We are back in the village for the next month - enjoying some fine R&R after a hectic schedule from this past year. The kids are learning Chinese in school and are happy to practice. Our niece of almost 5 years old informed us today that she is "tired of being a Thai girl and wants to be an American girl". We asked her to speak some English but all she could say was "thank you" over and over again! There is a rash of road accidents this past … [Read more...]
Archives for February 2013
A Road Trippers Case for Traveling by Car
Taking a road trip is my favorite way to put "things" back into perspective. It's easy to let yourself get caught up in the trivialities of daily life and forget that this is bigger than the individual. A road trip can be just the thing to spark some creativity, break out of the mundane with some spontaneity or even deal with pain. There's comfort in seeing new things and the best way to challenge yourself and your views is by meeting new people … [Read more...]
Doug Lansky: Travel Writer + Speaker
We first heard about Doug's travel adventures a number of years ago through his "Signspotting" website and later his book. This unique ongoing project highlights humorous and engaging signs from around the world. He even has a cool widget which you can embed on other websites displaying any new signs uploaded to his own site. Doug is a busy guy and certainly not one to stand still. He is involved in a number of projects that would make those with … [Read more...]
From the Outside In: My Reflections as a Non-Muslim Wearing the Burqa in Silicon Valley
My curiosity to try wearing the most conservative Muslim, black Burqa drapery in California overcame my dread that I would be found out by a Muslim who might eagerly approach me as any of us might do when we find "our kind" in a foreign land. I was fearful of offending, or appearing to make light of a serious cultural tradition. It took an immense amount of courage to overcome my trepidation. But at last I decided to just go for it. Logically … [Read more...]
Trekking in Remote Papua New Guinea: Kokoda Homestay
Kokoda Homestay was set up by several villages around Kokoda with the help of Bruce, his wife Rosemary and her son Mark (who lives in Australia) as a way for travelers to experience the authentic lifestyle in the area and as a way for travelers to immerse themselves within the local culture. Rosemary taught school in the 1960's here and much later reconnected with some of her students. Bruce will help arrange your homestay and answer any … [Read more...]
Back to the Wonderful City of Angels
We flew in last night over a sea of lights spread as far as one could see. It was Bangkok - one of the planet's greatest cities. At midnight along Sukhumvit it was a mix of lights, traffic and people wandering the streets in search of sleep, sex and alcohol. This latest visit was a throwback for me offering a nostalgic reflection on my first trip to the Kingdom in 1996 (on the way to Nepal). Then as now, we landed at Don Muang airport. I … [Read more...]
A Night At Angelus….
London has become a mecca for great restaurants...contrary to the myth that has grown up probably due to ignorance and jealousy especially by the French and also by many Americans unfortunately. A few years ago I was invited to lunch with a group of writers in Los Angeles. It was given to honour the Minister of Culture from the UK. After the luncheon he asked each of us to speak a few words and when it came to my turn I told him that my mission … [Read more...]
Quito Opens New International Airport
New York – February 19, 2013 - Ecuador’s Civil Aviation Authority has announced that Quito’s new international airport, Mariscal Antonio Jose de Sucre, will begin operations on Wednesday, February 20, 2013. All operations at Quito’s current airport, which operates under the same name, will cease on February 19th at 7:00 PM and will resume at the new location on Wednesday February 20th at 9:00 AM (-5:00 GMT) Built over an area of 172,222,567 … [Read more...]
Exploring Port Moresby
Port Moresby is a bit difficult to explore on your own - the city is spread out and there aren't that many attractions to visit right in town. However we caught up with the energetic folks from Cold Media Productions who are covering my visit to PNG. We headed out in their Toyota Land cruiser for the top of a nearby mountain - Sogeri which affords one excellent views overlooking all of Port Moresby in the distance, the Stanley-Owens range (the … [Read more...]
Mystic Fool
Mystic Fool by Andy Hill This is a tale of a nomadic traveler (Ian) drifting through South East Asia trying to find some meaning in his own life. He is a heavy drinker; the alcohol fuels his travels and at times perhaps his thoughts about life and spirituality. During his time in northern Thailand he meets an older man at a bar - perhaps a glimpse into his "future self". This man imparts some wisdom and advice from his own years, as well as … [Read more...]