Surviving Thailand : Motorbike Safety Tips

Have you ever played a game of Frogger?  That is essentially the same game you are playing when driving a motorbike on the roads in Thailand.  According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Thailand has the second deadliest roadways in the entire world.  That is a great deal of pressure put on your shoulders while making your way to teach every morning.  It is not all doom and gloom though as I have gathered the skills to face these automobile challenges and bring you this article.  Rest assured as I have sat down with some of the best farang minds in Surat Thani to compile a multitude of suggestions to ensure your safety on the road as you seek to educate the youth in the Land of Smiles.

Good Vibes : Pulling Teeth by Lucius

Tasks that once came easy can sometimes feel like “pulling teeth”.  Whether it is discovering new ways to reach my students, thinking of material to write for my blog, or simply navigating everyday life in Thailand, each activity can be a strain on the mind if not properly tackled.  Lucius’ new song, “Pulling Teeth”, is brilliantly relatable in its addressing of the idea that having difficulty with what was once simple can apply to all who listen.

Craving America : What I Miss the Most

‘Murica

With just over two weeks left until I make my first trip back to the States in over a year I cannot help but think of all the American greatness that I have been missing.  While in Thailand my taste of home has consisted of ill-prepared “hamburgers”, a CCR CD being played in my cab, a “chili dog” made with Thai chili sauce rather than actual chili, and English songs sung by the worst cover bands imaginable.  So without further ado I present the raw badassery of what I will be partaking in during my all to brief visit back to the greatest country on Earth!

Facing Uncertainty While Living Abroad

It seems mildly appropriate that nearly a year after a hard bout with loneliness that another emotional enemy comes knocking at my mental door, uncertainty.  The idea of the unknown was seen as a glorious open door when I made the decision to move to Thailand but now, as the “2 years” mark gets closer and closer, what once was golden is now a strain on my mind.

6 Things to Do in Pai During the Dry Season

When most explorers are planning their trip to Pai, Thailand they see bright green photos with mountains looming in the backdrops.  What may surprise you is that if you visit Pai in the dry season the scenery is going to be vastly different.  Dry season in Pai runs from November through April and offers a unique perspective on this northern mountain town.  A haze covers the landscape as farmers are burning their rice paddies for the next season’s crop and the lush greenery begins to incorporate a mixture of reds and yellows.  And while the lack of rain does dry up many of the waterfalls you can still find a few of these oases in the right spots.  Here are my top 6 ways to enjoy Pai during the dry season.

8 Ways to Make Teaching in Thailand Easier

It is the day before you start your job of instructing the future of Thailand.  All you can feel are nerves running through every inch of your body.  Sit back and let me calm you down a bit.  Teaching in “The Land of Smiles” is no simple job but there are many ways you can improve the work environment and create as relaxing of an atmosphere as is possible.  It may come as a surprise that many of these suggestions have absolutely no relation to teaching whatsoever.  Appearance and show are the name of the game when creating a great impression on the first day of school.

Having been through two first days of school I have garnered a few skills in setting a good precedent for the year to come.  Hopefully you find some of these useful as well.

Songkran Round 2 : Soggy Chaos

After spending last year’s Songkran amidst the busy that is Bangkok I thought I would take it down a notch by experiencing a more localized version of Songkran.  Well, I was completely off base in that assumption.

Good Vibes : Happiness by NEEDTOBREATHE

The wonderful thing about music is that it can speak to each listener in an individual way.  Sure, the artist creates the song with an intent but how it affects the listener cannot be predetermined.  Such is the case with NEEDTOBREATHE’s new song, “Happiness”.  The words expressed speak to me deeply as I sit halfway around the globe.

Spotlight Bangkok : The Jam Factory

I absolutely love being in the city but at the same time I crave fresh air.  This could be why three of the four Spotlight Bangkok posts have been about embracing the outdoors while still in metropolis.

Featured today is an amalgam of the previous posts as this must-do activity involves a unique restaurant, beautiful city views, and an independent market.  In fact it evens adds live music, a bookshop, a furniture showroom, and an art gallery to the lineup.  To be succinct, this place has it all.

The market itself is quite small but the sellers seem to be at the height of their game.  The product quality outshines even that of the ArtBox Market.  Custom leather boots and handbags, hand-sewn clothing, and even vinyl records can be discovered among the items on display.  The Jam Factory will also host a farmers’ market occasionally but you just need to keep an eye out for the dates.  The same could be said for all other events held at the facility.

The Ardent Mind

The Ardent Mind

So much running
toward an unknown destination.
Where should I go
on this aimless vacation?