I was invited to the occasion at the Officer Club, Ft. Myer,
Arlington, on January 19, 2010. It was not easy for me to drive somewhere I've
not been before in the dark but I made it eventually. I met several
acquaintances, the hosts and their beautiful wives, and a former student. Among
the hosts, was Lt. Chartchai whose picture I used as one of the characters in
the Thai Basic Course Books 1. It was quite a surprise to see him here.
I met him in Thailand in 2004 when I went to collect data and materials for the
project. Khun Poomari Westgate graciously introduced me to several others so I
didn't feel so left out. Moreover, I had a chance to chat with Ajaan Somanat
Chupinit. How awesome to learn that she was the daughter of the Thai great
author--Malai Chupinit! His book--Long Prai (under the pseudonym Noi
Inthanond) remains my favorite. Ajaan Somanat is also a writer in her own
right. She kindly sent me her books based on her experience which I keep at my
bedside table.
