Well things did not begin so smoothly. We hit a bump before we ever actually hit the road. I woke up Friday morning to an email from the U.S. Embassy in Thailand. Because I signed up for the smart traveler program, I get updates from the embassy on the current status of safety for travelers to Thailand. The email I received contained an emergency safety alert for all U.S. travelers to Bangkok. We were scheduled to be in Bangkok for 4 days before we met up with our new boss and continue on towards Plaboo Village.
The alert warned of a terrorist threat to Bangkok from Lebanon. Apparently, the Thai Embassy knew of the threat, but chose to withhold the information for fear of losing tourist income. Once the U.S. Embassy found out of the threat, they issued the emergency travel alert. The terrorists were targeting Israel, however chose Bangkok for its popularity among Israeli tourists. Later in the day Friday, a new report was released stating that the Thai government arrested one of the suspects, however one was still at large.
So we were left with a decision. Should we go and hope for the best (while on high alert) or should we delay our trip? After working out the logistics of the whole thing, we decided that delaying the trip a few days would be the best option for our safety.
Bummer. Big bummer. But in all actuality, we didn't have much planned for our few days in Bangkok and this way we can meet with our boss, Lam, as soon as we get into Bangkok. Our new plan is to meet in NYC on Wednesday and leave for Bangkok early Thursday morning from JFK. We will arrive in Bangkok on Friday and meet with Lam.
So it stinks, but only slightly. I've never been one to have great luck, even with my Irish background, so I suppose I should not be surprised! Adaptability is necessary for this adventure, so I will look at this bump as a way of improving mine.
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