Giant Mekong Catfish at the Nong Khai Aquarium
(Mar 19, 2020) When I visited Chiang Khong in May 2016, I came upon its Catfish Museum. But the only Giant Mekong Cat Fish I saw was a stuffed animal. But it was huge, as long as my outreached arms. Here in Nong Khai, I heard they have an aquarium where you actually see a live one!....more »»
Drawn to Nong Khai, Thailand
(Mar 12, 2020) My abrupt departure from Vientiane left me a few options on the next destination. Udon Thani was appealing. Bangkok was viable, if I could get barter lodging at Adventure Hostel. And of course, Chiang Mai always has its doors open. But this obscure border town, Nong Khai, was calling my attention. But lodging was prohibitive, starting at B220. Usually, I bypass these destinations. What exactly is in Nong Khai? I don't even know the first thing about it. I bit the bullet and took my chance.....more »»
Goodbye Vientiane: in Search of Greener Pasture
(Mar 12, 2020) With my 30-day visa, I was prepared to stay in Vientiane the whole month and make a life. But after 7 days of doing my due-diligence, conditions remained less than ideal. It's a familiar language my benevolent universe communicates with me - telling me to pack-up and telling me that there is a greener pasture out there.....more »»
Software Review Writing for B2B Enterprise Solutions
(Mar 10, 2020) I received an email from someone who used to read my blogs. I've never met him. He liked my writing style and thought about me when his employer was expanding and needed more writers. I would be writing software reviews about B2B (business to business) enterprise solutions. Even though I'm a web designer with a proficiency level within the tech industry, software was never my niche. But I saw its relevance in what I do. It's something that interested and challenged me. Do I still have the juice to slug-it out with a fulltime job?....more »»
Vientiane Revisited
(Mar 5, 2020) With my visa expiry, Vientiane was the nearest border from Udon Thani, Thailand. I boarded the International Bus that took me 2 hours through a painless border crossing. I wasn't impressed the last time I visited Vientiane - it had seen better days. But that didn't matter - all I wanted was to find a suitable place to do my first fulltime job writting B2B software reviews for a Polish company. When I arrived, it wasn't the same Vientiane I left more than 5 years ago.....more »»
Isaan Food in Udan Thani, Thailand
(Mar 5, 2020) Isaan is the local word for 'Northeast' of Thailand, consisting of its 20 provinces. Apparently, there is no Udon Thani cuisine. Locals refer to their culinary tradition simply as Isaan. Mostly, because of the diaspora of Vietnamese and Chinese into the region, plus shared border with Cambodia and Laos, Isaan could simply mean a fusion of all these flavors and tradition.....more »»
Low Season (2020)
(Feb 29, 2020) This is a weird combination of a horror romantic comedy - but it's a true story. Girl sees ghosts and struggles to keep a boyfriend who thinks she's crazy. She goes on a solo trip and meets Boy...and you the rest.....more »»
Thai Food Cooking at ISaan Workshop
(Feb 26, 2020) Stumbling-upon a fashionable cafe in Udon Thani, the I AM Champ Cafe, I met the charming owner who invited me to partake in her forthcoming cooking workshop. My last cooking class was still in Chiang Mai. Now I get the chance to roll-up my sleeve and try Udon Thani's culinary specialty!....more »»
Abundance in Udon Thani, Thailand
(Feb 25, 2020) After the void of Sukhothai and Phitsanulok, I began to question what the heck I was traveling for. But when I reached Udon Thani, I felt the same surge of energy I felt in Chiang Mai. It was the familiar tap on the shoulder by my benevolent universe, letting me know there'll be good times ahead. True enough, within 24 hours of arriving, I already bartered a hotel deal, cooking class workshop and movie nights. I was once again into the FLOW!....more »»
Visiting Sukhothai, Thailand
(Feb 20-23, 2020) From Mae Sot, my next East-bound destination would have been Tak, but the cheapest accommodation was over B300 - deal breaker! I found an B102/night hostel in Sukhothai, the next city east of Tak. That's all that matters for now. Sukhothai it is! What's there? I'll find out when I get there.....more »»
Teaching 'Marketing English' to Hotel Staff
(Feb 17-19, 2020) The hostel owner I was staying at, asked if I can teach his staff English while I was there. I said yes, but wasn't sure how to make it effective given the few days I would be there. Then it hit me, why not teach them hotel-specific English that would help sell services offered by the hotel?....more »»
Post-Umphang Mae Sot
(Feb 15-20, 2020) From Umphang, I was supposed to get my stuff from Sleep Nest Hostel in Mae Sot and head east for Tak. But the B47/night deal in Tak wasn't available anymore. More importantly, I like being in Mae Sot, hanging out at Sleep Nest Hostel. Pulling another ace off my sleeve, I offered to develop a customized map for the hostel in exchange for 2 nights. The owner said yes!....more »» ARCHIVE:
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