Walking With Tigers
When I heard of a temple where one could walk with tigers, I had to find it. It is not listed in many guidebooks as some consider it too dangerous (by Western standards). It is commonly called the “Tiger Temple” it presents an unforgettable experience This post includes a CNN video on a Tiger Temple special project; identifying tigers by their stripes………
Curse of the Hill Tribe Woman
I planned to do a solo trip to Northern Laos both for my own satisfaction and to get some new GPS tracks. As it turned out a number of other riders rode some of the same routes a week or so before me although I didn’t read their updated reports until after I returned. It seems they had a lot fewer “dramas” than I did and I can only attribute that to the “Curse of the Hill Tribe Woman”. Don’t believe me? …………
The Legend of the Golden Horse Temple
There is a legend of a fighting monk (called “The Tiger Monk”) who lives in the Monastery of the Golden Horse. This monk allegedly gave up a successful boxing career, some 16 years ago, and took up the calling of the monkhood to start this remote temple. He fought and held off Khun Sa and his men until they relented and supported his teachings. He trains young orphans, Nens, in boxing and horseback riding. After hearing this tale I had to find the temple……
“Prince of Death” Road Trip-Khun Sa
“Khun Sa”. The name strikes fear in some, admiration in others. Was he a freedom fighter as his admires claim? Or was he the biggest and most famous drug lord in S.E. Asia as claimed by the U.S, DEA $1,000,000 bounty on his head. Watch linked video “Opium Warlord of the World – Burma”.
Hearing of his death and a planned memorial service, what should a former Narcotics Unit Commander do? Head for Thoed Thai of course………
The Burma Road
Burma, or Myranmar as the oppressive junta likes it to be called. Join me on a road trip into this secretive country north to the China border. An amazing tale of a governments high hopes and failures, and see just how restrictive it really is……..
Chasing Floods
Our goal was to try and find some of the damaged areas from the recent flood and mudslides. Torrential rains has caused flooding and mudslides over a vast area in this region. Although the exact toll may never be known it is estimated at least 100 people are dead and missing and 100,000+ left homeless and entire villages wiped out.
