Currently in Bangkok

Hello Family and Friends,

An entire week just passed and I was for the most part without Internet. We spend Sunday, Monday, Tuesday in Shillong visiting with friends of Steve. Sarah and Pamu welcomed us into their home as though we were family. They have a lovely home up on a hill that overlooks the town of Shillong. With a babbling creek behind their house that sounds so relaxing. Which we needed after the very stressful drive to Guwahati. The road is very windy, crazy, dangerous, insane!!! It took 3 1/2 hours to travel about 60 miles through very steep mountains. Our driver could compete in any NASCAR race. We were often inches from other moving vehicles.

We finally made it to the town of Shillong. Sarah and Pamu were so excited to have us as guests They treated us very well it is interesting to see how the upper class of India live. With a staff of servants a driver, maid, cook etc..., They took us to meet their parents. Sarah's mother held a very high public servant position with the Indian government. She is a very regal woman. You just walk away with positive impressions. She knows how to carry herself so well. Pamu also holds a high government position over seeing 3000 other government employees. Sarah is a professor of fisheries at a local university. They have two talented, lovely children. There whole back yard is practically a vegetable garden neatly arranged down the slope.

They served us food non stop, tea with snacks, more tea with snacks, lunch, dinner, One night were having drinks til midnight when in two minutes Sarah had a hot spread of food including meat which is a high honor. They are wonderful people! Sarah even had her manicurist come in and give me a manicure and pedicure! Which was absolutely fabulous. Less than $10! including tip..

Wednesday was a nightmare, we spent over 8 hours in a hot, cramped car on the way to Kazirunga national wild life park. With a indescribable driver on some local nut drug. We spent the night in a really nice safari style hotel. We attended a bonfire and met some interesting local India busness men. The following day went on a jeep safari not as good as expected. But saw rhino, elephants and a very fast wild boar that ran in front of the jeep. Thursday and Friday was spent travelling to Bangkok. Stayed in the worst hotel of my life in Calcutta. All nice hotel rooms were booked due to conventions but we spent a few hours in the Hyatt restaurant. very nice!!!

Calcutta taxis are the worst! The $14.00 dollar a night hotel included yelling, banging and shouting!! Who needs clean water? On Friday we traveled on a very nice plane with good service.

We just had lovely breakfast this morning and are heading to see sights of Bangkok. If Steve survives! He has been running on empty and not up to par. He just started a z-pac and will hopefully be feeling better as the day continues. This kind of travel can be exhausting!

Love and miss you all and the Good USA!!

The final days are going to go quick, we head to Vietnam tomorrow!

Michelle