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”
Category Archives: Blog
The British panto experience
“He’s right behind you,” my friend writes via message. “No,” I type back furiously. “Don’t tell me anything else. I need to be surprised.” And, thus begins my first British panto experience. If you asked me a month ago about this holiday cultural phenomenon, I would have stared blankly at you and then imagined thatContinue reading “The British panto experience”
Re-entry into the western world
At night, I’ve taken to closing my eyes and imaging my teak bedroom. Waking up and wiping the sleep from my eyes, moving my legs slowly so Lucky and Penny don’t get kicked from their spots on the bed, unfolding myself from the Tesco blanket I’ve had since I moved into my house, walking andContinue reading “Re-entry into the western world”
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”
Cinque Terre by water ferry
The older woman with silver cropped hair’s shoes click-clack on the concrete pier as she heads from the water towards the innards of Vernazza. She looks regal, clad in slacks and a blazer. Then, her shoulders lurch forward. Her hand comes up to her mouth as her cheeks puff out. The tanned skin of herContinue reading “Cinque Terre by water ferry”
Getting a tattoo in Thailand
I stand nervously in my friend, Jodi’s, jungle hut placed perfectly in the heart of Elephant Nature Park. It’s a chilly morning and the sun has just crested the lush triangle mountains surrounding us. Around me, roosters crow, dogs bark and elephants begin their walk from their shelters to the vast sanctuary where they live.
Hiking in Cinque Terre
Perhaps the one thing Cinque Terre is most known for — other than the pesto, glorious wines and tiny towns — are the paths tying the five Italian villages together. Varying in difficulty and length, visitors come from the world over, clad in their best gear to experience these world-renowned trails and relish the spectacularContinue reading “Hiking in Cinque Terre”
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”
The world of vacation rentals
My mom and I arrive to Cinque Terre hours after we were supposed to, thanks to the Italian train strikes taking place on the day we hike it from photogenic Venice to Milan to La Spezia to Vernazza (whew). Exhausted, moderately grumpy and ready to take in the beauty of the Ligurian region, we exitContinue reading “The world of vacation rentals”
Photos of Venice, Italy
Venice, Italy is quite a photographers dream. With the sparkling lagoons, tiny car-free lanes, buildings in a state of beautiful erosion, colors, lights, the historic landmarks and buildings … it is hard not to simply see Venice through the lens of a camera versus simply experiencing the UNESCO World Heritage site. Of course, during myContinue reading “Photos of Venice, Italy”
D Travels 'Round 