You Can't Get There From Here

[jmward14]

Literally.  The airline Greg and I were planning to take to Bangkok this week has suspended all flights to the Thai capital until further notice. 
Whatever disappointment I might've felt is overwhelmed by concern.  If anybody could pull off a massive non-violent demonstration, it's the Thai.  They are among the most courteous on earth.  (S., the friend we planned to visit, roomed with me during my sophomore year in college.  The fact she didn't murder me then qualifies her for the Courtesy Olympics, if not sainthood.)  But neither of the parties involved appear to have a fall-back position, so they may not be able to back down.
I hope both factions can resolve this as gracefully as S. always managed me.   For what it's worth, I'm sending the wish out to the universe.  The world doesn't need any more grief.

Comments

[realthog.livejournal.com]

Oh, dearest JM! What rotten luck! I'd forgotten it was now that you two were going on your Holiday Of A Lifetime. I do hope you're able not just to reschedule it easily but to reschedule it for sometime Real Soon.

Commiserations and hugs.

[jmward14.livejournal.com]

Thanks {{{{realthog}}}}. Due to Greg's need to cover the inauguration and his very first stint as a professional at NYComicCon, we won't be able to rebook until next November, at the earliest.
We'll be okay. The airline is behaving very well. They're giving full refunds without argument or penalty.
All I'm worried about is the situation itself. I don't want it go get worse, and I especially don't want people I've known and loved since college to be hurt.
Hugs,
Jean Marie

[crazywritergirl.livejournal.com]

Well rats. I was hoping you'd be able to go. At least the airline is being civil. Here's hoping change will come in Thailand in a peaceful and productive way.

-J

[jmward14.livejournal.com]

Me too, though I'm not sure "change" is the appropriate term here. The closest analog to the situation is what if the professionals in early 20th century New Orleans decided to occupy the docks in order to force the State Supreme Court to oust Huey Long. Meanwhile, Long's supporters decided to stage a march in another part of town.
Both sides in the dispute are charging corruption and accusing the opposition of trying to break the political process. Both sides are right. And the Army, Navy and police don't want to do anything, because nobody occupying the airport or marching in the street is a bad guy. 99.9 percent of the people involved are playing by the accepted rules of civil behavior.
I'm just hoping both sides can compromise somehow. The problem is, it appears both sides are going for all or nothing.
Hugs,
Jean Marie

[pds-lit.livejournal.com]

I am sorry. I know that you were really looking forward to the trip.

[jmward14.livejournal.com]

Yes, but there are other opportunities to sightsee. Friends are unique. They don't have do-over buttons. So I worry.
I don't worry about much. But people--I worry about people.
Hugs,
Jean Marie

[tree220.livejournal.com]

(((((JM))))) so sorry you didn't get to take your trip since I know how much you were looking forward to it. Since you're getting the refund on the plane tickets is there anywhere else you can go on short notice?

[jmward14.livejournal.com]

It's okay. Honest. The thing is, since we aren't trying to duck anything awful this year, we can have as much fun in DC and NOVA as we could on the road. So we're hanging close to home. Duzie likes it better that way. :D
Plus, we still want to visit Thailand. So I'll put the money in savings until we can rebook the trip.
Big hugs and thanks,
Jean Marie

[sandyinstep.livejournal.com]

This stinks. Though as far as political statements go, I wish we could have such peaceful demonstrations in this country.