This morning, I traveled to Ao Makham in order to tour the world’s largest library ship, the Valetta-registered MV Logos Hope on her last day moored in Phuket’s Deep Sea Port. This was more of a photography expedition than a book-buying one (why do these types of events always happen when I’m on a severe … Continue reading A Visit Aboard MV Logos Hope
Siem Reap
In Cambodia Part 6: Khmer New Year
I was originally scheduled to return to Thailand on the 14th of April but was having such a good time in Siem Reap that I decided to add another day. This was beneficial as it allowed me to experience a bit of the Khmer New Year, the three days of which began on the 14th … Continue reading In Cambodia Part 6: Khmer New Year
In Cambodia Part 4: Ta Prohm
I left the main Angkor Wat temple complex relatively early in the morning in an effort to beat the crowds to the scenic and shady Ta Prohm. I was successful in this plan as I had the temple relatively to myself during most of my visit. The only other tourists were a few Europeans (some … Continue reading In Cambodia Part 4: Ta Prohm
In Cambodia Part 3: Angkor Sunrise
While I loved every bit of my stay in Siem Reap, the absolute highlight was the day I spent amongst the ruins in the Angkor Archaeological Park. Given my own background in archaeology (an academic “concentration” but never a declared major plus a membership in the Kansas Anthropological Association and participation in a few digs), … Continue reading In Cambodia Part 3: Angkor Sunrise
In Cambodia Part 2: Angkor Sunset
There is no way that my words will be able to convey the grandeur of Angkor Wat and the feelings I was overcome with upon my initial glimpse and further explorations. Many others have tried to describe the vastness and the beauty of this singular temple complex (four miles from end to end) and while … Continue reading In Cambodia Part 2: Angkor Sunset
In Cambodia Part 1: Siem Reap
I arrived in Siem Reap during the late afternoon of 11 April. My first impression was that it was quite a dusty little town and reminded me of the many bland Thai provincial towns I’ve zipped through while on buses. The temperature was rather cool, much more pleasant than it had been in Phuket (which … Continue reading In Cambodia Part 1: Siem Reap
To Cambodia #2: Bangkok to Siem Reap
I try to plan ahead so that my travels remain relatively stress-free. If something unexpected crops up, it can usually be dealt with quickly and easily. I journey cheaply and build in enough time between legs of the trip so that I’m not rushing to make connections. Thus, I’d already planned to spend the first … Continue reading To Cambodia #2: Bangkok to Siem Reap
To Cambodia, Part 1: Phuket to Bangkok
As a teacher in the Thai government school system, I don’t have much of a salary during the long between-term breaks (March-May is summer vacation). Thus, I have to plan any travel very carefully and take the cheaper option whenever possible. There are easier ways to get to Cambodia from Phuket (there may even be … Continue reading To Cambodia, Part 1: Phuket to Bangkok
Siem Reap On the Cheap
It’s been months since I’ve written anything at all for this blog. Quite honestly, that’s because I haven’t had anything interesting to write about. But that’s about to change. I will soon visit a “new” country. It has been a decade since I first arrived in Asia. I have lived in Thailand continuously for the … Continue reading Siem Reap On the Cheap
Mark Joseph Jochim 