Swine Flu Test - PASSED

After receiving my yellow paper that certified I was fever free and had no swine flu symptoms, I was able to make it through Japanese customs. I successfully suppressed every cough or sneeze that crept up for fear I would be placed in bubble and made to stay in Japan for a week. In Thailand, I had to walk through a checkpoint where a thermal scanner was aimed at me before going through customs. I think the last time I saw this many surgical masks was when I watched an episode of Grey's Anatomy. They were even handing them out on the airplane. It was obvious on the flight from Atlanta to Tokyo that fears of swine flu have affected traffic. There were whole rows open on the 747 and many empty seats in business class. Much to my disappointment, they did not need anyone to fill that void.

So, after many hours on planes, I am in the Bangkok airport for the night awaiting my flight in the morning to Chiang Mai, where I will begin the internship. This marks the third time I've slept in this airport. At least it's quiet tonight.