After the bit of a fiasco with Buddy at SFO, I wanted no repeats with anyone here in BKK. John Ault seemed to have gone AWOL but
after a facility check, he was located indulging in "soo booree", smoking a cigarette.
We got to the car park (it's a British thing) got the bags and bodies loaded and started on our way to
the house. Then it happened. We had to stop before we even got out of the parking stall at the airport. My friend Da had managed to clip the car next to us on the way out of our stall. It was nothing
major but TIT, this is Thailand and things are done differently here. We had to wait on the insurance agent and since a parking lot guard witnessed it, we were not going to just drive off. This gave
the guys a chance to get acquainted with our friend Ngai.
Finally, after an hour of waiting on the insurance adjuster and another 45 minutes to do paperwork we were able to leave the parking lot and
head for the house to pick up Bill Miller, Robbie Robinson and his son Corey, then head for Pattaya.
Upon reaching the house I saw my niece Utia (yoo' tee uh) the nong-sao (little sister) of my lady
friend Nit. We all got out to stretch since we had been stuck taking the long way home and traffic was a nightmare. All of that was due to a couple of airplanes sitting on the ground at Don Muang that
seemed quite resemblent of Air Force 1…indicating to me that GWB had beaten us into town. And we had our trip planned first…dammit!!
But I digress…I was met at the door by more family members and Bill
Miller. Robbie showed his face and I met his son Corey as well. Then my little sweetie, niece Bua came from the kitchen to greet me with a big smile and a hug. The other folks were busy unloading the
bags for trans-load into another vehicle for the trip to Pattaya.
While waiting on the luggage trans-load, my friends Mark and Da had asked me to step into the kitchen for a minute. The kitchen is
where we have our family conferences. They said they had a surprise for me. BOY OH BOY DID THEY HAVE A SURPRISE FOR ME! Mark pointed to the hong nam. I responded yea, so? Every house has its hong nam.
Then I got my surprise. My lady Nit stepped out of the hong nam (bathroom) with a smile on her face and her hands on either side of her expanding belly. She then announced to me something I had just
deduced. That she was pregnant and I was to become a father.
To say I was speechless is an understatement. I was also very happy but did have to ask why she kept it a secret from me. Her reply was
simple and sincere…"Some things I just have to say to your face." I was pleased she felt that way but also a bit disappointed since I now have only a few months to prepare for an event that
most men have nine months to prepare. Nonetheless, I am excited at this prospect and in shock at having to learn to change diapers at age 51.
Nit made the run down (to Pattaya) with us but returned
to BKK for a Monday doctors appointment. She was still suffering from severe morning sickness even after 6 months. She is doing ok and was advised to stay in bed for a few days. I hope she'll be able
to join me before the reunion trip ends. I do want and need to spend some quality time with her.
The point had been made, wondering and whispering if the child is really mine. I have a minor doubt
whether or not the child is mine. However, to allay any fears SHE has even suggested we do a DNA test to provide proof positive. I had no qualms in accepting that offer. I'm not trying to ruin the
moment but one must be very sure especially when dealing with mixed nationality parentage in a foreign country. The U.S. Government can be picky at best. Enough of that topic for now.
With the
best-laid plans to be in hotel rooms by 1500 down the drain, by the time we got to Pattaya it was closer to 1700. Folks saw us arrive and came to meet and greet us. There was Pete, Don, Ray Hayes and
Larry Keough along with Don and Pete's spouses. The Galvan bothers rode down with Tony and Somjai Young and Ken and Lat along with friend Buddy met us. I have to my shame forgotten to mention that John
Ault and Mike Weldon came down with me along with the Robinson's and Bill Miller. We are about 20 to 30 strong including wives, girlfriends and others. At long last, WE ARE BACK !!!!
After checking
in and getting settled ever so slightly, we converged on the bar where folks had been waiting and growing group size over the day. We commenced to meet everyone and introduce all around. Then we did
what G.I.s do. WE DID INDEED DRINK THE BAR DRY OF BEER. Courtesy of Mr. Cabrey, we drank on him this afternoon/evening. Thanks Pete!!! Ironically the hotel was not used to the kind of traffic we were
generating. This hotel bar is the kind of place where you would get a drink with your dinner, have one on the way out for the evening or a nightcap coming back in. They learned fast and never got low on
provisions after that.
Ken and some others had decided to head out to FLB Bar for the ex-pat meeting. A few others decided to fight the urge to sleep and go explore. Still others went to the room and
to bed; I went to the massage shop on the hotel premises and arranged for a massage in my room. The price was not too bad, 400 Baht ($10). The gal came to my room as I got out of the shower. She spread
towels on the bed and had me lie down. While she worked on my back, neck and legs I fought to stay awake. After she said ok, turn over, it was all over… she finished the massage and had to wake me up
to get paid so she could leave. Timing was about right too…2330.
See you tomorrow….for
