March 3, 2008
This morning had me up early and ready to finally hit a proper beach. After waiting for the songthauw to fill up (and snapping silly self-portraits in the mirrored ceiling), I headed to Trat’s pier to continue my journey by slow-boat. Staying true to its name, the rusted ferry delivered Read more…
March 2, 2008
After leaving the the bizarre temple’s grounds and embarking upon the dirt road path back to Bang Saen’s main road, I walked passed a pack of stray dogs basking in the hazy sun. Most ignored me but one of them must have read what I said in my previous post Read more…
Warning: The images contained in this post are not suitable for children. That means you Ashley & Kayla! As I planned this trip, there was one attraction I knew I couldn’t leave without seeing. Out of all the scenic wonderment of this foreign land, it was the Wat Saen Suk, Read more…
March 1, 2008
Today starts my independent travels. After a few errands in Bangkok, I am eastward-bound towards the Chonburi province to the secluded beach of Bang Saen, home of the Wat Saen Suk, before settling somewhere for the night in the thriving beach town of Pattaya. Looking onward, my plans are very Read more…
February 28, 2008
The first grade boys get a bit zany as the morning progresses. Experimenting with different means of grabbing their waning attention, I have found they love to be photographed… that the mere act of taking out my camera congregates them in a excited but orderly line in front of me. Read more…
February 26, 2008
I’ll be teaching at Wat Kanham School, in the Uthai district, all week. Like the name implies, the school is on the grounds of a Buddhist monastery. It is also located next to a factory where most of the students’ parents work. Without the Buddhist monastery providing space and resources Read more…
February 23, 2008
After a long first day at Bangsai, I wake up to the sound of raucous birds conversing, crowing roosters in the distance and an army of crickets. The village of Bangsai is alive in a way that compliments these noises, even amplifies them. The sun has not yet risen but Read more…
February 21, 2008
Bangsai is a village located 20 kilometers from my Wangnoi homestay. This, my new home for the next 3 days, is situated on the Noi river and is constructed about 8 feet from ground level, as are all the dwellings here, in case of flooding from the Noi. Urai, my Read more…
February 20, 2008
My language and cultural lessons continued this morning with Sukanya. Feeling a bit quesy in the stomach this morning, I found it hard to focus. I had to make a conscious effort to slow my breathing and calm myself down. Fittingly, we spoke of the holistic perspective of Eastern medicine Read more…
February 19, 2008
Considering the dinner of white rice the previous evening, I woke up with a hungry vengeance, thinking satiety or bust. I fed myself an enormous breakfast that included 3 slices of toasted white bread with the reduced sugar raspberry jam that’s been all the rage here at the homestay (Note: Read more…
February 18, 2008
Fighting the rush hour traffic into Bangkok reminded me of home. My tour guide, Kai, and who I will refer to as the quiet one and I arrived at the Grand Place about 9 a.m. The compound of 20+ temples and worshipping sights for both Buddha and the King was Read more…
June 28, 2006
Sure, I am a New York Mets fan. But even a Mets fan can enjoy free field level seats behind home plate at Yankees Stadium. Yes, home of the New York Yankees. And that superstar heart throb Jeter, all pompous and blowing bubbles with his bubblegum while he slides into Read more…