Sunrise at Angkor Wat

Angkor is an amazing place. I never get tired of exploring the temples and ruins. Angkor Wat is the main draw of the Angkor complex, and the sunrise is especially spectacular. Several hundred tourists push and shove their way forward to snap just the right shot as the sun rises. Sunrise at Angkor Wat is …

Cambodia After 3 Years

Cambodia is my favorite country. The first time I arrived in Seam Reap three years ago I was immediately in love. The people are beautiful, exceptionally nice and the culture rich. Not much has changed in that regard since I first visited. The people are still beautiful, especially the men. Everywhere you turn there are …

A Piece of Pai

Pai is a sleepy town north of Chiang Mai, Thailand close to the Burma border. Getting to Pai from Chiang Mai is inexpensive at around $5 and the drive is long and winding with switch backs and steep climbs through the hills, but well worth the crazy driving. Once you arrive you are dropped off …

Float Your Bad Juju Away During Loi Krathong

Loi Krathong is a huge festival in Chiang Mai, and throughout Thailand. It actually goes on for well over a week, but really gets crazy for about three days around the full moon. I went two days in a row and had an amazing time both times. I bought a little krathong for 50B, which …

The Great American Visa Run: From Thailand to Burma and Back

Today I had the joy of experiencing what every long-term traveler calls the “visa run.” Most countries place a limit on the amount of time you can stay in their country without leaving and renewing your visa. Thailand is no different. Fortunately, they don’t have a limit on how long you have to be gone, …

Yee Peng Festival of Lights – Let the festivals begin!

One of the primary reasons I chose to live in Chiang Mai is that I wanted to experience the festivals this city is so famous for holding throughout the year. With winter upon us, the festivals have begun! Chiang Mai is the center of the old Lanna Kingdom and continues to celebrate many of the …

My first week in Chiang Mai, Thailand

I’ve been in Chiang Mai for a week now (I was in Taipei the previous week). I’m having a great time, even though I’ve managed to not see one thing that tourists are supposed to see. I haven’t been to the Saturday Market or the Sunday Market. Nor have I been to the Night Bazaar …

Germans and dumplings

I’m back in Seattle from my short stint in Hong Kong and Macau. Hong Kong reminded me of a more interesting and dynamic Singapore. There is far more going on and the vibe is far more interesting than in Singapore. I think it also helps that not everyone is living in fear of a $500 …

Great food and great views in Hong Kong

Traveling to Hong Kong for work has been very interesting. Hong Kong is cosmopolitan with a mix of people from all over the world. Everywhere you go you see people from mainland China, the UK and the surround Asian region. Everything is bustling and moving quickly, and the people will tell you that in Hong …