Latest Tidal Wave Aftermath Update
I'm at the providencial hall (city hall) in Phuket, Thailand now and got my paperwork to fly to Bangkok, although I'm not sure I can fly yet as my leg so swollen I can't bend it and I can only walk with crutches. I was pretty positive yesterday but feeling less so right at the moment. Having trouble sorting out my Travelocity travel insurance, etc. And again in contrast to other embassies we will have to go to Bangkok to get US embassy help with an authorized letter (basically a temp passport) as they have to verify our citizenship (post 9/11 security measures).
Things are absolute madhouse here. Looks like a marketplace with tents and booths - but nothing is being sold just given away. Thousands of people here sorting through embassy stuff here. The government of Thailand and the people here have been absolutely wonderful providing free clothing, water, toiletries, food, accomodations, flights back to Bangkok and on and on. There are bulletin boards with lists of survivors here in addition to all the missing people photos and dead bodies photos (for help with identification). It reminds me that only two days ago I was just happy to just be alive. I didn't mention it in the last post as I was a bit loopy on painkillers...but I really did think I was going to die in that tidal wave flood. And we kept hearing rumors of another bigger wave coming and that we would need to get to the highest hill (at this point several people including myself couldn't walk).
I'm still concerned about a few friends on Ko Jum. You are probably privy to more information than we are here as so much is just rumor and hearsay. Injured people are still be brought over from the islands.
I know this isn't making much sense as I'm still a bit out of sort, but I gotta go now as there are others needing to use the Net.
take care :)
Posted by: ~laurent | Dec 27, 2004 at 11:14 PM
Best of luck. Hope you feel well enough to travel soon.
Posted by: Freddie Daniells | Dec 28, 2004 at 02:50 AM
Wow. What a story.
Glad to see you in relatively one piece =)
Think about it, though. By bloggingg standards, this is huge stuff. We're more used to a diet of "Upgraded to Movable Type v3.14 yesterday..."
Certainly puts things in perspective...
Once all this is behind you, I'm interested in seeing how it will affect your ideas and your writing =)
God Bless!
Hugh
Posted by: hugh macleod | Dec 28, 2004 at 06:26 AM
Keep in touch, Evelyn. We would be lost without you. Your reporting on this event is more powerful and brings more authenticity than any news report. As always, your words speak louder than Dan Rather or Peter Jennings. We all learn valuable things from you. Would that you are safe and able to find your friends, and make it back home soon.
Posted by: Yvonne DiVita | Dec 28, 2004 at 08:36 AM
Stay safe, kind soul.
kirsten
Posted by: kirsten | Dec 28, 2004 at 09:12 AM
Evelyn,
Thanks for taking the time to blog your experience. I really think that this is an important new way to document history. Fortunately you survived to become a blogging pioneer.
I'm glad you're okay and I hope that as you digest everything you'll share more of your insights.
Wishing you blessings and a speedy recovery.
Posted by: Janette | Dec 29, 2004 at 09:45 PM