| Brad and Jen's journal entry for: September 8, 2001 |
| Yahoo! We have arrived finally, and it is awsome. We have arrived and already managed our first crisis. At O'hare airport we were getting checked in and were told we needed a visa for Thailand. We did not have a visa. How could we have blown that with all the planning had done? It turns out, we were right and they were right. Thailand allows for a free 30 day visa upon arrival, however, when entering via the airport, you must show proof of an onward ticket within the 30 days. We had set our return date for next April, so they said we couldn't board the plane. Brad began to sweat, Jen said she almost cried, and the rest of Jen's family almost went over the counter to shake some sense into the ticket lady. We to be denied? Of course not. Brad called our ticket agent, he was still at work for 15 more minutes, he phoned China airlines and changed our return date for October 4. We were in! We had three people at the counter helping us and they said, "I wish all of our customers were so calm and level headed". Now we just have to work with China airlines to reschedule our flight, because we are not coming home in October... We were in transit for 27 hours. Arrived in Bangkok, Thailand at noon on Friday Sept. 7. We are 12 hours ahead of Chicago time...we think, we know it is 12 hours, but it could be ahead or behind..can you say jetlag? Next great story. Brad had told Jen he wanted call ahead to make a reservation so when we arrived, we would not have to worry about find a place. As they thought it over, Brad had dentist appointent and received the info. Dr. Polous introduced Brad to Don Miller, who as he walked by Brad paused, and said, "If you need any info, a great place to stay in Bangkok is the Atlanta". Brad's mom would say this the holy spirit at work, Brad calls it creating success by working with the universe. When you plant the seed, it comes back three fold. The Atlanta is a 50's hotel, with all the same working parts from the 50's. It is a great bargain at $10 a night. It is clean, safe and cozy. We have a bathroom with a shower (not like the one you have), and a pool. Again, think third world ammenities. We had breakfast in it diner for 2.25...for the both of us. It really eazed the tension to get checked in and feel safe and secure. Last night after a short nap, we decided it was time for dinner and a little exploring. Our senses were bombared with the sights, smells, and sounds. At one point we just stood at a very busy corner with a street cop trying to conduct traffic. There are motorcycles, cars, buses, taxi's, tuk-tuk's, and people. All going in different directions as fast as they can go. Amazingly, there was not one bout of road rage, or an accident!!! We were looking for a specific restaurant, but could not seem to find it, when Jen said, "I think it might be down here," meaning an alley that seemed barely passable. She was right, and we had a delicious meal for a bit under $5.00. Yummy! As we were eating, we noticed the wait staff intently staring at the T.V. We could not see it, but suddenly heard something about the"Rock", and realized it was WWF Smackdown. We almost died. Our server then came over and Brad asked him about it. He laughed and asked Brad if it was real. Brad busted down the myth and told him it was all acting. The two waitresses mouths dropped in disbelief. Brad showed the server some fake moves and had everyone laughing. All of Thailand will be forever changed now that the myth of the WWF has been revealed....or at least this restaurant...Ha Ha! We had great night sleep last night. Today we are doing some exploring, and it is back to the pool. Remember, it is our honeymoon! Peace, love and happiness, Jennifer and Brad Be safe and be happy, Brad and Jennifer |