After nearly 20 hours of flying, and a night in Bangkok, the wheels of Thai Airways Flight 507 touched down on the runway at the Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, Lao P.D.R., around 2PM on December 17, 2009.
As we approached the airport a wave of emotions consumed my entire being. The anticipation of finally seeing the place where my childhood blossomed became nearly unbearable. I yearned to see just one thing familiar.
Wattay Airport, though newly built since my departure in 1973, still had a similar design to it. Yes, it was modern, and taller, larger, and fully equipped with an automated baggage claim area, but the airport of old remained in the architectural design. If I remember correctly, the parking lot is still in the same location, and hasn't changed much in size.
As we made our way across town, my head was spinning as I hoped to catch a glimpse of my dad's old office. I knew it was close to the airport, and instinctively I knew it was near. Within moments we came upon it. Across the road to the left, there it was, my dad's office building. Tears flooded my face as I quietly weeped. It looked so small compared to how large I remembered it, and each visit I made to see my dad. Whether to pick up the mail, or have a meal in the mess hall run by Papa Chu, it was my dad's office, and I'm sure it was huge. Yes, there it was in all it's glory. An empty rundown shell, the first sighting of a piece of my childhood. This is only to be the beginning...
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It's been a long journey to get there, and of course, it's not over yet. We're glad to hear you arrived safely, albeit a bit tired. You said you remembered your dad's office building as being so grand. It's funny, cause as kids we see things as larger than life. We're following along on your journey (LOVE your writing style), so keep it coming. As the Castanedas said, you may be revisiting old memories, but you'll be creating new ones too. How wonderful is that?
ReplyDeleteAwww, I'm glad your revisiting wonderful memories of your past. Hope you makes new ones too.
ReplyDeleteAnd for those of us who had the lucky opportunity of being there when you grew up, this is so extra special to relive it vicariously through your writing. The stories and pictures are truly a treat to read
ReplyDeleteLiz.. Welcome Home..
ReplyDeleteHi Liz,
ReplyDeletefunny, we live in San Jose and from Laos and hmong. I found your blog by looking up information about USaid. My MIL was a public health nurse with USaid. I wanted to find out more about the roles they played during the war in Laos. What did your dad do? Did he work for USaid? CIA? I am very curious about the history. My husband and I were visited Laos twice...2005 and in 2011. Beautiful and miss the food. I hope to chat with you. Thanks,
Lou
Lsmoua@yahoo.com