I stood on a bluff on the outskirts of Dhaka and looked out over a bleak scene – fields of bricks, punctuated by chimneys coughing up black smoke, stretched out to the horizon. I walked down the hill and went into the first brick field – […]
Author: Jeff Bell
Railay Was My Least Favorite Thai Beach; Now I Love It
Twelve years ago when I first went to Railay Beach I was not impressed. (Yes, I am getting old.) I visited during high season on a day trip from Ao Nang and I arrived to see the bay filled with noisy long tail boats and […]
Things I Do NOT Miss About America While Living in Thailand
In my last post I listed all the things I miss about America and writing it got me thinking: What do I NOT miss about my home country? Since I had nothing better to do yesterday, I wrote this post. 8 Things I Don’t Miss […]
Things I Miss About America While Living in Thailand
I really love my life in Bangkok and unless we get deported, we will live here for the foreseeable future. Even though I can get almost everything I want here, there are a few things I sorely miss from my home country. Without further ado… 9 […]
Street Photography Reaction Rating System
One of the most common questions I get from my family, friends, and stalkers about my candid street photography is this: “How do people react?” They are surprised that the people in my photos don’t seem to mind being photographed in public settings. I’ve mostly […]
I’m Going to Japan for the 2nd Time, or Is it the First?
In June, the Bells are going to Japan! Before I go any further with this post, I need help settling a marital dispute.
Photo Essay: The Surreal Shipyards of Dhaka, Bangladesh
When I arrived at the shipyards in Dhaka, Bangladesh, I thought maybe I’d passed through the gates of hell and ended up in Dante’s first circle. All along the riverfront, massive cargo ships have been hauled onto land where they are undergoing repairs. The scene […]
25 Photos From the Streets of Dhaka
I’ve already written quite a bit about my experiences traveling in Dhaka, and since most of my readers have a very short attention span or are semi-literate, (Did he just disparage his readers?) I am going to get right to the point and share a […]
What It Is Like Being a Tourist in Dhaka, Bangladesh.
My first day in Dhaka, Bangladesh, I walked out of my hotel with a camera around my neck and was immediately approached by a man who said, “Hello sir, what country?” “USA,” I replied. “Oh, very nice country,” he said. Then the friendly man fired […]
The Wonderful World of Thai Names
Thai people objectively have the best names in the world. Thais get an official name, which is usually ponderous and old-fashioned, from the monks at the temple when they are born. This name is used on government documents and very formal situations. However, almost everyone […]
I Was a Guest on the Limitless Living Podcast Discussing Seasonal Work and Travel in Alaska
I was recently a guest on the Limitless Living podcast hosted by Emily Bee Lee. Regular readers of this blog know that I spent 14 summers working seasonal jobs in the tourism industry in Alaska and used that money and time off to travel the […]
9 Tips for Photographing Markets When Traveling
I love photographing markets when I travel, even though people there must think I’m really strange. I have been known to spend a considerable amount of time photographing people unloading trucks or carving up chickens much to the delight and confusion of the workers. Artists […]
