Unknown history I, too, am very interested in this part of history as I also had family involved with the Death March but from the Filipino side of it. My great-uncle helped with The Great Raid and helped the US soldiers liberate the POWs at the internet camp in Pangatian, near my father's hometown of Cabanatuan City. I actually went to visit it last week and it is such a simple memorial but it's so beautiful. Maybe because I have my own personal hstory attached to it, that I'm very honored they recognized the American and Filipinos that fought and died together. YOu should check it out and talk to the locals there. The caretaker of the memorial knows his stuff. And my dad confirmed it! I'll definitely be on the lookout for your book on the subject though! =)
Thanks I'm a little embarrassed to say that I didn't really know all too much about the history of the Bataan Death March. However, your pictoral tour of the area (and personal story about your Grandfather) has helped to tell a story that most probably could never imagine. Thanks for sharing that story with us John. I'll look forward to seeing you again soon.
RESPECT John I have talked to your father about the paper you wrote on your grandfather and his ordeal. I have also recently seen a special on the Bataan Death March on the history channel. I have nothing but the highest level of RESPECT for your Grandfather and the other soldiers that did not make it back. My Grandfather was not able to enlist because of a heart problem but my wifes Grandfather was able and did. He was one of the first soldiers killed on the beaches of Normandy. He is buried there. We will be taking my in-laws there someday to see his resting place. Take care.
Are you in your 7th month of your travels now? Your not missing much back here. I think Phoenix has gotton up to 110 already. When are you coming back to the real world to write The World Travels of Lynch? Hope all is well.
A little preparation goes a long way I suspect the magazine that the reporter refers to was the march 2006 issue of Good Morning Chiangmai magazine (www.gmorning.info) containing a major feature regarding Wieng Kum Kam's 60th Buddhist cysle anniversary (720 years since being founded).
Alongside the opening page of the feature was a quarter page advert for "Wieng Kum Kam - Atlantis of Lan Na" (ISBN 974 85439 8 6) available at most good bookstores in Chiangmai and Bangkok priced Thai Baht 225 (Approx US $4.50). It is the only English Language guide book and history about the ruined city - even the Tourist Authority of Thailand only publishes pamphlets in Thai script about it - very internationally friendly?
The book has been reviewed and praised by national and local newspapers and magazines, and has become the defacto information source for local tour guides. If you're going to visit the wieng, a copy in your hand is recommended - it is also available on eBay signed by the author.
Hey stranger! yeah. It sure is an amazing place. Think? I missed Beng Mea Lea though....but I can't really remember, so many great temples. A pity, as Indiana Jones was the theme of mine and Annas trip. haha. Beautiful sunrisepics. Surprised you we're awake that early after all I've read about your sleepinghabits (and I saw the pictures at Royals blog!) man.
Africa's next?
Adventures Something like that happened to me once. But not in Thailand; State College. And it wasn't a smoke filled opium den, it was a smoke filled townhouse. And it wasn't poker, it was a game of Risk. Actually, nothing happened, but I think you cheated...
Vicarious experiences When I was your age, everyone was trying to stay the hell out of SE Asia - who would have thought.... These are awesome stories and I've looked forward to the next for a while. You should think about getting them published when you get back. It goes without saying that I'd like the expanded version over many beers, preferably in between dives, Nephew-san.
Nice Pic's Your pictures are great. You definitley showed up on a nice clear day. I liked the Monkey's that are walking around. They gave me a chuckle. Good stuff!
hey wow lynch thats some powerful stuff. sounds sad but eyeopening as well. good to hear from you as always. i'll miss seeing you at blue and white next weekend! hopefully we'll see you soon...
The Beach Hi John!! I enjoyed your stories about your accomodations on the beach: Scorpions, lizzards, rats, mosquitos. Sounds like a few of Mongi's stories when he was in Costa Rica. As for me, just the other day I jumped on a car when a possum was headed right for me on the streets of Manayunk. Don't I feel like an idiot. Your scuba steve adventure looked amazing! I can't wait to read further entries! Happy and safe travels!
AUSTRALIA SEEMS TO AGREE WITH YOU. HEY JOHN:
I'VE BEEN KEEPING UP WITH YOUR BLOG AND HAVE HAD QUITE A FEW LAUGHS. THE PICTURES ARE GREAT AND THE WRITING IS EXCELLENT. I LIKE YOUR OFFICE IN THAILAND. THEY HAVE SOMETHING SIMILAR IN AVALON, BUT MORE PEOPLE AND YOUR SCENERY LOOKED BETTER. A BIT OF ADVICE, NEVER CLIMB A PEMBERTON TREE WHEN YOUR HALF IN THE BAG AND DON'T HAVE SANDALS ON. BE CAREFUL AND HAVE FUN. I'LL SEE IF WE CAN GET JAMIE CERTIFIED AND WE CAN DO SOME DIVING ONCE THE TRIP IS FINISHED. ENJOY YOURSELF. SAY HELLO TO RP.
happy st. patty's Lynch, dude you look worse in these pictures than after the last mud wrestle in the backyard at the townhouses. Just wanted to wish you and royal a happy st. patty's (i don't know if they celebrate it in dehli), but rest assure that I will have a few guinnesses in your absence. erin go dehli!
Stas
non-member comment
Finding Willie
That's huge buddy, so were we really close to finding it the first time around? Probably better that you had to look for it twice.