My chance encounter took place in Bangkok airport in August of 2009, when I was 22. I finished working on an Archaeological dig at Scladina Cave (website is in French) and was headed off to Thailand to meet my best friend. She was living and working in Japan and I thought Thailand was a good compromise on flight times for both of us. She would have to return to Japan and I would have to return to Europe for another dig. We had a great time in Thailand and when it was time to leave we packed our bags. Her flight was a few hours before mine. I wanted to…