Learning to scuba dive in Phuket is a truly idyllic place to learn how to scuba dive. In this story, the reader will meet a Canadian dive instructor named Larry, who invented Larry’s Rule: “For each diving sin committed, you owe him a beer.” “For each sin committed…” My diving instructor was a red-headed CanadianRead moreRead more
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Learning to dive without sin in Phuket
Following the Jaguar’s Tale to Belize
“If the world had any ends, British Honduras would surely be one of them.” ~ Aldous Huxley 1939 ~ I have to admit, I had never heard of British Honduras (the former name of Belize) until I read about its independence in 1981, while flying from Denver to the small Central American country. I wasRead moreRead more
A Five Minute Walk To Heaven
The World is Full of Wonders, Don’t Get Lost in the Chaos. It’s hard to believe that as a longtime Colorado resident, that it took me so long to finally take the five minute walk to the Maroon Bells, a destination that had been on my bucket list for over two decades. But what madeRead moreRead more
36 Hours in Chiang Rai
From eating field rats to discovering a sacred belly button – Chiang Rai offers travelers a taste of authentic Thailand. Far from Bangkok’s chaotic pulse, Chiang Rai, with its glistening rice fields, quaint city streets and golden spires, promises an escape into the distant past of a bygone era. Upcountry, time has a different qualityRead moreRead more
Kingdom of a Million Elephants
Prisana Pipatpan finds plenty to appreciate and ponder over as she visits the Plain of Jars and the old Laotian capital of Luang Prabang. This article was first published in The Bangkok Post on April 25, 1993. The moment I arrived at Hualampong Railway Station, I knew I had made a mistake. I stepped intoRead moreRead more
Underwater Rock Stars
Thailand offers divers rare encounters with whale sharks, manta rays and giant eels. Author’s Note: This article was originally published in the Bangkok Post in 1996. I was just about to ascend when I saw John Williams, co-founder of Siam Diving Center, frantically pointing into the dark blue depths. Scanning the water below, I knewRead moreRead more
Flying For Free
Authors Note: Be sure to read my 2019 Update at the end of this post! I learned a new word today: churner. Apparently, what I’ve been doing for the past 5 years to earn free flights is called “churning”. What is a churner? A churner is a person who applies for numerous credit cards forRead moreRead more
A True Cliff Hanger in Phra Nang, Thailand
Rock Climbing in Krabi The jagged cliff face soared hundreds of meters above me. “There’s a handhold on your left,” my climbing instructor yelled from the beach below. I reached up and felt my way over the rough limestone rock. “There, you’ve got it.” Got what? I thought. I gripped the miniscule handhold and shakilyRead moreRead more
Escaping From Bat Cave in Thailand
Exploring Phang Nga Bay “Look up, but keep your mouth shut,” Joe whispers. I look up at the dark cave ceiling, trying to see the bats I hear squeaking overhead. They flit and flutter in the dim beam of my flashlight under sparkling stalactites that drape down the cave wall like a glistening ice curtain.Read moreRead more
Ultimate Wreck Diving in Coron Bay
Coron Bay, is one of the Philippine’s top diving destinations, attracting wreck diving enthusiasts from around the world. By Prisana Nuechterlein Over a few San Miguel beers, I made my decision – I would definitely dive the wrecks of Coron Bay. I was sitting with Gunter Bernert, the founder of Discovery Divers and Coron Bay’sRead moreRead more