THAILAND

Country Overview:

"Thailand, a captivating blend of vibrant cities, tranquil villages, pristine beaches, and idyllic islands, holds a special place in my heart."

Every time I return to Thailand, I'm reminded of its irresistible allure. The warmth of the Thai people, the seamless blend of modern amenities and ancient traditions, and the sheer diversity of experiences on offer make it a truly remarkable destination. From the bustling energy of Bangkok to the serene beauty of Chiang Mai, and the sun-kissed shores of Phuket to the tranquil islands of Koh Phi Phi, Thailand has something to captivate every traveler. And let's not forget the food – a symphony of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds and leaves a lasting impression. Despite the challenges it has faced, Thailand remains a must-visit country, beckoning me back time and time again.

*Currently living in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai / Bangkok / Ayutthaya / Pattaya / Chiang Rai / Krabi / Phuket / Koh Tao

I quarantined in Bangkok in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can read more about that experience here.

Degen Hill 5/16/21 Degen Hill 5/16/21

Game Day

Degen Hill 5/12/21 Degen Hill 5/12/21

Spicy pork Over Eggs and Rice

Degen Hill 5/9/21 Degen Hill 5/9/21

Sunday BBQ

Degen Hill 5/6/21 Degen Hill 5/6/21

So Hungry…

Degen Hill 5/4/21 Degen Hill 5/4/21

Yellow Sriracha

Degen Hill 5/2/21 Degen Hill 5/2/21

15th Floor View

Degen Hill 4/30/21 Degen Hill 4/30/21

Thai TukTuk

Degen Hill 4/27/21 Degen Hill 4/27/21

And... Gym Is Closed Again

This was inevitable. Government allowed provincial governors to do what they thought was necessary, and this is just one of the many new rules in place, along with restaurants banned from serving alcohol, and a closure of all bars / entertainment facilities. Back to the home workouts…

Degen Hill 4/24/21 Degen Hill 4/24/21

Another Thai Temple

Degen Hill 4/22/21 Degen Hill 4/22/21

Water Fight

Kids wanted to go to the pool, but it’s closed due to COVID. So, we had a water fight in the front yard. Pretty clear who won.

Degen Hill 4/22/21 Degen Hill 4/22/21

Cheap Chiangmai Lunch

Boiled and fried chicken over rice with cucumbers and cilantro. Cost was 50 baht, which is around $1.50. Simple, but delicious.

Degen Hill 4/18/21 Degen Hill 4/18/21

View From Friend’s Apartment

Degen Hill 4/18/21 Degen Hill 4/18/21

Songkran is Almost Over

It’s been a quiet week in Chiangmai as Songkran and rising COVID-19 infections have kept most people inside and public venues shut. Gyms open back up tomorrow, so will be nice to get back into the swing of things. Novel is currently with the 2nd editor as I finalize documents to send to literary agents.

Degen Hill 4/14/21 Degen Hill 4/14/21

Shower For Sasha

Gave her a shower this morning and although she didn’t like the blow dryer at first, she got used to it

Degen Hill 4/13/21 Degen Hill 4/13/21

Yard Project

Didn’t like it, so decided to fix it / have it fixed. Cleared out all the rocks, scraped up dirt, laid down geotextile, compressed sand, laid bricks, filled with sand. The last picture has water drops from the aircon, and the middle section of bricks has concrete between the joints to stop the said water drops from busting up the sand. Hard to see, but the surrounding area of tree was fortified with rebar and concrete to hold the bricks, and then filled in with pebbles

Degen Hill 4/12/21 Degen Hill 4/12/21

Novel Update

I’ve finished the first draft of my novel A Viral State and have so far had 2 people read and edit it. I’m working on preparing a query letter as well as writing a synopsis for my novel which is required to find a literary agent. I’m busy with my 3 jobs during the day, but in the evenings, I’ll be getting everything ready and hopefully have more success in finding an agent than when I tried with Contraception. Who knows, maybe a dystopian novel about an ever-present virus is just what the world needs these days…

Degen Hill 4/11/21 Degen Hill 4/11/21

COVID-19 in Chiangmai

I’m not sure what else to say besides shit has hit the fan with COVID in Thailand. After months of only a few cases a day, a big outbreak that started in Bangkok has reached Northern Thailand. The country’s Songkran festival starts tomorrow, so my gym was already closed, but a bit disconcerting that someone infected was using the gym for a week.

Degen Hill 4/8/21 Degen Hill 4/8/21

Chiangmai Food Market

Degen Hill 4/6/21 Degen Hill 4/6/21

The House Has a Puppy

Though girlfriend is in Singapore, she bought a puppy and had it delivered to the house as a surprise. Her name is Sasha and she is a Beagle. She’s super cute and fun, though a lot of work. I’m fortunate to be able to work from home, so I have time to take care of her, but I’ll be grateful when she’s fully potty-trained.

Degen Hill 4/2/21 Degen Hill 4/2/21

Thai Food Made By Yours Truly

I’ve been busy working, going to the gym, and revising edits on my novel, so not a lot of blog-worthy things to post. Though I have been cooking a lot more lately and giving some Thai dishes a whirl. Top is chicken, bottom is pork.