Bangkok, Thailand
24 March 2008

Dear Family and Friends,

Telma and Jeffrey have been my loyal friends for many years.  They were generous and helpful to me, both when I was a "snow-bird" from Boston, and later as a bachelor resident of South Florida.  Whether for business or for my social life, I could count on them for thoughtful advice.

Eight years ago Telma came for a visit to my apartment in Miami.  She noticed that I did not own a television set.  I explained that I didn't think I was missing very much on TV.  I preferred listening to the radio, or spinning my compact discs.  I could choose one of the many unread books on my shelves.  And if I really wanted to be productive, I could play my grand piano that sat imposingly and patiently in the living room.

Telma was surprised once more when she noticed that I did not own a computer.  Again, I questioned the need for such an electronic device.  "Jan," she said, "You will love a computer. There is so much information on the Internet."  I pointed to the large stack of music that was calling to me from the piano.  "You see those books, Telma?  If had two or maybe three lifetimes, I still could not get to the bottom of that pile."  I thought to myself, "The Preludes and Fugues of Bach, the Sonatas of Mozart and the Nocturnes of Chopin contain all the information I will ever need."

Alas, my library expanded as did my CD collection.  The tower of music grew higher.  I wondered if a computer would help me to catalogue the volumes of my addictions.  I was also hearing about something called email.  And Jeff Gordon mentioned that computers store pictures and descriptions of female "singles!"  Hmm.

{C}

I called my friend Sandra.  Sandra teaches computer skills.  We went shopping.  The salesmen were helpful.  Sandra was patient.  I was not convinced.

At last, in the spring of 2001 the light went on in the window when my friend David called.  David was the director of information technology at a large school district near Boston.  He was purchasing new computers for the faculty and staff.  He offered to order one for me.  He would trans-ship the boxes from Boston to Miami.  I took a deep breath.  "Yes!"

The rest is history: Surfing singles.com.  Traveling overseas.  Writing travel letters.  Taking photographs.  Sending emails.  Writing more travel letters.  Then someone said, "Jan, write a book!"  Well….I decided on a website.

Three years ago I met Rattakan, a young Thai man and computer whiz.  He designed www.travelwithjan.com and posted my letters and photographs.  I was happy.  But just as my CDs continued to accumulate, the volume of letters and photos grew and grew, and my young Thai friend grew weary.

Then by chance in Bangkok I met David, an American ex-pat, teacher and systems administrator.

For almost two years David has been my friend, mentor, advisor, editor and webmaster.  Sometimes David is the Yin to my Yang.  Other times, the roles reverse.

Four months ago David proposed to create a new version of my website.  I agreed.

So, here's the Announcement:

I am pleased and proud to present the new and expanded

http://travelwithjan.com.

Travelwithjan is work in progress, of course.  There is more editing and organizing to do.  And in response to many requests, I will add captions to the photographs, if only I can remember what they are!!

And who knows where my restless feet will take me next?

And who knows what projects lie within my tapping fingers?

Finally, I want to acknowledge everyone who has contributed to my computerese and to the website:

Jeff  "Let me just say this:" Thank you for your loyal friendship.

Telma, thank you for your concern and encouragement.  Muito obrigado.

Sandra  thank you for your guidance.  Muchas gracias.

David , thank you for your motivation and good advice.  I salute you.

Bob , thank you for taking me on my first trip to CompUSA.  10-4

Corina  thank you for answering my very first email.  Multumesc.

Roelof, thank you for helping with programs and tune-ups.  Ik dank u zeer.

Diego , thank you for your photography suggestions.  La ringrazio molto.

David , thank you for your understanding and your wisdom.  Kop khun mak krop.

Johann, Wolfgang, and Frederic, thank you for sharing.  I promise never to abandon you.

Jan