Northern Thailand, the Journey of a UW-Madison StuNorthern Thailand, the Journey of a UW-Madison StuI am a Wisconsin kid, born and raised. I was destined to be a Badger--a student at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. The year I spend in Thailand will be my first experience outside of North America. Relgions, especially the compassionate relig Articles
Online Photo Exhibition--"An Answerless Search?"
2008-05-11 19:01:00 For the last 9 months, I have called Chiang Mai , Thailand home. Today--May 12th--a sense of anxious accomplishment fills me as I begin my return trip to America. I wouldn't say I am ready to leave this beautiful country nor am I ready to leave the friends and influential people I have had the pleasure to be with; but, I am ready to return to Wisconsin and try and pass on some of what I have gained from Northern Thailand.I have spent second semester at Chiang Mai University studying Introductory Photo graphy with Ajarn Por. It has been an extremely rewarding experience, and I ended up putting many more hours into it than I had originally anticipated. I am deeply grateful to Ajarn Por for his instruction and encouragement throughout the semester. Through the experience of photography I have had the chance to interact with a number of Thai people that I probably would not have met without a camera in my hand and the courage to ask "????????????? (Can I take your photo?)": street mus... More About: China , Search , East
Compassionate Badger: a Blogger's New Direction
2008-05-07 12:48:00 I have spent the last nine months in Northern Thailand--developing this blog during that time. Shortly, I will be returning to Wisconsin and I see a need to change the focus of my blog a bit. For all you Thailand lovers, don't worry, I will continue to blog about this beautiful country.*********blog focues: ~ coffee (shops) ~ photography ~ places i (want to) visit ~ my IDEASbook review, reserach, and opinion & editorial topics: ~ globalization; ~ community empowerment; ~ sustainability and sufficiency; ~ government and politics; ~ economics; ~ history; ~ religion; ~ AND peaceregional areas of interest: ~ Northern Thailand ~ Wisconsin*********Let me know what you think--I am always open to ideas and suggestions. More About: Compassionate , Direction
Earth- & Birth- Day Wishes Welcome
2008-04-21 19:01:00 Brad turns 23 years old on Earth Day--April 22nd. Mother Earth is considerably older. Leave them both a little love . . .Beyond that, I have few words of wisdom at this time--I am busy trying to finish up all of my school work before my triumphant return. More About: Holiday , Festival , Birth , Wishes
Fall 2008 Classes at UW-Madison
2008-04-19 10:41:00 Here are the classes I registered for next year back at UW-Madison . Maybe it is interesting to you :-PAGRONOMY 100 - Principles & Practices of Crop ProductionECONOMICS 310 - Economic Statistics: Measurement in EconomicsHISTORY 123 - English History to 1688LCA 100 - Introduction to Cultures of AsiaLCA LANGUAGE 517 - Fifth Semester ThaiPE ACTIVITY 129 - Introduction to Yoga PracticeThese are not set in stone, but I don't forsee myself changing them. More About: Classes , Academics , Fall , 2008
Luang Prabang--a World Heritage Site Worth Your Time
2008-04-08 16:44:00 I had the incredible delight of spending 2 days and 2 nights in Luang Prabang (Lao.co.uk, Lao Embassy, UNESCO World Heritage , Luang Prabang 2 Day, Luang Prabang Travel, Wikipedia, Wikitravel, The New York Time s, Travelfish.org). Luang Prabang is a flourishing and small town that is beautifully situated on the banks of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers (they converge in Luang Prabang). Unfortunately, I left not getting to see and do everything that I wanted to. Oh well, this just gives me a reason to came back to Laos (a country I am falling in love with!) in the near future.The first night we arrived in Luang Prabang was pretty casual. Kim, Tyler, Sonja, and I decided to find a place to watch the sunset. We didn't have to look far--we walked to Phou Si (Lao translation: Holy Mountin), which is a large hill that rises from the center of the city. Phou Si has temples scattered on all sides, and we made our way up a number of steps to Wat Phra Bat Nua. A handful of younger monks were jok... More About: Holiday , Site
A Day on the Mekong--Chiang Khong, Thailand to Luang Prabang, Laos
2008-04-06 13:48:00 An American-style Breakfast was waiting for us when we woke this morning at 8:00a.m.at the Namkhong Guesthouse in Chiang Khong (ChiangKhong.com, iChiangRai.com, Wikitravel, Wikipedia, Travelfish.org. The breakfast and a take away lunch were included in the price of the package that we had purchased from Sabai Tours to get us from Chiang Mai, Thailiand to Luang Prabang, Laos . After breakfast a 9:00 a.m. ferry (also included in the package) took us to Laos across the the Mekong River (Wikipedia.com, Mekong River Commission, InternationalRivers.org, InfoMekong.com, MekongRiver.org), World Wildlife Fund). We obtained Lao Visas at the border for $36.00 (only U.S. dollars are accepted), and a taxi (included in the package) had us on our way to the fast-boat docks in by 10:00 a.m.When we saw what we would be riding in for the next 6 hours, Kim, Tyler, Sonja and I all took a second look. The low-riding boats were made to seat 8 (plus a driver). However, there didn't appear to be much leg r... More About: Holiday , Thailand , Festival , Photographs
Chiang Mai to the Laos Border--an Easy Trip
2008-04-05 16:13:00 A few days before Kim and Tyler arrived I booked a tour package from Sabai Tours that would take us from Chiang Mai , Thailand to Luang Prabang, Laos . We had two options: the fast-boat and the slow-boat. I opted for the fast boat which was a little more expensive--2300 baht vs. 1600 baht. In Pai (Pai Town--Accidents and Hippies blog entry) I had met a girl form Swenden, Sonja, who was interested in joining us for part of our trip through Laos, so I had booked four tickets. The first leg of our package was a 5 hour minibus ride from Chiang Mai to Chiang Khong (ChiangKhong.com, iChiangRai.com, Wikitravel, Wikipedia, Travelfish.org)--Chiang Khong is located in Chiang Rai Province and is separated from Laos by the 12the largest river in the world--the Mekong River (Wikipedia.com, Mekong River Commission, InternationalRivers.org, InfoMekong.com, MekongRiver.org), World Wildlife Fund).Today, the minibus ride was easy and comfortable. Our driver made a couple of stops along the way, an... More About: Trip , Easy
Hooked on 24
2008-04-01 10:06:00 So . . . I bought the first season of 24 at Central Airport Plaza in Chiang Mai . It cost around $10. Watched the whole season in 2 and a half days. David Palmer for President! Jack Bauer for Coolest Person Alive!I'll be purchasing the second season soon.p.s. This is no April Fools joke.
Pai Town--Accidents and Hippies
2008-03-30 16:15:00 To say the least, my first day to Pai (AllAboutPai.com, PaiThailand.info, PaiTown .com) was an adventure. My friend--Pat--and I had booked a mini bus trip to Pai a couple days before we had planned to leave. On Saturday morning, we left from the Old City in Chiang Mai and a three hour ride put us in Pai by 4 p.m. We decided to rent motorbikes during our stay so we could get around quickly (rental shops were easy to find and had affordable rates). After finding our mode of transportation we decided to find a comfortable place to stay for the night; and a row of bungalows along the Pai River suited us fine. Finally, it was time to get out and see some of the surrounding area. Pai is located in a valley, and green-covered mountains rise around it. For our first stop, we decided to head to a waterfall. Unfortunately, the water is rather low during this time of year, and Mo Paeng Waterfall was far from spectacular. Nonetheless, it was a beautiful day out and we were able to enjoy the weat... More About: Accidents , Hippies , Photographs
Aljazeera News
2008-03-25 09:05:00 A news source that is banned in the U.S.A. After watching it for a year, I understand that at times Aljazeera reports news in a biased way . . . but what news agency doesn't report in a biased way?!?!? . . . Fox Noise?!?!?To gain a fuller picture of world (and U.S.) news, you should really keep up to date on what Aljazeera is reporting.Thai people haven't turned into raving terrorists because of their access to Aljazeera . . . just a thought. More About: News
He is Risen but We are Still Sleeping
2008-03-23 09:07:00 I began to type this message to my cousin and then realized it was Easter--thought it was worth posting with a few amendments.------------------------------ -------------Chris--I am excited to return to Wisconsin this summer and involve myself in a presidential race that I have only been able to watch from afar. I have been inspired by the words of Senator Obama. He challenges pepole to think about issues that have been pushed aside in the recent course of history; despite the negative feelings that could arise from such issues, he offers hope for ways to deal with some of our countries largest unresolved problems: poverty, racism, an inability to respect the faith of others.In February of 2003 I helped to organize a small group of students at North High School to protest the beginning of the Iraq war. We rallied in front of the school and played John Lennon's "Give Peace a Chance" at 6 in the morning for 2 weeks. We got some honks and cheers from cars driving by. We got some middle... More About: Holiday , Sleeping , Festival
Picking Noses vs. Picking Teeth
2008-03-14 08:59:00 I might need someone else that has spent some time in Thailand to back me up on this, but I've been observing a weird phenomenon for a while now.On all the tables at restuarants are tooth-picks--a convenient little tool. I've gotten into the habit of picking my teeth after every meal. (Sidenote: Thailand has exceptional tooth picks; rarely do they get stuck in your teeth.) Anyways, I've noticed myself covering my mouth, as if to shield anyone from seeing me pick my teeth. After looking around, it's obvious that I've picked this habit up from Thai people. I'm not sure if it is taboo to pick your teeth without covering you mouth. Nonetheless, NO ONE does it. That isn't all that weird, huh? Maybe it is more sanitary.Here is the weird part . . . when it comes to picking one's nose, in Thailand, there is NO hiding it. Walking down the street, driving in your car, talking with a friend, etc.--the situation doesn't matter, nose picking is totally okay. There is no shiel... More About: Teeth , Picking
Back in Chiang Mai after 40 Hours on the Road
2008-03-10 09:55:00 1 van, 8 people, 8 provinces, 6 days, 40 hours on the road . . . its good to be back home. Thanks for the warm welcome Chiang Mai --even if the weather is a bit smoggy these days. More About: Back , Road , On The Road , Hours
Fieldtrip Day 6: Lopburi
2008-03-10 04:05:00 The last day of our fieldtrip was another early morning. We were sure to get an early start so we could get back to Chiang Mai earlier.Lopburi (formerly known as Lavo or Lawo during the Dvaravati period) was one of the important ancient towns of the Khmers from the 10th-13th century, but it probably dates back to prehistoric times. Many Khmer ruins can still be seen in and around the town. Later, Lopburi would come under the control of the Kingdoms of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya. During the Ayutthaya period, King Narai the Great established Lopburi as the second capital when he built a new palace with the help of French architects on the east bank of the Lopburi river . Most of the architecture of that time reflects the mixture of Thai and Western styles. After being nearly deserted for a number of years, the city was enriched again when King Mongkut of the present Rattanakosin period renovated the King Narai Palace in 1856. Additionally, in 1938 Field Marshal Phibunsongkhram began a pl... More About: Pictures , Central , Academics , Region
Fieldtrip Day 5: Nakorn Ratchasima, Prasart Phanomrung, Prasart Muang Tam,
2008-03-09 16:02:00 My sources were correct, the breakfast at Sima Thani Hotel was delicious. That made getting up at 6:30 a.m. a little easier.Our earlier morning stop was at the Shrine of Thao Suranaree in front of Pratu Chumphon (the western gate of the old city). This 19th century heroine was the wife of the deputy governor of Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand at the time of King Anouvong's rebellion of 1827. Thao Suranaree, together with a band of other local women, managed to defeat a Laotian invasion by getting the Lao soldiers drunk. Originally named Khunying Mo, she was given the name Thao Suranaree by King Rama III in recognition of her bravery. The statue at the Shrine was designed by Phra Thewaphinimmit (1888-1942) and sculpted by Silpa Bhirasri. It was erected next to the Pratu Chumphon on January 5, 1934.~the shines begins to rise over the statue of Thao Suranaree as people offer respect in the early morning~~Tham, Bret, Krathai, me (and Pat in the back) pose for a group shot~On the schedule f... More About: Pictures , Central , Academics , Northeast , Region
Fieldtrip Day 4: Chanthaburi and Nakorn Rachasima
2008-03-08 16:36:00 After an early start to our morning we had to say goodbye to the Gulf of Thailand. A short drive later put us in Chanthaburi, the province that borders Trat. Chantaburi has had a long history and has been greatly influenced by colonial and western forces. In 1893 French troops occupied Chanthaburi, returning it in 1905 when Thailand gave up ownership of the western part of Cambodia. A significant minority of Chanthaburi citizens are native Vietnamese, who came there in three waves--first in the 19th century during an anti-Catholic persecution in Cochin China; a second wave came in the 1920s to 1940s fleeing from French Indochina; and a third one after the communist victory in Vietnam in 1975. Chanthaburi has also been the seat of Diocese of Chanthaburi since 1944.Our first stop was The Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception, which is the largest church in Thailand. A first missionary chapel was built at the site in 1711. The chapel was enlarged and rebuilt four times during the nine... More About: Pictures , East , Academics , Northeast , Region
Fieldtrip Days 2 and 3: Phitsanulok, Trat, Hat Lek
2008-03-07 14:45:00 We got up early on Thursday morning so we could explore a couple of sites in Phitsanulok. Our first stop was Wat Prasri Ratana Mahathat Waramahavihara (also referred to as Wat Yai) which was built in 1357 AD during the reign of King Maha Thammaradscha I of Sukhothai. This temple is located on the bank of the Nan River near the Naresuan Bridge and houses a golden sculpture of the Buddha called the Phra Buddha Chinnarat. Many Thai people consider it to be the most beautiful Buddha portrait in Thailand. It depicts Buddha in the posture of submission.Our next stop was the Shrine of King Naresuan the Great who was born in Phitsanulok in 1555. King Naresuan the Great came to rule the Kingdom of Ayutthaya and extended its territory to the furthest reaches to date. 1591, remembers one of King Naresuan's greatest feats. The Burmese started to attack Ayutthaya, but the offensive was called off when the Burmese Crown Prince Minchit Sra was killed by King Naresuan in personal combat on elephan... More About: Pictures , East , Ocean , Days , Trat
Fieldtrip Day 1: Si Satachanalai, Sukhothai, Phitsanulok
2008-03-05 15:54:00 At 5:45 a.m. I was waiting outside my apartment building for a university van to arrive. A couple of barefoot monks made there way down Suthep Road in the morning darkness. The security guard from my building spotted me and came over to spark up a conversation. I told him I was going a Fieldtrip with other students from my program at Chiang Mai University. We were on our way to Sukhothai, Phitsanulok, Trat, Chanthaburi, Korat, Phimai, and Lopburi. This six day journey would lead us through 4 of the 5 regions in Thailand. We would see mangroves and ruins; markets and temples; elephants and monkeys. He wished me well and my travels, and I quickly ran into 7-11 to get a juicebox.By 6:00 a.m. the van had arrived and I climbed into the back row. Before long I was joined by the rest of my traveling partners. We had a van of 8: 3 U.S. students, 2 Thai students, the CYIT Program Advisor, the CYIT Program Secretary, and the driver. South was the direction of our travels and we set out for ou... More About: Pictures , Academics
PULL OVER!!!
2008-03-03 11:09:00 It is best not to need the services of an ambulance in any country. In Thailand, I think that need goes a bit further. Chances are you will be waiting for a while for the ambulance to arrive. Although sirens are blaring and lights are flashing, very few cars actually pull over to let these life saving vehicles through. I have yet to figure out this disturbing phenomenon. For now, it's probably best if I just warn you.And . . . for God's sake, if you see an ambulance in your rear view mirror, pull over! More About: Pull
Wat Chiang Man
2008-02-27 06:35:00 Wat Chiang Man, located in the heart of Chiang Mai 's old city, is the oldest temple in the city. It was built by King Mengrai (SimplyThai.com, ThaiwaysMagazine.com)--the founder of Chiang Mai--in 1296. King Mengrai was said have stayed on the grounds of Wat Chiang Man during the construction of the new city, Chiang Mai. He also spent the last years of his life at the temple.I went to Wat Chiang Man on a beautiful morning with my Thai Professor, Nan. We walked around the grounds and discussed the different aspects of the temple. In the main wihan, we found a dog napping on a monk's chair.~dog napping~~dog napping 2~Next to the main wihan is a smaller wihan that houses two important Buddha images. The Phra Sila, or Marble Buddha, stands 20 to 30 cm tall and is said to have originated 2500 years ago in India or Ceylon--this would place the origination of the image in the era of the life of the Buddha. The Phra Sae Tang Tamani, or Cystal Buddha, stands at only 10 cm tall and is though... More About: Pictures , Holiday , Festival
Huay Kaew Waterfall
2008-02-26 09:18:00 Huay Kaew Road runs across the front of Chiang Mai University, and is the road that runs up Doi Suthep mountain. Just past Chiang Mai Zoo and at the base of Doi Suthep is where Huay Kaew Waterfall is located. Recently, a local environmental group has been working hard to ensure that Huay Kaew Waterfall (ChiangMaiCitylife)remains as natural as possible. These are some of the easiest and closest falls to access from Chiang Mai city. They provide a relaxing and scenic get away for a couple of hours.~the falls~~the falls 2~~the falls 3~There are paths to climb to the top of the falls, but they are steep and without railings. Make sure to wear a good pair of shoes. Also, at the bottom of the falls is a small pool, which is a popular place to swim on hot days. Feel free to wear your swimming suit, or cool off in your clothes--I've seen Thai students swimming in their school uniform on more than one occasion. More About: Pictures
Chiang Mai Flower Festival
2008-02-02 10:34:00 On the first weekend in February, Chiang Mai hosts an annual Flower Festival (AllThailandExperiences.com, ThailandGrandFestival.com, WhatsOnWhen.com). The first Flower Festival was hosted in 1977, and the event has had a long history of success. The festival lasts for three days and Suan Buat Hat (a park) is the best place to enjoy the beauty. Saturday morning is when a parade is held, and floats and people are meticulously decorated with blooming flowers. There is also a Miss Flower pageant, floral arrangements, craft sales, cultural performances, and an abundance of food. This festival really captures the beauty and culture of Northern Thailand, and early February would be an excellent time to visit.~a view of the crowd~~a couple of floats move into place~~Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, Sister to the King of Thailand, died on January 2nd this year. She was 84 years old. The people of Thailand honorably remember her life of giving.~~a rabbit!~~can you believe t... More About: Pictures , Holiday
2nd Semester Begins
2008-01-17 07:23:00 I have begun my second round of study at Chiang Mai University. This semester I will be taking Thai Language and Black and White Photography. I will be gaining the rest of my credits by continuing my field research.I will try and keep you updated on what I am doing--would you like photos? :) More About: Semester , Academics
Happy to be Back in Chiang Mai!!!
2008-01-07 11:22:00 I'm back in Chiang Mai ! The 12 hour train ride from Bangkok was rather torturous. When I traveled from Chiang Mai to Bangkok I also took a train. However, it was a night train and I had a sleeper bed. If I travel any more long distances by train is will definately be at night! Check out the State Railway of Thailand's website if you are interested in the fares and schedules of trains in Thailand.Its good to be back in Northern Thailand and I look forward to the next 5 months. More About: Happy , Back
A Couple Days in Bangkok with Friends
2008-01-06 04:21:00 After spending some time on the beach, I returned to Bangkok (Bangkok.com, BangkokTourist.com, @Bangkok.com) for another couple of days. This time I was with friends, and it proved to be a much more enjoyable experience. We spent 3 nights in a hostel on Khaosan Road, the world renowned backpackers strip (KhaosanRoad.com, Wikipedia).We spent most of our time relaxing (and eating)--but I was unable to capture any images because my camera was still out of batteries.Some of the places that I saw on this visit include:- Chulalongkorn University: This university is the oldest in Thailand and is considered to be one of the most prestigious in the country. It has a large campus in downtown Bangkok and is a pleasant place to spend an afternoon.- Chao Phraya Express Boat: The Chao Phraya River (Wikipedia) is Thailand's largest river and runs through the heart of Bangkok. In the past, riverways and canals were a main source of transporation in Thailand. Today, public transportation still exis... More About: Friends , Couple , Days , Central
Pattaya, Si Racha, Koh Si Chang
2008-01-03 09:48:00 When I arrived back in Thailand, I was met at the airport by Pat and Sasha. I wanted to spend some time on the ocean before I returned to Chiang Mai. We chose to go to Pattaya because it was close to Bangkok. From the airport, we were able to take a charter bus for 110 Baht. We arrived in Pattaya and decided to stay at the Redemptorist Center. The Redeptorist Center is located on the same grounds as the Pattaya Orphanage and the School for Deaf Children which is operated by the Pattaya Orphanage Trust. Father Ray Brennan, who passed away 4 years ago, was the founder of the Fr. Ray Foundation. Upon the death of Father Ray, the management of the Pattaya Orphanage transferred to the Pattaya Children Support Foundation, a charity of the local Roman Catholic diocese. Today, the Pattaya Orphanage Trust works to carry on the programs that Father Ray began to help ensure better lives for poor kids in Southeast Thailand: the Street Kids Centre in Pattaya, the Drop In Centre in Pattaya, the S... More About: Pictures , East , Chang , Region
Final Thoughts on My China Trip
2007-12-30 06:46:00 Tyler and Kim's boss, Ms. Wang, took all of the teachers out for a Christmas lunch a couple days after Santa arrived. Ms. Wang was nice enough to allow me to join the group. We went to a beautiful, traditional-style Chinese restaurant located in the tea hills of Hangzhou. The food was appetizing and the famous green tea was comforting in the cool environment. Some of us were surprised by what we found in the soup (chicken feet and head), but it didn't stop us from eating it.~??? and Kirra showing off their chicken feet~~the chicken head in my bowl~~eating the chicken head--I bit out the tongue!~On another day, Kim and another teacher--Veronica--took me to Chenghuang Pagoda, which is located on top of Wushan Hill. Chenghuang Pagoda--the temple of the city god--was orignailly built in the Ming Dynasty in memory of Zhou Xin. From the temple, one is afforded beautiful views of the surrounding city and natural area.~Veronica and Kim walking up the stairs to Chenghuang Pagoda~~Veronice ... More About: Pictures , China , Thoughts , Final , Trip
Christmas 2008 with Friends in China
2007-12-25 17:43:00 Here in China , I am visiting my friends Kim and Tyler. Kim was a roommate of mine at the University of Wisconsin-Madison for a year, and I worked with both Tyler and Kim at der Rathskeller on campus for a summer. They have been really good friends of mine, and I was excited to get to visit them for Christmas --spending time with them has made it easier to be away from the States. Kim and Tyler have been teaching English at a language school in Hangzhou since February, and their one year commitment will be over in February. Then, they will be traveling for a month and a half (taking time to visit me in Thailand) before they return to Madison, Wisconsin to get married this summer.Kim and Tyler have been extremely welcoming since I've been in China. They have had to work, so I've been able to hang around their apartment and watch movies, read books, and recuperate before I return to Chiang Mai for another semester. On December 22nd, Tyler and Kim brought me along to their school... More About: Pictures , Friends , Holiday
Initial Impressions of China
2007-12-19 07:41:00 I landed in Shianghai after a 4 hour plane ride from Bangkok. Then, I got a coach bus to travel to Hangzhou (Hangzhou.org, Hangzhou.com, Hangzhou.gov, VisitHangzhou.com). By the time my two hour bus ride was over I really had to pee. However, the views along the highway had really made an impression on me--Whoa--this country's economy really is growing at 10% a year!~sitting in the back row of the bus on my way to Hangzhou~ More About: Pictures , China , Impressions
Traveling Alone in Bangkok
More articles from this author:2007-12-18 11:37:00 I decided it would be a good idea to spend a couple of days in Bangkok --a city with an estimated population of 15-20 million--before I leave for China. Although I know a couple of people in Bangkok, I spent the majority of the time exploring by myself. If I had to do things again, I would make sure that my first trip to Bangkok was with at least one other people. However, the trip wasn't all bad--just a little daunting. I was able to familiarize myself with the public modes of transportation--the Bangkok Mass Transit System (BTS) and the Mass Rapid Transit System (MRT).On my first day, I went to the Grande Palace and Wat Phra Kaew. However, I decided just to walk around the grounds and not to go inside the gates because the price was 250 Baht (I thought I was suppose to get a discount because I was a student). After the Grande Palace, I walked a short distance to the Bangkok National Museum. The entrance fee was 40 Baht, but I read a sign later that said students get in for ... More About: Pictures , Traveling 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 |
|
 |
|
 |
