Lazy Sunday afternoon.... are you joking?

Postbox letter from Ian

I know why I am in Thailand and its not for the money. Before anyone gets on their high horse, this place can be a real bind as well, but as a rule while I'm trying to be overcharged, at least its done with a genuine smile

A land that time has thankfully made me forget

Postbox letter from Ian

For those of you who have not ventured back to the place of your roots, can I just say don't bother, you are far better off where you are. The UK is in a real sorry state.

It's life Jim, but not as we know it.

Postbox letter from Ian

Are we better off here in Thailand or back in our homeland?

Impressions of home

Observations on a country and culture I'd almost forgotten

I was pleasantly surprised at how friendly, polite and nice the people were. Maybe this was because I was primarily in smaller towns and rural areas, but even while in the airports in Chicago and Denver, it just seemed so easy to strike up conversations with the people I were interacting with.

My great escape

How are things working out in China?

Lack of inspiration this month made me decide to participate in ‘The Great Escape’ survey found elsewhere on this site. Here are my answers.

Goodbye Thailand

It's definitely time to leave

So the question remains why? Why leave Thailand, the Land of Smiles, the best country in the world if Thais are to be believed? The short answer is that I didn't have enough reasons to stay.

Leaving on a jet plane

Postbox letter from

Working in this third world, is much harder than it seems. It's not the land of my dreams --There is always a problem waiting for you. The corruption is just a way of life.

Nothing but disrespect

Postbox letter from

For those foreigners willing to devote their time and energies to quality teaching, it can be a bitterly disillusioning experience. With the salaries going lower and the benefits (medical and other insurance, housing, etc.) fewer, and the cost of living increasing, teachers who have been here for years are now leaving the country.

Songkhran getaways

Escaping the heat and the madness

Songkran officially lasts for three days, from April 13 (Friday) to April 15 (Sunday), although many people start celebrating early and finish late. If throwing water and being doused several times a day is not your cup of tea, it might be a good idea to flee Thailand for a week or so. Here are some ideas on where to go.