News1e

Part 1

Words will not ever express the experience that I just had in Thailand with my son and friends..That being said...I'll try anyway..

My son and I left Jan. 1 for LA. We met Jed Davis class of 70,' Marianne Bremseth and Shelly Gollings both 71' and departed on Jan. 2. After a minor fiasco with the FAA and an 8 hour flight delay we were off to Thailand, chasing daylight while flying in darkness...We were to connect in Taipei but due to the FAA debacle we of course had no connecting flight. After a 4 hour break, shower and quick email check in a local hotel we finally left for BKK.. Yes, Taipei, Bangkok and Phuket all have AOL service.

We arrived in Bangkok Jan 4 at noon and immediately went to our apartment located just off of Soi 15. Jed, son David and I shared a two bedroom apartment for about 35.00 a day..It was wonderful!! We showered and off for a short walk to the Honey hotel, where we had a meeting with a local travel agency..Jed, David and I opted to go south to Phuket and Marianne and Shelly went north to Chiangmai. We all had a blast while Marianne and Shelly enjoyed the shoppers paradise, hill tribe cultures and mountainous regions to the North, we saw the most beautiful beaches and southern mountain region. We also visited the islands to include the site where the movie, "The Beach" was filmed.. We spent some time snorkeling there and later found ourselves at Koh Phi Phi Island lazily enjoying the beach and beautiful limestone formations. After three daze of the South back to Bangkok we went.

Part2

Upon returning to BKK, we were all amazed by the new modern skytrain. Clean, air-conditioned and efficient, you could travel from the farthest end of Sukumvit all the way to the new Sunday market (near the old Bangsue campus) in 45 minutes. The price was right at 45 baht or 1 USD. This would take 1-2 hours by car depending on the time of day. So we bought the three day passes for 280 baht and simply went anywhere our hearts desired. There was a station at the end of soi 19, called Asoke as it is close to 21. This made it extremely easy to go anywhere.

So we arrived in BKK on Friday was in Phuket from Sat. through Tuesday and back to BKK from Wednesday till Tuesday week. Since our apartment was so cheep, we just kept it the whole time, as a base camp.

Wednesday started the official celebration with registration and a cocktail party at the Royal Bangkok Marriott on the Chao Phraya River. This is a five star hotel owned by Bill Heinecke 67' and is one of the finest I have ever stayed in. The hotel is located on the opposite side of the river from the Orential hotel and a few miles further South. The "Ice Breaker" cocktail party was a blast with about 200 in attendance. The inital excitement, reacquainting and story telling, is by far my favorite part of a reunion.

On Thursday we had the opening ceremony at the new campus..It was a very moving two hour ceremony. It opened with the Elementary School Choir singing "Welcome Back" and later "Bridge Over Troubled Water" this piece hit home for the 60's and 70's group..Dr. Roxy Prestello asked for a moment of silence, particularly for those from the Vietnam era and for those gone but not forgotten..There was not a dry eye in the house..There were welcomes from many faculty and administration as well as students..We of course presented the first ever "ISB Network Cares" scholarship and the Senior class erupted when I announced that "Pudihla Srisontisuk" was the first ever recipient.. She was very grateful as I presented the check and then the Governor from her province gave her the plaque and spoke. We all toured the campus and ate traditional Thai lunch in their outdoor Gym.. Did I mention that the weather was as billed, perfect!! It reached 91 on one day but the humidity was low in the 40 percent range. Most of the time the temp. was in the mid 80's and was very pleasant. We had the night off and hung out at the pool till around 1:00 PM at the Marriott.

Part3

On Friday there were three activities. First the golf outing at the Thai Country Club. My son and I both played. The course was absolutely beautiful. We walked it with women caddies that could read a put as well as any professional. They were dressed in tropical attire with hats very similar to big Southern sun bonnets. We had a blast.. Later that day was the Alum and Student basketball game at the new campus. I did not attend but I did hear it was awesome..

Friday night was the Sock Hop at the Soi 15 campus. The athletic field was closed by construction barriers but of course I broke through the fence and made my way to the tree at the far right hand side of the field. Stumbling over ditches, steel, conduit and drainage pipes, I only hoped I would not encounter a snake..Upon reaching the tree, I found they had topped it and it looked like they were about to cut it down. I removed a small limb that resembles a walking cane, as an addition for the Shack archives and made my way back to the festivities. The setting was in the middle of the campus where the Sala had once stood. The grassy grounds was the perfect place. There were Thai food stations around the perimeter and a traditional Thai band on a stage placed on the concrete drive between the Intermediate School entrance and the Elementary school entrance. Pancho was serving from his taco stand and there was an antique three wheeled bicycle taxi as well as on old Volkswagen van. The van was painted black and gold with ISB or Bust and other period graffiti. I of course had to take the bicycle for a joy ride but with the owners permission.. Well sort of!! Ha!! The speeches were short and the toasts were appropriate as the night moved on. After everyone was through eating the party moved to the GYM. It was decorated with theme props and hundreds of black and gold balloons with a video screen and a DJ. The dancing and drinking continued..Boy I never thought I would be drinking a beer in the gym at ISB. Finally around 11:00 the party came to a close. I don't know if you remember it or not but there was a hand crank red siren outside the gym..Of course I did...I gave it a long spin..Actually two spins..

As the buses departed some of us made it back to our apartment between Soi's 15 and 19. We carried on an ISB Network tradition, reminiscing in to the late night hours. I think being in the Soi 15 area and listening to the Sukumvit traffic though the open window, made it an extra special night. Finally around 2:00 AM our friends departed and we spent the night at the apartment as it made no sense to travel all the way back over to the Marriott. Saturday we made our way to the sky train and off to the Sunday market we went. ISB was sponsoring a scavenger hunt but we opted to shop for a few hours and then make our way to the Marriott. I really enjoyed walking through the market with son David.. You see, I began to realize that I was seeing Thailand through his eyes and boy what a view that was...

Part 4

Saturday night was all it was billed to be. The setting was outdoors on the beautiful grounds of the Marriott. We were facing the Chao Pharya River with staging, sets, audio and video production that rivaled some of the larger concert productions I have been witness to. There were many diplomats in attendance to include the current Economic Minister and former Ambassador Unger and wife Ann. The speeches were long but appropriate and the Traditional Thai food, dancing and skits were all outstanding. The band was very good playing music from all decades and fun was had by all. The finale was incredible....From a boat on the river they showered us with 10 minutes of fireworks, the likes of which, I had never seen. It was absolutely awesome!! We made our way to the pool and hung out till around 2:00 AM.

Sunday was the open forum breakfeast..As people spilled their emotions for better than two hours, I witnessed faculty, parents and Alum's alike overwhelmed by the reunion experience. Emotions ran high, tears of joy and the empty feeling of it all drawing to a close was upon us..We said our goodbye's and scurried off to get in as much as we could before leaving BKK. Some left Sunday for home and others went on to Vietnam. We returned to our apartment on Sukumvit, where we all felt at home and spent our last two days in BKK shopping, walking and sight seeing.

As I reflect on the whole of things, there are for the most part, feelings of joy and satisfaction. While I saw change in Thailand both good and bad, there is still enough left. The exotic smells, long walks down the old Soi's and friendly people of this "Land of Smiles", fascinate me to this day. In accepting the change and looking deeper, I was happy in my experience and would recommend the trip for anyone.

I also witnessed the model that the ISB Network created, used as an example both in the structure and in the festivities. The good feeling of knowing that all of us being part of this wonderful organization has given thousands access to their past, is a GOOD thing.

Son David, Jed, Kris, Kathy, Deb, Bob, Uncle Eldo, Marianne, Frank, Maile, Marsha, Sherry, Paul, Tommy, Bob, Dutch, Betsy, Candi, Gary, Michael, Shelly, Maureen, Kate, and all my new friends, you all made this special for me..Thank You! You know who you are..

Gary W. and Chuck I hope your trip helped in your healing. You are in our thoughts...

To all of my friends that were unable to attend, especially you Mark, We missed you!!

Michael...It wasn't the same without you!!! At least we had Mekong to help us remember. You were there, I am convinced..

I want to Thank Freda Williams and her Staff, for an outstanding job with the 50th Celebration.

See You all in Phoenix with pictures, Video and lot's of Stories!!!!!

There are places I remember all my life, though some have changed. Some forever not for better, some have gone and some remain. All these places have their moments, with lovers and friends I still can recall. Some are dead and some are living, In my life I've loved them all.

see; "In My Life" Lennon-McCartney..