Growing up, you would always see articles/book/tv shows about how people celebrate Christmas around the world. The impression you get is that everyone, everywhere celebrates something this time of year, even if it isn’t Christmas. I can say categorically that Thailand, and SE Asia in general, really doesn’t celebrate anything around Christmas. Save for a …
I’ve been here for 24 hours now, so I’ve managed to get a flavor for the place. I think I’ve developed a bit of a blase attitude about going to new places. I’ve been traveling so long that I’m no longer surprised by new things anymore. I think Bangkok might have jolted me out of …
When I go to big cities, I tend to wind up just being a resident more than a tourist. I’ve done a few of the big things to see here in Bangkok, but there is a lot more I haven’t done. I’ve been sticking close to the area around my hotel, which has plenty to …
This is just a quick update, because I don’t have time to do a full write up. Yesterday I attended the political protests in Bangkok. I spent several hours walking around the protesters with my camera. Everything was peaceful. Not only was it not an angry mob, it had the atmosphere of a festival more …
My short stint in Udon Thani is over. It was interesting for no other reason than Udon Thani isn’t on the normal tourist route. I did manage to sneak in a trip to World Heritage site #51 yesterday, the Ban Chaing Archeological Area. It was a nice museum, but like the other archeology site I …
I’m in Phuket for another day (maybe two) because I twisted my ankle yesterday. Its really swollen, but I don’t think any serious damage was done. I can put pressure on it and even stand on one foot without pain. I’m limping much faster than I did even earlier this morning. I just can’t flex …
I leave Thailand today for Cambodia. I’m flying instead of taking a bus because of heard so many bad stories about the road from Bangkok to Siem Reap. It is sort of expensive for a one hour flight. There are still things I want to see here in Thailand but 1) my visa runs out …
Last summer my father passed away. I only mention this because his illness forced me to spend far more time in hospitals than I ever hoped to spend. He spent almost three months in ICU unites, regular hospital rooms and nursing homes. He received kidney dialysis, CAT scans, X-rays, and almost every procedure you can …
Like a train wreck you know you shouldn’t look at, yet you dare not turn away, I bring you the next installment of McDonald’s Around The World. Today we visit the land of one of the most popular cuisines in the world: Thailand. What better way to avoid the subject of real Thai food than …