Each December, I sort through my photos from the last 12 months and pick my ten best. This exercise allows me to reflect on the year and also see if my photography is improving. During the process, I rediscover old photos buried in the pile, […]
All posts tagged: Thailand
Photo Essay: The Monks of Thailand
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. […]
Phimai – The Coolest Place in Thailand that you Don’t Know About
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 […]
Thai New Year in Isaan Year Two: The Triumphant Return
“JIM! HEY, JIM!” Someone called from the darkness under a stilt house. I assumed the person was calling for me, since no one in Thailand can say my name correctly, and since I’d just met a bunch of new people the day before at a […]
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 longtail boats and the […]
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 […]
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 […]
My Top 10 Photos of 2018
A great exercise to do at the end of each year for any photographer is to select your 10 best photos. By doing this annually, you can (hopefully!) see improvement and growth. It is also a fun way to reflect on the year and look […]
Life As An Expat in Bangkok – Part 4, Travel
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 […]
16 Photos of Thai New Year in Black and White
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 […]
Thai New Year in Isaan Part 3: A Big Ass Parade In A Tiny Town
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 […]
Planet Bell 