Drive combined. Hermes. Ferragamo. La Perla. Gucci. The list goes on forever.

And so does the airport.

With three terminals, it is shaped like a ‘U’. We arrived at Terminal One and I needed to eventually be in Terminal Three, Gate F60. As far on the other side of the ‘U’ as you could get. Since we arrived at 2:30am, none of the shuttles or sky trains were running. Whatever. I had four hours to get to my gate and I had been sitting for 20. I meandered leisurely, stopped for a delicious “breakfast” of wonton noodles and chilled milk tea, and, two hours later, arrived at my gate. But it wasn’t open. So, I made my way back to the area I had breakfasted in and plugged in my computer to write.

(to be continued)…