The Best Part of Space A Travel

As we traveled home, we spent two nights in Singapore, another two in Yokota, and finally another two at Hickam AF Base, Honolulu. Two days, two nights, and there were no flights in sight for at least another couple of days. We redeemed our Delta miles and flew from Honolulu to Charleston with two three-hour layovers in Salt Lake City and Atlanta, respectively.

We really did enjoy all the great conversations we had with the many people we met, but we were just tired of waiting, tired of sitting, tired of not knowing what would happen next. We were ready to be home.

The best part of Space A Travel? I've said it before, and I will say it again …is that it feels so good when you stop.

Our Azaleas were all in bloom – as well as those all around our neighborhood. Bradford Pear trees were also popping with popcorn flowers. It was a good homecoming!

Our house - we missed this time of year in 2011 - Three different colors of Azaleas bloomed to greet us.

Our street - showing Spring beginning to Pop

goldenbear70's honey
Wednesday, 14 March 2012
North Charleston, SC

Missed It By ONE Seat! - Another Night in Paradise

The flight to Warner Robins was not canceled, but there was only one seat left when the roll was called at 18:55. Perhaps it is for the best, since one woman got on with her seven children!

There are, however, many wonderful things I can report about today:

1. Hawaii is beautiful even on a cloudy, rainy day with the palm trees swaying in the gentle breeze and the mild temperatures. It's just too bad we cannot really enjoy it, because we are trapped in the terminal all day waiting for the flights to post. No Luau, no pineapple, no leis, no beach, and no Hula dancers.

2. We had a very comfortable place to wait for our flight - with Internet access and a TV

3. We were able to become further acquainted with the fellow-travelers we met yesterday.

We have met a dentist and his wife from Michigan just beginning their retirement and using Space A to have a three-month Asian adventure. Two gentlemen are traveling solo with their wives at home - one from Knoxville (retired Air Force Chaplain) and the other on his way home to Guam (retired Master Chief/Steward). Another couple, a Judge and his wife, are on their way home to Williamsburg. We have had conversations about politics, family relationships, travel and more travel. Everyone has great stories to tell, helpful tips to share, and in general a wonderful outlook on life that is infectious.

4. We were able to get a room on base - the Alaka 'I Inn - AND the nice couple from Williamsburg went out of their way to give us a lift there in their rental car.

We have two days left of our Rx meds, and I have two squeezes of toothpaste left in my travel-size tube. Our patience is wearing thin - especially because of the need for medicine, so we are contemplating using our nearly-good-for-nothing Delta miles to get home.

goldenbear70's honey
Alaka 'I Inn, Hickam AFB, HI
10 March, 2314

The Looongest Day

After spending two nights in Yokota Air Base at Kanto Lodge, on Friday morning at 0900 we started our day, and waited at the DV Lounge at the air terminal. Many hours and several delayed departures later, we finally boarded our flight (C-17) headed for Hickam at 2145.

I was so tired that I lay down on the metal floor of the aircraft and slept, using my fleece jacket for a pillow. Some pax bring air mattresses, sleeping bags and pillows. I awakened to the awareness that the cold was penetrating into my bones about four or five hours later. Fortunately, due to tail winds, the flight lasted only a little over seven hours, so I slept sitting up for most of the rest of the trip. I also dozed while we waiting nearly two hours to be allowed to disembark. There was a thunder storm of nearly Biblical proportions, so they did not dare to roll the metal stairs up to the plane and allow passengers onto the tarmac. The entire flight bg70 was reading his book - never letting himself lose consciousness lest he might miss something.

Once we entered the air terminal at Hickam, we continued to doze in between conversations with fellow-travelers and checks at the counter about future flights. Convinced there were no flights departing to any destinations useful to us, we reserved a room at one of the Pearl Harbor billeting facilities, Lockwood Hall. We took a bus, then transferred to another bus, and the driver informed us his route did not go onto the Pearl Harbor base. He let us off about 1/2 mile from Makalapa Gate.

At this point I realized I was functioning nearly as a zombie. I tried to calculate how many hours it had been since I had awakened at 0900 Friday morning. It certainly seemed longer than the eight hours the calendar indicated, since it was only 1700 on Friday evening. Friday was a VERY LOOOONG day for us; in fact, Friday happened to us twice. As we plodded along, dragging our rolling bags, we must have acquired a mean, hard look about us, because a driver pulled his car over and offered us a ride.

We jumped into the car not even considering (or caring) if they were drug dealers or not - just so happy to sit and be driven. They took us to Lockwood where we checked in; because Lockwood was built in WWII, there are no elevators, so we schlepped our luggage up the stairs, entered our room, and shortly thereafter, passed out for the night.

Gb70 could not sleep past 0130, so he arose and set about doing laundry, reading the news and writing letters home. Being the sensible one with real talent for sleeping anywhere and for long periods, I did not get up until 0630 in time to slip into my freshly laundered jeans.

Presently (1345 hours) we are sitting in the DV Lounge at Hickam AFB awaiting an opportunity to depart for the continental US (CONUS). Already today we have anticipated getting a flight to North Island, CA (flight delayed) - then McGuire AFB, NJ (not enough seats for us) - now possibly Langley, VA, North Island (again) with a ~20-hour layover there and on to Norfolk, or the most likely option, based on seats available, to go to Warner Robins AFB, GA. That flight is currently scheduled to depart at 2115.

goldenbear70's honey
Hickam AFB, Hikalulu
Saturday 1345

Tokyo (Yokota)

We arrived at Yokota Air Base in Tokyo last night after a very pleasant 7 hour AMC flight from Singapore. ATI has the contract for the "channel" flight, using a DC-8 (yes, the 1960's vintage aircraft) that is configured as a "combi" plane. The front 2/3 of the plane is used for cargo, leaving room for 32 seats in the rear of the aircraft. There were 11 pax on the plane, so there was enough room for everyone to have their own row. The food was tasty and plentiful, and they showed 3 movies. All in all, this was one of my better flights on any airline.

We checked into the Kanto Lodge on base, which is about a half mile from the AMC terminal. This morning, we strolled through the Exchange, had breakfast, then checked out of the lodge and went to the terminal to await the possibility of a flight to Seattle. Although the 767 holds 250 pax, our chances of getting on this flight are slim, as there are only 6 tentative seats, and as retired members, we are the lowest priority. If we do not make this flight, there's a flight to Hawaii tomorrow, another to Seattle on Saturday, and one to Travis (California) on Sunday, so we don't have a feeling of desperation yet. If we haven't left by Sunday, I'll start to feel antsy and look for alternatives.

Our visit to Singapore brought back pleasant memories of our 1996 three week stay there while I was on Navy TAD at ComLogWestPac. We noticed some significant changes since then: there are "forests" of 18-20 story apartment buildings all over the place, the original subway line has sprouted sister lines going many more places, and the city/state has been deluged with immigrants from less-wealthy SE Asian nations, notably Vietnam and China. The government has also constructed a new freeway to move traffic from the apartment villages to downtown, and glamorous new high rises abound in downtown and the waterfront. Prices were higher than we remebered, and the dollar has fallen from its previous level ($1US=$1.80Sing then to 1.25 today), so we didn't buy much. Food is still a good value, if you stay away from the international chains. Food courts at malls offer a lot of variety, low prices, and good taste.

Debbie, after "alighting" from the feeder car on the way to downtown Singapore via MRT (commuter train).

One particular development on the waterfront, Marina Bay, is really unique. The three tall hotels (about 60 stories each) are joined at the top by a "park" with an infinity edge pool almost 500 feet long and 600 feet above street level. The buildings are built on reclaimed land but must maintain the perfectly level edge; otherwise, the water in the pool would begin to spill out at the lowest point along that edge. The building will settle over time, so the architects embedded a sophisticated set of jacks within the frame of each building so they can adjust the buildings to keep the pool edge absolutely level.

St. Andrews Cathedral - Skyscrapers in Background

While in Singapore, we visited a tailor shop that had made some suits for me in 1996. The owner, George, was there, and when we introduced ourselves he said, "weren't you in the Air Force or Navy?" I thought it remarkable that he could remember that after 16 years, with no interaction between us in the intervening years. If only I could do as well. I am lucky to remember my wife's name sometimes...

OK, on to roll call for the flight! Fingers crossed :-) - Boo! we did not make the flight tonight. Back to Kanto Lodge for the night - we shall try for a flight to Hickam tomorrow evening.

goldenbear70
Yokota Air Base, Japan
Thursday, 8 March 2012 - 1820

Asian Gastronomic Review

Pictured here is our lunch (Seafood Fried Rice) that was served on our AirAsia flight BKK-SIN. I am not used to my food looking back at me, so I tried to think of the nutritional value: Omega-3s and Calcium. These little fish were only about 1/2-inch long, sort of dried, and very salty. Cousin Roger says they remind him of smelt that come from Lake Champlain.

After nearly three weeks in Japan, Singapore and Thailand, we are on our way home - the long way - through Singapore, Yokota and undetermined points East. It will take us a minimum of five days IF we get all the flights we hope to. We left Bangkok on Monday, 5 March, spent two nights in Singapore and flew to Yokota today. I find I am really looking forward to getting back to my own home cooking.

Goldenbear70 is extremely fond of Asian food – especially Thai food, and could literally eat Panang Curry at least five times a week. Me? The further into our stay, the less fond I was of Miso Soup. Dr. Oz said eating Miso Soup helps your body burn belly fat. Now I know how that works – you just lose your appetite.

For my sake, we tried going to a couple of western restaurants. The Caprese Salad had completely tasteless sliced tomatoes with dry, tough “fresh” mozzarella. The Seafood Orzo was so salty, I had to send it back. Maybe it was made with sea water? Then I tried just plain spaghetti with tomato sauce, but the garlic was coarsely chopped – not minced – too much garlic for even a garlic-lover like me. I realize now that Thai people make great Thai food – Italian? -- not so much.

Wanting to avoid fried rice/noodles for breakfast again yesterday I resorted to buying an Egg McMuffin yesterday. By yesterday and today, I did not even want to look at another plate of fried noodles/rice, roast duck/chicken/pork, anything with chilies in it or chili sauce on it, or anything that was served in a pot of hot water or had been cooked on a stick. Those of you who know me well know I am NOT a picky eater, and I usually have a voracious appetite.

Asian desserts, never as sweet as we are accustomed to, are usually made with fruit; tapioca is another popular ingredient. Additionally I have seen a few really interesting examples, such as fungus custard I spotted recently – doesn’t that just sound yummy? (fungus = mushrooms) How does almond sauce or bean sauce sound for dessert? An Asian ice cream sundae could come with kidney beans as the topping, and apparently corn is considered a sweet treat there. Even the candy bars and bakery goods that they sell at the shops are not as sweet as we have come to expect. For me Asia is a great place to give up dessert, which is what I need to do.

We always have fun looking at the different types of foods and packaging in markets. I will post below a few photos we took in Singapore.

Hmmmm? Is it "Export" because it is not good enough for distribution in the States?

Those oranges must really be something - look at the crowd waiting to buy them!

Toy, gb70, and Bee in the Produce Dept. at Paragon Siam Bangkok --if they do not have it at this mall, you really do not need it nor could you imagine it. (Year of the Dragon - I think I beheaded him - oops!)

Ginormous Apples! I think they are grown in Japan.

To get the full effect of the photo of Durian, I need scratch ‘n sniff capability – the peel smells like garbage and sewage and is not allowed in some public places such as elevators, commuter trains, and hotels, but if you can get past that and get a properly ripe one, they are quite tasty.

Could these be "designer" mangos? Tommy Atkins - like Tommy Hilfiger?

Near the end of this trip, mango, our very favorite fruit, was just coming into season in Thailand. We learned there are different types, among them tart mangos. Our friend Toy introduced us to a tart, chewy mango, sliced with dried fish and a chili sauce drizzled on it – she said it was an authentic Thai snack, which I enjoyed trying! (A better blogger would have taken a picture of said authentic Thai snack, but I failed to do so.)

Our favorite treat is sticky rice with mango and coconut, but I limited myself to slowly savoring only one bite every few days. Our last night in Bangkok we shared a slice of mango cheesecake, with a chocolate cookie crust and a garnish of sliced mango. Some calories and sugar are worth the damage – maybe not “to die for,” but close.

goldenbear70's honey
Kanto Lodge, Yokota Air Base, Japan
2056 Wednesday 07 March 2012

"There Are No Accidents in the Church" - Meeting President Smith

Tuesday morning, 20 February, we placed a call to the mission president, President Michael S. Smith, who will preside here until July of this year. He is from Mesa, AZ and served here as a missionary in the early seventies, when Thailand was a very different place. Before coming here, President Smith and his wife served in Hong Kong in a Family History Support assignment there.

President Smith invited us to his office in the Pak Kret district - about 20 miles from our hotel. After a way too exciting taxi ride, we arrived safely, in spite of the fact our driver went over twice the speed limit and there were no seat belts in the cab. President Smith explained more to us about what an assignment here would entail, where we might live, that the medical facilities are more than adequate, and about the growth of the church here. He even introduced us to the liaison sister (Thai) with whom we might work very closely if we are called here. It was all very inspiring!

President Smith suggested that we take a walk to Lumpini Park (short walk from our hotel) to see the spot near the clock tower there where in 1966 President (then Elder) Hinckley dedicated the country for the preaching of the gospel. We did take that walk and felt very strongly the love the Lord has for the good people of Thailand. You can read more about that event by going to the url below.

http://www.lds.org/ensign/1995/09/the-gospel-dawning-in-thailand?lang=eng&noLang=true&path=/ensign/1995/09/the-gospel-dawning-in-thailand

In my last post, I borrowed a quote from President Smith that I have always believed. It is that "there are no accidents in the Church." Even before becoming a member, Alan has always felt a love for this country and these uplifting people. Now I have come to share his feelings for this colorful, bustling country. By several miracles we have been able to retire at this time when we still have the energy to serve. We were led to find someone to take better care of our home in our absence than we take care of it ourselves. Whether it is God's will that we serve here or elsewhere, we have had some choice spiritual experiences already that add to our testimonies that He lives and loves us. We know He has called us to serve.

I kept the following quote on our refrigerator when our eldest son, Chris, was serving his mission, and I still find strength when I read it today:

“Our missionaries are going forth to different nations . . . the Standard of Truth has been erected; no unhallowed hand can stop the work from progressing; persecutions may rage, mobs may combine, armies may assemble, calumny may defame, but the truth of God will go forth boldly, nobly, and independent, till it has penetrated every continent, visited every clime, swept every country, and sounded in every ear, till the purposes of God shall be accomplished, and the Great Jehovah shall say the work is done.” (History of the Church 4:540)

goldenbear70's honey
Bangkok, Thailand
24 February 2012

Fellowcitizens with the Saints

Sunday we went to church. The lds.org site indicated the meeting would be at 1:00 pm, at the closest building, Asoke Chapel, where we have worshiped before - and have even run into a friend from one of our former California wards there. It is possible to take the BTS commuter train, but we called a taxi to preserve a fresh Sabbath-day appearance in the heat.

Although we are far away, we found the same church we have at home. There was the usual group gathered in the foyer between meetings, and several people approached us to welcome us, some with the gesture, called the 'y' where they put their hands together as if to pray and pronounce the greeting, "Sawasdee krab/kaa," depending upon their gender. Most men were dressed in white shirts and ties - many wore suits.

We quickly found a sister missionary whose name tag was all in Thai. She is Sister Peterson from Rexburg, ID, and she and her husband are serving in the Employment Resource Service mission here. They also teach English. They had requested going to Central or South America, but they are very happy serving here.

We also quickly found out we were about to attend the Thai Sacrament Meeting. The English-speaking one (mostly for ExPats) had met earlier in the morning. Although it was the church Web site that led us astray, there are no accidents in the Church - this was the right meeting for us to attend. Several Thai members came forward to help us, offering English song books and introducing themselves. One sister shared with me that she had first become interested in the Gospel by hearing a missionary sing a song about Moroni, "An Angel From On High.' She said she felt something stir in her and had to investigate the Church after hearing him sing. I could well believe her story, because music is such a powerful conduit for the Spirit.

A kind Elder offered to translate the meeting for us. He did a wonderful job, and it was interesting to find out that, although he is Thai, he had gone to Utah as an exchange student in high school where he converted and went on to attend University of Utah for a short while before coming here to serve his mission. He is actually on his way to serve in Australia and is awaiting his visa for that country.

Although we did not understand a lot of the words spoken, The Spirit was as strong as it is at home. All the Young Men passing the Sacrament were dressed in white shirts and ties, and we knew the words of the Sacrament prayers were as closely followed as they always are and should be. The speakers gave heartfelt messages. The reverence in the chapel was striking, even though there were many young children present. I have not been is such a quiet chapel since I attended a Singles Ward in Denver with Carson.

The words of Paul's epistle to the Ephesians came to my mind and heart:
"And [Christ Jesus] came and preached peace to you which were afar off, and to them that were nigh. For through him we both have access by one Spirit unto the Father. Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God." Ephesians 2: 17-19

goldenbear70's honey
Bangkok, Thailand
24 February 2012