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Planning Trip and Mini Reunion Wednesday, 12 July to Tuesday, 25 July 2000 |
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Planning Trip and Mini Reunion Wednesday, 12 July to Tuesday, 25 July 2000 |
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Video
Clips (RealMedia)
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| Subject:
[WHS] VJ and John's Most Excellent PI Adventure - Episode 1 - Arriving
Date: Wed, 26 Jul 2000 From: John Prunier <prunier@whoa.org> One of my purposes for this trip was to arrange plans for our upcoming annual visit to the Philippines and Clark in late October, following our grand reunion in San Diego. I also hoped to identify any potential problems for our group's itinerary and to prepare for several local events. This was my first visit in over 32 years! VJ '70 was traveling to also attend his family reunion (Gomez Family) scheduled for Sunday, 16 July at Holy Angel University, Angeles. This was VJ's first trip back since leaving after the Mt. Pinatubo eruption. The first photos show my departure from LAX, stopover in Seoul, and arrival in Manila. I tried to follow closely our planned itinerary for October. Look for many more photos soon. Some observations and lessons learned: - checking in with Korean Air (KE) at the Tom Bradley Terminal, LAX, was fast and efficient - economy class passengers are allowed 2 checked bags and one carry-on, business and first class passengers are allowed more - KE was always on time! - plan to arrive for check-in at least two hours before departure - meal and other flight services was excellent - two full meals are served between LAX and Seoul, dinner and breakfast. Another full meal is served between Seoul and Manila. - security checks are conducted for both checked bags and carry-ons, sometimes more than once! - the long flight to Seoul (11+ hours) seemed shorter due to the meal schedules and ability to sleep comfortably, even in economy class (seating is better than most domestic airlines) - "Jet lag" was hardly noticeable on the westbound flight. I arrived in Manila feeling fairly rested and ready for a day of sight-seeing. - Rajah Tours was there to meet us and prepared for our itinerary. They were exceptionally attentive to our needs. - our transportation was modern, comfortable, and air conditioned. Our Rajah driver (Stephen) was an expert in even the worst traffic. - our Rajah guide, Tony Estrada was very well versed in both the Philippine and American history of all the tour sites. He was fun to be with! - customs processing at the airport was sometimes confusing with lines for citizens, foreigners, and special categories such as diplomatic and "Balikbayan" (returning filipinos and families regardless of citizenship). - the customs forms were fairly easy to understand and complete. - 11+ hours is a long time without a cigarette if you smoke! - it rains in July (a lot) My complements to both Korean Air and Rajah Tours for their excellent and professional service! More soon. John Prunier '65 and VJ Slupecki '70 |
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Early Wednesday morning, 12 July at LAX Tom Bradley International Terminal |
| Looks a lot different to me.
We landed at Manila International right after a typhoon in 1966.
The old piston engined plane only took 34 hours to get there from
Travis AFB. And that was after the 19 hour delay for that one
engine that wasn't quite right. And you didn't have to ride the buses
with wooden slat windows! How were the roads? Glad you guys
got back okay.
BobWinter71 |
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At the Korean Airlines departure terminal |
| Bob, a new terminal was built
not far from the old one...not sure what year....would guess mid 80s
Bruce Freddie Hawkins
Guam USA
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The Korean Air check-in area |
| Subject: ~~~~Leaving
On A Jetplane~~~~
Date: Wed, 5 Jul 2000 From: Vincent J Slupecki <vjslup-prubh@juno.com> Hey Wagner Falcons! Just a few more days and I will be kissing the Philippine soil again. Wanted to let everyone know that I leave Wednesday morning for the Hollowed Grounds of Wagner High. Hopefully, John will have his passport and be there within hours of my arriving. Will be returning at 09:10 on the 25th in San Francisco and will stayover for 16 hours to meet anyone who is in the Bay Area. Call me friend, Mike Gundran, at 888-mikegun if you want to meet for lunch or dinner. I'll be leaving at 0:130 the 26th. PI or Bust! Love you all, V J '70 |
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| Have fun, VJ......and John,
I hope!
Bruce Freddie Hawkins
Guam USA
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Korean Air Flight 016 is the first hop to the Philippines |
| Have a great time cousin.
My love to the Gomez Family. Are Ted and Pilar going to the reunion?
Take some super shots of the hallowed ash and jungle covered hall.
I want a super 11 x 14 picture. Sell them at San Diego. Peace, Jerry'63 |
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On board the 747-400 with a light passenger load. |
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