OT: I'll be gone for a while...

Finally cut through all the red tape and am my way to Laos to join my wife and baby son, Mapanoy.

I've been living in Taiwan since 1981 (was 21 at the time), acquired Chinese (I am a "white" Chinese) citizenship and I admit to feeling a bit strange about leaving but at the same time I am excited to start all over in Laos. At least my Mandarin Chinese won't go to waste as China's only a bus ride away and I've made some Chinese friends in Vientiane.

It's back to school again! I've hired a Lao language tutor. Some of my friends on SZ know that I enjoy studying languages and one can never speak enough of them IMHO.

Can't wait to give alms to the monks every morning and visit them at the temple.

My buddies can expect a postcard although those in the US will have to wait several weeks before receiving theirs (remember last time?) but that's out of my hands. Just be patient.

Now hoping that I make it to Laos in one piece. My time on SZ might diminish somewhat but I'll still be around (sorry about that: i mean, still being around).

Taike

Taike ... I wish you and your family the very best ...
t.

Godspeed, my friend. Check in as soon as practical.

chas

Good luck with the move Taike. I hope all goes well and wish the best for you and your family.

Squeak

Good luck and all the very best of well wishes to you and your family.

Have a safe journey,

Ian

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Common misconception...size and weight equal quality and performance. Don't be fooled.

T -

Great news to be reunited with your family. I enjoyed conversation on the infamous "Fran" forum for a while too - those were fun times.

Keep in touch.

zuki

Good Luck to you my friend!!

Be safe

Best wishes to you and your family. Nothing can be better that to be reunited with loved ones. God bless you.

Cass Pawlowski
Detroit

We're all so happy for you, and look forward to continuing our friendship and the stmulating exchange of ideas and philisophy.

Best personal regards to you and family.


Russ

great news Taike..Don't be away long..Tell your wife I said hello..

Goede reis en doe voorzichtig.
Fred

We are happy for you Taike. Good luck and let us know how things are going.

Tom

God Bless ya, Taike ! Stay close to the family. That's what counts !

Thank you, Tony Mads, Chas, Squeak, Ian, Zuki, Dnj, Cass, Captain Russ, Fran, Freddy, Tom and Uncle Dave. I appreciate your kind words and blessings for a safe trip.

My flight will be in the wee hours of Friday morning (Taiwan time). What should be a 3.5 hr flight (no longer direct flights from Taipei to Vientiane...real bummer) will take now 10 hours (4 hour transit at Ho Chih-Minh Airport, short one at Pnom Penh Airport and than my final destination, Vientiane, Laos. Arrival time is 5:05PM so just in time for dinner.

A few more days and I'll be with my loved ones. What more can one wish for?

Nou, Freddy, nu maar hopen dat de piloot ook voorzichtig zal zijn. De laatste paar maanden heb ik van enkele gevallen gelezen waar de piloot dronken was.

Taike

Taike,

I'm glad you'll be with your wife and new baby again soon. That's what matters most, but don't forget about us.

All the best to you and your family

Richard

Congratulations!

Thank you, Richard and Mike.

Richard, my "new" baby? It's my first! I'll have some major explaining to do should my wife ever read this.

Two more nights...

My last night in Taiwan...

OK! Now I'll shut up for about a week or so. Thanks again for all those that took the time to wish me and my family well.

I wish you nice trip and all good to you and yours.

Magica Alfa