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Travel

A Week Down South – Day 1

After having to cancel 3 trips in the first half of the year due to the pandemic (New Orleans, Bali and Los Angeles), I planned the first trip during the pandemic towards the end of the year. I went back to my favorite U.S. city, New Orleans, and spent an entire week there. My flight … Continue reading »

Categories: Art, Drinking, Food/Restaurants, Photos, Travel | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Las Vegas Quickie

Shortly before this madness started, I did an overnight in Las Vegas. I’d bought the ticket for a mere $58 roundtrip back in November or December, picking a random midweek day/date thinking that there would be less tourists. I didn’t get around to looking at accommodations until late in January. It was then that I … Continue reading »

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Talk Dirrtty To Me

Having just returned from yet another sojourn to The Big Easy, the NoLa vernacular is still ringing in my ears.  First and foremost, you must know that New Orleans is pronounced “noo-OAR-linz” rather than “noo-oar-leans” or “naw-lins.” The street names have their own special pronunciations.  Calliope is “CAL-e-ope.”  Tchoupitoulas is “chop-a-TOO-liss.”  Burgundy is “ber-GUN-dee.”  Marigny … Continue reading »

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Take Me Home, James!

In this day of Uber and Lyft, I rarely use taxis any more. Unfortunately for me, Uber and Lyft have been banned in Thailand and Bali. If there’s anything I hate more, it’s arguing with taxi drivers who refuse to turn on their meters. I understand that taxi drivers are averse to Uber and Lyft, … Continue reading »

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Around the World – Venice

Around 2003, I’d joined an on-line travel website, where you could post photos & tips, write about your travel experiences, ask questions of fellow travelers and even meet up with several travelers.  Truth be told, I haven’t logged onto that website in a very long time, but I did manage to make several friends on … Continue reading »

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Festival of Lights

During my one night in Laos, I was lucky enough to catch the celebration of Diwali, the Festival of Lights.  In the evening I walked around to various temples that had been beautifully decorated with lights by the monks.  Most of the monks seemed reticent to have their photos taken, so I tried to focus … Continue reading »

Categories: Holidays/Special Events, Photos, Travel | Tags: , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

I Got Skills!

With Trump’s America looming on the horizon, an Italian friend commented that it’s about time for me to leave the States.  An expat friend in Bangkok said he expects to see me back there sooner rather than later, based on Trump’s presidency!  (He’s always told me that I’ll end up living in Bangkok, anyway.) It’s … Continue reading »

Categories: Drinking, Studying, Travel | Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

It’s Better in Bangkok

Get your mind out of the gutter!  I’m not referring to THAT!!!  (Actually, I wouldn’t know; never tried it.) What’s better in Bangkok, at least in my opinion, seem to be the dentists and skin clinics/dermatologists.  My first experience with a Bangkok dentist was in May, 2015, and my first experience with a Bangkok skin … Continue reading »

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White Magic

For the past couple of years, I’ve wanted to get a sak yant tattoo while in Thailand or Cambodia, but could never find the right place to have it done.  First, let me explain what a sak yant tattoo is.  These are “magical” or “bamboo” tattoos that purportedly began in Cambodia, where it’s known as … Continue reading »

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Making Merit

When in Luang Prabang in October, I definitely want to see/attend the morning alms giving ceremony, although they say it can be a bit of a zoo.  Apparently, there are tons of people shoving their cameras in the faces of the monks, using flash photography and selfie sticks.   My plan is to take my Nikon with … Continue reading »

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