In 1942, the Japanese were on a roll. Within a few months of its surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, Japan had taken Singapore, defeated Allied units throughout the Malay peninsula, and pushed back British and Chinese forces to occupy Burma. However, as Japan prepared to invade India that June, the U.S. Navy scored a huge … Continue reading The Death Railway – a dark, albeit Instagrammable, history lesson
One of my weekend traveling companions, Ryan, filmed a LOT of wacky stuff during our trip to Agra. Here’s just a small sample.
For my first three-day weekend in India, I joined eight other teachers for a roadtrip to see the Taj Mahal. In an uncharacteristic move, I relinquished all power and let a new friend, Sandra, organize the whole thing. I hopped in the van Saturday morning without knowing (a) exactly where we were going, (b) what … Continue reading Awe-struck in Agra
Saturday was Rahki, an Indian festival that celebrates the relationship between brothers and sisters. Sisters tie a sacred thread (often embellished with fake jewels or sparkly flowers) on the wrists of their brothers or male cousins as a symbol of love and good wishes. In return, brothers offer money, gifts or sweets to their sisters … Continue reading Getting to Agra – worth a post of its own
A five-hour speed boat ride delivered us to an island paradise about as far south as you can go in Thailand. Koh Lipe’s clear turquoise water and white sand beaches didn’t disappoint (at first). Our poolside room at the Mali Sunrise Resort was huge, and it was just a few steps to the beach, where … Continue reading Island living at Koh Lipe
Our accommodations at Cheow Lan Lake were basic. I mean mattress-on-the-floor-no-wifi-not-even-power-outlets-in-the-room basic. The Keereewarin Chiewlarn Resort floated on the lake with raft houses linked together in two perpendicular rows, joined at a common dining area. Our original itinerary said we would be hiking, so I assumed we would boat to some chunk of land a … Continue reading Two nights at Cheow Lan Lake – lovely scenery and not much else
After six years of living just steps from the Andes foothills in Chile, I find I’m missing nature. My suburban Bangkok neighborhood is leafy enough, and I can walk along the canals to get away from the hustle and bustle. It’s surprisingly quiet and peaceful. As our semester break approached, though, I knew what I … Continue reading Khao Sok National Park – jungle time and elephant spa day
Right after school on Friday, Tony and I left our respective neighborhoods to meet up for a staycation at a boutique hotel on the Phrao Chaya River in the heart of Bangkok. Although we technically live in the city, we each spent two hours in a taxi to reach the Amdaeng hotel. We dropped our … Continue reading Staycation on the Chao Phraya River
Over the years, I’ve learned mindfulness techniques to help quiet my anxious mind. One involves putting intrusive thoughts into imaginary little boats that float away down a river, allowing me to focus on my breath and find peace. Naturally, I couldn’t resist participating in Thailand’s Loy Krathong festival, which takes that practice and makes it … Continue reading Loy Krathong Festival comes to Perfect Place
The Chao Phraya River, which bisects Bangkok, makes a little loop in the southern part of the city, creating an urban oasis of mangrove forests and jungle perfect for exploring by bicycle. The “island” called Bang Krachao features bike paths, parks, a market, coffee shops, and other attractions for people seeking to escape the manic … Continue reading Sunday Cycling At Bang Krachao