Questions and Answers

Q: You are returning to Asia this fall? You just returned from there. Why the quick turnaround?
R.D. Richmond, VA

A: Two words: Meena Lama. Since we returned from SE Asia in March 2009, we learned of a four year old girl who had been abandoned and had been begging for food in her small village in the mountains of Nepal. We arranged for her rescue and transport to Kathmandu, where we will fund everything she needs to become a healthy and educated. We can’t wait to meet her, and thus our return to Nepal.

Q: What do you make of the renewed violence in Thailand?
R.Y. Chicago, IL

A: We are sorry to see it. During our last time there (December 08-March 09) we met people who had been hurt financially by the protests and shutdown of the Bangkok airport, even though they had nothing to do with tourism. These new protests will hurt more people, especially those involved in exports of products. Politically, we oppose the “red shirts,” since they seek the return of the former prime minister, who we think was indicted for good reason.

Q: WHAT: You bought a LAND CRUISER? Are you made of money?
L.T. Washington, DC

A: No, absolutely not. But we did need a very capable and safe 4X4 for upcoming expeditions, and the Land Cruiser is thought by many to be the finest and most dependable machine of its kind.

Q: What made you go back to Asia AGAIN?
D.H. Livingston, MT

A: We love it. Besides, I always wanted to take Becky first class on one of the world’s best airlines. I used to have enough frequent flier miles to do that, but the airlines keep changing the rules. We still had enough for Business Class, so I decided that Singapore Airlines was the one (before they changed the rules again). Business on Singapore is much better than first class on any American based airline, and I’ve flown them all.

Q: Compare Laos today with your previous trips there, please.
S.J. New York City

A: It’s just as wonderful. It is developing, quickly, it seems to me. But we were able to go to the far north, to places without roads, electricity, or any modern conveniences...not even a motorbike in the entire town. These places, and people, were delightful. Progress is coming to them, and from what we see so far, it is benefitting them without destroying their honored traditions.

Q: I see you flew from Chiang Mai, Thailand to Krabi and back. Do you mind saying what you paid?
I.W. Williamsburg, VA

A: Sure. We flew Thai Airlines and paid $325 r/t pp. We could have cut the cost by flying Air Asia or Nok Air, as we have in the past, but we would have had to change airlines in Bangkok, and if either incoming flight had been late, causing us to miss the next flight, we’d have forfeited our onward tickets.

Q: What was your favorite area in this most recent trip?
P.K. Lima, Ohio

A: Along the Nam Ou River in extreme NE Laos. We’ll return there for sure. Chiang Mai is great, too, as is Railay Beach in the south.