It begins...charleston airport

Just got to the charleston airport and about to start the journey. Heading to detroit mi, then across the Pacific to Tokyo. 24 hrs help!

Flight to Tokyo was brutal... Not much sleep, but I dont feel that bad. I sat next to a Japanese family that just came back from Disney world. I spoke to the 10 year old (as she was the one that knew English), and got my first look at japanese writing (symbols) up close. Very different...they even read from top to bottom... not left to right. One of the stewardesses in my section didnt want to be on the flight at all. She reminded me of the SNL airplane skit "buh-bye". When I got to Bangkok, I had no problem finding the most expensive taxi in the town. They gave me the special "Whitey" price of 800 bahts ($25.00)... I later found out most taxis and busses are 150-300 Bahts...Awesome! They dropped me off at Khao San Rd (a backpacker haven). It was hopping with street performers, bars, and "tuk tuks" trying to get me to come in for a "special massage". At this point, I didnt even want to watch the spectacle for entertainment, I just wanted to find Keels. When I got to the hostel that my friend Keels and I were supposed to be meeting at it was about midnight. I rang the doorbell and a young Thai girl came to the locked gate. She spoke no english, and let me know that they were full. I tried explaining to her that I had a reservation and was meeting a friend. She didnt have a clue what I was saying, yet she finally let me inside to check the ledger. It had a bunch of jibberish on it... but no Brian or Keels. I left saying to myself..."shit.. what now". Luckly I found a semi-shady place next door and I got a room for 180Baht ($6.00). Not the nicest room I have ever had, but a private room with a shared bathroom (more on the bathroom later). Now I'm off to find Keels...