Three planes today…allllll freaking day! Got up and left at 5:30 and headed for the airport by bus. Since we’re using Cathay Pacific, all flights go into Hong Kong—which is the hub for CP. So, since going to Bangkok was the destination of the day,we had to go to HK first and then out to Bangkok.
Narita to Hong Kong was pretty non-eventful. But it was arriving at Hong Kong that put a gold star on this day. Grace’s friend George—a Greek-Australian who lives in Japan—whom she met on-line on a book list called Outlandish Voices (Diana Gabaldon’s Outlander series), was going to Hong Kong on October 2 *also*. Unfortunately, our Thailand trip was happening on this leg so, we had to immediately get on another plane from Hong Kong to Bangkok. Our Hong Kong leg had to be last because Akiko will be on a business conference trip in Chicago during this leg—but will be back in Hong Kong the final leg.
Anyway, George and Takashi were waiting at the arrival gate. Grace was through the entry with Brian close behind. There was a low gravelly voice yelling, "Gimme all yer money!!" Grace turned toward the voice and saw George charging "menacingly" toward her. Grace let out a screech--recognizing George immediately and threw her arms around him as they had their long-awaited HUG! Literally--5 minutes at Hong Kong Airport...and then we all ran for our next flights. The time was too short…but the memory of those smiles and hugs and first meetings…WOW—those we’ll feel forever!
Hong Kong to Bangkok then Bangkok to Phuket (after an hour delay)…what a grueling day! Weather in Thailand is about 10 degrees hotter than Japan…and the humidity percentage was also higher. Grace is usually the only one wearing a sweater while everyone else is in sleeveless shirts and shorts. With the heat and humidity, she was sweating profusely. So much so that her body went into preservation mode and started to retain water—making her ankles swell. Last time that happened—she was pregnant with Kyle. Walking was a suffering event…but she did the best she could. Got to The Palms Beach Resort in Kamala around 11pm. Quick shower and FELL into bed.
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