This morning, we bid farewell to all our friends in Udon Thani. How sad that many of us will never have a chance to return to this beautiful town. It grew around the airbase after the Americans left Southeast Asia in the early 70s and is now a peaceful but busy and growing city. It lies along a major route through the region and is near the site of perhaps the first bronze-age civilization almost 3,500 years ago. The people are friendly and good. The prices were very reasonable. We always felt welcome and safe.

 

By afternoon, we had arrived back to where we started this auspicious meeting. We sorted through our luggage and settled into our rooms for a few more days. Bangkok is quite a contrast, one of the world's big and teeming cities that never sleep.

 

Tomorrow, we board the busses at 0615 for the Suvarnabhumi Airport to join hundreds of skydivers from His Majesty's Armed Forces and Police. Together, we will make our second world record to celebrate 60 years of rule for Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej. This benevolent monarch has made so much possible for his people, and with our jump, we hope to add our spirit of inspiration and cooperation to his many gifts. We look forward to performing for the people of Thailand.