Hummmm

Buddhists have pride in their ancient religion and strong tradition. My religious beliefs aside, I appreciate their dedication and sacrifice. I have been fortunate enough to visit monasteries and interact with the charming monks. Doi Suthep is a temple that sits atop a vast mountain in Chiang Mai. Walking the grounds I came across a monk who performed a sacred blessing upon me. He tied a white string around my wrist as I knelt, while drops of blessed water fell upon my head. Definitely an experience I'll always remember.

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Big Cats in Chiang Mai

Their piercing eyes enrapture you as the adrenaline rushes through your veins. I finally got the opportunity to experience Tigers face to face. These creatures are as magnificent as they are intimidating. When I first touched the notorious feline my fears seemed to dissipate with every breath as I felt the Tiger's deep huffs...

It was until he decided nap time was over, letting out a ferocious yawn that the game changed!

Fears....BACK. What the hell is going on here?! These guys only have twigs in their scrawny hands. Where's the stun gun? Then as if in his own world (probably on kitty xanax) he simply strolled past our meaningless bodies and found another spot to perch in. Phew...

The cubs were like playing with fun toddlers who don't whine or cry = awesome. 

Mile High Home

Planes have become my home. Literally. Relative to all the grimy modes of transport I have taken during my travels, aviation is first class. Imagine the last time you've been excited to go to the airport? The luxuries of airport lounges (thank you AMEX!) clean facilities, and friendly service are the little comforts that act in lieu of home. The view from the top doesn't hurt either...

Thanksgiving with a BANG!

Thailand. The ultimate backpackers destination. Everything to satisfy the burning desire for something new, exciting, and rebellious. The energy of adventure-driven 20-somethings fills the air along with streetside pad thai and various types of mysterious street meat. I was in love with yet another city along my journey. 

Within two hours of landing in Bangkok I was already 2 drinks in roaming the Kao San Road (aka backpacker row). I quickly made some Aussie (obviously) buddies and we arrived at an awesome club that had all the right ingredients for a good night...except for people. For those of you who know me I can't seem to go 5 minutes without thinking of some game plan to make things go the way I want. Thus, I assumed the role of club promoter along with a friend and recruited the hot traveling girls and other partiers needed make this place happen. It did. BIG TIME. I was handsomely rewarded with some serious drinks and woke up the next day feeling so accomplished. HA. Happy Thanksgiving!

Can I play with Dinner?

So we all have heard the rumors surrounding Chinese cuisine....you can satisfy your desire for everything exotic in the mass butchery they call local markets. PETA members don't flip out. No, I didn't chow down on puppies or kittens. But, I did get the chance to try snake. Here is how it went down:

1. They take the snake out of the bag and you play with said snake until you are thoroughly entertained.

2. You sit there creeped out as you realize what is going on in the kitchen.

3. They bring out a glass of snake BLOOD and you down it with a smile (until they walk out of the room that is). 

4. You are brought dishes that you would never assume consist of snake meat. Stew and snake with ginger were my favorites. Like everything else I try for the first time, "it tasted like chicken" with a more fishy consistency. 

You now know how to enjoy the delicacy that is snake. Below are photos, PETA viewer discretion is advised!

Animal Country

Coming from an urban lifestyle, a sandy kid from Newport Beach who became an urbanite in Los Angeles, I become fascinated when I encounter "wild" animals. Thus, I get picture-happy and shoot away as you can see from various posts. Here are a few from my "Wild China" trip...

Hong Kong

This was the proverbial "cherry on top" of an awesome trip to China. HK is the quintessential metropolitan Asian city. Offering everything from Michelin Star cuisine to the ever so tempting street food, I definitely ate my way through the foodie hillside streets of this island. The shopping was a bargain hunter's paradise, especially for finding that expensive digital cam you've been wanting for a while. With so much to do, so many ex-pats to hang out with, along with great food and dynamic nightlife - this city gets top ratings in my book.

HK by day

HK by night