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...
Sometimes the best ways to help people are the simplest. To establish a charity/NGO you can hire consultants to determine needs, attorneys to file articles of incorporation and accounting firms to look after the books. You can open headquarters and offices; buy...
I receive many emails from people that telling me that they admire the traveling semi-nomadic, minimalist lifestyle that I have chosen for my retirement, but they also say they wouldn’t be able to handle the ‘sacrifices’ I make living on the road less traveled. Yes,...
As I mentioned in an update a few weeks ago, it was quickly becoming time to take this retirement adventure to another venue. Almost since Sarah and I met nearly a year and a half ago we have been discussing what we thought would be some of the best places on the...
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;...
When I choose this retirement adventure I knew that it wasn’t going to be all comfort and luxury. Sometimes you have to take less than ideal transportation to get to places that are off of the tourist circuit. Other times I choose my mode of transportation just for...
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...
CIA Airstrip Lima Site 27 in Vang Vieng, Laos If you visit Vang Vieng, Laos there is a large airstrip along Route 13 just as you come into town. Nearly a mile long, probably 200 feet wide, the runway, now crumbling and potholed, is surrounded by residential housing,...