Where have you been?

1. Bangkok and Chaing Mai, Thailand




What can really be said? Bangkok is a magnificent city that honestly never sleeps. Yummy food, cheap shopping, wonderful weather, and more sin than any one person should experience, ever. On top of all that the Thai people are the most friendly I have ever come across. Bangkok truly has it all.





Anyone visiting Thailand in Spring (April specifically) should not bother unless Chaing Mai and the celebration of Songkran are part of the plan. Thai New Year is celebrated throughout Thailand but nowhere like Chaing Mai. The old walled city is perfect for the week long water fight that is Songkran with huge stages pumping out horrible yet infectious music, one-way traffic jams, and plenty of places to get refreshments. And the combination of the warm Spring weather (i.e., little clothing) and the water fights make Songkran an obligatory wet T-shirt contest for everyone involved! Forget April, if you want to say you have visited Thailand at all, this massive party is an absolute must.





2. Scotland, United Kindom




Beautiful rolling countrysides in the Lowlands and impressive Lochs and Mountains in the Highlands. Riding through the mountains north of Glasgow was a very tranquil experience and many of my favorite photos come from there. My ride to the Isle of Skye also produced many great photos while Loch Ness was a bit over rated. I was told by an Australian couple I met at the hostel in Inverness that the Isle of Skye is best visited over several days, as part of it's charm is it's rapidly changing weather.




That can be said of most of Scotland which I found out the hard way by having to ride through 240 miles of pouring rain! But even John O'Groats (the east coast of northern Scotland really) is worth a look despite the unpredictable weather.


3. Wales, United Kindom




When I enterd Wales along the A44(?) I could sense that I was leaving England and heading into another country. The B&B where I stayed was very hospitable and located perfectly to wander through the hills of the Brecons Beacons (on my motorcycle naturally). From the wonderful rides through the low mountains to cruising along the coast at Swansea my Wales trip was truly enjoyable.






4. California Deserts




In my youth my family would spend quailty time on the Colorado River enjoying the warm sunshine in Summer and the lovely desert in the Winter. There was a boat, motorcyles and little else but it was always very enjoyable.


We would also take our motorcycles to other places in the California deserts to enjoy different riding areas and terrain. Unfortunately things change and it has been years since I have last visited but it will always be a Top Destination for me...


5. California Beaches

There's no place like home. There's no place like home. There's no place like home.

"The Histories" by Herodotus translated by Robin Waterfield

Previously Read

• "Poland" by James A. Michener
  

  Another good one from Michener. Not his best but it was still a page turner for me. Naturally I was very intersted in the subject because I am living here but I think it would be intersting for general readers as well. Poland seems to have done everything in its power to kill itself. I still don't know if now is any different...sad.



• "Dublin" by Edward Rutherfurd
  

  Excellent book. I was never able to visit Ireland but when I do I hope to see some of the sites discussed in the book. Rutherfurd is one of my favorite authors and I would highly recommend him to anyone looking for an interesting and educational book.



• "Centennial" by James A. Michener
  

  I have been talking with my girlfriend about moving to the Denver area and I had to laugh when this book was set in that exact area. Maybe it was an omen...I love books like this about America, they don't sugar coat things like the shitty History text books they use in most public schools. "So tell me again Mrs. Teacher why there are no Indians or buffalos in America now?"



• "The Book of Mormon" translated by Joesph Smith
  

  Most of you don't know but Jesus visited the Americas. And the American Indians deserved to die because they were Laminites. Neat how I read Centennial right after this book - they fit together well. Anyone have an English Bible they want to give me?



• "Wuthering Heights" by Emily Bronte
  

  Humph, that family was jacked up. I hope that no one I know ever has to live in a similar situation. An interesting read however, and worth a look. In northern England there is the Bronte house (or some I'm told) where Emily and her two siters grew up. Her books are often (maybe all?) set in that area.



• "Under the Greenwood Tree" by Thomas Hardy
  Its a slow book but it was wonderful having stayed in the area Hardy writes about.


• "Testament of Youth" by Vera Brittain
  

  A personal and very private account of the effect of World War II on the author. Her brother, fiance, and another close friend all all killed in action. This is yet another example of why wars are bad. But as Plato says "only the dead have seen the end of war."

• Two Bees in St Ives
  
  
  

  This shot was taken while my buddy and I were visiting a small village near Cambridge. I noticed the bee sitting on the flower and decided to snap a few shots. It wasn't until I began to process the photos that I relaized a second bee flew into one the of the photos.
  



• Funny Bunny at Global Gathering 2005
  
  
  

  I love this picture not only because it always makes me laugh but also for the wonderful memories it brings back. I have been to two Global Gathering parties, both times with the same buddy mentioned above. The first year we bounced from arena to arena sampling all of the muisc. The highlight was the final set of the event at 5am by Yoji Biomehanika. The second year we decided to spend the entire time in the Polyexual Arena listening to hard dance music. The highlight was Hixxy although all of the DJs were great!



• Saturday Buddha
  
  
  

  This was taken near Chaing Mai in northern Thailand. It depicts Mucalinda, the Naga King, sheltering the Buddha during a storm. In finding this information I came across this excellent website, Old Stones, which is done by a fellow named Mike Gunther. It is very informative and worth a look.
  



• Isle of Skye, Scotland
  
  
  

  Enough can't be said about the beauty of Scotland. When I get another opportunity I will go back but for now I have to be happy with my few photographs.