Freshly off a sweltering, barely-running bus, I’m poised at the entrance to Tuol Sleng Genocide Museum, or as it’s known to most visitors, S21. This was a former schoolhouse turned torture prison from 1975-79 during the Khmer Rouge’s notoriously brutal, merciless, yet hasty, reign of Cambodia. I hand over the small entrance fee, and am instantly clouted by the deceptively pleasant grounds. Aromas of freshly planted flowers punctuate the insane … [Read more...]
Passage to Burma, by Scott Stulberg
Acclaimed Photographer Scott Stulberg has recently released a photography table top book - "Passage to Burma". This is a collection of vivid and often intimate looks into the second largest country in Southeast Asia - a country that the western world often knows little about - especially after it has been "closed" for half a century. This collection is based upon many trips he made to Burma over more than 10 years. It is a tribute and his love … [Read more...]
The Journey of a Lifetime
As I hastily climbed the stairs of my neighbor’s house, gasping for air with sweat dripping across my forehead, I had one goal in mind: to win this game of Hide and Go Seek. I had no idea that this simple game would change my life forever. Continuing up the stairs I had the mentality of many young children - my life seemed invincible and the thought of death was distant and abstract. Thinking that I would outsmart everyone, I climbed onto a … [Read more...]
Mystic Fool
Mystic Fool by Andy Hill This is a tale of a nomadic traveler (Ian) drifting through South East Asia trying to find some meaning in his own life. He is a heavy drinker; the alcohol fuels his travels and at times perhaps his thoughts about life and spirituality. During his time in northern Thailand he meets an older man at a bar - perhaps a glimpse into his "future self". This man imparts some wisdom and advice from his own years, as well as … [Read more...]
Weekend in Bangkok
Bangkok is truly one of the world's great cities - it is a thriving hub of activity both day and night. A world class airport connects to the city via a raised skytrain - which in turn connects to the metro. Bangkok is well known for its horrendous traffic - but with public transportation you can avoid a number of these traffic jams. Budget travelers can head straight to Sukhumvit Road on the skytrain - this is a central area from which to … [Read more...]
What to see in Bangkok
Bangkok is a vibrant city full of lively experiences, fascinating sightseeing and colourful culture that makes it a great place to visit for those heading to South East Asia. It is the capital city of Thailand, the most densely populated urban area in the country and the political and financial centre, which makes it an essential stop on the route for anyone visiting this part of the world. If you're planning a trip to the 'Furnace of the earth' … [Read more...]
Where is the Ho Chi Minh Trail?
Disoriented is a term that means being lost or unclear about where you are. It originated from when the East or the Orient was considered the center of the world. If you have lost the orient you are dis-oriented and are not sure of where you are. From a young age, I have been oriented to travel from when my family moved to Georgia when my dad was in the army or moving to California as a young child or my many years of living at sea. Parts of the … [Read more...]
Visit Singapore – December 2009
Singapore is one of the wealthiest countries in all of South East Asia. One will discover this as soon as one arrives at the modern free amenity filled Changi airport (one of the nicest airports in the world). This is one of the most crowded nations on earth considering the actual city dominates the small island. There are plenty of attractions including arguably the city's most well-known icon, the Merlion statue, the massive Singapore Flyer … [Read more...]
Kota Kinabalu Trip Malaysia
I remember this vividly; it all started on a lovely afternoon when I leisurely sat in front of my computer and browsed through my recent emails and happened upon an eye catching message which suddenly took my full attention. It was an email from Air Asia to announce that 100,000 free tickets would be given away starting today. I spread the news immediately and it soon reached Choo Pooi my colleague who was an avid outdoor adventurer. She had … [Read more...]