Getting a Magic Tattoo in Thailand

thai tattoo thumbThe monk sat crossed legged behind me. The quick thrust of his bamboo needle repeatedly poked into my flesh as my tattoo began to take shape. I was being blessed with a Sak Yant, a magic tattoo and an ancient tradition in Thailand.

Moments before the monk and I had been having a deep conversation. We … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Getting a Magic Tattoo in Thailand  | July 13, 2016
Category: Asia, Destinations

Vagabonding Field Report: Chiang Mai 2016

chiang mai thumbChiang Mai radiates the essence of Thailand. Located in the northern province, the atmosphere is laidback and relaxing. It’s a lovely place to stop and spend a month living, as we are currently doing. Within the city, there is an abundance of gorgeous temples and lively markets. In the Chiang Mai region, food reigns supreme. Most Thais … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Vagabonding Field Report: Chiang Mai 2016  | June 8, 2016
Category: Asia

Indonesia’s gili islands

The Gili islands consist of three small tropical paradises, each with its own personality. The islands are just northwest of the larger island of Lombok. Gili Trawangan is perfect if you’re looking to party and make new friends. Good for backpackers, Gili T has a wealth of bars, parties, and magic mushrooms. Gili Meno is in the middle, is almost deserted, and is perfect for a quiet visit if you’re looking to pass out on … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Indonesia’s gili islands  | December 2, 2015
Category: Asia, Images from the road

Vagabonding Field Report: Hoi An, Vietnam

A stop in Hoi An should be at the top of everyone’s list when traveling through Vietnam. It’s halfway between Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi, two major destinations in Vietnam, but has a quieter more laid back feel. Hoi An is famous for their tailors, food, and silk lanterns. Many come here to have a custom suit or dress made. Sitting on a river delta and a short ride to the beach, it’s surrounded … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Vagabonding Field Report: Hoi An, Vietnam  | August 19, 2015
Category: Asia, Vagabonding Field Reports, Working Abroad

Vagabonding Field Report: Gili Trawangan, Indonesia

A popular backpackers stop off, Gili Trawangan (Gili T) is part of a very small chain of islands just off of Lombok and near Bali. Many people come here to learn to dive because it’s prices are competetive and the island has a reputation for parties. It’s also unique in that there are no motor vehicles or dogs allowed and the only form of transportation on the island apart from your own two feet is … Read more »

Posted by | Comments (1)  | May 6, 2015
Category: Asia, General, Vagabonding Field Reports

Dancing at the Blood Festival

Blood Fest

Since I hadn’t had time to change my clothes that morning, I arrived at the Jordanian customs station in Aqaba with the bloodstains still on my pants. The blood had dried to the point where I didn’t look like a fresh mass murderer, but no doubt I appeared a bit odd walking through the ferry station with scallop-edged black droplets on my boots and … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Dancing at the Blood Festival  | May 2, 2015
Category: Africa, Asia

Seeing Thailand in black and white

A few months ago you may have noticed something on Facebook or Google+ called the Black and White Challenge. It was a challenge started by photographers to post a black and white photo every day for five days. Typically someone would nominate you and you could then nominate someone else. Challenges like this can be a good way to improve your skills or force you to take and post photos. For me it was a … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Seeing Thailand in black and white  | April 29, 2015
Category: Asia, Images from the road

You have now entered the Tourist Zone

sadhuA few years ago, after finishing a journey in the Indian Himalayas, I traveled to the desert state of Rajasthan and visited the Hindu holy-town of Pushkar. A scenic outpost of 13,000 residents, Pushkar was famous for its Brahma Temple, its serene lake, and its annual Camel Fair. Several travelers had recommended it to me as a mellow … Read more »

Posted by | Comments (2)  | April 18, 2015
Category: Asia, Travel Writing, Vagabonding Advice

Vagabonding Field Report: Hanoi, Vietnam

In northern Vietnam lies this gem of a city where French food and fashion meet Vietnamese culture and vermicelli. Sometimes overlooked as it’s not as big of a hub as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi offers a taste of authentic street food and genuinely good prices.

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Cost per day:

Hanoi has a huge range of hotels on … Read more »

Posted by | Comments Off on Vagabonding Field Report: Hanoi, Vietnam  | April 1, 2015
Category: Asia, General, Vagabonding Field Reports