Of Tampon Strings and Phlegm

Today is my last beach day, or at least it should/could be. I’ve been debating whether or not to get up early tomorrow to watch the sunrise then catch a quick dip before heading to the airport. In the last couple of days, I’ve been besieged by a cold and a period, dread enemies of…

Roti Heaven

   On my way to find something touristy to do in Phuket Town, specifically look at and take pictures of “the Golden Dragon.” I’m a little hungry but figure I’ll go back to the hostel where they have a nice little racket going – no fridge, kitchen or microwave on premises but you can buy…

Jacuzzi related injuries and other not-quite disasters on the road

 Koh Samui has been incredible. Not just because the island is beautiful (which it is) or that the food is delicious (so much yum!) but because of the wonderful people who made me feel SO welcomed. Karen, Max and Kate (Aroonphad), goddesses on earth, made my time on the island absolutely magical. And I’m not…

The Lady of My (Mango) Heart

  I found someone else who’s fallen under the spell of the mango sticky rice lady in the Chiang Mai morning market. At a bar that alternately did and did not sell beer on a religious holiday, I met Elizabeth.  She seemed nice enough and we bonded over our mutual love of Mango Sticky Rice. We…

My Mango Sticky Rice Diet and other excesses

  20 baht food items ruined my life in Chiang Mai. If it cost 20 baht and was vaguely edible, I would gleefully shove it into my face. The only exception was the 40 baht mango sticky rice from the delightfully mean lady with the porcupine mole in the morning market.  She has my heart still.

Journal of a Bangkok Bus Trip

   When the sign at the front of the promised Deluxe bus with cool a/c, wifi, and “toiltel,” read “NO Wifi Now Repair,” it should have been my warning. But even if it had been my warning, how should one heed such a sign in the middle of Thailand with bus, plane, and hostel tickets…

40 with a Bang

This is the year I turn(ed) 40. Surreal, right? I’m still coming to grips with it in my own way, analyzing past life choices, looking toward the future I’ve planned for myself, doing my best to immerse fully in the now. So far, so good. Part of this “luxuriating in the present” is traveling more….