I was nowhere near the tsunami

The first of five postings from my recent trip to Thailand

I hadn't expected to find so many anxious email messages when logging into my account today, but news of the tsunami appears to have freaked out those who love me. No need to worry. After 36 hours of transit, I arrived in Bangkok last night and spent the remainder of the evening enjoying some green curry and a walk through the backpacker ghetto. Today I meandered through the Grand Palace and Wat Pho -- two tremendously inspirational temple complexes. Between meditating amongst the endless Buddhas and my first body-twisting massage with hot steaming herbs, I have already settled into the travelling mentality.

Based on what I've read, the tsunami did serious damage to the islands off the Western coast of Thailand. It had always been my plan to visit the Islands off the Eastern coast, although the American traveler I met during my 8 hour layover in Guangzhou airport kept urging me to go stay in a bungalow on Ko Phi Phi, which turns out to be one of the worst hit places. Am I being sent some sort of sign?

I have plenty to relate about the marathon journey, and my initial experiences in Bangkok, but those can wait for another time.

Direct your prayers towards those who need the help.