The Story of My Thai Street Cats

If you would have seen me the day I dropped of my two cats, Keeley and Jezebel, at their new home, you would have thought someone I loved had passed away. Seriously. I hadn’t cried like that in a long time. There’s something exciting about starting a new life as an expat. A thrill. ThatContinue reading “The Story of My Thai Street Cats”

Chiang Mai health and beauty guide

When I first arrived in Chiang Mai, I had no idea where to start in terms of becoming a healthier person (and a well-coiffed one, too). It isn’t difficult to find places which cater to expats or western travelers in Chiang Mai, thanks to its ridiculously huge digital nomad scene, and its unending supply ofContinue reading “Chiang Mai health and beauty guide”

The House Hunters International experience

If you haven’t been following along lately, I recently filmed an episode for House Hunters International — Chiang Mai Fair Lady — which airs tonight. If you’re new to d travels ’round, welcome! I hope you find this as the place to motivate you to get up, follow your dreams and see the world (or atContinue reading “The House Hunters International experience”

10 signs you are a local in Chiang Mai

After living in Thailand for more than two years, I like to consider myself a local. Although, let’s face it: as a westerner in Thailand, I will never be a real local. Certainly, I can adapt. I can learn. But, I am not Thai and never will be. However, I am decidedly more “Thai” than IContinue reading “10 signs you are a local in Chiang Mai”

Questions to ask about volunteer vacations

Editor’s Note: I recently contributed to a book about volunteer vacations and how to be responsible when choosing one. Details are at the end of this post. I remember when I first booked my volunteer “vacation” to Thailand. My friends thought I was nuts. “Who takes time off of work to go and work inContinue reading “Questions to ask about volunteer vacations”

Why I’m grateful for Chiang Mai

Three years ago, if you would have asked me about a future in Chiang Mai, I may have gone all glassy-eyed and distant. Chiang Mai was a dream to me three years ago. The elephants were a dream to me then, too. I lived in a world where I was not satisfied with my existence.Continue reading “Why I’m grateful for Chiang Mai”

Chiang Mai Moments: The moto ride

Welcome to a new series on d travels ’round, Chiang Mai Moments. This series will profile small moments in time during my life  as an expat in Chiang Mai. The moments which normally would get pushed aside for the bigger picture of life, but deserve more. There is no schedule for these posts. There is no format. TheseContinue reading “Chiang Mai Moments: The moto ride”

‘Twas the night before Europe

“You won’t make it a month …” Those ominous words echo in my mind, 12 years after I took my first longer-than-a-vacation jaunt to Europe. People were actually rooting for my failure. My lack of ability to travel solo for any length of time. They were right. I didn’t make it a month. But, notContinue reading “‘Twas the night before Europe”

I feel the earth move: the earthquake in Chiang Mai

“I want you to take over control … take over control … take over control …” My feet pedal furiously to the beat as I try to sweat the fever out of my body. Six more songs. Only six more until I’m done and can go home, shower and take medicine, then pass out. Except,Continue reading “I feel the earth move: the earthquake in Chiang Mai”