| I can be fairly anal when making plans. In my job, | | | | little earlier than usual. We usually get tickets |
| I live by the calendar in Outlook. Meetings, | | | | about 4 6 weeks prior to flying. So, I called my |
| Conferences, Training and the daily routine are all | | | | travel agent and booked 3 tickets on September |
| governed by my calendar. I do the same thing | | | | 18 and the very next morning there was a coup |
| when going on vacation. | | | | in Thailand. |
| I know that a vacation is a time to relax and not | | | | I followed the news, contacted some friends in |
| watch the clock. But, I still like to have some sort | | | | Bangkok and Pattaya and got the inside info and |
| of schedule to get the most out of my 2 week | | | | found that there was nothing to worry about. |
| holiday. Planning works well for me everywhere | | | | Martial law was in effect but it had no impact on |
| except for Pattaya. I havent quite figured out | | | | tourism. Then a bombshell was dropped. The |
| why I just know that all my plans get thrown out | | | | Command General of the Army in the Pacific |
| the window every time I go to Pattaya. | | | | banned all travel for Military and Government |
| My upcoming trip has already been disrupted and I | | | | Civilians to Thailand period. Great. As government |
| havent even left home yet. Me and a couple of | | | | civilians, we all fell into this category. |
| buddies go to Thailand every year usually in the | | | | I couldnt understand the reasoning since the US |
| September/October time frame. My son wanted | | | | State Department didnt impose any travel |
| to come along again with us this year but couldnt | | | | restrictions to Thailand. But, the General is the big |
| get time off from his job until December. So, the | | | | boss and his word is law. We sweated this out for |
| rest of us changed our plans and we set things | | | | approximately one month until October 20th when |
| up for December. | | | | the good General lifted the travel ban and we |
| Well, my son went and got married in August | | | | breathed a group sigh of relief. |
| (while I was on my last holiday in Pattaya) and his | | | | I hope this isnt a sign of things to come. Or |
| wife gave birth to a beautiful little girl 3 weeks | | | | maybe I should just change my plans to be Have |
| ago. So, now the proud papa needs to be with his | | | | a great time in the Land of Smiles and not worry |
| wife and baby and the 3 Musketeers will still go in | | | | about the day-to-day activities. That will certainly |
| December. | | | | make it less stressful but the lack of a schedule |
| But, we almost didnt make it. With the price of oil | | | | may just drive me nuts. Oh well, I will try my |
| rising and tickets relatively scarce during | | | | best to just have fun and not worry about the |
| December, we decided to purchase our tickets a | | | | minor details. |