8,471 miles and Counting

I've come to find out you can get pretty much anywhere you please with a variety of options, it's just a choice of how much you want to pay in comfort, money, and time. But transportation around southeast Asia is interesting, that's for sure. I like walking as much as I can. You end up wandering through markets and alleys, taking in the sights and sounds that would otherwise be missed. And it's so easy to stop when some street food looks so good. But, even in the shade a walk quickly gets exhausting in this heat and humidity. If it wasn't for fresh fruit and and cold fruit shakes, I'm not sure I could handle it. Flying Singapore Air across the pond was luxurious and excellent. A quick hop from Bangkok to Ho Chi Minh City on budget carrier Air Asia was less exciting, but cost just $50. In the cities, taxis are everywhere. I found some in Bangkok that were willing to use the meter and they took the most direct route, but that doesn't alway...

Wat Umong is a nice temple tucked in a quiet forest outside of Chiang Mai. There's a meditation center onsite, a system of tunnels with shrines, a small lake, and dozens of roosters roam freely. Scattered among the trees are words of wisdom; here are a few. Not sure about those dogs, but that one was in fact at the temple. These two were not, but still good:

As a backpacker I've gotten well acquainted with bouncing from hostel to hostel every few days. I typically book online which costs another $1 or $2, and extend in person one day at a time if I like the place. Some travellers choose to show up and hope there's a room, which often works this time of year since it's low season. If you go in expecting a Hilton, you will be disappointed. But if you adjust your expectations and consider what you're paying, hostels can be a great experience--and a bargain. A typical setup is a dorm room with 10 or so bunk beds. No memory foam beds here...some mattresses can be pretty thin or firm. Beds will have a light, outlet, and maybe even a privacy curtain. How deep you sleep, and your neighbors, can determine how well rested you are in the morning, but I've had no issues sleeping without earplugs. You can pay more for a private room or fewer bunks per room. Most have lockers to secure your stuff, and shared b...