Tag Archives: southeastasia

Between Sand and Sea: Phi Phi Islands, Thailand

Out on the open deck, I watch gleaming shorelines and isolated rock formations come into view in contrast with a striking blue seascape. Time, unhurried, seems to match the ferry’s speed as we make a slow, deliberate approach to Koh Phi Phi island.  Slipping off the ferry, I walk along the shoreline and towards aContinue reading “Between Sand and Sea: Phi Phi Islands, Thailand”

Good Morning, From Bangkok

I watch morning arrive from the balcony of our rented apartment; soft yellow sunlight that filters through Bangkok’s persistent fog, illuminating her skyline.  I’m dressed in a satin kimono that once belonged to my mom, a black dress whose hem stops just below my knees, and a pair of weathered white Converse sneakers. I’ve pickedContinue reading “Good Morning, From Bangkok”

A Bridge over Still Water: Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang’s cool mountain air is a welcome change from Vientiane’s heavy heat, but the things that make this city quintessentially Lao are unchanged – tuk-tuks and motorcycles weave around cars on narrow roads, coffee shops are ubiquitous, as are street-side food carts selling staples like Lao sausage and spicy papaya salad. Every day beforeContinue reading “A Bridge over Still Water: Luang Prabang, Laos”

An Afternoon at Kuang Si Falls, Luang Prabang

“Would you like one”? AD asks holding out an open tin of white mints towards me. “No, thank you”, I decline politely if a bit prematurely -I do want one. But it’s too late. I’m not retracting my response. He turns to the driver and repeats the question. When the driver picks out three mints, ADContinue reading “An Afternoon at Kuang Si Falls, Luang Prabang”

My Weekend in Vientiane, Laos: Part 2

At the altar, incense sticks burn a familiar scent into the air. I recognize it as one that my dad has burned several times in our living room- a scent I often found overwhelming. In this temple, thousands of miles away from our living room, I still feel overwhelmed; though not by the scent itself, onlyContinue reading “My Weekend in Vientiane, Laos: Part 2”