I'm in the US ahead of a series of meetings I have in DC in a few
days, and my son suggested I come a little early to spend some time
with him in upstate NY and in particular to see him play soccer. He's
senior at RIT (Rochester Inst. of Tech.) and an NCAA athlete.

So I came. Halfway around the world. Twelve time zones.

Since I arrived on Thursday/Friday at midnight after a marathon 32 hour
trip from Bangkok (longer if I start counting from when I left Phuket
to overnight in Bangkok en route), I've been sleeping in rooms heated
artificially, getting my nasal passages all dried out and bloody, breaking
out in herpes on my upper lip.... In other words, subjecting myself to the
harsh climate I have run away from to live in paradise. All for the love
of a son who wants me to see him play in a collegiate soccer match on his
home field.

Then they cancelled the game.

For scheduling reasons, nothing more.

I finally make it to NY during soccer season in his senior year, and they cancel the game!