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 ON THE WRITE PATH: travel journal for Around-the-World in 2015, 16, 18. |
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For there are many paths.  A tlog. A travel blog. A keeping-track of my trials, er.. travels. February 26, 2015 until ... June 18,2015. January 12, 2016 until February 15, 2016. November 13 to 30 2018 ... 2019, 2020: Taiwain. I went nowhere in 2021. 2022: Portugal, Thailand. Will include: Hawai'i, Japan, Australia, South Africa, Untied Arab Emirates, Portugal, Norway, Ireland and... (2015) ... Norway and Estonia (2016), México (2018), Taiwan, Balkans, Baltics, Turkey, Costa Rica, Nicaragua. Vi får se.  "Where I have traveled, stayed and visited. Over 181 places."     |
| I understood why he moved to Norway. My reasons for Thailand are similar. I have a dear friend in Tromsø. I've been there 3 times. I would go back again. 91.20 |
| To Neil: 1. I try to blog every day but some days it's just the basics so I don't forget. I need to do a blog entry focused on what I've learned about traveling, eating, staying places and the people! 2. I met a young man from Utah (his twin lives here too) and his wife from Hua Hin (she's from Surin). They have a daughter and a son. 3. I've taken a bus in the USA for 30+ hours; but, I was "younger". 14 hours *sigh* Yes, Mochit... I'd rather not have to transfer buses. 4. Suvanaphum is very old and important in the history of Roi Et. I do want to visit; but, my lack of Thai meant that I didn't figure out how to get there. I thought mini-van or songthaew. The bus to Surin goes there. Easy-peasy day trip. Now I know. 5. I plan to come back Dec-Jan-Feb but nothing is planned yet. I'd stay one month in Roi Et if I could. 6. I have Line (new to me) and Messenger. 7. I go back to the USA Nov. 10. 9094 |
| I need to think about the following excerpt from an article I found: "Different Types of Travel Shaming We Face Today" ©unsplash Environmental travel shaming includes Swedish flygskam, which became trendy just before the pandemic, since most air travel harms the environment. Political travel shaming occurs when you visit a hostile country such as North Korea or Iran or a place with a large indigenous population and a history of exploitation. Animal travel shaming happens if you go on a "Big Five" hunting expedition in Africa or even do a swim-with-the-dolphins experience from those concerned about animal welfare. There's also luxury shaming, where people criticize others for staying in expensive hotels or flying business class, and cultural appropriation concerns when travelers participate in traditional ceremonies or wear local clothing. Me: 1. Why use a plane? I use buses and trains when they are available. I like to look out windows and I'm not usually in a hurry. 2. Political: I believe in connection but I'm concerned about safety. These days that includes coming back to hostility by zealous officials. 3. Exploitation. Good point. People aren't in a zoo. But... I'd have to think further. 4. I'm not a hunter but can see how interaction with other species can help understanding. I don't ride elephants or horses but I eat hog and cow. 5. I'm a budget traveler so luxury is beyond my consideration. I don't need to be catered to. 6. I prefer to observe rather than participate, so that's one of my blind spots. It's more respective to join in when invited but I'm socially awkward. 7. I try to wear appropriate everyday clothing. I'd like to wear some traditional Thai clothing though when appropriate. Need to think deeper. 85.94 |
 @ Peach Springs, Arizona. Who needs a raft when I've got the boat I sleep in, snug-as-a-crypt and certified that it's sealed against intrusion by water, light or the deadly aroma of Greeks cooking Garlic. I know a white-water guide, said hello to her today. Mandela was wearing a captains hat. The Grand Canyon? What's that. Level 3? Piece of cake, except for those that don't pay attention and do what she says. Their lives are in her hands and she refuses to lose any. Ah... the Colorado... No worse than some flights during thunder-and-lightning or a hearse with a bad suspension. I have motion sickness, even after all these years... Sing it Simon!  |
| Wisdom found on the internet about Rick Steves: "When trying to converse with someone who speaks another language, Steves says to “Use what Voice of America calls ‘simple English.’” Just like you might know a few very basic words of the native language of the country you’re in, most people know at least some common English words. “Speak clearly… no contraction. No slang,” Steves advises. Speak slowly, for one, articulate your words and stick to the basics—both in English and the country’s native language. Full sentences are overwhelming and harder to follow for anyone new to a language. Steves gives a good example of what he’d say if trying to convey that his car was broken in Portugal: “Auto caput.” These words are pretty universally used and understood regardless of language, so it would do the trick." In essence: 1. speak slow 2. speak clear 3. basics I manage but I'd add: 4. patience is a virtue and 5. if you are frustrated don't show it. I know about these because I've broken the rules many times. I would also say: look people in the eyes, notice their reactions (facial and body), be careful using your hands (not appropriate in Japan, inadvisable in many places as gestures are not universal, don't point with the fingers, motion with an open hand). Oh... and good luck. Remember that you can depend upon the kindness of strangers most of the time. |
| Bueng Phlan Chai, Roi Et island within an island — sunset across water [42a] On the riverbank of the Pasak, Ayutthaya slow river eddies — herons perched on garbage bags [42b] Bueng Kaen Nakhon, Khon Kaen small white poodle — coffee and chit-chat [42c] Earth in Udon Thani making roti with banana — a sunny smile [42d] Phimai ruins behind ruins — a rush to the rest room [42e] Korat unshod devotion to Ya Mo — butter buns [42f] Thao Suranari (Thai: ท้าวสุรนารี; 1771–1852) is the royally bestowed title of Lady Mo, also known as Ya Mo (ย่าโม, "Grandma Mo"), Bangkok Slur out loud — volcanic outrage erupts [42g] Suzie in Phuket a tatted foreigner — bikinis poolside [42h] |
🚀 Whatever you pack for me! Bought the tickets yet? I'm available 366.  🛩️ Most connecting flights have no food; airport food is expensive; so, I'll pack something like cookies or sandwiches. ✈️ Long flights have food so I don't worry but layovers can be tricky and entering another country with food is often forbidden (looking at you Australia). I eat everything on a plane (drink lots of juice, water, coffee) and usually travel with an empty bottle for water (however, some airports didn't have fountains... CDG). 🚌 If they stop for a break I can carry less. Water is sometimes provided. Some buses have snacks! Stations in Thailand usually have vendors inside and outside. Jojos (potato wedges) are common in the NW US.    Various snacks (a sackful) but some have dining cars (US) or vendors who walk through (grilled chicken in Thailand, especially Khon Kaen). There's usually a place to buy snacks on ferries in Norway: lapskaus, svele, pølse... What's riding in a car like? As a child: M&Ms to settle my stomach.Truthfully? I try to figure this out beforehand. Travel is tricky and one should never assume. |
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