John M. Edwards survives a psychedelic breakdown--and hubris--on a backpacker’s hub off the coast of Thailand. . . . In Thailand, it is not necessary to have an actual full moon shining down on you in order to throw together a “Full Moon Party”—just loads and loads of magic mushrooms. The decidedly pagan, almost “Glastonberry,” Halloweeny atmosphere of the event, featuring a wild bunch of fragrant hippies—proud of their piercings, … [Read more...]
A Guide to Planning your Proposal in Bangkok
If you are taking your loved one on the trip of a lifetime to Bangkok, it could be the perfect place to pop the question. Here is a stress-free guide to planning your proposal in Bangkok. Fly First Class If you want to get your trip off to a great start, a first class flight is guaranteed to do the trick. Give your partner the VIP treatment and take to the sky in style. Flying first class isn’t cheap but you can try to save up air miles … [Read more...]
How to Avoid Getting Bad Bowl Cuts Abroad
An American backpacker braves a bowl cut (almost) from a proverbial Third World barber. . . . The man in front of me, shivering in the swiveling chair, was almost completely bald with two bushy fluffs upon either side of his noggin, resembling a sad circus clown with no friends. Or, Bozo. Or, Krusty. Or, Larry from "The Three Stooges." Then The Man with the Haircut eyed himself with envy, congratulating himself on now almost … [Read more...]
Jurassic Poop
With the success of Steven Spielberg’s box-office juggernauts (“Jurassic Park” and “The Lost World”)—as well as the notable sale by Sothebys of “Sue” (the world’s most complete T-Rex) for $8.3 million--dino fever right now is downright epidemic. No surprise then that, even after the unfortunate flop of the “Land of the Lost” remake, business is booming for Boonman Poonyathiro, a Thai entrepreneur capitalizing on the prehistoric craze, but … [Read more...]
Most Popular Cities you should Visit in 2013
The world is home to many fabulous places. You can explore spectacular mountains, or you can bask on one of the stunning beaches. If you are planning to take a holiday in 2013, here are ten cities you should consider visiting. 1. Paris, France Paris, The City of Lights, is one of the most impressive cities in the world. The city possesses exciting music, exquisite art and world-famous cuisine. You can visit the majestic Eiffel Tower, or you … [Read more...]
Sumatran Blend, Ripples on the Edge of Time: Toba or not Toba?
An American backpacker treats Sumatra, Indonesia’s “Lake Toba”--filled with crunchy Elysian entrepots --as a writers’ retreat where backing off comes with the territory “Characters are just like black marks on paper. . . --William Gass, Fiction and the Right of Life I arrive by high-speed hydrofoil across the Malacca Straits to Medan, the ersatz capital of Sumatra, during Ramadan. I was, of course, on my way to flop down and relax at the … [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...]
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...]
Blue Mountains Australia
We jumped on the morning train to the Blue Mountains - ETA: 2 hours. Of all the money we've spent on everything in this very expensive city, this was by far the best value. $11.20 AUD RT. The mountain town of Katoomba was our destination; this country town is quaint with small B&B's, picturesque wooden houses and plenty of tourists this time of year. After a nearly 2 hour wait in excruciatingly painfully long line - we jumped on board the … [Read more...]
Hanging out in Sydney
We headed over to Sydney in the beginning of the week - arrived in the AM and checked into our hotel in Kings Cross (avoiding all the obviously drugged out characters who were weaving towards us on the sidewalks - screaming at each other and other general trouble making). Then we were on our way down to the Opera House. Within landing, clearing customs and checking into our hotel - we were in the botanical gardens on our way to sightseeing … [Read more...]
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