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The Eagle Has Landed

Most of my recent trips have been on packed flights with no empty seats but we had some breathing room today. And I had the exquisite pleasure of a lovely seat mate on the way to Seoul. Vick was a retired plastic surgeon from the Philippines, educated by the Jesuits in his early years in Manila where he later attended med school, and then came to the US in 1965 for his residencies. He specialized in head and neck reconstruction for children, commonly cancer patients and cleft palate. He spent many years volunteering in the remote provinces of Philippines doing this work for disadvantaged families. Always smiling, light-hearted, and happy to be retired, this 84-years-young gent was heading home to visit family in Manila for the spring. The good company made the 14-hour flight from Detroit to Seoul more enjoyable. Other highlights: flying over the Bering Strait and a bit o’ turbulence over Japan. And @Delta serves the best gluten-free meals!

Seoul was a beautiful and eerie sight with a skyline of skyscrapers blanketed in layers of fog, cargo ships sitting like ghosts in the bay, an impressively long bridge skimming the water’s surface in shadows of black and white.

Bangkok was veiled in the dark of night, an impressive spread across the horizon dotted with orange lights along highways. I love seeing a city for the first time from the sky at night- it gives one a sense of its scope.

Some 37 hours and 10,000 miles after I began this adventure, I finally arrived at the Bangkok hotel around midnight. Greeted by a helpful bellboy, efficient check-in, and temps in the high 80s, I was delighted to see a pool shimmering in the evening light; it did not take long to settle into my room and return to soak my weary body in its inviting tropical water surrounded by climbing vines and lovely accoutrements while the scent of incense floated on the air. Divine. And I have already become enchanted with the custom of folks bowing in greeting or thanks. It feels incredibly respectful, in both directions.

As if the time change for daylight savings hadn’t already flummoxed my body, going West and subtracting time then somewhere over the Pacific Ocean springing a full 12 hours into the future has really confused my body. Send good vibes for minimal jet lag.

This is my first visit to Asia and I can’t wait! I’ve opted not to reveal the itinerary in advance and it’s my hope that you’ll find delight in the anticipation and daily discovery. Also, do not be surprised or alarmed if I don’t pop into your inbox daily as I’ll be in some remote areas with questionable cell or internet connection.

What are your tips for fighting jet lag?

Have you flown to Asia? What’s your favorite route and place to visit?

What are you curious about?

Thanks for following. I’m so grateful when you choose to spend your time with me here.

Word of mouth is how I’ve found some of my favorite things. Feel free to share this blog with others who might be interested and don’t forget to follow on Instagram, which sometimes has different content and photos ?

Love, Wen

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5 Comments

  1. So excited to follow your journey. The only Asian travel I’ve done is China. COVID has likely changed things, but I loved it. Hangzhou & Suzhou were lovely beyond the well-known Great Wall and Beijing sites. When/if I’m able to go again, I want to experience the winter wonder of Harbin. I’m fascinated by China.

  2. So excited to follow your journey. The only Asian travel I’ve done is China. COVID has likely changed things, but I loved it. Hangzhou & Suzhou were lovely beyond the well-known Great Wall and Beijing sites. When/if I’m able to go again, I want to experience the winter wonder of Harbin. I’m fascinated by China.