Since coming to Thailand, I made a goal for myself to have my writing published in a travel magazine. Today, that dream is realized. My poem, "Making Tea in Thailand," made the January issue of the SEA Backpacker magazine! Check it out on page 11. http://issuu.com/southeastasiabackpacker/docs/magazine_issue22?mode=mobile
Angkor Empire
On the road again for New Year's celebrations in Cambodia. A journey that began with crossing the border at 8 am on the wildest bus ride of my life thanks to the chanting, dancing and all out mayhem caused by six rowdy Brazilian men and that ended with an earthshaking, rainbow-colored sunrise that faithfully broke … Continue reading Angkor Empire
Merry Christmas from Thailand
I have no words.
Thai culture lessons I’ve learned in passing
According to Buddhist culture, a select male is chosen to shave their heads and their eyebrows whenever a member of their family dies. This act is a reminder of the triviality of worldly desires and is a symbol of commemoration for the deceased. In two months, I have seen three mourning students. Students wear white … Continue reading Thai culture lessons I’ve learned in passing
Big Mountain Music Festival
I managed to get my fill of live music. I've been starved for it, have felt eerily incomplete without dancing. On Saturday, Mel, Rachel, and I met with our friends in Bangkok and headed to the mountains of Khao Yai for a two-day camping adventure at Thailand's biggest annual music festival. I was not familiar … Continue reading Big Mountain Music Festival
The King’s Birthday
On Wednesday, December 5th the King turned 85 and the entire country took the day off to celebrate and show reverence. An unequaled, unshakable love and loyalty the Thais have for this man. As a sign of respect, everyone wears the color yellow, which I was informed of and mildly scolded for after being spotted … Continue reading The King’s Birthday
A Lil’ Somethin’
Together Thailand and I make tea. Me, A once empty cup Now overflowing with boiling water That is clearly untouched. Lucid, Formless, Malleable-- Yet without a name. Suddenly, A concentration of herbs and spices Saturated with new places-- The essence of which Was extracted from smiling faces. A transformative elixir, This medicine heals me-- Without … Continue reading A Lil’ Somethin’
Loy Krathong
Wednesday was a very auspicious day here in Thailand. Every year on the evening of the full moon of the 12th month in the traditional Thai lunar calendar (this year, November 28th), the entire country of Thailand participates in an event known as Loy Krathong. Loy means 'to float' and a krathong is a handmade … Continue reading Loy Krathong
Amongst the Macaque
We were lured to Lop Buri, a province in central Thailand, by their annual Monkey Festival. There is no direct transportation between Chonburi and Lop Buri. One must travel through Bangkok. So, we took the opportunity to visit some friends there. Spent Friday night watching a Beatles cover band and catching up on the very … Continue reading Amongst the Macaque
Khao-Chamao National Park
Looking back on Saturday, November 17th:Rachel, Mel, and I in pursuit of nature. Seeking waterfalls as a medium for our renewal. We depart on a 3-hour journey eastward to Khao Chamao National Park, piling into a 12-seater mini van packed with no fewer than 20 people. The driver is possessed--speeding, honking, swerving. His partner, a … Continue reading Khao-Chamao National Park
Joc Cousteau 