Why Lucky Hoo-ee?

In 1993, I met Suradech "Hui" (pronounced Hoo-ee) Wangboonchai. Hui was born in Bangkok, Thailand and promised to someday take me to Thailand.

In 1998, I had saved enough money to take my first extended vacation. Hui escorted me (and Mom & Dad) through Hong Kong, Japan, and Thailand for a (3) week vacation. It was awesome! Since then, I have traveled to Thailand (3) times. Each trip has been a wonderful experience. Bangkok is a thriving big city filled with adventure. We have also traveled to the mountains of Chiang Mai and enjoyed the culture and food from the Northern region. Travel has given me a new appreciation for history and culture that the Dade County Public School System (and all its corruption) never did.

Since then, Hui and I have traveled with Mom & Dad (and my buddy Pete) around the world. Sightseeing through Egypt, Russia, Korea, China, Japan, Sweden, Amsterdam, Finland, Estonia, Singapore, Italy, Scotland, Ireland, France, Spain, England, Belgium, Poland, Turkey, Greece, Morocco, Malaysia, Norway, Denmark, Germany, Panama Canal, Costa Rico, Mexico, and all over the Caribbean.

Last Christmas, we were on the island of Koh Samui, about 100 miles away when the Tsunami destroyed much of the west coast resort areas. We were very lucky not to be in Phuket, because our original plans were changed at the last minute.

Why Lucky Hoo-ee? My business partner Jim, always said that, 'Hui is the luckiest person in the world'! Coming to America and becoming a US citizen makes him lucky. Becoming part of my group of friends and family makes him lucky. Living in South Beach in a condo over-looking the Ocean makes him lucky....but that's not why I call the blog "Lucky Hoo-ee".

I call it "Lucky Hoo-ee", because Hui has brought me good luck!

Before I met Hui, my business was terrible and I was still recovering from my divorce. I was drinking heavy and not happy with life. I was broke and really lost a big part of my Mo-Jo....but seeing Hui, so enthusiastic just to be in America! So excited to have a job as a busboy, just so he can save enough money to pay rent and send a few dollars home to his parents. His determination and drive was inspirational!

His motivation to "make it" in America, like many immigrants, was amazing. Here I was, with all the advantages in life, feeling sorry for myself...and Hui was happy just to be here!

I got my Mo-Jo back and the rest is history...and this blog is my journal to keep my family and friends updated on my adventures.