Takeoff

Newt at the Los Angeles International Airport, on a shuttle bus.

So, this is our itinerary (United States to Thailand):

Depart San Diego Lindberg Field (SAN) for Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) via United Airlines Flt 5409 (United Express/SkyWest).

Continue from Los Angeles to Taipei Taoyuan Airport (TPE) on China Airlines Flt 5.

Finally, conclude with Taipei to Bangkok’s new Suvarnabumi International Airport (BKK) on China Airlines Flt 65.

This routing saved us almost enough to defray Snoopy’s stay at the “Bonita Country Pet Resort” (bonitacountrypetresort.com) in San Diego. Just south of the 54 freeway, take Sweetwater Road to 5775 Quarry Road. It’s a family-run kennel, and Snoopy seems to enjoy her stays there. They also groom and train.

What about China Airline’s notoriously poor safety record? Fresh in our memory, a spectacular ground fire destroyed one of their Boeing 737s in August 2007—thankfully, there were no fatalities (airsafe.com/events/airlines/Taiwan.htm). Our research shows that China Airlines has taken steps to improve its flying safety practices. And, within the context of air travel in general, flying China is a safe and convenient way to get from here to there.

Besides, one of us will be wearing powerful Thai amulets.

Pre-departure

All set!

Have confirmation regarding local ground transport to the airport (xpressshuttle.com), and overseas air travel (CheapTickets.com).

Have the latest Lonely Planet guide book, and have printed web-based information.

Have reservations for a hotel quick-stop in Bangkok, then airline to Ubon Ratchathani, with hotel there.

Tomorrow, we’re off to Thailand for 3 weeks. It’s been several years since our last visit, and we look forward to seeing relatives in Isan (the Northeast region of Thailand), and Bangkok.

This blog will, we hope, keep our American and Swedish family and friends up-to-date on what we are doing.

Keep on traveling! (Rick Steves from PBS television)