Day 1  En Route San Francisco to Bangkok

The trip started out on a high note by there being barely any traffic over the Altamont, putting us into BART well before 10. We caught the 9:55 train, which dropped us at the International terminal at 11:15. We walked just a few feet to the United desk  the very first one in line and got checked in. Didnt have enough points to upgrade, but that was okay. We had some lunch, then walked over to MOMA. After that, we decided it was time to go to our gate, which was the first one and we boarded easily. We were seated the a small business class section (the larger one was behind us) and we met the people behind us  come to find out, they are from Stockton (Walt and Jenny Yourchek) and hes a dermatologist  he immediately picked up on the mole on Chriss forehead and called his office, so that Chris could make an appointment to meet with him upon our return (Im so glad  Ive wanted him to have that thing looked at for ever). They are exceptionally nice people and we had a great time visiting with them. They were also headed to Bangkok  we had hoped on a Princess cruise, but they were going on to Bali. We made plans to meet after the vacations to trade pictures and stories

The plane trip was smooth and the food very good  I had a Bento box and Chris had Fillet. We also were served Breakfast  a fruit platter for me and an omelet for Chris. We were both surprised and delighted with the Narita Airport  the lounge was huge and beautifully done. Jenny and I headed off to shop while the guys talked. We had just sat down when it was time to climb onto the next plane. Thankfully, this second leg was all in the dark and both of us slept most of the way. We did, of course, stay awake for the meal  Chris had lamb shank and I had a great (but spicy) chicken curry. Read more