Letter from Grandpa Joe

Below is a transcribed version of the latest correspondence from my estranged grandfather, one Joseph Ivan Karah, of Wickliffe, Ohio, age 93. I wrote him recently to tell him I would be going to Thailand for the summer. Note his continued acknowledgement about our lack of a substantive relationship at the end of the letter. Also, you may notice his gratutitous utilization of quotations.

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Excuse the block lettering - I am 93 and having problems with my eyes

April 30 - 05

Dear Rachel,

I was very happy to learn that as part of your formal college training, you are scheduled to spend one month in a foreign country where you will be in direct contact with people who are responsible for "city planning". You may learn things that are not taught in college!

I have never had any experience with "city planning" but my guess is that the most important requirement is in dealing with people. Make the most of this opportunity to visit a foreign country and to be in contact with people who are actually doing the job that you are training for. During my meandering around the world I did spend about a week in Thailand, mostly Bangkok, this was about 1984 and there have been many world changes since. My recollection of Bangkok and vicinity Bangkok - congestion. Downtown auto fumes, almost unbearable.

You should visit the Royal Museum which is a wall-encircled city block. The main theme of the museum is about the personal lives of royalty. Cradle to grave. If you visit the museum hire a guide, it will make your visit much more interesting. I saw a statue - almost life-size made of pure gold standing alone in an otherwise empty room. I took side trips to visit a place that trained elephants to work. It seemed weird to see these huge animals bossed around by small people. The elephants have an agreement with the trainers that the elephants have a one hour break every noon to enjoy and frolick in a swim pool. It is obvious - by seeing elephants perform useful work - that elephants are very intelligent.

While you are in any foreign country, you should make a determined effort to try to understand the people. Their problems, their way of life. Also, the people in charge of running the country. Like "city planners" there are many differences between living in a democracy and living in a kingdom. You will learn what people in other "far away" countries think of America. I look forward to hearing of your experiences in Thailand.

To my grand daughter, who I have so seldom seen, but who is a continuation of our family.

Grand Dad Joe