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GARGANTUAN NP-LORETO
REUNION CHIANGMAI, THAILAND, JULY 23-28, 2005
INFORMATION and final
confirmation SHEET as of July 4th, 2005
To register for the Gargantuan
Chiangmai Reunion, click here
To register for Hotels in
Bangkok and Chiangmai, click here
To register for travel
Bangkok-Chiangmai, click here
To view the current list of
confirmed attendees, click here
Back to Gargantuan NP-Loreto Reunion page
Countdown to the NP-Loreto Reunion - Chiangmai 2005
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sent by
Dan Windsor on May 27, 2005
Hi all,
Firstly, have to point out a small mis-understanding in the airline
Form. The flight to CM leaves at 09.15 and you will be picked up at
your hotel at 07.25. We had written it as Flt at 10.40 and in spite of
that, all the sleepy-heads immediately asked to change over to a late
bus !! Have new for you, it is even worse now. Works out better as
we have time to get ready for the Buffet Lunch on the 24th.
Also, we have blocked the entire flight of 150 seats. Anybody not the
list can still make it to CM by TG which costs $ 120 instead of $
88. Please see attached list to check if you are on and to correct
your name if needed.
It is alphabetical but in some cases I might have your first name and
surname switched. Efficient I ain't, but I will get around to it. No
big deal there ! Just give me a nudge if I am wrong, (being married,
I'm used to that).
PACKAGES
1. I am offering on a first-come-first-served basis 2 great packages
for those who want a second honeymoon before of after CM. TUP KAEK
SUNSET BEACH in KRABI which is just off Phuket. This is for a
luxurious 5-star bungalow on the beach. 3 Days and 2 Nights, incl
breakfast for 2 @ $55 total. The normal rate is $ 80 per night. Go
to www.tupkaek.com to
check it out. Let me know if you want it.
2. BANTHAI on PATONG BEACH in Phuket. $ 105 for 3 days and 2
nights. Each room has it own access to the swimming pool. Normal rate
$ 150 per night. Go to www.banthaiphuket.com
These packages include free breakfast, airport pick up and drop off.
If you are interested, don't book with them as I already bought their
packages as a Promo at the VISIT THAILAND FAIR last week and I am
holding the coupons in hand. Visit their websites to see how gorgeous
they are. I actually bought 3 of each of these for my own use for a
second honeymoon but wasn't sure who to go with. You can choose the
dates you want as long as it is before the end of August.
55 days left.
See yas !
Dan
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|
Normally I am like a Jap in a Kara Oke bar, I never want to give
anyone else the mike. After all, I've never met a microphone I didn't
like. However, Joan has asked if she can say a few words. It is
basically what I wrote in my last Bulletin, but (I know, I know Mo!!)
it sounds much sweeter coming from her.
CIRCULAR
Dear Gals & Guys :
Firstly, the good news - Somprasong (Ob of NP College) from The
Tourism Authority of Thailand, host of the Dinner Cruise at the 1st
Darjeeling Reunion, now based in New Delhi, has confirmed the TAT's
sponsorship once again for the Dinner Cruise on July 23rd. Therefore,
everyone should plan to arrive no later than 17:00 hrs. on July 23rd,
to be on board (name of boat to be confirmed), for the Dinner Cruise.
However, Ob could not make a commitment that his budget will cover the
magnificent fireworks display like the last time!!
The best news is that with our large numbers he should be able to book
the boat and live band for our party only. So everyone get out your
dancing shoes and prepare to swing!!
Airline tickets for BK/CM/BK - I have now received a confirmed block
of 150 seats on Thailand's latest economy airline - Nok Airlines for
our flight BK/CM on July 24th at 09:00 hrs. (Note from Dan, this is
the time the buses leave the hotels. The flight is at 10.40)
Return flights on July 28th are 10:30 OR 15:00 hrs. when deciding on
your return flight dont forget the party at Rachani's house on July
28th and keep in mind that a late checkout will be at 14:00 hrs. so a
late evening flight is not recommended. (Note from Dan, Unless other
wise requested in writing, everyone will be booked for the morning
flight).
Anyone staying on in Chiangmai or flying to another destination can
book a one way ticket BK/CM.
The cost to book 150 seats or less will be Baht 3,400 (US$88) per
person for a return ticket. In fact, this is averaged between 138
Economy Ticks and 12 Business Class. Therefore, I look forward
toreceiving the enclosed Form by return email from everyone who is
confirmed. I have to submit the names of passengers by June 1st even
tho we have until 2 weeks before we travel in which we can make
changes (at a cost of $ 20 each). So I would greatly appreciate your
attention to this Form but once this group booking is made with full
payment we cannot cancel any seats.
Please also note my request for everyone to send me once again your
name as it appears on your passport because these tickets will only to
be issued at the airport according to these names.
For those of you who have special arrangements with Dan for payment
upon arrival or through a local contact Dan will arrange pre-payment
for your airline tickets. However, those who have provided us with
credit card details Dan will go ahead and process payment of your
airline tickets once you have submitted your travel form.
Those who have still not made up their minds about your plans after
the reunion this will now have to be finalised soonest so I can also
book the return tickets when I have book the 10.40 hrs. flight on July
24th by the end of the month.
While I have everyone's attention - I will also include the Silent
Auction form with a deadline of July 20th, 2005. This is a reminder
for everyone to think of an exciting gift for the Silent Auction to be
held on July 26th, 2005.
The donor of Tibetan Viagra is requested to do some homework because
if you check the website you will find new medication available
on the market without the tell-tale side affects of hot flushes,
temporary impaired vision and other uncomfortable complications!!
Only 58 days to the reunion!
Regards,
Joan
Thanks Joan, now gimme back the Mike !
An alarming number of you have not signed up yet. I need Form #1
pronto as, with that in hand, I can process the rest of the Forms,
using only only a word here or there from you.
IMPORTANT & URGENT.
The main purpose of this Bull is to book the Flight to Chiangmai.
Joan got us a good rate on Nok Air @$88 for the round trip. (Compared
to TG which is $ 125). The problem is that we will need this info
within the next 5 days :-
1. Are you flying with the group ? (pls note, unless you
specificly request it, you are automatically included in the group.
We will make the booking for you and also buy the tickets and when
possible, we will debit your Credit Card). You just need to confirm
if you are making your own arrangements. So far, there are only 2
couples who are making their own way down.
2. Once booked, any changes are charged to you at $ 20. Therefore,
I need to have your exact name as per your passport. (this is too
long to say, s I am going to follow the Mad Bhutia's suggestion and
refer to this as your "PP Name" from now on).
3. Those who are staying on for further trips in the area that leave
from Chiang Mai, please remind me in writing. I will book you only 1
way. If you need us to book you an open CM- Bangkok ticket, we'll do
it for you on TG since they have 10 flights per day to choose from.
FYI for TG, there is no savings in buying a round trip. In other
words, the rd trip is exact double the cost of the one way. This way
you can take advantage of cheaper Nok Air rates going to CM
4. You can expect the next Bull in a day or 2. In that one, I'll
attach the list of names under which you will be booked. Please check
and double check if I have it down correctly. Any changes made will
cost you $ 20. Remember, SILENCIUM CONSENSUS EST (I didn't fail
Latin for 5 years for nutthin Mo !), so if you say nothing, I'll
assume I have the name down correctly
5. We have booked 150 seats, but are expecting closer to 180. So
please confirm quickly. The flight arrives just before noon. We'll
have just 1 hour for hotel check-in and then we'll be having a Buffet
Lunch and Reunion Registration at the hotel. Try not to miss it
since you have paid for it.
PEOPLE from INDIA. For many of you, I know you don't use credit
cards. Therefore, I'll be using part of the Central Funds to pay for
your tickets on your behalf. Once I have you on the list, if you
decide to cancel, you'll be held responsible for the cancellation
charges. SO PLEASE BE SURE TO RESPOND if there is anything wrong.
KOLKATA GANG. Dolly said that so far no-one has contacted her
about booking your Bangkok flights and getting your visas etc. She
is our Point Man there and you are expected to pay her the Events Fees
($170
per person) now and the CM Ticks in a few weeks. Those who have
given me their Credit Card details and have been debitted here,. don't
need to do this, she can still help you with your Bkk tickets tho. For
the rest of yas, come on get the lead out !! Time is running short.
For those in other parts of India, she's also willing to help. Call
her in Kal or Kamal Meattle in Delhi.
Dolly ( 033) 2461 4321, 2461 4209, 2461 5884
Kamal ( 011) 2620 7748
58 days left !
Dan
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sent by
Dan Windsor on May 17, 2005
Hi everyone,
Things were good but have now gotten even better. (no! I am not
talking about the fact that Mo is not coming).
Some of you may know Daeng ( Somprasong) NP College 1969 to 1973
I think. He works for The Tourist Org of Thailand and is aptly in
charge of the Delhi office. 2 years ago he was responsible for
getting us started off with a bang. HE'S DONE IT AGAIN! WAY TO
GO DAENG!! .This is our NEW Bangkok PRE-WELCOME DINNER plan for
JULY 23rd.
You will be picked up from your hotel at 6.30 PM and driven to the
River Pier by luxury airconditioned buses.
There we will have the whole River Cruise Boat, with 150 to 180
seats to ourselves. The boat cruises up the Chao Phraya River with
a beautiful view of temples and greenery. Thai Buffet Dinner will
be served on Board and there will be a live band for dancing and
listenning pleasure. There is no floor show, but those of us who
have had the pleasure of watching Benjy do the Disco can tell you
that you don't need one.
The last time there were only 100 of us so we got the upper deck
only. This time we've got the entire boat to ourselves. He can't
promise us any fireworks again this time, but what the hey ! What
a way to get the ball rolling !!
Thanks to Daeng, the whole tab will be picked up by the TOT. This
will give us some left-over funds from our Registration Fee allowing
us to upgrade other events and hopefully make a bigger donation to
our Alma Maters at the end of it all. It also allows me to finally
put down that down payment on the new condo.
So far, we've about 100 confirmed and are expecting another 80 to
100 by the time June sign-ups rolls along. Send in your forms
early to lock things up. Will try to accomodate one and all, but
the last few might have to make their own last minute arrangements
or maybe you can swim along side the cruise boat while we throw you
tib-bits off the deck. (Don't worry Mo, fat floats, so you can
still join us).
JOAN has block-booked 150 seats on Nok Air to & from Chieng Mai @
about $90 instead of $ 120 on TG. The new version of this form
will be sent to you very soon. Once you have registered and signed
on, you will automaticly be booked on this flight. I will not
deduct your credit card till Mid-June though. Early sign-ups will
have the advantage.
It is very important that I have your name down correctly as per
your passport. Any change or substitution will cost you $ 20.
(this is not our fee, but the penalty clause form the airlines).
Those not coming back with the rest of the gang for the return
flight 28th May at 2PM should notify me again.
Before I forget :-
DELHI GANG Don't forget the Alumni bash at Kamal Meattle's house
on Oct 1st.
Back to CM
Many have asked about local arrangements. Don't worry about it.
You just have to make your own way to and from Bangkok. Once you
are here:-
1. We will book your hotel for you in Bangkok and in CM
2. We arrange all local transportation. To and from all events
that are not at your hotel. To and form the airport for domestic
flights.
3. We will book all hotels for you and book you in for all events.
Just let us know your hotel preference, type of room required and
ETA & ETD.
Just get yer butt over here and be ready to have a great time.
Before Mo so generously points this out, I must confess that I say
"we to take the credit, but Joan will actually do most of the work.
For tours and side trips after ( and possibly before) the Reunion,
we will help you with arrangements and recommendations and, if it is
not too complicated, we can do the bookings etc for you. There is
also an All Day golfing trip planned for the 22nd, just say if you
want to come.
Besides this, on a FIRST-COME-FIRST SERVED BASIS, I have contacted
some hotels in Phuket and pre-paid for a couple of fantastic,
impossible-to-resist packages. e.g. Mom Tri has a famous resort
right on the beach. It is one of the top 5-Star luxury resorts on a
secluded beach. Double rooms usually go for $ 275 per night.
I've got a package for $ 225. Doesn't sound like that great a deal
Huh!! Well, maybe I should point out that's $ 225 for 3 NIGHTS
total for 2 people. I liked this deal so much that I booked 2 rooms
for myself and the Ball & Chain gang.
There are others. Give me a few days to get the details and I'll
put this info in one of the next Bulletins.
Regards Dan
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| sent by
Dan Windsor on May 9th, 2005
Hi everyone,
Had a letter from Kamal Meattle. He has a Travel agency in New Delhi
and has offered to be our point man there. Here are hisco-ordinates:-
Email :- meattle@pbcnet.com
Tel :- +91 (0) 11 2620 7748
Fax :- +91 (0) 11 2620 7700
They're located at The Pahapur Business Centre at 21 Nehru Place
Greens. He will be away May 1st to June 8th (Oh how I long for the
life of leisure!) so the person to contact is Ms Roopali Shahaney.
Actually, Kamal has been asked to set-up the Delhi Chapter of the NP
Alumni and they are having their first get together Oct 1st at his
house at 26 Prithviraj Road. Hope that everyone in the vicinity
and beyond will join in.
As I said before, for Kolkata ( and maybe the Assam gang) Dolly Nag
is the point man and her co-ordinates are :-
Email :- pnag@travelsystems.in
Tel :- (033) 2461 4321, 2461 4209, 2461 5884 & 2455 9177
Address :- Travel System Pvt Ltd
Surya Building, Ground Floor (opp Science College Main Gate)
52 D Ballygunge Circular Road
Kolkata 700019
She just wrote in to say that she got a special offer for Thai
Inter(TG) Round trip from Cal to Bkk for Rs 11,860 (9750 + tax 2111)
subject to availability. These rates include Ticket Tax and Visa
Charges. Big demand, small supply so book immediately in order to take
advantage of this rate.
Dolly, you can go ahead and confirm for :-
Gerald Van Wallegham (Sister) Carmella ( Father Van, can you
pleaseask sister for the name according to her passport)
Noreen Dunne As previously discussed with you.
Because of the special fare, there are no free tickets, but I think
this is a better deal since we don't all have to travel together as
many people want to come earlier and stay later.
For the Kal Batch, you can send your Registration Forms to me, but you
can pay Dolly $ 170 per person (in Rupees). For Hotels and Chiang Mai
tix you can pay her at a later date.
Dolly can you check around if there are similar specials for Gauhati,
Mumbai and Delhi batches ?
California Batch please contact Ashok Sadhwani.
Here is the list of attendees and the pertinent comments. If there is
a problem linking up to check the list, please let me know. Some of
you have paid up with credit cards etc and others will pay thru the
point
man a little later. Some have confirmed, but have not submitted your
Registration Forms. Yet others, have not been heard of since the last
Ice Age. Check firstly that you are on the list and that I have my
info correct. Now, no-one has ever accused me of being efficient and
lived to tell about it, so if I screwed up, let me know in the
gentlest
of words as I am rather sensitive and prone to quick tears.
If you haven't sent in your forms, do it now. In almost all cases,
when you credit card has been debited, it has just been for your
Registration and Events. I would like to remind you again that there
is no need to send in the Forms per se. If it is easier for you, just
send me the pertinent info as requested on each form. If you
haven't gotten the forms or are missing any of the Bulls, then please
give me a nudge.
FINALLY.
Uttara's China trip scheduled for after
Chiang Mai is
still not dead in the water. There are still 4 or 5 keen to kick up
their heels. She needs a few more to get a big enough batch. Get in
touch with her pronto.
LESS THAN 3 MONTHS TO GO !
Dan
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sent by
Dan Windsor on April 25, 2005
Hi all,
I'm back! I had a great trip to the Big Cheese! had the pleasure
of
meeting Patricia Bell ( Arnold) in Geneva, but missed out on
Tshering
and Anders in Dornach. Fact is, I have been back for 3 weeks but we
had
our Songkran (Water Festival) and were closed fo 10 days. ( I get
all
my employees to take part of their annual vacation at the same time
during this season). Was hoping to get a lot of letters done etc,
but
didn't work out that way at all. With my 2 other kids home from
Boarding school, I landed being a not-so-glorified Taxi service for
the
kids. Between that, the golf (played really badly) and tennis, I
got
nothing done.
Anyway, Joan is also busy at her convention, but we do manage to
keep
up with the registrations etc. Things are moving along smoothly. I
just wanted to drop a quick line to inform all of you in India (
especially the Kolkata-wallahs) that one of our attendees is in the
travel business. Dolly Nag (nee Bose) of LC has sweetly
volunteered
to be my Point Man and to make arrangements for your travels.
She'll
do the co-ordinating and you can pay your Registration Fee/Chiengmai
Tickets Hotel First Nights to her. I am sure she can offer you
good
rates for your tickets to Bangkok. She will also arrange for
tickets
etc for Father and Sister etc. If you can travel in a big batch,
there
might be some bucks in it for you.
Her email address is :- mrspnag@vsnl.net
Get in touch with her. Dolly, please give me your phone number too
and
I'll put it in my next Bull.
This is for GOLFERS ( and golf widows). I have had a lot of people
show interest in organizing a Golf trip. In Chiengmai, we plan to
get
away to play golf once of twice, but other than that, I thought we
would
like to organize a golf day. I think the best is Friday July
22nd. I
have a great course in mind. MISSION HILLS at Khao Yai National
Park. The course is nice, it is a little hilly and not too hot.
Here's how it will go:-
Leave Early (about 5.30 AM) and it is about a 90 minute drive
Play 18 holes, then have lunch.
After lunch we play another 18 (Golf Carts are optional and
available
to conserve energy). There's no Green Fees for the second 18 but
those
who think 18 is enough (obviously not Real Golfers), you can spend
the
afternoon around the pool, or if there is a big enough group, I can
arrange a mini-bus to take you back to Bangkok early.
Whatever, we'll be back to Bangkok in time for Dinner.
The cost, including transportation, Green Fees and caddies (but not
including Carts) would be about $ 65.
For the really avid golfer, if that is not enough golf, we have a
side
trip we can arrange. Instead of coming back to Bangkok, you can
spend
the night at the Sir James Lodge ( about $ 70 including golf)
around
the corner and play at Forest Hills the next morning. Then you can
catch the minibus back at noon, still have time for shopping, a nap
and
then The Pre-Welcome Dinner in Bangkok on the 23rd.
Do drop me a line to let me know:-
Are you interested in the Golf Excursion? if so, :-
The Bunny Slope ( 18 holes)
or The Regular ( 36 Holes)
or The Pig-Out (54 holes)
The Pig-Out and Bunny are subject to confirmation as we need some
numbers to organize these options. However, the Regular is on for
sure. So far we're expecting to get about 15 to 20.
Once I know the numbers, I'll work out the exact cost. You don't
have
to pay anything in advance, but once you sign-up I'll consider it
confirmed.
TENNIS For the racketeers among you, there are courts at our Hotel
in
CM. We could also arrange a game in Bangkok for Friday and/or
Saturday
morning. Let me here from you.
Regards Dan
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This is going to be a shortie. ( I can hear the collective sigh of
relief). I'm off to Basel (That's in Switzerland Mo!!) in a
couple of
hours and will not be able to access my email for 5 days. After I'm
back, I am sure there'll be a lot of correspondence from customers
(Oh
why wasn't I born rich !) that has to take priority. At least
we'll
be on vacation the week after that due Songkran ( Thai Water
Festival/New Year) and I'll be able to catch up a whole lot ( in
between the 36 holes of golf per day) with the CM business (that
is,
if the kids allow me near my computer).
There are a few people whose mail seems to bounce on a regular
basis.
Please write to me if you are missing previous forms and
bulletins. If
you know of someone on this list, please ask them to get in touch
with
me:-
Ranabir Sen
Shankar Rajhkewar
Chuck Basi
Hishey Basi
Enisha RoyC
Derek Jobe
Peter Murray
Owen Khoo
Qays Tyabjii
Jigme Tsarong
Kalyan Chrakravarti
Anil Reddy
Are guys getting my Bulls ? What's the point of having a captive
audience if half of you keep escaping the Nut House ?
Yoodel lay dee hoo !!
Love Dan
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sent by
Dan Windsor on March 25, 2005
Hi All,
Every week we get letters saying what a wonderful job Joan and I are
doing and how dedicated we are yadda, yadda, yadda. Enough already
!
I am going to give you just 6 months to cut that out.
I spend an average of 5 hrs per day on the internet emailing my
customers and most of the time it is "Yes sir, No sir, Three bags
full
sir". Once in a while someone carries that "The Customer is always
right" sh.....t too far and I get to write back and give a little
piece of my mind ( No, Mo!! it isn't "a piece of my little
mind"). I
figure, "I'm going to lose this guy anyway so I may as well tell him
to
go to heck". (it's a family show!).
So every day, I allow myself two 30-Minute breaks to take care of CM
business. I really look forward to it and I get so much pleasure
and
relief out of this that it is not even fair to refer to it as a "labour
of love" since it isn't even a labour. I am sure Joan feels the
same
way. In her professional capacity, she has to deal with convention
registrations, transportation and events and I am sure she sometimes
feels like she wants to pull her hair out ( a luxury I can't
afford).
Well! Ashok (Sadhwani) left this morning. We've been lucky to
have
him here for 3 months and the last couple of weeks Jyoti and his
family
have joined us too. It's funny something he said last night got me
thinking. He said that as he gets older, he finds the best friends
he
makes now are the old friends from school. It's so true. I guess
we
have all come full circle. When we go out into the world, we slowly
develope new friends, but we also build walls around ourselves.
Except with our own families, we never truly relax. Then we meet
someone from the past, we may have little else in common, but it
does
not
matter, all the walls come down, we're long lost friends.
The last reunion spawned so many mini-reunions and parties. I
remember
one afternoon a bunch of us had lunch and then sat around shooting
the
breeze. Without knowing it, 4 hours passed. I sat back and looked
at
the group. There were people from LC and NP, School and College,
from
different years, different backgrounds, living in different
countries,
different religions, races whatever. Most of us hadn't even met
before
the re-union. Yet here we were, just sitting around and shooting
the
breeze
and 4 hours pass by like a blink of an eye. It was like we had been
friends all
our lives and never been separated, but there was just this one
common
sliver that binds us. I
love what Shree said " We came together like fond magnets".
Back to work! Our next developement is the bookings for the CM
flights.
At first I was hoping to charter a flight and have all of us in one
single flight. None of the airlines seem to do this. It was also
difficult to get 200 seats on the same commercial flight, so we
decided
to split it up into 3 flights.
It turns out that we may be able to get 75 seats on a Pre-confirmed
Asia
Jet flight @ about B 3,100 per in contrast to Thai Inter @ B 4,500.
There are 2 problems. The flight leaves a bit early (06.30 instead
of
10.00 AM) & who should be eligible for the discount. If you feel
strongly about either flight let me know and we will TRY to
accomodate
you. One solution that I think is "fair" is to charge everyone the
same
price and whatever the savings, we donate it to our fund. PLEASE
WRITE ME AND LET ME KNOW YOUR DRUTTHERS.
So, in summarizing. We'll most probably split up into 3 flights.
6.30, 8.30(approx)
and 10.30(approx) AM. If you have any strong preferences, please
let me
know. If not, I'll fill up the flights as we go along, semi
randomly.
THIS IS FAR FROM FINAL!! We might be able to get another flight at
9.00 AM instead of 6.30 and then everyone will be happy. I just
want
this to serve an indication of what we might be doing so I can have
your
opinions now OR FOREVER HOLD YOUR PEACE.
On this topic, many people have asked what they need to do about
local
arrangements. Very little! When you get the forms, just let us
know:-
Your hotel preferences for Bangkok (and later you can let us know
the
arrival dates).
So far, for CM everyone has chosen the Imperial. If you want to sav
a
few Bucks, you can choose the Central. Unless otherwise stated,
EVERYONE WILL BE BOOKED FOR 4 NIGHTS.
BANGKOK-CM-BANGKOK It is assumed everyone will be flying in one of
the
3 groups we choose. Unless otherwise specified, you will be
assigned to
these groups semi-randomly. For those going directly from CM on
side
trips, you will have to notify me before June so we can book the
return
portion accordingly.
WE WILL MAKE ALL THESE ARRANGEMENTS AND BOOKINGS ETC FOR YOU
(including
local transport). So all you need to do is shop, be massaged, eat,
sleep and gab non-stop.
Love Dan
|
| sent by
Dan Windsor on March 18, 2005
Hi Everyone !
For the past week, we in Thailand have been lucky to see the news
about
our Crown Princess in Darjeeling. There was something on everyday,
climaxing with 5 solid minutes on Thursday night of her in NP with
Father Van and the 8 Thai students there. You're a celeb Father !!
Joan managed to get me a CD of the trip so those who are interested
can
take a look see when they are here.
So happy to say that we are getting forms in by the droves. For those
others, let me say that don't let these forms scare you off. If your
computer skills are limited like mine ( I still type with what they
call
the Biblical system, i.e. "seek and ye shall find"). there are many
options :-
1. You can just give me just the data asked on the forms without
actually sending back the forms.
2. Can type/fill them out and fax them to me at ( 66 2 ) 381 2479
3. You can Airmail them to me at :-
50 Soi Pridi Phanomyont 26
Sukhumvit Soi 71
Phrakanong, Khet Watana
Bangkok 10110, Thailand.
Again I want to point out that :-
1. Those who do not work with Credit Cards ( Notably from Burma and
India) don't worry. Your credit's good with me. You can either
settle accounts when we meet up or work thru Point Men in your city.
So
far we have the following volunteers :-
S.P. AGARWALA for the Assam Gang
MOHAN SHIVDASANI for the Kalkota Gang
When you know the amount you will be paying, you can pay these AGENTS
in
Rupees. They will then use part of the money for Tickets for Fathers
and Sisters etc and settle up with me later.
2. Unless you want to be charged for everything in advance (like
Dickoo) I'll be debitting your credit card in stages. When you sign
up, I'll debit you the REUNION FEE.
Then at end-April I'll debit the CM plane tickets and Hotels ( only
the
first night in Bangkok and in Chiengmai, unless you want to pay in
full
in advance). Finally, for tours and side trips, only after you are
sure
what you want, then we will debit these in late May or June.
MYA THWIN Firstly, are you joining us? 2nd could you act as the
Burmese contact point?
For those coming with small kids ( 10 & under), there is a 50%
discount
for you from the REUNION FEE. Joan is negotiating with the hotels
for
special discounts for kids for dinners etc. Will let you know. I am
not sure about 12 & unders etc we might be able to get smaller
discount.
There is also some confusion because Joan posted her Forms 1 & 2 on
OBOL then sent me a different updated one. Both Forms were designed
by
her so I am not at fault. There are a couple of differences and last
minute changes :-
1. On her Form 2 she only listed BOSSOTEL for Bangkok. Now she has
added 3 other choices. BOSSOTEL is in the Silom Area and the other 3
are close together in the upper Sukhumvit area. Those of you who
signed up for BOSS without seeing the others can just notify me in
writing if they want a change. For the Chieng Mai Poriton, it remains
unchanged.
2. In Form 1. she said the Registration fee should be B 6,500 for
the first signee and B 6,000 for each additional member registered on
the same form. This was how we wanted to do it in the beginning.
In
theory this seems to make sense, but on studying the figures, we
decided
to do away with this. Joan is a professional Convention Organizer and
in such cases, there is quite a high administration cost. In our
case
though, since the fees cover only dinners, lunches, picnics and
transport we are not actually getting a lower rate for subsequent
attendees. The only reason there could have been for a reduction like
this would have been in case we had charged some sort of Processing
Fee
in the total, but this is not the case. We are doing this as a
labour
of love and no-one, but no-one has ever acused me of being
"professional".
So, please ignore this part of the form. All adults ( andf
adultresses) pay B 6,500. All Batcha's under 10 pay B 4,000 ( we
will
get discounts for their meals) For those under 12, we might get a
discount later.
I am attaching new versions of Form 1 and Form 2. You can return
them
to her or to me. Also, if you have already filled out the old
versions
of the Forms, don't worry about it and you don't have to fill out the
new ones.
Love dan
Still, I relish this moment. It is the first time in over 10 years
when
I could say to a woman, "you're wrong". Some of you may say, "she
ain't no woman, she's your sister!". No argument there, but I take my
victories where I can get them.
Got quite a few suggestions for worthwhile donations. Monishi sent 2
ideas worth passing on.
1. A Scholarship to NP or LC College for locals.
2. An annual award for 1 teacher each year who gets the best test
results. 1 Months salary ( about $ 40) is considered a huge windfall
to them. I remember when I was teaching at NP in '76 & '77. Once
every
3 months we would get a Stipend from the Government for Rs 420 and it
was such a big deal.
3. Besides these, both L.C. and NP need lots and lots of funds to
renovate, so there will always be a home for your donations.
Another Signee this week. Ronald Trutwein NP Class of '57. Welcome
Ronnie
Love Dan
|
| sent by
Dan Windsor on March 11, 2005
Hi everyone,
Hope you are not offended, but you will notice that I never wish
anyone
a Happy B Day in my Bulls. I am afraid if I start to do it and then
miss out on someone, she/he might have yet another reason to hate me
forever, so it is safe this way.
I will make an exception and wish Fr Van Many Happy Returns for March
the 7th. By co-incidence, it is also Maureen's B Day, so she gets my
best wishes too.
I also do not forward any requests for help or donations, no matter
how
worthy I think these causes might be. I always think that these are
very private and personal matters. That is unless they are for
something involving one of us. That brings us to the matter of the
Registration Fee. Please find Form 1 attached.
In retrospect, I think I made a mistake calling it a REGISTRATION
FEE. It sounds like an awful lot when you put it that way. I think
we
should call it the REUNION PACKAGE. Since this Fee includes 5
dinners, 1 lunch, 1 picnic and one snack package for the meeting, as
well as transportation to all events and to & from the domestic
airports. By her estimate, Joan figures this comes up to just over $
150 per person. So we have a safety net of about $ 20 per person,
part
of which we might need when we figure costs of live bands etc into the
equation and the other part to cover my gambling obsession.
At the bottom of the Registration Form, you will also find a slot
where
you can donate, whatever amount you wish to, so we can start a SLUSH
FUND. After all we don't expect Sister and Father etc to pay for
anything ( or else, I'm sure Monishi will not let me hear the end of
it). Just write in the amount, I will debit your credit card at the
same time or you can deicde on this at any stage later. At the end,
whatever is left over from these donations and Registration Fees, will
be donated to NP, Loreto and Hayden Hall. I was also hoping we could
start a small Scholarship Fund where we send someone from St Theresa
or
St Roberts to college in NP or LC. I know most of you are already
privately contributing to your old school, but if we could do
something
as a group and have fun while we are doing it, I am sure we can even
enjoy oursleves more.
I also need a POINT MAN for Kalkota. Ashok is handling the group
from California where they hope to get 20 people. The Assam gang is
also being organized, but Mo, (appropriately) my DumDum Batch
contact,
is letting us down. Any Volunteers?? I know that for many people in
India, since you don't have Credit Cards, paying these fees ahead is
not
easy. So I could use someone to be my contact to collect these
amounts
in Rs and use this to buy Tickets for Father and Sister etc then we
can settle up in Bangkok.
Finally, even though my email is very safe, it is still better to
minimize giving out your credit card details. If you feel better
doing
it by fax, you can fax your Forms back to me at ( 66 2 ) 381 2479.
For the following, I still have your credit card # SO IF YOU
USING
THE SAME CARD AS 2 YRS AGO, all I need is your new Expiry Date:-
Arnold Mc (Visa)
Boya (Visa)
Kabita (Amex)
Khatiza ( Amex)
Ranbir S ( Amex )
Roshan M (Visa, valid till next month)
Ashok S (Visa, valid till next year)
Tamding ( Master)
Owen K ( Visa, valid till Oct)
Maureen D ( Amex, valid till July)
Noel M ( Master )
Patrick M ( Visa)
Tshering H ( Visa)
Pat D ( Visa)
For those on this list, let me know if I should use your old card.
If
it is still valid, no need to send me any info just give me the go
ahead
once I know the amount, I will debit you. If it has expired and you
want to use the same card as before, then let me have your new expiry
date.
|
sent by
Dan Windsor on March 4, 2005
Hi again !
I have had some requests for copies of past BULLS, (especially from
those who joined in late). If there is enough demand, I'll make a
booklet and give them out during registration at CM. Some have
also
asked for letters leading up to HIHH in 2003 (nostalgia!). I have
most
of them saved on a disc, but I think I am missing the first 3.
Looking
thru them I think that they seem like the ramblings of a mad man,
but if
you weed out the 90% fluff you are left with 10% BS, out of this BS
there is enough left in them that they might serve as a sort of a
chronicle for both HIHH and WWW in CM.
I had to pass this along:-
No wonder I am confused:-
I was told WINNERS NEVER QUIT, then QUITTERS NEVER WIN but now
they
say QUIT WHILE YOU'RE AHEAD.
Then I was told to EAT ONLY NATURAL FOODS, however, statistcis show
that 75% of POPULATION DIES OF NATURAL CAUSES !
100% of all divorces start with marriage.
Finally, LIFE IS A SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED DISEASE.
IMPORTANT MESSAGE. Some of you may remember TN Shakabpa (NP 53 to
60). Besides being a poet of note, TN is running a very worthy,
non
profit org that is dedicated to promoting Tibetan Culture. The
TSEPON
WANGCHUCK DEDEN SHAKABPA MEMORIAL FOUNDATION. They are out of
funds
and in need of our support. Please contact TN by email at his
add:-
shakabpa@earthlink.net to find out about his fantastic work and how
you
can contribute. He needs our help.
SIDE TRIPS after CM.
GYALTHANG (China Tibet) please contact Utta ra her add is
uttara@guoxun.net
I also have great contacts for tours to :-
BURMA
CAMBODIA
MALAYSIA
KOH SAMUI
MAI TON ( Phuket).
I'll pass along email addresses for you to contact directly in the
next
Bull. Most of these places are accessible for under $ 1000 per for
5
days and nights with airfare.
I want to Welcome new additions to the list:-
Jeanette (Dunne) Grover
Ani Lahiri
Philip Khan-Panni
Utpala Mukherjee ( Hazarika)
Partho Mukherji ( no relation) altho his sign-up is just word of
mouth.
Father Van also has great news about Fr Burns' health improving
greatly
so chances are also impoving that he might be able to join us after
all. Also an L.C. nun, Sr. Carmella, who was Principal at LC
College
a few years back is very keen to join us and make contacts with old
girls and start an Alumni Assoc. If she can come, we'll make her
our
guest. Now we will have a rep or 2 each from NP, fro LC and from
Hayden
Hall.
Looking thru the list, there are some other people we need to work
on.
NOREEN, Please work on Nimmi and Diamond Oberoi. Chinlin & Onkar
and
the Darjeeling crowd who said they were keen to come here. How's
about
Chuck and Hishey Basi ?
DEO . What about the Kathmandu gang ? I know things are tough
there. We think of you and pray for your safety. Are you and the
family coming? What about Ketaki? Vidhea ? PK Shrestha ? We
need
more of you hill types.
TOBGYE & BENJY. It looks like you are the only Bhutan-types
coming.
Can't you get more?
Ronnie D, Qaysth, Hardev, Peter Murray, Peter Blake, Brian Cannel,
Mama
Haliday, Arun Barman, Kakky, Faroukh, Linda Raphael, Gillian Burch,
Amrit Kuruvilla, Lalumi, Malti, Manju ( Chugani), Ramesh & Ravi
Thapa,
Htut Saing, Raymond, Mya Thwin, Mukund Thapa, Tim Mc Donald, Lalit
Verma, Deb Bose, Deb Mukherji, Ashok Ghandi, David Mc Mahon, Tanpa
Thondup, Edmund Jonah, Mark & Peter Karthak & Louis Banks.
Where are you guys? Haven't had any news from you. At one time
or
the other, you did say you might be coming, but then silence!!
Hope
you can join us at CM. If anyone sees these guys, please ask them
for
a reponse.
I am not worried about the numbers per se, as I think we will easily
exceed the 200 we expected. I think we would all like a bit more
balance. By balance, I mean geographical and well as age. This
time,
we are so furtunate to get a big increase in people from the calss
of
the 50's and 60's. Also, there will be a bigger UK batch, but we
would
love to have more Hillcuts.
DOWN to BUSINESS. Joan has finished all the registration forms
and is
fine tuning them. We'll send them out in 4 stages and all 4 will be
available on the LC and NP Websites. I'll go over them in the next
Bull. For now, I want to cover the first 2 steps.
REGISTRATION PACKAGE. To minimize my workload, we'll keep it
simple.
There will be a flat Registration fee of $ 170 per person. This
includes:-
Registration Satchel, with Program/Address book
Pre Welcome Dinner in Bangkok with transportation to & from
Transportation to & from Bangkok Airport and Chiengmai Airport for
the
ChiengMai trip
Buffet Lunch on arrival in CM
Welcome Dinner
Picnic & Lunch
Bingo & Card Nite
Charity Dinner
Sandwiches and Soft drinks for Alumni Meetng
Farewell Dinner
Transportation to & from Rachni's house.
Children under 12 may get a few $ off. When I get this info, I'll
refund the amount in applicable cases.
HOTELS. We'll do the CM part first as it is quite straight
forward.
The Official Reunion Hotel is the IMPERIAL MAE PING right around
the
corner from the Night Bazaar.
Single @ US $ 48, Double or Twin @ $ 53
Suite @ $ 120 for Single and $ 130 for Double
We'll be there for 4 nights.
For those who want to save a couple of Bucks, there is the alternate
hotel CENTRAL DUANG TAWAN where the Single is $40 and the Double
/Twin
is $45
BANGKOK. So far, we have a selection to offer and might add on a
couple more choices soon & anon. (always wanted to say that)
BOSS HOTEL a little Boutique Hotel in the Silom Area ( will get a
final price in a couple of ticks, but I expect it to be around $ 50
for
Double).
Then there are the SUKHUMVIT AREA Hotels:-
MANHATTAN Sukhumvit Soi 15. This is the hotel we used the last
time. It is a good value @ $ 27 for Single and $32 for Double/Twin.
SOMERSET HOTEL Also Soi 15, 75 M down the street form The
Manhattan. Singles @ $ 35, Double/Twin @ $40. If you want
something
a little more up-market.
PRESIDENT SOLITAIRE. Sukhumvit Soi 13. About 200M from the main
road, with Free Shuttle. These are Luxury Serviced apartments.
Each
Room has a living room, refrigerator, VCR and DVD player & TV,
Microwave. $ 80 for Single and $ 90 for Doubles.
ALL ROOM RATES INCLUDE American Breakfast and are inclusive of
VAT
and Service Charge. There might be an extra cost for extra bed, but
this is being negotiated. We might be able to squeeze them into
charging only $5 for the extra breakfast and giving us the bed for
free.
*** YOU DON'T HAVE TO DO NOTHIN NOW *** This info has been given
so
you can think about it and then decide which hotel etc.
If you haven't signed up, do so now. Then you will follow this step
by
step:-
Next week you will get Form 1 on which register and give us your
credit
card info. We will deduct the Registration fee. People from
places
like India may not have credit cards available. I'll trust you and
you
can pay on arrival. I hope to have these forms filled out and
sent in
by the first week of April. However, it is never too late to join
and
register.
Before the end of March you will get Form 2 which is the
Accomodation
Form. On this form you will need to let us know when you will
arrive
and depart and what is the hotel of your choice. The first night in
Bangkok and CM will be deducted from your Credit Card the rest can
be
paid when you check out if you wish.
By April, you will receive Form 3. This will have information
about
optional local tours and side trips in Bkk and CM. You can sign up
for
these if you want to. I'll supply this info in one of the upcoming
Bulls as well as Burma, Cambodia etc tours. We will book local
tours
for you, but for international tours and side trips, I'll give you
the
name of a couple of tour companies and who to contact so you can
make
your own arrangements.
In April, you will later receive Form 4. This is for people who
need
to be picked up from Bangkok Airport on arrival. All other
transfers
and transports are included ( i.e. to and from all lunches and
dinners
as well as to & from Don Muang Bkk Airport and Chienmai Airport for
the
round trip).
Please note, as soon as you register, we will automaticly book you
onto
one of the Morning flights to CM. We are trying to get everyone
onto 1
flight, but may need 2. However, you won't debit your credit card
for
this until late May. You DON'T NEED TO INFORM US ABOUT THIS.
EVERYONE
IS AUTOMATICLY BOOKED ON THESE FLIGHTS. Only let us know IF YOU
PLAN
TO MAKE YOUR OWN ARRANGEMENTS TO CM.
As I said, you don't have to do nuthin now. As the forms come in,
you
can fill them in and send them. If you give me this information
ahead
then I might lose it. Register early to get your choice of hotels
etc,
but not ahead of time as the forms will be keyed in in order. If
you
have problems with attachments and computer-related stuff and need
help,
you can just supply the info in a letter as we go along step by
step.
Cancelations or substitutions are accepted uptil July 1st, but you
may
lose 10 or 20% of what has been paid.
RONNY. If you do receive this let me know rght away. You are still
on
my list, so I don't understand why you have not received any bulls.
Whew !! Over & out
Dan
|
|
Once in a while it warms my heart to hear of something wonderful and
pass the news on to you about something one of us or our kids does.
The Bihari ( Roshan Massey) and the lovely Mrs Bihari, have a
wonderful 12 year old Anisha. Anisha went around their neighborhood
offering to shovel snow for 50 Cents and when she told her clients
that the whole amount would be sent to help tsunami victims, many
people were so touched that they gave her more than she asked ( upto
$ 20). At the
end, she took what she earned, added $ 50 from her own savings and
donated over $ 880 to the Red Cross. One of the local grocery stores
was so touched that they matched the total. She this little 12 year
old and her friends raised almost $ 2,000.
You did good Bihari ! You should be proud of your little gem and we
are more than proud to call her an "Honorary North Pointer". Give her
a big kiss from all of us. Obviously she inherited her Mum's
compassion, after all Mummy did condescend to marry you, thereby
upgrading your status in life, making you happier than we could ever
deserve to be.
We're upto about 150 people for CM. See the list attached. The
first part are those who have confirmed, signed sealed and
delivered. Those high-lighted in yellow are the ones who said they
were coming but so far have not confirmed, nor have they filled in
their forms. I need to hear from these guys soonest. Then there is
Mo. What can I say! I am at a loss for words!
This low-life has decided that, since he has to make a trip for a
family wedding, he cannot afford to come to CM. We've just got to
make him change his mind. After all, if he doesn't come, who is the
Bihari going to feel superior to?
Hey Mo, I personally know that life is lonely at the top, but from
what I hear, it ain't no picnic at the bottom either. Is that
correct?? I don't think you've many friends to spare as it is, so
you'd better be
nice to us. You Turd ! I would have you bansihed to Bihar, but that
would be a punishment to Biharis. ( I guess I was not at a loss for
words after all!)
Pom (Suvarnapha) just came back from Mai Ton Island near Phuket and
she just raved about it. They were on the leaward side of the island
so were fortunate not be affected by the Tsunami. However, tourism is
down in the whole area, people who survived are unemployed. They are
offering such deals, that it sounds impossible to resist. We're
talking Club Med-type luxury at unbelievably low prices !! The
Thai government is telling people abroad not to just send donations.
The best way to help people in the Phuket area is to come for a
visit. In fact, you can fly there straight from CM airport on the
Thursday. I am waiting for Pom to give us some figures in time for
the next Bull.
Joan, Ashok and I thrashed out some details over the week-end and
there are some changes. The main thing is the train. Sounded
romantic, but doesn't look like it will work out. I'm sorry about
this. There is only only 1 sleeper car per train, so that limits us
to 38 beds. The Private Caboose I was thinking about works out to
almost $ 1500, so it is going to be too expensive. If we have to
split up and go in different trains, where's the romance? Some
people have said they don't want to spend 12 hours each way on the
train, since they will only be here for 5 or 6 days..
Looks like we are going to have to fly there. We're going to contact
a couple of airlines and see what kind of deal we can get if we
charter a flight for about 200. It will defintely be cheaper than
training it, (but does require an extra night at the hotel in
Bangkok). Stay tuned for some prices and quotes.
Since we will be flying, we can tweak the schedule a little. How's
about this :-
JULY 21st (THURSDAY) First Arrivals ( good day for golf nuts to
come in).
JULY 22nd More arrivals, Golf excursion to Khao Yai.
JULY 23rd Free day. Pre-Welcome Dinner & Dance. Most probably
at the Royal Bangkok Sports Club, unless Daeng can swing another Boat
Cruise for us.
JULY 24th. Plan on a Charter to CM leaving at about 9 AM. Arrive in
Chieng Mai at 10.30. LUNCH at the hotel ( new addition to program).
Free afternoon. WELCOME DINNER at the hotel.
JULY 25th. Day Trip, do the tourist bit. Silk, Ceramic, Silver,
Handicrafts factories, Picnic. Back by 4PM. Might make it to the
Burma border at Mae Sot. Make your own way for dinner. CRAZY
WHIST (Optional) at 8.30 PM
JULY 26th. Free Day, (Golf Excursion??). Chiengmai Nite Dinner,
Charity events, Silent Auction, Classical dances etc at Hotel.
JULY 27th. Meetings during the day to plan what to do with our
donations, set-up chapters of Alumni, Plan next Reunion etc.
FAREWELL GALA DINNER will be held at the Cheingmai Sports club.
Joan assures me that it very romantic.
JULY 28th (Thursday) Some people will fly back to Bangkok early
afternoon. Those who want to, can plan on starting their SIDE-TRIP
lleaving from CM International Airport. (Those who make private
plans, please let me know as we will need a head count for our return
flight). Thursday Night (Most Probably Rachni & Hubby will invite us
to join the
OPA for dinner at their place. Optional for those who are coming
back to Bangkok). Stay in Thailand as long as you want and plan your
own departures accordingly.
As you can see, there are a couple of changes. I hope everyone is
okay with them. I know I promised to give you hotel rates etc, but we
are stll negotiating. It's the tourist season so the hotels are
feeling a bit over-confident and not negotiating. We'll wait for a
couple weeks and then try to put the squeeze on them and get the best
rates we can. Will keep you posted.
Love Dan
|
sent by
Dan Windsor on February 2, 2005
Hi all,
6 Months to go !
When I was mulling over this, I couldn't help but think of Dickoo.
She
has been sick as a dog for 6 weeks and I am glad she has joined our
ranks again.
Last night the OPA ( Old Paulites Assoc) hosted a double function.
A
Farewell to H.E. Ambassador Lyonpo Dorji who has been the
Ambassador
form Bhutan here for 5 years and a Welcome to Mr. Gibbs, head
Chattawallah from 1964 to 1972. who is passing thru with his family.
Beside HE Lyonpo, Ashoke Sadhwani, Chanaya (Pla), Winetra and myself
represented the Spaggies. There were 5 L.C girls and a bunch of
Mount
Hermanites, but we were well outnumbered by Paulites. They did try
to
make us feel at home, especially our host & hostess Rachni & Dr.
Athiwat, who put in a very noble effort, but it is never quite the
same
as when we get together.
Now, I am the first to admit that Prim is right in accusing me of
being
Antisocial ( Gosh I'm just shy!). I can arrive at a party where I
know 3 people and leave 4 hours later knowing just 2 ( since someone
probably decided that he doesn't want to talk to me anymore). But,
this
time I don't think it was just me. Within 30 minutes, there were 3
distinct piles of people, Hermanites, Paulites and LC ( us NP-types
are
always where the LC girls are). There were some blatant hints that
they wanted us to include them into our ChiengMai Reunion, but I
think
the atmosphere will not be the same.
Just before we left, Ashoke suggested we take a photo with Mr Gibbs
for
our Website. I said to Mr Gibbs
" You're surrounded by Spaggies!"
Ever the diplomat, he responded " ....and I am honoured to be so"
Now, there was a time when I was younger and brasher ( last year!)
when
I would have replied without so much as a second thought, " you bet
yer
ass!" This time no! I just mumbled " you bet yer ass SIR !"
Another
sign of a refined education!
Wellll ! in his speech, he thanked Paulites, North Pointers and Mt
Hermanites for being there. He forgot about L.C. girls !
Ambassador
Dorji then said, we NP guys would NEVER forget LC girls. In
fact, I
remember a time (During our age of raging hormones) when that is all
I
thought about. .... LC girls. We even had a term for it "
Floating".
Got some more new names :-
Shanshad Huq & Hameed
Winston Pais & Merlyn
Albion Bannerjee & Jane and children
Ollie Plesek
Madan Dhakhwa & Colette and Gigi
Jimmy Pyke & Daughter Gillies
Pradeep Singhania & Nisha
Kamal Meattle
Neena De
Mala (Mazumdar) & Parimal Barkatoky
Shankar & Indira Rajhkewar
Hey Mya, if you are reading this ! what about your Burma Boys ?
How
about you Dr San Shwin? How many can we count on ? Ronnie,
Owen,
CM, Archie etc, can you get thru to them ? One of the reasons
we
thought about Chiengmai was that it is accessible by land from
Burma.
I'd love to see more Burmanites this time.
SCHEDULE.
1. People Start arriving July 20th
2. PRE-WELCOME DINNER with live band in Bangkok Saturday July
23rd.
Leaves you a couple of days for shoppping etc.
3a. Train Batch leaves for ChiengMai around 7PM on Sunday. Takes
about 12 hours. Count on 1st class sleeper at about $ 35 per head
one
way. Air Con, 2nd class at about $ 20. Arrives early next
morning.
3b. Flying batch leaves Monday Morning. 90 minute Flt, rd trip
will be
about $ 100. There are lots of specials, if there is enough
interest,
we can book well ahead and count on $ 50 rd trip or less. (Keep in
mind, This option requires one more night of hotel accomodation
either
in Bkk or CM.)
4. July 24th, full day free for shopping, massage. WELCOME
DINNER.
@ 7PM. ( Live Band).
5. July 25th Picnic to Mae Sot, tour of general area by
Airconned
buses. Night time free for shopping ( Hotel is right next to Night
Bazaar). We will arrange CRAZY WHIST that evening for those
interested.
6. July 26th. Free Day. CHARITY DINNER/DANCE starting at
7PM
(canned Music)
7. July 27th. Free Day. FAREWELL DINNER & SILENT AUCTION at
7PM. (Canned Music).
8. July 28th, Free Day, leave for Bangkok by air or by train
that
evening.
9. July 29th. Rachni and Hubby have invited all of us to their
mansion for dinner with OPA ( Old Paulites Assoc).
NOTE TO GOLFERS. If you can arrive by Thrsday 21st, I am taking
a
group out to play golf in our hills 90 minuites out of Bkk. Do try
to
make it as you'll love it. Looks a bit like Darj. Beautiful
courses. We can also count on Golf at least twice in CM.
COST.
Bangkok Hotels. Count on $ 40 per night Single or Double is the
same. I will also give you 2 other options for between $ 60 to
$100
for those who want something more up-market.
CM Hotels. We are planning to stay at one hotel. There is one
from
the Central group at about $ 40 and another at the Imperial for $
60
Single/double. WHAT DO YOU THINK ??
Hotel rates include buffet breakfast.
Hotel rate are just approx so you can plan your budgets. Joan is
negotiating and will get us better rates soon. I also want your
feed-back on this.
FUNCTIONS. Since everyone signs up for everything, we'll keep it
simple this year. There is a flat rate of about $ 150 per person.
This includes:-
Registration Fee
Airport Pick-up in Bangkok & Chiengmai
Pre-Welcome Dinner, Welcome Dinner, Picnic and Lunch, Charity
Dinner,
Farewell Dinner.
Transportation to and from all functions.
Voluntary donation of $ 50 or $100 per person. These funds will be
partly used to buy plane tickets for Father Van, Father Burns ( not
confirmed) and Father Kinley (NP Rector). The rest will be donated
to
LC & NP School & College as well as to Hayden Hall. FATHER VAN,
WHAT DO YOU THINK. CAN YOU CONVINCE Frs bURNS AND KINLEY TO
JOIN
US AS OUR GUESTS ??
PLEA for AUCTION ITEMS. The (Not-so-Silent) Silent Auction last
time raised $2,000. It was a big hit. Please start thinking
from
now what you can donate. Here are some ideas of what sold well the
last time.
Tibetan Viagra (Uttara)
Old Water Colour Paintings ( Shree)
Paintings ( Ranbir and Doel)
Food Hampers, Picture Frames, Jewelry Boxes, Wine, Books etc.
We're getting there. I have many sign-ins and many taken- for-
granted's. In the next Bull, we'll start to finalize things and
you
can start to tell me which hotels to book when you plan to arrive
etc.
I'll also give you contact details for side trips that many have
asked
about.
TIBET/CHINA with Uttara
CAMBODIA
LAOS
BURMA
MALAYSIA
KOH SAMUI ( Beach)
Those interested, can contact them directly and make your plans and
bookings. Some of these are accessible directly from CM, so you
don't
have to come back to Bangkok to catch your flights.
Bye Dan
|
| sent by
Dan Windsor on December 18, 2004
---snipped for context---
Hi Everyone !
Merry Christmas !!
A lot of interest in Utta-ra's trip to China. She is going to work
out the costs. We did get a group rate on the flights for 10 or more
people on Thai Inter:-
CHIENGMAI to KUNMING to CHIENGMAI US$ 140
CHIENGMAI to KUNMING to BANGKOK US $ 180
To the rates above please add $ 45 Airport Taxes and (I love this
part)
War Insurance.
I've got some figures from Utta-ra and will pass them on. In
January,
I'll try to set up a meetings with tour people to get some other
agendas
for Cambodia, Myanmaar, Malaysia, Krabi and Koh Samui etc..
Happy New Year !
Love Dan |
| sent by
Dan Windsor on December 21, 2004
---snipped for context---
Merry Christmas and Happy Hew year to all uv yas !
Few more names :-
Joki & Teodora De Souza
Bishnu Das & Nita Pradhan
Sameek & Suzanne Ray
I also left out Archie Kay.
Some people have expressed a wish to continue on to China/Tibet.
Finally got an agenda from Utta Ra, which I have attached below. Have
a
dekho and let me know what you think ! It is rather long, but
detailed, worth a read. Utta Ra, is there any cost estimate on
this??
Sorry, I missed it, but I did just got her email with the cost
estimates. I'll pass it along once I get some responses.
|
Bull # 27 50 ways to lose your liver (Paul Simon) sent by
Dan Windsor on December 18, 2004
---snipped for context---
Got some more sign-ins :-
Khatiza von Savage ( Khatoom) sorry, I left you out
Mohan and Sheyla Pradhan ditto
SP Agarwala
Caroline Korolek ( Aratoon)
PK Singhania
Wangyal Tobden
Yvonne Stillfried ( Hine)
Sherna & Sanjib Bannerjee ( I left Sanjib out, sorry !)
Keep em cards and letters coming folks !
Love Dan
|
| sent by
Dan Windsor on December 3, 2004
Here is the promised list of signees (74 so far):
Father Van
Arnold & Eddie Mc Kenzie
Noreen Dunne
Mo & Vinita Shivdasani
Tobgye & Genzing Dorji
Benjy Dorji and whoever he can con into joining him
Shree Singh
Ranabir & Doel Sen
Roshan Massey
Uttara Sarkar-Crees
Kabita Choudhury & Family (3)
Noel & Yin Marsh
Tshering & Anders Huber
Ashok & Jyoti Sadhwani
Chuck & Janet Wong
Emile Lafrenais
Eddie & Phyllis Hsu
Nikki Nijhowne
Mohinder Boya & Lena ?
John Charles
Anil Reddy
Dinny Divitre
Norzing & Tamding Tempo
Maureen & Brian Dennis
Owen & Ma Khoo
Ban An Khaw & Family (CM Cho)
Paula Helfrich
Dickoo Nowroji
Hans Von Der Recke + 2
Deo Dixt + Family
Pam & Rodney James
Patricia (Arnold) and Hubby
Gautam & Anjana Das
Sandip Mallik
Edward & Angela Roncon
Ajay & Yash Goyal
Sherna Bannerjee
Yvonne & Adam Hine
Somendra and Priti Pradhan + 2 kids
Barrie Morrow
Savika
Shashi
Add Lenevat
Paiboone Lenevat
Jimmy Pyke just signed up. Jimmy says he was in NP from NP 1943 till
1961. I've heard of slow learners before, but !!!
I guess you mean you were born in 1943 Jimmy !
If I have left you out, then it is a 99% probability that it is my
fault. Ever since I got married, I have become good at saying "I am
sorry" so why not now? It could be that you "joined" but didn't do
so officially. Just write and give me a reminder.
Love Dan
|
Bull #25 sent by
Dan Windsor on October 19, 2004
Hi all,
Time just flew by. Funny that I exhibit my products only 3 times a
year and 2 of them are 1 week apart and then I visit only fairs and
2 are on the exact same days, at different ends of the world, Las
Vegas and Bahrain, Sin City & Suni City.
I did get to spend an absolutely wonderful evening with some old
friends:-
Getting at least 2 or 3 new sign-ins each week. For now, just sign
up and you do not have to decide on the details. This time we
decided to make it all a compulsory package. Everyone who joins up
will automatically be included in The PRE-WELCOME DINNER, WELCOME,
PICNIC, FUND-RAISER and FAREWELL. Last time everyone signed for each
event individually, too much to keep track of (in any case everyone
signed up for everything anyway, so let's keep it simple).
After February we will have more info about the hotels to choose
from, extra days before and after, Programs to Samui, Burma, Ankor
and the mode of transportation etc. At that time, we will ask you to
choose from these various options. The real work will begin then.
There are still a few hesitant souls asking about the weather. True,
July in ChiengMai is hot, but postponing it by a month or so will
change the temperature by 1 or 2 degrees. Unless we are talking
about December/January (the peak of tourist season), there is hardly
any difference from one month to another. Let us keep in starting
July 23rd. I prefer not to change the date. We did put it to a vote
and end-July was the popular choice by far.
I will send another bulletin next week with the list of those who
signed up (yes Mo!! I promised this the last time too)
Love Dan
To register for the
Gargantuan Chiangmai Reunion, click here
|
Bull #24 sent by
Dan Windsor, Bangkok, on August 20,
2004
........ Joan estimates that the hotel in Chieng Mai will be about B
2,200 for a double. We'll try to fit everyone in the same hotel. In
Bangkok, we will offer a choice. There's the Manhattan (which will be
a little more than last time, so count on about B 1500 for a
double). The Silom Serene at the other end of town at about B 2,000. I
will also look into the President Solitaire Serviced apartments for
about B 3,000 for those who want something a little more "upmarket".
We won't do the actual bookings etc till around Feb and at that time,
I'll get more accurate rates. For now, just use these figures as
indicative. If you write, add in a line telling me your druthers just
so that we can get a rough idea of how many rooms we'll need to book.
.... It is good to see that most of those who are signing up are
planning to do stuff before and/or after CM. Since you are going to
fly all the way here, you might as well make full use of your ticket
and see the area.
Thailand itself has so much to offer. However, it amazes me how things
run here, in spite of those in power. There is so much to see, it is
safe, cheap shopping, the best food in the world (and cheap
too!).......
Love Dan
To register for the
Gargantuan Chiangmai Reunion, click here |
Bull #23 sent by
Dan Windsor, Bangkok, on July 29,
2004
Subject: Mrs. Brown, you've got a lovely walker
Hi Again,
Only 365 days left till Chiangmai. (at least it was 365 the day I
started this letter!) I thought I'd say it before Dickoo did. How
did you miss that one Dickoo??
I read in the paper that the Whitney Houston concert in Bangkok was
"bland" "lifeless". They said maybe she's too old. Whitney too
old !!! How does that make us feel?? Take heart, singers from our
generation are all making come-backs. However, to be more a-tuned to
their aging fans, the songs have been re-written. (Hence the title
of this Bull). This song was originally released by HERMAN'S
HERMITS. For the next few Bulls, I have prepared a list of old songs
from our time that have been re-released. Stay tuned.
I am going thru the list of names of those who have signed up for
CM. I am sure I am going to miss quite a few, so please write in. I
need a positive "YES" from you all. Not just a "I am thinking of
coming". Some have asked about a Registration Form. ASHOK maybe you
can make one up and attach it to the website. One that is computer
friendly. We'll keep it simple and for those like me, if your entire
expertise with computers is just to start and to shut down, then you
can just supply answers to these questions :-
NAME (MAIDEN NAME IN BRACKETS)
NAME of SPOUSE
NAMES of KIDS/GRANDKIDS ACCOMPANYING YOU
LORETO SCHOOL / COLLEGE or NORTH POINT SCHOOL /COLLEGE
WHICH YEARS
CURRENT HOME TOWN
WILL YOU ATTEND IF YES, HOW MANY
WHAT DO YOU WANT ADDED TO THE PROGRAM THIS TIME AROUND
DO YOU PLAN TO DO SOMETHING BEFORE or AFTER CM
As we said, we hope this time to be able to do some good for LC, NP
and Hayden Hall. Last year we raised $ 3,000 (yes, Noreen, I still
owe you $1000 for Hayden Hall). We also want to start an annual
scholarship which will allow one student each from St Theresa and St
Roberts to attend college at NP or LC. There were many suggestions
that we deduct this donation when you sign up. I just need to know
if this is something a majority will go for ! Paiboone suggested
that we all commit a manageable amount, say $10 per month and set it
aside from now.
This form is just to get some info about you and get some idea of
how many are coming. It is not written in stone. Early next
year, we will have more exact details about HOTELS, DINNERS,
TRANSPORTATION etc. At that time, I'll have the room rates, and
various costs and you can sign up and send money or payment thru
Credit Cards etc.
It is so great to see how many re-unions are springing up all over
the place, each with more and more in attendance. I'd like to think
HIHH was partly responsible for this boom. Once again, ours will be
unique in that it is a whole week (&more) of Total Immersion, not
just a Bob's Your Uncle type of deal. Still everyone raves about
having such a good time. When you watch these Sit-Coms on TV they
always show reunions as something they dread, brining back bad
memories, each one trying to outdo the other. I have a favorite
Re-union joke (no this time I don't mean Mo!).
At a school reunion celebrating their 10th anniversary a bunch of
students arrived bedecked in all sorts of impressive splendour. One
of the guys in particulr, was most impressive. He had
chauffer-driven limo (his own, not rented) a blond starlet hanging
on to him, everything about him showed how rich he was. In school,
he was the one voted Least Likely to Succeed and didn't even get
passing grades. They asked him his secret. He said :-
There was this ranch near where I lived. I contacted the owner and
cut a deal to buy fresh cut beef steaks at $ 3 a piece. I opened a
restaurant right around the corner and sold steaks for $13 each. The
secret was that I wasn't greedy, I was happy with my 10% mark up.
Anyway, what was real wonderful to see was that no-one was trying to
put on a show. Some were more successful than others, we were all
just there to enjoy seeing old friends and meeting new ones. Even
both Mo & the Behari had to admit that no-one kept reminding them
what total failures they were.
See You soon. Dan
To register for the
Gargantuan Chiangmai Reunion, click here
|
|
Well! the results are almost all in.12 People for July 24th week 2 For end
of July and 3 for Mid August.
Of these there were only 3 (one for each date) who said they couldn't make
it if they didn't get their way. The rest said they would come anyway, and
they were just their preferences. There were also over 30 who said they
would make it whatever the dates were. Good on yer mates !!
This was really good. Unlike the last time when it was 1% for October, 2%
for August and 97% NO COMMENTS, NO ANSWER, NO NOTHING. Makes me feel
better that I am not deciding for 100 others.
One of the deciding factors, other than the majority vote, is that Fr Van is
on a world tour and has been spreading the news telling everyone about this
re-union and that it will start around July 23rd.
Soooooo it is final. It will be the week of July 24th. We can expect people
to start arriving from July 22nd. (Which means we can expect Shree by the
17th as she likes to get a head-start on the shopping). We'll have a
PREWELCOME most probably on the 24th. We'll board the train to Chieng-Mai
Monday night. Those suffering from FEAR of NOT FLYING can take the 75
minute flight, (there are more than 10 each day).
We'll arrive on Tuesday morning and try to cram in 4 days and nights of
parties, shopping and massages and gab sessions and then take the train back
to Bkk on Friday night. I'm sure there'll be a party back in Bangkok
too. HINT HINT, anyone offering to be the host ??
After CM, there are a few planning trips to LAOS, KOH SAMUI, PHUKET,
CAMBODIA, CHINA and what nots. I won't have those details for yer until I
can get a written offer of a % commission from one of the travel agents. And
I believe on the way over there will be many stopping in Darj for a few days
before reaching CM.
As for costs, here is a very rough estimate :-
HOTELS double room, incl breakfast for 2 @US$30 to 35
TRAIN TICKS to CM Round trip, airconned $50
PLANE TICKS round trip around $130
EVENTS will cost around $10 to 15 per person
COST of LIVING count on about $10 to $30 per day.
As usual, we will try to book everyone into 1 or 2 hotels and give you the
option of better rooms if you want to spend more. Not counting the
shopping, I think most people said that the last time they spent about $ 500
per person for the week they were here. It won't be much more.
I hear tell that is possible to book a whole caboose, with a cash bar and
sofa chairs which we can use as our Head quarters. After all, why should
the party have to stop, just because we are on a train !!! More on this
later. JOAN will prepare the registration forms soon and send them out
anytime within the next few months. ( it just sounds too much like work to
me!). She's got AIDS now so she's real busy. (Scared you all HUH !) For
those of you who have never crawled out from under a rock in Lebong, Joan
organizes conventions. Right now she is working on the AIDS convention. A
lot of them are medical conventions. Last year she had MENOPAUSE and even
more interesting, she had IMPOTENCE before that.
Some generous souls have suggested that other than just having so much
fun, we should try to do some good. If you agree, we will add a little box
on the form for you to tick off if you want to make a donation. So when you
register, you can make a donation. The funds we raise will be split up
between :-
LORETO (won't be left out this time)
HAYDEN HALL
NP SCHOOL
NP COLLEGE
and we can even start up a small scholarship fund.
WHAT DO YOU THINK ?? I'd love any feed-back on this as well as new ideas.
Finally, let me clear up some myths :-
There is not much difference in the weather between July & Aug. It is hot,
but it is the rainy season. It usually rains an hour or so, not continuously
Darj-type rains. However it is not unbearable, like
April/.May. Air-conditioning is available just about everywhere we go
CHIENGMAI TOWN is not in the hills. It is not the Foothills, but at the
foot of the hills. In other words, to put it in terms you'll all
understand. It is not Kurseong, but more like Siliguri. It is a little
cooler. We can plan some excursions into the hills if you are homesick!! It
is a quaint little city, shopping is cheap, food is good and we'll all be
together.
I'm already looking forward to it.
Love Dan
Dan Windsor writes on July 6, 2004 (
Hi All,
Wow, I hadn't realized it has been this long. How time flies. Today is
July the 1st, since we were planning CM reunion for next July, it means
we are officially 1 year away only !! There are a couple of things we
need to settle and questions answered.
1. DATES. Originally, we thought of the week of July 24th (which is
the week after a long week-end here). However, many people have asked
if we could shift it back to the second week of August like the last
time, or the week earlier. Some said the weather was too hot in July,
well, it is hot, but 2 weeks ain't gonna make no never mind, so that
reason is illegitimate (like some people whose names I won't
mention). For forget that reason. However, some have scheduling problems
one way or the other. Most have mentioned that the timing makes it
tough for their families. I like that reason. I also want to avoid the
week of Aug 8th since there is another public holiday on Aug 12th.
Since no-one died and made me king, let's put it to a vote. Let me hear
from all of you, if you have your druthers :-
WEEK of JULY 24th
WEEK of JULY 31st
WEEK of AUG 15th
For HIHH, I also asked for opinions, but I had 6 who preferred Aug and 2
who preferred October. The rest were part of the Silent Majority. So
come on, this time let me hear from you so that I can go out and do what
I want anyway. It is more fun to ignore a greater number of people's
wishes.
2. AFTERMATH. A whole lot of ideas have been floated about plans
after CM. Uttara is supposed to give us a suggestion for her eco
touristic type visit to China-Tibet border. However, all my requests
have gone unanswered. Come'on Uttara !! Here's your chance to get a
bunch of not-free-loaders who will certainly add a "rustic" GUNDA-LIKE
charm to your establishment. Some others are bouncing around ideas of
ANKOR WAT, PHUKET, KAH SAMUI and a even a few want to wander off into
BURMA to experience Oppression first hand. (I'll tell you about it, if
Prim let's me).
Finally, I still find it funny to open my mail box and not be inundated
by Rajeev's jokes. We miss you and promise you that we will always
serve as reminder to show Shashi how much worse off she'd have been if
she had chosen one of us instead of you.
Love Dan
|
Dan Windsor writes on May 6, 2004
I am still in the process of getting the
list started for 2005.
Datewise, let's say you should plan on arriving after Friday 22nd
July. The Pre Welcome should be On either Saturday the 23rd or Sunday
the 24th. We'll leave for Chiang Mai on Monday (or Sunday night) and
stay there till Thursday the 28th and then back to Bangkok for a couple
of days. After that, some want to go to China/Tibet. Uttara, I am
still waiting for your proposals, Can you give us some idea of what to
expect and the logistics about flights etc etc so I can pass the word
around.
Looking forward to a flood of responses.
Love Dan
|
