NYC vs. Tokyo

Moscow Metro - New Stations

Epic Food Journey

Funky

There's some funky stuff in Thailand. When I lived there, I might have tried beef or buffalo once or twice. However, I was told that Thais really don't eat beef, and I don't recall seeing cattle in pastures. There's so much good seafood there, then chicken and pork, I never missed beef really. One thing's for sure: Eating Thai food made my stomach and immune system stronger. At least I think so.  

Click here to learn about a beef noodle soup that's been simmering for decades.

Stacking

 

Stacking = Combining Countries

I tend to enjoy this kind of thing, especially if I have a minimum of 3-4 weeks to travel.

Some of my favorite ones

Spain + Portugal

Singapore + Malaysia + Thailand

Belgium + Luxembourg

Italy + France

Estonia + Latvia + Lithuania

Uzbekistan + Kazakhstan

Chile + Argentina

Czech Republic + Austria + Hungary

Trains

Countries where I have been on trains: South Korea, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Belarus, Poland, Czech Republic, Hungary, Austria, Slovakia, England, Netherlands, France, Spain, Italy, USA, Belgium, Luxembourg 

Shangri-la Bangkok

Kade's sister worked at Shangri-la Bangkok for a bit.

Minuses

Bangkok

• the negative effects of the extreme weather

• Sidewalks are inadequate (uneven, too narrow, broken, sometimes non-existent)

• Cars > People (frustrating), dangerous roads and drivers (deadly)

• Only toll roads designed to Western standards

• lack of privacy and personal space

• time it takes to reach destinations by car

• the country's water supply and sewage system (cleanliness, plumbing, water flow) fall far below developed world

• the feeling that the judicial system will not protect your rights, and that you can be taken advantage of, scammed and railroaded even if you are in the right (ex, motorcyclist killed, foreigner might be presumed guilty without adequate investigation and be forced to pay reparations or fine to avoid it getting uglier)

• not enforcing laws (cars parked illegally, people littering, excessive speeding, no clean-up after pets)

• inadequate food safety regulations (half or more of all food stalls and mom-and-pop restaurants would fail to meet safety and cleanliness standards in USA)

• streets and buildings away from the city center are real eyesores (dangling wires, buildings that need to be condemned, etc)

• lack of a recycling program

• canals are filthy (seems like basic level of development)

• Hyper-consumerism and bombardment by ads

• Always on outside looking in

• Noise pollution

Bosque de Chapultepec

 Chapultepec Forest

aka Chapultepec Park

On the left is the National Museum of Anthropology. It's exceptional. Spend the money and pay for a private guide. It's the best way. On the right is Chapultepec Castle. I would give yourself about two hours (3 counting getting up there and back). I would also strongly consider a guide.

Jim Thompson House

 under construction

Jim Thompson, on the left

For more on this historic Bangkok house, click here.

And click here and scroll for more of the home under construction.

Traveling & Sampling

This guy is from Arkansas. He's traveling and sampling the foods from all over. The dessert he eats at the end is a custard on sticky rice make with rich coconut cream and duck eggs. It's as good as any egg custard we have. And that sticky rice with it...wow. Another surprise in Thailand was all the grilled meats: great bbq wings, grilled pork, and the sauces. Wonderful comfort foods. This video is more of the street food and mom-and-pop places.

Spain

source

I've been to Malaga, Granada, Seville, Ronda and Madrid.

What did you especially like about Spain?

Architecture, women, tapas bars, history, churches, walkability, metro. And i'm talking about several notches above your normal expectations, even for someone who's traveled a lot. 

Madrid was unreal. Seville had already impressed us. Nice to know that a city (Madrid) can make a surprising impression like that, at this stage. It's easy to think you've seen it all. Foolish to think like that, but......

- a friend asked me

Bangkok View

That's the Pathumwan Princess Hotel at one end of the MBK mall. Over to the left is a Chulalongkorn University building where brother-in-law did IT work for many years. I took these photos in June 2003.

Click here for more about the building.

Laundry

Chiang Mai

June 2023

In Thailand, when you need laundry done, whether at your hotel or down the road, it's a good idea to photograph what you're handing over. I've never had a problem, but it's best to play it safe. I will say that laundry service is one of the nicest perks. And it's so inexpensive.

Global Food Destinations

 

This was in 2024. I see so many lists online. Some of them I really question. Overall, I have no problem with this one. The only city I haven't been to is Barcelona.

I am going to make my own Top Ten, using only cities I've visited. Here are many that will end up on it: Seville, Bangkok, Tokyo, Prague, Colombo, Tashkent, Sydney, Singapore, Madrid, Florence, Buenos Aires, Seoul, Paris, Copenhagen, Mexico City, Kuala Lumpur, etc..

The Cure

The cure for anxiety and depression in Thailand would be a good massage, I must say.  I think long walks that break a good sweat would be worthwhile there.  Some regular intellectual conversations with a trusted fellow expat could also stave off a loneliness spell.  

People who really go "off the wagon" are those who drink early and drink alone.  

I also am a strong proponent of talk therapy with a caring professional. Great friendships could perhaps negate the need for a therapist. I read once that "therapy is paying to talk to a friend."

I do appreciate your friendship, and just staying connected. Lots of what we discuss (overseas living and experiences) would not be understood by everyone.  

- e-mail to a friend in 2022

Folk Hats

 

Kamalaya - Koh Samui

Welcome To Kamalaya

Kamalaya’s new Cognitive Wellness Program

Palace Roofs

Samurai Cat

These are creative and funny. There are millions more out there. Just Google.