A Charming Dawn

The deliriously energized Asiamerican marched through Don Muang’s brightly lit international terminal, wondering what the year 2003 would bring. Despite the fading paint and dull colors, Thailand’s 89 year old international aviation hub still had much charm within it.

Chris found commuter terminals in pre-dawn hours inspiring: Previously, he had only traveled domestically in the continental United States–mostly on Greyhound buses and Amtrak trains; in 20 years, this was his first time stepping off of an international flight. He was vulnerable to the Southeast Asian spells that lie ahead; the sweet smell of Jasmine stimulated his nostrils.
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Gradually it become time for Chris to present his passport and flight stub, exhausted yet excited at the same time. He was slightly nervous, expecting the immigration officer to ask for proof of a return flight–something that he wouldn’t be able to provide. The woman in her late 40s with bags under her eyes stamped his passport and immigration form, jotted something on his three month tourist visa, and handed it back. He was quite relieved to be stamped through without hassle. It was a small burden that had been on his mind since he took the chance to buy a one way ticket at a travel agent in North Denver. His guidebook that he bought in a used book store stated that proof of onward or return transition is required, but luckily that policy wasn’t enforced.
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Chris scratched is head as he proceeded towards the customs sign 10 yards ahead, Jenny pacing with him. “It’s an ok school. I mean it’s not necessarily challenging as far as academics, but socially, it’s great. There is a large international population. I got friends from all over the world that study there. There are several other mixed kids like you there, but they’re more like the real Thais cause they can speak Thai.”
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A Spark of Spontaneity
“Kao Saan Road? Yea, there are plenty of guesthouses in that area. You should still be able to get something. I would never recommend it to any of my friends or family though.” Jenny sounded like an expert travel agent.

“Why is that? It’s budget isn’t it?”

“Yea, but maybe too budget. It’s a pretty happening place at all hours so unless you’re a sound sleeper, it’s probably not the best place to get over your jet lag,”
A midi version of Lincoln Park’s ‘In the End’ blared from inside Jenny’s brown leather handbag. Jenny pulled out a flashing mobile phone and placed it to her ear. “Sah-wut-dee ja puen ruck. Eee Jun! I’m here already. Where are you? … What’s that? Five minutes. Ok, I’m here right outside arrivals. I’m wearing a yellow shirt, standing next to a really handsome guy. You can’t miss us. See you soon, ka,” Read more »

The two sat down on a bench next to an ashtray engaging in small talk as they finished their cigarettes. A mix between the late hour, jet-lag delirium and the building anticipation of the hours to come created an arbitrary yet blasé platform for Chris and Jenny to become acquainted.

Twenty minutes passed by. Chris dozed off in sitting position as Jenny studied his features.
He was a handsome mixture of East and West—long eyelashes, golden brown hair with black eyebrows, a straight medium sized nose, fair tanned skin, and some golden fuzz sprouting round his chin and upper lip after perhaps a week since his last shave. The longer she examined, the more interested she became.
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