I went to a tiny art gallery, tucked away down a narrow soi, for a meet-up of a new group. I've gone to several Meet Up events since arriving in Bangkok, and always met some great people. (Meet Up events are organized by interests and you join the group online, then RSVP to specific events for each group.) Tonight would prove no different. We met at the gallery, and I think the first thing almost everyone did was comment on how much they liked the space. (Myself included.) The featured art was all done by one artist, Fernando Aceves Humana. He had oil paintings, lithography, etchings, and, my favorite medium, photography. We all walked around admiring the art, talking about the art, and just chatting in general. Then we went upstairs. Upstairs there were more lithographs, ... read more

Sunday, Jan 12 The 2014 Bangkok Shutdown was supposed to start on Monday, Jan 13, but instead it started mid-afternoon on Sunday. Most people are calling for this to be a peaceful protest, only causing numerous traffic jams around the city, but leaving the airport and public transportation unaffected. My Thai teacher has already canceled my lesson for tomorrow, just in case. While I'd prefer to think positively, being realistic is more my speed, and I was grateful that he did. I didn't want to seem like an over-anxious farang. How long will it last? No idea, but everyone says it will be days, maybe even a few weeks. I'm just hoping it stays peaceful and ends sooner rather than later. Tuesday, Jan 14 I spent a large chunk of time yesterday just watching my twitter ... read more

About 17 months ago I sat by the beautiful River Kwai, not wanting to leave. I had a year of big decisions ahead of me and staying put seemed like the best plan, though not very realistic. I left on time, but only after promising myself that I would come back to that very spot in one year's time. So, a year passed, I survived unscathed, and I live in Thailand. With just a few days off for the national new year's holiday, I headed west to Kanchanaburi. I went back to the same guest house--the same room even, knowing that I'd know my way around, have great food, and gorgeous views. Plus, it's just a great area to wander, get lost, and take photos. All in all, my ideal holiday. I spent the next two ... read more

The holiday season in Bangkok is nothing like what I experienced in China. Here, the decorating starts early, but it all looks like it would back home. I can't lie, it's nice to see a Xmas tree and think how it looks nice, rather than wondering what went wrong with the lights. It's also easy to find Xmas decorations for sale. There are plenty of expensive western meals at restaurants and hotels through the season. And for those who want church services, there are several around the city in English. All of it adds up to a delicious anticipation I haven't had in years. The biggest difference, for me, was what I will simply refer to as the Great Expat Migration. In China, everyone is still working the whole month of December, some on Xmas, some ... read more

After receiving a few emails questioning my general welfare, I thought it might be easiest to post a quick entry here instead. Yes, there are protests. Yes, they've gotten more chaotic than anticipated. Yes, it has been suggested--I mean "suggested"-- that people all be home between 10pm and 5am tomorrow. So far, that's only for one night. I've been tucked in for a few hours now. No, it's not near my home or my work. All day today it felt like a normal Sunday, business as usual. Outside the mall, people were taking photos of the Xmas tree, the supermarket looked like it does every Sunday at dinner time, and my pad thai lady had her usual line. Families were out and about. No, my life has not been affected. Well, almost. Tonight I did receive ... read more