A Thailand Vagabonding Welcome: Songran 2016

Apr 19, 2016 | Thailand

To say that a 23-hour flight felt short sounds like madness. But that was my sentiment when I heard the roar of our landing gear unfolding above Bangkok. My flight with Taiwan-based Eva Airways was so enjoyable that I hated to see it end. I had an empty seat next to...

Tips for Surviving Oktoberfest

Jun 8, 2014 | Germany, Travel Advice

I accidentally stumbled upon Oktoberfest during my first trip to Europe. Yes, it was an accident. And, yes, I was such a clueless American that I didn’t realize Oktoberfest begins around September 20. Inadvertently ending up in the world’s largest funfair is one of...

The Rainforest World Music Festival

Jul 17, 2013 | Borneo

The kayaking wound on my knee was a lucky break. The brightly colored bandage got me out of numerous crowd-participation workshops, including one that scared me stiff: African dance. I limped to the back of the sweltering longhouse to take photos as the crowd surged...

Full Moon Burns

Jul 5, 2012 | Thailand

Thunder. Fire. Primal drums. Sweat and body paint. The moon. Half-naked people probably did the same thousands of years ago on some pagan beach under a full moon. Only unlike us, they weren’t drinking from plastic buckets. At least I hope not. Somehow, I still...

Flaming Elephants at Yee Peng in Chiang Mai

Nov 25, 2010 | Thailand

People periodically ask me why I love Thailand so much. Other than my usual Je ne sais quoi response, I always tell people that Thailand is tantalizingly unpredictable. Rather than be a good blogger and tell you retroactively about how fascinating the week-long Yee...