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By Dave Early on June 14, 2009  |  Comments 3

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………

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By Dave Early on February 05, 2009  |  Comments 0

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? …………

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By Dave Early on January 26, 2009  |  Comments 0

A Night in a Northern Laos Village-Ou Tay

Ou Tay is a small northern Laos village about 70km north of the Boung Nuea junction to Phongsali, Laos. Traveling alone and mapping some roads with my GPS I ran into an old friend from Cambodia. We spent an interesting night in this remote place….

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By Dave Early on March 18, 2008  |  Comments 0

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……

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By Dave Early on November 09, 2007  |  Comments 0

“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………

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By Dave Early on July 14, 2007  |  Comments 3

The Burma Road

A suspicious market seller

Burma, or Myanmar 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……..

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Click for Chiang Mai, Thailand Forecast

Help Make Children Happy!

I am very pleased to be the Co-Chairman of the organizing committee for the Chiang Mai ToyRide. Not only do we have the annual toy ride, we also use the proceeds and donations to assist kids throughout the year. We donate to hospitals, schools, and communities in any way that will help children in need………..

U.S. State Department Travel Info-Thailand

This is the current travel and country information by the U.S. State Department. Click on their link to “Background Notes” for some interesting history of Thailand.

U.S. State Department Travel Info-Laos

This is the U.S. State Department Travel Information on Laos. It is not really as bad as they make it sound………..

Funeral for 4 Fallen Heroes

5 4-Down. 20,000 came. The Tacoma, Washington police funeral.

Don’t Believe Your Eyes…….

disneygirls What could happen to those photos of yours posted on the social networking sites and in your emails?

See the “Girls Aloud”….

Map of Chiang Mai ToyRide Events

Here is a map showing Past Events and Upcoming Events (when available), including links and photos.

When the Killing Hour Arrives

There had not been any executions in Thai prisons for some six years. Without any notice, someone decided for two prisoners, “Today you are going to die!”

“No Reservations in Thailand”-Anthony Bourdain Show

A video of Anthony Bourdain’s “No Reservations” TV show filmed in Thailand. A very well done segment.

Wat Hua Mai Kham -Remote Temple Trip

I was challenged to find this remote stupa, so I couldn’t refuse. It turned into one of my more enjoyable undertakings…….

Formula 1 Schedule and News

When it comes to socializing, watching Formula 1 as a group is one of our most popular pastimes.

Here is a little help for my friends (and me).

Memories, Some Stay Forever.

Memory. This is probably not what you may be expecting, but today I ran across it on ”Youtube” and it brought back many, yes, memories. I couldn’t help but post it.

Memory-the Discarded Lyrics

The original lyrics to Memory as written by Tim Rice. They were later discarded due to their reference to suicide. Andrew Lloyd Webber wanted “Cats” to be a family musical.

“Saving Face”, Lies and Deception

For me the most frustrating part of living in Thailand is the fact that you cannot trust ANYONE! This is one of the most depressing and troubling parts of living here. Yes, everything is not life in paradise…………

Things That Make You Say “Aw, Crap!”

And you think you had a bad day…………

The Beaches

Southern Thailand is surrounded by the Andaman Sea and the Gulf of Thailand. It is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and islands in the world.

A photo gallery.

One Night In Bangkok-The Video

A true classic music video by Murray Head. You need to have spent time here to truly appreciate it.

Chiang Mai- Rose of the North

Chiang Mai is the largest city in Northern Thailand and many times called by guidebooks (incorrectly) the second largest city in Thailand. A major tourist center, it is an area of contradictions and confusion.

Here is a photo collage and a ‘Map Jack” tour of the Jewel of the North…

Khun Tan Railway Station and Tunnel


A nice ride through the mountains and National Parks to a quaint railway station and tunnel in the mountains.

This is the main line from Chiang Mai to Bangkok and carries hundreds of passengers daily.

Books-Some Recommended Reading

I do a lot of reading of books here. One of the advantages of living in a Tourist / Backpacker center is that there is a plethora of “used book” stores.

Usually when I find an author I like, especially a series of books, I stick with it until I have read them all. I found author John Sandford and was hooked.

Yes! It bites.

One learns to live with many critters and insects and flora here. The first lesson is; “Everything bites, stings, or hurts you in some way”!

Where the Heck Are You??

Not everyone is familiar with S.E. Asia. Here you will find maps with waypoints to the main locations with links to an associated story. Just click.