This evening we all went to our farewell dinner (which was just kind of awkward (esp. with pema tashi there)) Anyway another awkward goodbye with Pam and Manu at the airport. The 777 we flew to Bangkok was amazing and we all made it to the Asia airport hotel. So then to go to Trader Vic’s.

Ian agreed to go a long time ago and Breanna and Kirstina came along too. Of course no one had any idea where or what it was so I looked it up online and found it was at the Marriott. I should have had them write it in Thai because the taxi we rode in the guy was slow as hell, and had no idea where he was going - he had to ask like 50 times at gas stations. Ian’s running commentary was hilarious as always because the guy kept trying to talk to us in Thai and Ian responded in English in no doubt a total non-sequitar. We were so close to bailing when just then it appeared across the bridge. We/I was overjoyed. The Marriott is a resort as well so in order to get to the Trader Vic’s you go through the expansive tropical lobby out to the tropical gardens, which are beautiful - better than Delhi - and around until you see the big tiki mask outside a glass entrance. The restaurant was beautiful, just like a polynesian island, opening onto the river. The food was also way better than Chicago and everybody loved it and are now hooked. It was a highlight of my trip and I thank God we got there. I really want to go to all the other ones now. Guess i'll just have to travel a lot more - oh darn. This morning we got up at 5 to get to the airport - amid all the confusion I only said goodbye to like half the people.