Yes, there really needs to be an entire post dedicated to this subject… Westerners, be aware that the phrase “Pedestrians always have the right of way” does not exist here in Thailand! In fact, it’s exactly the opposite. It is your duty, as a pedestrian, not to get yourself run over. Here’s how: Patience. The… Continue reading How to Cross the Street in Thailand
Tag: Thailand
My Stay at a Karen Village in Northern Thailand (with Video)
This morning I woke with the chickens. The chickens and my friends Nee and Mint on our pallet bed, beneath a crisp new red mosquito net. Rays of sunshine eagerly peaked through the cracks in the wooden walls, accompanied by the sounds of the morning. Slow footsteps. Chirping birds. Clanging dishes. I can’t remember the… Continue reading My Stay at a Karen Village in Northern Thailand (with Video)
Being an Expat in Chiang Mai is Easier than you Think
I think it’s time I set the record straight about just how “different” life is living in Thailand as an expat. Some friends have shared with me their notions that I live in a bamboo hut near the sea with no electricity. While secretly I like the romance of this idea (and I’ve met a… Continue reading Being an Expat in Chiang Mai is Easier than you Think
5 Reasons to Learn Thai While Living in Thailand
If you plan to stay in Thailand for any extended period of time, I recommend taking Thai language classes – for a few very good reasons (that I’ve conveniently numbered for you below ☺). 1. Time-Saving Communication 2. Better Deals $$$ 3. Less Stress 4. “VIP Status” 5. One-year Thai Visa 1. Communication. Even if… Continue reading 5 Reasons to Learn Thai While Living in Thailand
Learning Reiki
My first four months in Asia were spent with the wide eyes of a meandering backpacker. Everything was new and fresh, like ripe fruit oozing in my hands… But, as those of you who have moved to a new city know, your lens changes after a few months of residing in the same place. Famous… Continue reading Learning Reiki
The View from Here
My high school art teacher, the lovely and wise Mrs. Juliana Comer, used to say, “When you start to feel frustrated with your artwork, walk away from it. When you come back to it after a little while, you’ll be able to see what needs to be fixed.” This was great advice. Great because it… Continue reading The View from Here
Avoiding “The Easy Way” – My Travels in Myanmar
The train from Bangkok to Chiang Mai in Thailand has plugins in it. Plugins, clean sinks with liquid soap, a restaurant and air-conditioning, should you prefer it. The 15-hour trip hardly seems difficult, unless of course, you’re custom is flying first class. (Ah, perspective….) As I sit on the train today I realize that this… Continue reading Avoiding “The Easy Way” – My Travels in Myanmar
Chiang Mai: A Little Slice of California in Thailand
Chiang Mai is really not so different than San Francisco. For starters, there’s a lot of great Thai food. (It just happens to be significantly cheaper and spicier here!) But ethnic food aside, the cultural shocks and adjustments are very limited. Chiang Mai is a modern city. The second largest in the country. It’s a… Continue reading Chiang Mai: A Little Slice of California in Thailand
For my Mother, “Susie”
“There’s no love like first love,” my mother likes to say… I picture her in dirty cut-off shorts on her front porch, 16, coal black hair and big blue eyes, waiting on my dad to pick her up. First love. It’s a biased thing to say when you’ve only had one, mom! I know she… Continue reading For my Mother, “Susie”
Interview with Sunny, from Thailand
Sometimes the best conversations are after the camera stops rolling. Such was the case with Sunny. Her name really says it all, but what kind of writer would I be if I didn’t attempt to paint it for you? Sunny is a beautiful 34 year old Thai woman, wife and mother of 2, with a… Continue reading Interview with Sunny, from Thailand
Amanda in Asia 