It’s been 18 months since I was last here. As I rode the new train into the city, I wondered what else would be different. The last time I was here the political parties were fighting. There were protests, bombings, and city wide violence that turned one of my favorite cities into a war zone. Since my last visit, many of my friends have moved on to new destinations or returned home. But as I listened to the people around [...]

When people tell me they hate Bangkok, I can understand. When I first went to Bangkok in 2006, I despised the city and I couldn’t wait to get out. It’s not the best tourist city in the world. Outside of shopping and a few temples, there’s not much to do, it’s dirty, and it smells. It wasn’t until I lived in the city that I really fell in love with it. Bangkok is not a city that opens itself up [...]

Back in 2007, I took a trip to Vietnam and upon leaving I swore I would never go back. The only way I would give this place a second chance is if I meet a girl who really wants to go to Vietnam or if some business trip takes me there. Who knows what the future will hold but for the time being, I never want to return. And the reason for that is one of my most often asked [...]

Most of the tourists in Bali only ever seem to go to Kuta Beach. I’ve been amazed at the crowds in Kuta and equally amazed at how few crowds there have been elsewhere. With so many great places to see on Bali, you would expect some people to venture off Kuta but few do and that’s to your advantage as you have to deal with less crowds. One place that should see more people but sees hardly anyone are the [...]

I’ve been back home for over a week now. After two months in Europe, I’ve come back to my friends, good drinks, Cheap Charlies, amazing food, great weather, and chaotic excitement. Yes, I’ve come back to Bangkok. Though born and raised in Boston, I consider Bangkok home now. When people ask me where I live I usually say Bangkok, even though I really consider myself homeless since there is no apartment waiting for me anywhere in the world. Such is [...]

This is my third time on the island and as I was there I was reminded how much I dislike it. I hate Ko Phi Phi. It’s one of the most overrated islands in all of Thailand. I spent the last four days there with some friends of mine from Bangkok. Originally, we were going to go to nearby Krabi but when it was too quiet for them, we moved to Ko Phi Phi. Ko Phi Phi is one of [...]

Thailand is known for its delicious food. The country’s capital Bangkok is one of the best to get food- both local and international. This cosmopolitan city has some of the best food from around the world. There’s nothing you can’t get (except Ethiopian as that restaurant recently closed). Whenever I leave Bangkok, I always miss the variety of food I can get in the city. Within walking distance from my apartment is great local food, great Mexican, good Italian, and [...]

I’m back in Bangkok. I’ve been here two weeks and, despite my desire to be productive, it hasn’t happened. At least, not to the extent in which I wanted it to. I made the mistake of staying right near the world’s best and most popular hang out in Bangkok (at least for my friends)- Cheap Charlies. I’ve been staying at the Suk 11 Guesthouse right across the street. If you are in Bangkok and would like a place to stay [...]

I’m scared of heights. It’s not so much being high up that scares me, it’s more the fear of falling. Hike with me up a mountain and watch me stay far away from any edge. I once went hiking with a girlfriend and made her get away from the edge because it freaked me out too much. Driving along winding mountain roads also freaks me out. I can’t sit on the road side of the car. I only got over [...]

When I took my first trip overseas alone, I came back with an intestinal illness that put me in the hospital for three days, I got lost in the jungle, and I got attacked by a bat while caving and had to get rabies shots. My mother said to me “I bet you’ll never want to travel again.” I told her I couldn’t wait to get back on the road. Despite all the things that happened, I loved Costa Rica [...]