From the moment we are born, humans are encouraged to take on an ever-increasing amount of responsibility. As children, we learn to be responsible for our toys, to clean our room and to help with a few chores. As we mature, society demands that we retain our...
I Woke in a Hill Tribe Village in Northern Laos I was awakened from sleep by a blood-curdling scream. It wasn’t quite a human sound, but, in that middle ground between slumber and consciousness, I couldn’t be too sure. Streaky shafts of pale sunlight were streaming...
Aerial View of Wat Ban Rai from Drone Thailand’s Elephant Temple is HUGE The first thing you notice about Wat Ban Rai, also known as the “Elephant Temple,” a temple located in Thailand’s Dan Khun Thot district is how immense it is. You may feel like you...
Video of the Lantern Festival in Thailand Yee Peng 2014 – Chiang Mai, Thailand Why I Love The Thai Lantern Festival It is hard to believe that 2014 will mark my third Yee Peng in Chiang Mai, also known as Paper Lantern Festival in Thailand. This event is on so...
When I travel, I like to have a broad outline of where I am going, some idea of the things I want to see and importantly, a familiarity with local culture and traditions. I also like to leave large parts of the planning up to one of my favorite traveling companions;...
A few months ago I was invited to a “Tham Boon Keen Baan Mai” or a type of housewarming for some friends who were expanding their business; the superb “Dash Teak House” restaurant in Chiang Mai, Thailand. In the Buddhist tradition no one is allowed to use the new...
Ever since my retirement travel adventures have brought me to Southeast Asia I have been fascinated by the Buddhist practice of Alms Giving. This scene took place early one morning on the island of Don Khong, in the 4,000 Islands areas of Southern Laos. I love the way...
The giving of alms or alms giving (offering food to monks) is a morning ritual in Theravada Buddhist countries especially Laos and Thailand. The first Buddhist monks were homeless sojourners who begged for all their food – their only possessions being an alms...
