Celebrating Songkran in Bangkok was one of my favorite adventures during my six months in Southeast Asia. And while it’s incredibly hard to get good photographs while everyone is throwing water at you, I managed to get a few good shots. Here are my favorites. Flowered shirts, water guns and the back of a pickup […]
Photos: The Best of Songkran in Bangkok Read More »
Songkran in Bangkok is incredible — one of the absolute most fun events on the planet. For three days in April, people celebrate the new year by throwing water on each other, which quickly turns into a giant water fight in the streets. It’s EVERYWHERE in Bangkok, and NOBODY is safe. It could be a
Songkran in Bangkok: The Greatest Festival on Earth Read More »
In March 2011, I was shipwrecked while traveling in Indonesia. Once I was back in the States, I felt an overwhelming urge to thank the many people who offered help. It also made me realize how important it is to send a thank you message to friends for a trip — whether your trip went
Thank You, Thank You, Thank You: Message to Friends for a Trip Read More »
Month six. The final month of my travels in Asia. The month started slow at first, then built to a rousing crescendo in Bangkok. Destinations Visited Ubud, Bali, Indonesia (two visits) Senggigi, Lombok, Indonesia Perama Island, Lombok, Indonesia Satonda Island, Sumbawa, Indonesia Komodo Island, Indonesia (albeit briefly and in the dark of night while shipwrecked)
The Asia Jaunt — Month Six in Review Read More »
After the shipwreck, I needed to shut myself away and decompress for awhile in Bali. And I found the perfect place to do it — the Alam Sari. After hearing about the accident, the Alam Sari, a sustainable resort in the village of Keliki, just outside Ubud, invited me for a weeklong stay. I couldn’t
Sustainable Tourism in Bali: The Alam Sari Read More »
After the shipwreck, we were taken from Komodo Island to the port town of Labuan Bajo on the island of Flores. Lonely Planet describes Labuan Bajo as “the next big thing” in Indonesia travel. I think there are two kinds of places you can describe as “next big things” — either places that are fantastic
Stranded in Indonesia? There are Worse Places than Labuan Bajo. Read More »
Over my six months in Southeast Asia, I stayed in lots of interesting places: Crazy party hostels, like Monkey Republic in Sihanoukville and Hanoi Backpackers Hostel in Hanoi. Super-basic bungalows on stilts on the islands of Don Det and Koh Chang. Hotels with swans made out of towels in Ao Nang. But most of the
A Typical Guesthouse In Southeast Asia — What’s It Like? Read More »
Dear Future Husband, You never expected me to wear a boring white dress, did you? I’m not traditional. Not remotely. But you knew that when you asked me to marry you. So you shouldn’t be surprised that I have chosen a Balinese dance costume for my wedding gown. Specifically, the one worn by Sita. (Probably
Traditional Balinese Dance in Ubud Read More »
I can’t stop raving about how wonderful the people of Bali are. They are so kind, so friendly, and genuinely interested to learn about you! At times, I literally sit back and marvel at how amazing they are. Before arriving in Bali, I contacted a few local organizations looking for complimentary activities in exchange for
My First Indonesian White Party Read More »
Around a year ago, I was working at a job that I truly despised. To escape, every day during my lunch, I would take an hourlong walk around the suburban neighborhood that surrounded my office, and I’d listen to my favorite music. If I were having a bad day at work, I’d listen to Maxwell’s Urban
I’ve Found The Secret To Happiness Read More »