Asia – Page 5 – D Travels 'Round

Under the sea

I sit on the long tail boat, snorkel gear in hand, strapped into a grimy orange life vest. I turn the gear over in my hands, looking out onto the serene blue water and the jungle-covered mountains poking from its depths. Around me, other long tail boats have dropped anchor, too, and their passengers eagerlyContinue reading “Under the sea”

Tips on being an expat in Chiang Mai

One year ago today, after an epic road trip across America, I embarked on my latest chapter of my life — becoming an expat and living in Chiang Mai, Thailand. //pagead2.googlesyndication.com/pagead/js/adsbygoogle.js // This gorgeous and relaxing town in northern Thailand is a hot spot for digital nomads, largely because of the inexpensive lifestyle that canContinue reading “Tips on being an expat in Chiang Mai”

Party like you’re underage in Chewang

It’s a humid night on Koh Samui when I head out from Amari to meet two of my friends in the heart of Chewang. I’ve got no idea what to expect, but once I start walking, I begin to imagine the bars in Chewang will be similar to the backpacker enclave I so loathe inContinue reading “Party like you’re underage in Chewang”

Vacation, all I ever wanted

There’s a panic that sets in sometimes. A panic of being stationary. When this panic sets in, I normally high tail it out of the place I am to embark on an adventure. But, this time, I don’t want to do that. I just want a break. Some “me” time that whisks me out of myContinue reading “Vacation, all I ever wanted”

Anxiety abroad

“I think I have shortness of breath,” I say when I stop into the clinic my old apartment owner runs. “I just lost a friend the other week and my heart is racing and I don’t feel well.” A look of concern rushes over the gentle doctor’s face. “That’s hard,” he says, pondering what toContinue reading “Anxiety abroad”

Surviving Songkran

The stream of water from the squirt gun hits me dead in the eye. The sting is instantaneous. “Damnit! My eye!” I whimper as I attempt to wipe the water out. But, it’s no use. I’m in the middle of the world’s biggest water fight — Songkran — a celebration of the new year inContinue reading “Surviving Songkran”

An ode to my friend

Editor’s Note: Information currently circulating on the web regarding Adam’s death is inaccurate and the text written here has been taken out of context for self-serving purposes elsewhere. Adam’s cause of death was a heart attack, despite what any other posts may speculate. It deeply saddens me that his death is being used to hurtContinue reading “An ode to my friend”

Life is a dream at Dream Hotel

For someone that has only stayed in one hotel in Bangkok, and no idea where anything is, deciding on a hotel to find in the massive city can be … oh … just a tad overwhelming. So, I simply go to Agoda to research hotels. Given that this trip to BKK — and my escaping ChiangContinue reading “Life is a dream at Dream Hotel”

Escaping Chiang Mai

Shortly after my seven-month anniversary as an expat in Chiang Mai, I hit a wall. Actually, I don’t really hit a wall, the walls start to close in around me. Dramatic as I am, I even wrote that in a Facebook message to my friend one night. “I need to get out of here,” I cry virtuallyContinue reading “Escaping Chiang Mai”

When words fail

For the last 8-plus months, I have been living as an expat in Thailand. I have been living, breathing animal rights — particularly as it relates to Asian elephants — traveling and getting caught up in the same little things I got caught up in when I was living in Las Vegas. Namely, personal relationships.Continue reading “When words fail”