Wispy Sunset

Been thinking a lot about where I want to live. I’m going on 3 years in Chiang Mai and while it has been a good experience, I often think that there’s got to be something more. “Fine” isn’t a word I want to describe the city I live, and that’s how I feel about Chiang Mai. Current rental contract will finish up February 2024, and I think that’s the perfect time to make some moves. For now, 2023 will be about saving money, taking care of my health, and enjoying time with friends.

Lanterns Galore

First Month of Haikus

I’m writing one haiku every day for 2023. January is complete, so only 11 more months to go! You can see the first 31 haikus here:

New Column Article

I write a weekly piece for a column for KrASIA titled “The Bullet.” I write about technology or interesting stories from Southeast Asia. Last week, I wrote an article titled: Rethinking Tech Consumption — Are We Buying More Than We Need?

You can check out all my articles from The Bullet by going here

Mosaic

Back in Chiang Mai

My short vacation has ended, and I’m now back in Chiang Mai, having taken the hour flight from Bangkok at 11 am. It’s always nice to get out of Chiang Mai for a bit, and I acknowledge that I’m lucky enough to be able to work remotely, which allows me to take trips.

The plan, for now, is to enjoy a quieter-than-normal day tomorrow because of Chinese New Year and then get back to work and my routine. Will be renewing my condo for another year, taking me to early 2024, and then we’ll see after that. More travel is expected for 2023, and I’ll be sorting out timelines in the coming months to get everything ready. For the time being, enjoy your dumplings, spending time with family, and loud dragon dances. And if you’re not into Chinese New Year, happy Sunday!

One Day in Bangkok

Chinese New Year, also known as Spring Festival or Lunar New Year, is a time of celebration and tradition that is deeply ingrained in the culture of China and other countries with significant Chinese populations, including Thailand. In Bangkok, the Chinese New Year is celebrated with a flurry of activities and events that showcase the rich culture and heritage of the Chinese community.

For those who love to shop, Chinese New Year in Bangkok is a treasure trove of traditional Chinese goods such as red lanterns, decorations, and New Year's delicacies such as dumplings and sweet glutinous rice cakes. These items can be found in abundance in the many markets and shops in Chinatown and other parts of the city.

Chinese New Year in Bangkok is a celebration of culture, tradition, and community, where the past and present seamlessly intersect to create an experience that is both vibrant and meaningful. It’s also really loud.

Final Day in Pattaya

Taco Bell serves Singha beer, which is just what a Mexican fast-food place needs.

Reunited

Met up with my fellow EWU alum and Phi Delt fraternity brother, Mark Park, in Pattaya 12 years after we graduated. Nice to catch up and see where the past decade has taken us. We both acknowledged that it was pretty wild for two guys who studied in Cheney, WA to end up in Thailand, but agreed it was better than staying in the States.

Pattaya, Thailand | Day 3 | January 2023

Pattaya, a seaside resort city located on the east coast of the Gulf of Thailand, is a place where tropical paradise meets urban excitement. Often referred to as the "Sin City of Thailand," Pattaya is known for its nightlife, beaches, and adult entertainment. But is that all there is to this city? Let's dive deeper and discover the hidden gems that Pattaya has to offer.

Imagine yourself walking down the streets of Pattaya; the sun is shining, the palm trees are swaying, and the sound of the waves crashing on the shore is in the background. The city is bustling with energy, and you can't help but feel alive. The streets are filled with vendors selling delicious street food, and the aroma of Thai cuisine fills the air. As you walk down the main road, you'll notice the vibrant nightlife scene, complete with bars, clubs, and shows that will keep you entertained all night long.

Let's not forget about the beaches. Pattaya is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Thailand, with crystal clear water and soft, white sands. Whether you want to relax on the beach with a book or take part in water sports like jet-skiing and parasailing, Pattaya's beaches have something for everyone.

Tom Yum, also known as "Tom Yam" is a popular Thai dish known for its sour, spicy, and savory flavors. It's made with a spicy broth made from lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, galangal, and fish sauce, with the option of adding seafood, chicken, beef, or tofu. One of the most popular variations of Tom Yum is the Seafood Tom Yum, which is made with a variety of seafood such as shrimp, squid, and fish. The dish is usually served hot in a clay pot and garnished with cilantro, green onions, and lime wedges. The combination of spicy broth and fresh seafood makes it a must-try for anyone visiting Thailand.

Chinese New Year in Pattaya is an exciting time of the year, where the city comes alive with vibrant colors, delicious food, and lively celebrations. During this time, the streets are decorated with traditional Chinese lanterns, and the sound of drums and lion dances fill the air. The main event takes place in the Pattaya Chinese New Year Fair, which is held in the heart of the city and features a variety of traditional Chinese performances, including dragon and lion dances, martial arts demonstrations, and musical performances. Visitors can also indulge in a wide array of delicious Chinese food, such as dumplings, noodles, and sweet glutinous rice cakes. The fair also features traditional Chinese games, including the ever-popular "ang pau" game, where participants can win red envelopes filled with money.

Buddha Mountain | Pattaya, Thailand

Buddha Mountain, also known as Khao Chi Chan, is a popular tourist destination located in Pattaya, Thailand. The mountain is famous for its giant carving of the Buddha, which is one of the largest such images in the world.

The Buddha image was created in 1996 to commemorate the King of Thailand's 50th year of reign. The image is 129 meters high and 70 meters wide, and it depicts the Buddha in a seated position with his right hand in a gesture of teaching. The image is carved into the natural rock of the mountain, making it a truly unique and impressive sight.

As you make your way up the mountain, you will be greeted with stunning views of Pattaya and the surrounding areas. At the summit, you can pay your respects to the Buddha and take in the serene atmosphere of the temple complex. It was 30+ degrees today, so didn’t make it to the summit.

Visiting Buddha Mountain is a peaceful and enlightening experience, perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Pattaya. It's a place where one can reflect and find inner peace, a true spiritual sanctuary in the heart of Pattaya.

Pattaya, Thailand | Day 2 Continued | January 2023

Pattaya Floating Market is a unique shopping and cultural experience where the vendors sell their wares from colorful boats floating on a tranquil lake.

It's a place where you can find traditional Thai handicrafts, clothing, and souvenirs. You can also sample delicious local food and watch cultural performances. It's a great way to immerse yourself in Thai culture and take home a piece of it with you.

The market is divided into four main sections, each representing a different region of Thailand, so you can experience the cultural diversity of the country all in one place.

It's a perfect destination for families and those looking for a more cultural experience in Pattaya. The Floating Market offers a great change of pace from the bustling streets of Pattaya and a chance to take a step back in time to experience traditional Thai lifestyle.

Pattaya, Thailand | Day 2 | January 2023

Pattaya Walking Street is the heart of Pattaya's nightlife. It's a place where the party never stops and the atmosphere is electric. Imagine a mile-long stretch of bars, clubs, and entertainment venues, all lit up like a Christmas tree. That's Walking Street.

It's a place where you can let loose, dance the night away, and indulge in a little bit of sin. But it's also a place where you can find a taste of local culture, with street performers and vendors selling traditional Thai goods.

Walking Street is not for the faint of heart, but if you're looking for a wild night out, it's definitely worth a visit. Whether you're looking for a quiet drink or a wild party, you'll find it on Walking Street.

The drawing is of the former king — the one that most Thais prefer over the current king.

Pattaya, Thailand | Day 1 | January 2023

Pattaya, Thailand is a place where the sun never stops shining, the beaches are always warm, and the nightlife is always lively. It's a place that's impossible to forget, a place that will leave a permanent mark on your soul. Imagine a place where the palm trees sway in the breeze, the ocean sparkles like diamonds, and the sound of laughter fills the air. That's Pattaya.

But Pattaya is more than just a tropical paradise. It's a melting pot of cultures, where east meets west and anything is possible. The city is a playground for adults, filled with endless entertainment options, from the famous Walking Street to the lively bars and clubs of Soi 6. But Pattaya also offers a variety of activities for families and adventure seekers, like the Pattaya Park Tower and the Pattaya Floating Market.

But the true beauty of Pattaya lies in its people. The locals are some of the friendliest and most welcoming you'll ever meet. They will make you feel at home in their city and will do everything in their power to ensure that you have the time of your life.

Train From Chiang Mai to Bangkok

A sleeper train from Chiang Mai to Bangkok is a great way to travel between these two popular destinations in Thailand. It's a long journey, taking around 12 hours, but it's a comfortable and scenic way to do it.

The train has a variety of sleeper cabins to choose from, including first-class cabins with private bathrooms and air-conditioning and second-class cabins with shared bathrooms and fans. You can also opt for a seat in a regular coach if you prefer.

The train usually leaves Chiang Mai in the evening and arrives in Bangkok the next morning. This means you can save a night's accommodation costs and make the most of your time. Plus, you'll get to wake up in a new place and start exploring right away.

During the journey, the train will pass through some beautiful Thai countryside. You'll see lush green hills, rice paddies, and small villages. It's a great chance to get a glimpse of authentic Thai life.

One thing to keep in mind is that the train can be quite popular, especially during peak travel seasons, so it's best to book in advance. Also, the train can be a bit slow, so it might not be the best option if you're short on time. But all in all, the sleeper train is a great experience and definitely worth considering if you're traveling between Chiang Mai and Bangkok.

After arriving in Bangkok at 5 am, I took a taxi and arrived in Pattaya an hour later. More photos to follow tomorrow.

Just an Elephant

Hello 2023!

Happy New Year!

I met up with my Canadian friend from Beijing (we went to Tsinghua University together) who is currently in Thailand for New Year's Eve. We had dinner, some drinks, and caught up while reminiscing about the glory days of when China was cool.

I've decided to make it a goal for this year to write a haiku every day. Although I'm not very experienced with poetry beyond the Shel Silverstein my mom used to read to me when I was younger, I think haikus are as good a place to start as any. I’ll follow the traditional format of three lines — the first and third lines contain five syllables, while the second line contains seven syllables.

You can check them out here:

2022 — Year in Review

Overall, 2022 was a pretty average year for me. I’m settled in Chiang Mai, Thailand, and though I did spend around two months in Singapore, I continued to work my four jobs, spent time with friends, went to the gym almost every day, and did a bit of traveling. I put away a decent chunk of change, joined a Dungeons & Dragons group, bought a PS5, and extended my Thai Education Visa, which will need to be extended again in August 2023. I got my third COVID-19 vaccine (Moderna) in February 2022.

As I, and the rest of the world, look forward to 2023, I don’t expect to make any big life changes. I’ll continue to stay in Chiang Mai and expect to continue with my current job lineup provided they don’t suddenly see a need to fire their writers. I have been thinking more about buying a condo or apartment in Thailand, though that’s something I’m continuing to mull over.

I’d like to thank everyone who visited and/or read my blog in 2022. It's hard to tell who exactly is reading it minus the numbers that Google Analytics spits at me, but I appreciate anyone who took time out of their day to visit this little project of mine. I’ll continue posting on a regular basis throughout 2023 and will aim to do more writing per post. Travel plans for 2023 include Brunei and Timor-Leste so I can close out my Southeast Asia travel map, though I still need a few smaller island countries that I’m unsure when I’ll get to.

In 2022, I published my second novel — A Viral State (technically late 2021, but who’s counting?), as well as my fifth short story, The Place Beyond.

Here are some other highlights from 2022:

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Conceived and developed a new column for KrASIA — The Bullet (Will continue in 2023)

• TOKEN2049 — No Frills, Just Crypto

• Laos Needs to Show its Startups Some Love

• Metaverse Madness

• Here’s a Solution You Didn’t Ask For

• We’re Not Using NFTs to Their Full Potential

• Temasek’s $100 Million Bet — Brilliant or Brash?

• Autonomous Agony

• Southeast Asian Billionaires: The 4% of the 1%

• Why Technology Isn’t Moving As Fast As We’d Hoped it Would

• Deepfakes — We May Never Need to Perform Again

• The Solution to Over-Connectivity — Analog-Only Experiences

• Is AI-Generated Art Still Art As We Know It?

• Southeast Asia — Simple Innovation Solving Big Problems

• Generative AI — The Good, the Bad, and the Scary

• More Than Just a Check — Investing in Social Good

• Buzzwords — There’s a time and a place

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Read 10 books (link to review)

1. Bangkok Tattoo — John Burdett

2. A Treachery of Spies — Manda Scott

3. The Wind-Up Bird Chronicle — Haruki Murakami

4. Talking to Strangers — Malcolm Gladwell

5. Artemis — Andy Weir

6. Outliers — Malcolm Gladwell

7. Bangkok Haunts — John Burdett

8. Look Who's Back — Timur Vermes

9. Later — Stephen King

10. The Bangkok Asset — John Burdett

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Traveled to:

1. Phuket, Thailand

2. Chiang Rai, Thailand

3. Pai, Thailand

4. Bangkok, Thailand

5. Pai, Thailand

6. Singapore (Token 2049 & Formula One)

7. Bali / Sanur, Indonesia

A Very Merry Chiangmai Christmas

Had a little party at my place for Christmas Eve, then relaxed on Christmas day. Still weird to me to celebrate Christmas in hot weather but always nice not to have to deal with snow.