Category: World Wanderings

When I was young, I was bit by the travel bug. Since then, I’ve been extremely fortunate to have the ability to not only travel to numerous countries around the world, but also live in foreign countries. These posts include stories about my travels, cultural differences and travel tips.

Thai Food: Pad Ga-Prao, Spicy Fried Basil

February 17, 2015

This dish is one that is found in nearly every restaurant in Thailand, is simple and filling. It’s called ผัดกะเพรา (pad ga-prao), and literally means stir fried basil. It’s made with any variety of available meat – usually chicken or pork – but I’ve personally had it made with tofu and fried egg as well.

The basil is not your ordinary Western basil, but rather, Thai holy basil. There are quite a few varieties of basil in Thailand (holy basil, hairy basil, sweet basil), and Thai holy basil can be kind of difficult to find outside of Thailand, so sometimes Thai sweet basil is substituted instead, but it doesn’t quite have the same flavor. Click inside to learn how to make your own ผัดกะเพรา.

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Bpai Tiao: Beach Camping in Khao Sam Roi Yot

February 2, 2015

In Thailand, a bpai tiao is a trip of any length. I’ve written about some of my more significant bpai tiaos to tourist destinations here, to be used as travel ideas and tips.

As my time in Thailand winds down, I figured I’d get in one last bpai tiao. I was able to connect with some Peace Corps folks who had been evacuated from Liberia and Guinea because of the Ebola epidemic and we went to Khao Sam Roi Yot, a few hours south of Bangkok.

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UNICEF Takes Aim at Violence Against Children

February 1, 2015

Thai commercials really know how to get at your emotions. They use this kind of gauzy filter with tinkling pianos and strings underlying the action. They really know how to appeal to your emotions. UNICEF in Thailand has jumped on board with a short video about violence against children. Even if you don’t understand the voiceover, I’m sure it’ll speak to your heart.

Bpai Tiao: Biking Along the Mekong in Mukdahan

January 27, 2015

In Thailand, a bpai tiao is a trip of any length. I’ve written about some of my more significant bpai tiaos to tourist destinations here, to be used as travel ideas and tips.

One thing that I have enjoyed while in Thailand is going to as many new places as I can. I enjoy seeing the variety that the country has to offer, from beaches to mountains, rivers to jungle not to mention the various cultural differences between the regions. I may not have the language skills to speak about things in depth, but I have gotten really good at casual conversations with new acquaintances as I have tried to talk to new people in all the places I have gone.

My most recent trip took me not only to deep Isaan, already a place most tourists don’t visit, but to a little visited province even by Thais, and through small villages that are well off the sightseeing path.
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