South Asia

 

Flights to the travel hubs of Singapore, Bangkok, the Philippines or Hong Kong are surprisingly low and from there, flights are affordable to large choice of neighboring countries. Busses or trains are even cheaper (if you have the time) and you get to see everything.

 

When a trip to the other side of the globe was just my fantasy, it was fueled by an ad I saw for a $1,300 Around the Globe fare. I still see it today but I think an itinerary like that takes too much planning! Just buy a round trip ticket to the country of your choice, and travel from there.

 

For some reason, mine was Thailand. By now I speak Thai Neet Noi (a little bit), enough to order food and to make it Phet (hot), actually, Phet Neet Noi! But the main reason I return here is the smiling people. The Kingdom of Thailand could be my second home.

 

The First Trip to Asia 95-96

Thailand, North to South, down through Malaysia to Singapore and then North West to Kathmandu, Nepal.

 

The longer Return Journey 97-98

Thailand, from Bangkok, south to more wonderful islands, North for New Years eve in Chiang Mai, on to Mae Hong Son (a special place in the clouds).

India, New Delhi - Old Delhi, South to Mumbai (Bombay) and the west coast beaches of Goa, returning north to Agra and The Taj Mahal.

Back East to Thailand and on to Vietnam. Sai Gon - Nha Trang - Ha Noi.

Thailand, as far as it goes East to Trat and the island of Koh Chiang.

All the way North past Chiang Rai to Chiang Khong. Crossing the Mekong River to Hauy-Xai, Laos.

Northeast through the country, back through time to Luang Namtha. Then south to Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Vientiane.

Finally crossing the Friendship Bridge to get home (Nong Khai, Thailand).

 

Asia Journey Number Four 2002

Two months in Thailand (by now my 2nd home) and an afternoon in Myanmar.

 

Asia Journey Number Five 2007

 

Thailand, Bangkok, Ayutthaya, Chiang Mai and Singapore

 

Asia 2010 - The Philippines

 

Angeles, Subic Bay, Boracay and Manila

 

Asia Journey Number Seven 2011 - Hong Kong, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam

I maintain my addiction to travel by habitually updating these pages (or is it maintaining my addiction to editing these pages by traveling?). As I scan new images and remember events, I add stories and new links. Many of the most obscure places I visited are now on the internet, and I warned them it was coming!

I have shared and read travel anecdotes from a lot of other interesting fellow travelers. One of the best was Kick-boxer Stephanie).

So it has become a ritual for me to try to get to a warm island of a Buddhist country before Christmas, Thanksgiving if possible.

Do you want to come along? You pay the airfare and I'll pay for the hotel and meals (or visa versa)!

I have valuable advice to pass on, from what shots you need (to Lariam) or (Not) to, and where you can get a two hour massage for $10 including tip!

Fanta Bungalow -Koh Pha-Ngan, Thailand

Your own hut on the beach!

There are places where $1 will buy five Kilos of fruit!

Asia 1996		Asia 1998		Asia 2000
	Asia 2002		Asia 2007
Asia January 2010			Asia 2010-2011