Cynthia’s journal entry #1:

Flying on Thai Air made my 17 hour flight from L.A. to Bangkok, Thailand seem shorter. The smiles were constant, the concern for your comfort was genuine and the level of service was the level of excellence. I flew coach but was treated like first class. I was amazed how much attention was put on the smallest details. There were no ala carte items to purchase, all was inclusive.

We were greeted by the flight staff, dressed in colorful cultural uniforms, hair and make-up to perfection and fresh rested faces. We were served three big full course meals. There was a constant flow of water and beverages to keep us hydrated. You could request fruits or snacks 24-7 which was given freely and liberally. Each seat had it's own TV screen with a wide selection of movies, games, music for all ages to choose from. The plane was full but not congested. There was more than enough leg room, more inclination to the seats, foot rest and definitely more comfort. Each seat accessories included blanket, pillow, head phones, remote control. I had an aisle seat, 55-F. My seat mates were 7 year old Miles and his 11 year old brother, Evan. They kept me entertain for a while and share some of their stash of cookies, candies and snacks I had never seen before. Their Thai father and American mother along with their baby sister were seated in back of us. The boys and I talked, played and watched a movie. They both fell asleep before I did; another pray answered. From Bangkok they would be going on to another destination but on the way back will spend four days in Bangkok and promised to come by the hotel to hear me sing.

You know that I'm not shy, so, you should know that I ended up in the galley talking, eating, taking photos and being my friendly self with the staff. Some of them promised to come by the Hotel to hear me sing. Two more benefits were a bottle of champagne and an invitation from the flight manager to take me on a tour of Bangkok on his next layover.

I guess you can say I stood out-- being the only Black American and having my hair in locks. One of the lady attendant commented, "I like your hair." Then the pilot announce we would begin our descent shortly .... I had to change from my comfortable sleep time clothes, back into my ready to meet and greet Bangkok outfit.

We landed safely and smoothly; we all clapped mingled with some prayers. Immigration and luggage retrieval was easy and painless. Well, maybe a little discomfort because all three pieces of my luggage was heavy and had bright orange tags with big bold letters HEAVY. After luggage everything else was gravy. A smiling young man in an orange jacket was waiting for me with a sing that had the Oriental Hotel's logo and my name. He greeted me by name and took over from there. He escorted me to a black limousine where the driver stood erect, dressed in a starch white uniform with hat. There was no starch or stiffness in his manner. The familiar courtesy bow and smile came right before the greeting and welcome to Bangkok, Ms. Saunders. Seated in the back seat of this luxury limo, the driver handed me a silver tray with a bottle of chilled water and a warm damp face cloth. I am so enjoying all this attention and know that I know that I know that I am suppose to be here at this particular time for a particular purpose.

What a difference a day made--24 hours. I left the Ft. Lauderdale airport on Tuesday, June 26th; because of the time difference, it was Thursday morning , July 28th when I arrived in Asia.

The limo ride from the airport was like any other ride on a highway It was 7 am, so rush hour traffic had not started yet. Most of the billboards were bilingual -- Thai and English. As we entered the city limits in the downtown area, Bangkok’s personality began to make itself known. Many of the 12 million people of Bangkok were out stirring about. Automobile and foot traffic was beginning to get congested. The driver pointed out the need for motorcycle taxis, which were all over the place, zooming in, out and between cars. The air was thick from auto exhaust; it wasn’t uncommon to see drivers and people walking with utility masks on. Stores, shops and food stands crowed both sides of the street. I must point out amongst the buildings, many of which needed a fresh coat of paint, stands a monumental statue of the king standing or sitting, accented with bright colors, fresh fragrant flowers and other ritual items of honor. This is my observations and is certain after spending four months here, will learn the significance and meaning of what I’m seeing for the first time.

After making a right turn onto Charoenkrung Road. The left side of this narrow road was lined with street venders in front of more shops, a school, the ATM machine and a big long wall of what looks like an abandoned building. The right side was lined with more shops that lead up to a restaurant. The small patch of yard in the front was the site for another ritual looking statue of. There were two or three security guards with guns in a green guard house at the head of the next entrance which leads to The Oriental, my home for the next four months.

As we pulled up to the front of the hotel the porters, uniformed in burgundy traditional Thai pants and tan tailored jacket, hurried to opened my door. They smiled, bowed and greeted me by name, “Sawasdee krup Ms. Saunders and welcome to the Oriental.” Other than getting one of my CDs that I promised the driver, I was not allowed to touch my bags. The double glass and gold doors were opened for me and I stepped through. I must admit my emotions at that particular time was one of detachment. One, I had a serious case of jet lag. Two, I was so far away from everything that was familiar. Three, I just knew I was still dreaming.

The lobby was huge with a large circular two-tier water fountain with a six feet floral arrangement rising from the center. Four clusters of teakwood bells hung from the high ceiling adding light and ambiance to this noted famous lobby. The many sofas, love seats and chairs provided comfort to guest and visitors as a string quartet played soothing chamber music. A petite young lady dressed in a short sleeve bronze silk tailored blouse and matching ankle length fitted skirt approached me with the traditional head bow, praying hands and of course, the smile. “Sawasdee Ka Ms. Saunders, welcome to The Oriental, you’re already registered. Please follow me,” she said. Sawasdee is their greeting for hello and goodbye; a male would say krup after it and a female would say Ka after it (the rule with many of their words). I’m totally surround by beauty, elegance, luxury, manners and Sevice with a capital S. The hostess showed me my room, the bellman soon followed with all my heavy luggage. I hadn’t changed my American dollars to bahts and I didn‘t know the tipping rules yet; so, I tipped him with a CD. His face lit up as he said, “Karp khun krup (thank you) Ms. Saunders” and bowed.

My room is very nice. The first thing I notice was a sterling silver triangular bowl filled with fruit sitting in the middle of a black square tray, sitting on top of an over sized square ottoman, situated in front of the sofa. From the ceiling hangs a chandelier with green and rust glass tear drops. There was a tan, red and black tapestry rug that covered about one third of the white with black square marble flooring. A wicker chair, wicker end table, desk with chair and a large antique, teakwood cabinet stood on four clawed feet occupied the rest of the sitting room. Take seven steps up a counter with drinking glasses, coasters, can opener, silver ice bucket and a tray with a silver pitcher of water on top and a refrigerator underneath behind the slatted door. One more step up and you’re in my bedroom with king-size bed, dual closets 2 end tables and inset window seat over looking the front entrance lined with trees and flowers. Two wooden sliding doors opens to the bathroom. The toilet is behind it’s own door, the counter is full of custom toiletries and towels and the best of all, a deep dish tub with a large stationary shower head and a gold trim shower hose. There is a gold plated panel on the right wall for lights, dimmer, TV or stereo switch and volume control. First order of business, tub, very hot water and bubbles, then continue dreaming.