When I first moved to Thailand, I felt nervous when taking photos of monks or talking to them because I didn’t know the etiquette, but over the years I have met many fascinating monks and found that they are often approachable, well-traveled, and dedicated men. […]
While visiting the 12th century Khmer ruins in Phimai, Thailand, I happened upon six women dressed in resplendent yellow dresses. “Tam mai suai?” – Why pretty? – I asked. The friendly ladies said that they were headed to a festival with lots of dancing and […]
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 longtail boats and the […]
One of the best things about living in Bangkok is leaving. My wife works at an international school and has several breaks and long weekends during the year. I am currently in the enviable position of being “funemployed,” so time off really isn’t an issue […]
If you have taken the time to read the other three posts I made about our Thai New Year trip to rural Isaan, then you know that all the people from the village spent four days drinking in a manner usually associated with celebrations after […]
The grand finale of our Songkran experience started like the other days – we were promised afternoon sanook and told to wear nice clothes, but offered no further instructions (that we understood). (Note: this is part three of a 3-part series. You can catch up […]
One of the downsides of not having full command of the language is that we never quite understood the plan of the day. When we awoke on day two, Pat said we’d have sanook (Thai for fun) that afternoon, but didn’t elaborate. So we hung […]
There is a place near our house in Bangkok that is a hybrid street food stall and restaurant. All the cooking is done on the street but there is an indoor area that has the trappings of a Thai restaurant – simple tables and chairs, […]
Although Bangkok is one of the most fascinating cities in the world, the neighborhood of Sammakorn where I live is a bit boring. It lacks the golden wats, buzzing tuk tuks, and exotic character of the rest of the city. I am okay with this […]
Bangkok is a polarizing city; visitors either love it or hate it. For many, the Thai capital is a necessary evil on the way to beaches, temples, or hill country treks, and is not a reason to visit Southeast Asia. I didn’t like Bangkok the first time […]
I set a goal to take a photo every day in February, and I did it! Unlike my photo-a-day attempt in January, I wasn’t thwarted by a New Year’s Day hangover or a Chinatown food poisoning disaster. Taking photos every day is a great way to […]
Thailand is a strange and exotic country that is full of contradictions and challenges. Thais are some of the nicest, most laid-back people you will ever meet, yet they drive like maniacs and have the 2nd highest traffic-related death rate in the world. The food is […]
Planet Bell 