the morning after
This morning the same moon that illuminated Alex and Tak’s evening wedding festivities is setting in the West, revealing oaks outlined by snow now covering the southern Minnesota landscape. Can it be that only hours ago in Thailand’s interior, we said our good-byes to the pinch-me-I’m-dreaming magic of this wedding adventure?
Forty-two hours. Yes, 42 hours separated us from the heat and enchantment of Chaiyaphum to the chill of Minnesota, to the familiarity and comfort of our cozy beds. On one hand those travel hours seem like a forever, yet on the other, I marvel at the mere chance of being able to navigate half the globe in fewer than two days. I’m old-school. I stand in awe of our connectivity--both in transportation and technology.
It was just before noon Sunday morning (11 pm Sat. eve in Minnesota) that we settled our bill for the pension (mine was THB 900.00--about $25 for two nights). Ironically this little place had the best wifi of the trip--put the luxury places to shame. We hugged not only Tak and Alex, but our entire Thai experience. A poignant farewell. Then packed into vans, we made the 5 hour trip to Bangkok’s Suvarnabhumi Airport.
Fields near Tak's home town
We saw few of these cows
Things became greener the farther south we went
This return trip to Bangkok was done in daylight, and we could see for the first time the change in terrain. Tak’s farm is located in a dry, rather desolate area, whereas we motored through a landscape that became hilly and more green. We saw what we thought could be sugar cane being harvested and transported in bundles in the back of trucks. And I again drew back at the sight of crispy crickets and silkworms being sold (this time in bulk) at the rest stop en route. Egads.
Crispy crickets (left) and silkworms (right)
On all our flights from Bangkok to Minneapolis ( with stops in Seoul and Detroit), we had excellent seating, thanks to Madam Seat-Selector Extraordinaire, Lee Wiese. In fact, during the long stint from Seoul to Detroit (13 hrs.) I had the luxury of being able to stretch my legs out completely. Fabulous, Lee. You're amazing.
We’d heard of the recent snow in Minnesota, and as we landed in Detroit, I saw the storm front had attacked there as well. As we landed in what I’d call a blinding blizzard. I already had it in my head that we’d need to stay at the Westin attached to the airport. But the monitor showed our next flight was still scheduled to depart “on time.”
My nest for rest
Since we had a nearly five-hour layover, I snagged a great lounger, used my down coat as a pillow, covered up with my blanket, and rested. Then miraculously the snow slackened and we boarded the Minneapolis-bound plane. After de-icing (which in itself was quite an undertaking) we took off. All in all, we landed a mere 30 minutes past schedule--quite a marvel given all our connecting planes and the weather.
De-icing took more than 30 minutes, but I wasn't complaining
Solution sprayed onto the wings from a cab extended from a truck
All luggage arrived, as did our driver, and the gentle ride home was marred only by the vision of snow on the ground. But the Minnesotan in me quickly switched my mindset and I welcomed the cold and the familiarity of my stomping grounds.
The animals greeted me, as did my friend Carole who was tending to them as I arrived home. After a happy hour of sharing wine, cheese, and crackers, I knew I was transitioning back into reality.
What I love about travel is this: I return home a different person. Along the way I learn and glean much from the wider world. Now I relish the photos and the experiences shared with the Hellies (and their entourage) and I know my life is richer for having traveled the path Tak and Alex invited me to share. Love you both. Blessings and happiness always.
Thank you to whoever took this photo. I love it.