新年快樂！Happy Chinese New Year to everyone! Ethnic Chinese around Southeast Asia and the world celebrate the lunar calendar “Year of the Pig,” beginning 5 February. There will be many days of festivities in places like Hat Yai, Thailand…a town largely founded by ethnic Chinese immigrants in the early 20thcentury. The culture is well-kept in the
Travel to a simpler time filled with nature’s song. The hidden treasure of Had Yao, Krabi.
Death and life, the cycle repeats over and over. The ghosts of the past turn to the bountiful harvests of tomorrow. The Phi Ta Khon Ghost Mask Festival is a vibrant, raucous celebration of the cycle of life, rooted in a fascinating mix of local and national cultures. Every year, previously at some time
Far away from the chaos and noise awaits an enchanting beach. On the Island of Phangan in the Gulf of Thailand, you can find the perfect hideaway–Tong Nai Pan Noi. Silky white sands, crystal clear waters…where the sea washes away all your worries. Please take a moment to enjoy the sights and sounds of paradise:
Pictures taken during an eventful jog along Had Yao Beach, Krabi, Thailand on June 10th, 2017. Music by my son, David Cummings, from his newly-released album “Dovetail Groove Method.” It’s available at https://agargara.bandcamp.com Making Long-tail boats (so named because of the long propeller shaft on the back once the engine is installed) is an
A tranquil, hidden treasure away from the bustling crowds of Chiang Mai.
Had Yao (which means “Long Beach”) is a quiet beach located in Krabi, Thailand, populated mostly by Muslim fishermen, long-tail boat artisans, and farmers. It is my occasional home, where I enjoy jogging, biking, or just strolling to the gentle sounds of the surf rolling in. The local long-tail boat craftsmen are renowned throughout the southern regions
Set in a charming labyrinth of cobblestone paths and artisan shops, experience the passion of an Italian chef serving authentic cuisine.
I love maps! I’ve always been fascinated by them, probably because they drew me into an imaginative world of travels. My parents had subscribed to National Geographic since time immemorial, and I loved getting the magazine in the mail, wrapped in brown paper, special issues bearing the prize of a folded map inserted in the
Finding a niche in the vibrant coffee culture of Chiang Mai must be quite difficult…it seems every corner has a quaint little place to relax and savor the aroma of some of the locally mountain-grown brews. Café de Oasis has planted their coffee and baked goods space in a luscious and charming garden setting
