Magic Theatre Poetry Reading Video

A few weeks back I had the opportunity to be a featured poet at an event called Magic Theatre Poetry. It is an event that occurs monthly in Chiang Mai. While there are a few moments that make me cringe in this video, I'm happy with the progress I've made as a poet. Even with the slip-ups, a couple sneaky "ums", and more than one momentary lapse of memory, I want to share this accomplishment with those who follow this blog.

Please enjoy my first feature set!


Track Lis/Start Time:

1: Haiku #1
   (1:05)
2: Illegal Pete's Poem
   (1:45)
3: Terrance Crutcher
   (5:13)
4: Lock Box
   (8:07)
5: Concerning Death
   (11:40)
6: And then the Bass Hits
   (17:00)

Laughing Makes the World Go Round - How humility and laughter lead to a more open existence

Off to do laundry, or boldly showing off a new trend in cranial protection?

An important practice for traveling (as well as living an open-minded lifestyle) is shedding yourself of cultural lenses. These, of course, are the viewpoints and understandings we have of the world based on our upbringing. We use them to perceive and judge our current surroundings. Shedding our lenses, seeing the world with open eyes, helps us to see the beauty in everything, even if it doesn't fit the framework of what we previously have come in contact with. While we all seek to become the type of person who can blend in like a chameleon, does that mean we shouldn’t be taken back when we see something truly bizarre? Truly bizarre, that is, according to the lens in which we are trying so hard to remove? For myself, I believe that being able to acknowledge something that challenges your familiar footing, knowing full well that this is normal for everyone else around you, is perfectly acceptable, as long as you can palate the same dish once it is served to you.

Here’s an example: yesterday, while driving to a waterfall in northern Thailand, I saw two students riding together on a single motorbike (see above). This, of course, while not something I see a lot in the states, is very normal for Asia. I, too, was riding on a single motorbike with a friend at the time. What deviated from my normal image of Thailand, striking me as bizarre and humorous, was that one of the students was wearing a helmet, while the other was wearing a full-size washing bucket to protect his noggin. I’m not talking a small, nearly-fitted bucket. I’m talking something that could nearly be used as a kiddie pool. While this made me giggle, the truth is it isn't the first time I've seen bizarre headwear while traversing the streets in Southeast Asia. Does that mean, though, that even if it tickled my funny bone, I shouldn't enjoy a little giggle at something that seems so different to me in an attempt to become more culturally appropriate? I don't believe so.

Those who have the ability to be laughed at for things they do and love, but may be wacky or bizarre to others, have no problem doing the same when they see something bizarre and wacky. The reason being is that it comes from a place of love and humility, and a place of understanding. Do I fully understand why this Thai kid was wearing a bucket instead of a helmet? No, but I understand that he was doing it for a purpose, and that he does him and I do me. And here in lies the beauty of diversity; acknowledging that we are all different yet exist in the same place. The truth is that that this truth is funny. The immense differences between one culture to another can be downright hilarious. They can also be beautiful. They can be inspiring. The can be intriguing.  If we can see this, and be humble, then we quickly realize the differences and diversity is what makes the world stay interesting and wonderful. 

I didn't get my letter, but I snuck onto the Hogwarts 
Express anyway. If you dress like this, be prepared to be 
laughed at.

In Thailand, I’ve seen full families on a single motorbike. In fact, this is a regular occurrence. I’ve seen people rope enough materials to fill a truck bed on the back of their scooter, as well as a man drive through a brick and mortar restaurant during dinner time because it was the fastest route to his home. It’s bizarre to me, but it’s normal here. This is a small example and not only OK but, in fact, it's great. On that same note, I’ve seen westerns walk through the street shirtless (not a good idea), do acro-yoga in the middle of a park to the amazement of local folks, slack line, juggle, or participate in other eye-catching, yet strange behavior, that made Thai’s stop, stare, and giggle. Without the giggles from the Thai folks, and some humility on the hippies playing, this culture interaction may not have occurred. We are all weird, not only to different cultures but to ourselves. So why not bath in this gloriously strange concoction we are all a part of? 

Part of being a good traveler, let alone a good person, is being able to acknowledge a different way of thought, interact with it, but also be OK with realizing it isn’t your cup of tea. Without knowing your own lens, your own culture, this is impossible. Along the same lines, with only knowing your own lens, your own culture, this is still impossible. There is a Aristotle quote that states “…it is the mark of an educated mind to be able to entertain an idea without accepting it,” which perfectly describes this phenomena. You don't have to accept every culture, thought, or way of understanding as your own, but for any sort of balance to occur, you need to learn to interact with them.  As stated a few times before, what it comes down to is humility. Humility renders the ability to laugh at ourselves for our short comings or bizarre habits. It opens our hearts, allowing us to laugh at and with others firmly rooted in the basis of mutual respect and gratitude. 

Being alive with an open mind is wonderful, but don’t starve yourself of being wowed by something so different, so foreign from what you know that it brings you to laughter, tears, or awe. Just know that as mind boggling as this sight may be, your next action may render a reciprocal result. Maybe this mentality isn’t for everyone, but if I ever stop begin wowed by jerry-rigged repair jobs, full families on a single motorbikes, or seeing a dude rocking a wash basin on his head instead of a helmet, I know I've taken a wrong step somewhere, and need to regain my footing. 

Where I come from the police street performances aren't normally fun for everyone, they typically involve beatings...

Photos courtesy of author and friends

Images of the Sunshine Network Massage School in Lahu Village

There is no lack of abundance of massage in the northern region of Thailand. While one can get a massage anywhere around the country, professionals and interested parties alike have begun to gravitate to the north to receive, and learn, the ancient trade. For myself, I decided to mix my massage with a bit of off-the-grid living, heading to a course in a Lahu Village between Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai (run by the Sunshine Network). Through rooster wake-ups to veggies and khow neeow for every meal, living in the small village was an adventure every minute of the day. Enjoy some photos from the 12-day immersion course.




My beautiful lodgeing



The main cafe in town, fresh with some new supplies




The view from the top of the world




Early morning fog on the mountain. Sounds like a folk song to me




The ensuing monsoon




more and more rain




One of the guard dogs




An inhospitable house guest




The course in full swing




Action shot!




Letting my healing flow




Breakfast each morning




Jefar looking like he has a little back pain




V for Vendetta?




Ain't no party like a Lahu party




"Coming to save, the mother f*cking day, yeah!"




Our group on the massage-free afternoon outing





Lahu surfing




Our thrown




ditching our massage course for tango





How I feel when I see sticky rice and veggies on the 10th day




The mangy cat not happy with paparazzi




Lahu at its finest




A rare glimpse at Beetle Nut teeth




spooky




Massage school in all its glory

Happy travels!

What foreigners (farangs) should know before getting a traditional Thai massage

Before coming to Thailand, I had only heard about Thai massages being associated with pain…and possibly happy endings. While both of these things CAN be part of the bill, there is far more to the traditional massage than most tourists care to discover. While getting a massage in Thailand is on most people’s do to list, it isn’t something that should be taken lightly. Massage is an ancient tradition in this part of the globe. Wise travelers will come in with some sort of understanding as to what they are getting themselves into. Here are a few good pointers to know before strapping in for a crazy couple hours of existence.

1.) Thai Massage is ancient and rooted in tradition- Much like in the Far East, Thailand bases a lot of its health care on massage, chiropractics, and herbal medicine. Well trained masseurs in Thailand give thanks to “Dr. Shivaga,” and “Komarabhat,” whom are both, “…loved by all the deities.” Thanks is given pre- and post-massage, which is also supposed to be performed in a meditative state.

2.) It is sensual, not sexual – While these two terms are often associated, sensuality doesn’t inherently have to be sexual, much like Thai massage. In fact, the great part about the massage is the desexualization of certain body parts whom are often overlooked. Thai massage may touch parts of the body like the bum, chest, and upper thigh, but it isn’t because the masseuse is trying to insinuate something. These parts of the body hold tension and need to addressed just like the arms, legs, back, and shoulders. For those interested, there is even an entire school of massage devoted just to sexual organs known as Karsai Nei Tsang, which works in a completely non-sexual fashion.

3.) The massage is based on energy lines, not necessarily anatomy – While all of the well trained masseurs in Thailand have a solid understanding of anatomy, the traditional massage is based on energy lines or “prana,” lines. The idea is rooted (giving insight into where the traditions migrated from) in Indian philosophy, helping patients re-root and center themselves through focused, concentrated efforts on the part of the masseuse.

4.) Traditional massages hurt, but that’s a good thing – If you are looking to have a nice, relaxing massage with someone gently caressing your back, traditional Thai massage isn’t for you. Traditional massage is much more rooted in the deep tissue philosophy. The truth is the pain is all part of an overhaul of your system that positively affects your body. The body holds tension in certain areas, and unless these areas of issue are addressed, you will suffer from long term problems. Releasing this tension helps in the overall efficacy of your body, while expelling built up toxins. The result may be an hour or two of pain, as well as a day or two of soreness, but your body will love you afterwards. Make sure to rest, stretch, and drink plenty of water for 24 hours after your first couple massages to reap full benefits.

5.) Becoming emotional during the massage is normal – While it doesn’t fall in line with western thought, many philosophies believe that coiled muscles hold repressed or harbored memories. These recollections, which we somehow stymied to experience fully, build up and play a role in the soreness and coiling of muscles. Patients who fully accept the sensation during a massage often find themselves experiencing a myriad of emotions beyond that bestowed by the physical touch. These sensations are normal, showing that the massage is working on the physical and emotional level.

6.) One Massage isn’t enough – Thais typically receive massages at least once a week. While just getting one doesn’t hurt (phrasing?), the impact of traditional Thai massage is fortified with reoccurring exposure.

7.) Thai massage is a cultural experience - The fact is, Thai people can come off as a little rough around the edges. In fact, Thai people are metaphorical coconuts. Though they have a tough exterior, inside they are sweet and nurturing. You just need to foster relationships to get to the center. Thai massage, though extremely tough on the exterior, is something that has deep roots. Once understood, it has fantastic results much further than what is seen on the base level. Those interested just need to put in some work to understand the process completely.


8.) Above all else, Thai massage should be relaxing – I swear this is true…it just isn’t relaxing in an oil massage on a secluded beach type manner. With massage being a sometimes bi-weekly thing for Thais, the atmosphere surrounding it begins to resemble daily life. The best massage places are the ones in a small space, with multiple mats in one room. The masseurs and customers will be doing normal things like talking on their cell phones or watching Youtube music videos. Thai massage is a regular facet of life, and once you figure out how to be calm and relaxed in normal, day-to-day life, you are going to be more relaxed in general. Those fully profiting from the benefits of Thai massage will find themselves asleep or in trance amidst all the chaos.




Photo courtesy of Siam Thai Massage

21 of my favorite photos from a year abroad

In May of 2012 I quit my job to embark on what I thought would be a six month trip to Southeast Asia. I'm now currently beyond the 12 month mark, and no ending is apparent in the foreseeable future. This past year and change has been one of the most inspirational I've ever lived. Also, this past year has been one of the most challenging and eye-opening. While all the things I've seen, done, and experienced will most likely never be replicated, they will be remembered and impacting. Traveling comes with a lot of time for introspection and reflection, and if done right, the lessons learned while abroad will stay with us for a lifetime.

While everyone has their own medium for reflection, sometimes it is good to branch out and try different methods. I prefer to write, but recently I've been gaining a lot from looking through and editing past photos. Though photos can never really do justice to the places we've been, the people we've met, and the things we've done, spending time with them can help us remember. Here are a few of my favorite photos from the past year abroad. Enjoy!



My first motorbike, purchased in Thailand, driven through Laos and Cambodia. Here she is in Vientienne in Laos right before I got pulled over and almost forced to pay a bribe.




Muang Noi is a tiny town in northeastern Laos. My 4 days there were spent in incredible scenery with an incredible travel partner.




A newly discovered Beatles sex tape




The Prabanan Hindu Temple in Jogjakarta, Indonesia at sunset



Take 2




A selfie on a scooter ferrie from mainland Malaysia to Pulau Penang




A beautiful view of Penang from a top a Chinese Temple




One of the many temples on the island of Penang, in Malaysia




Don't be tricked, these guys are bastards. Monkeys outside of Batu Cave in Kuala Lumpur, Malyasia




Young monks braving the heat in Bagan, Myanmar




Transporting a mirror in Mandalay, Myanmar




Sledding in Nong Kiaw, Laos




An abandoned French settlement in southern Cambodia




Inspirational street art in Melbourne, Australia




One of the three multicolored lakes on the island of Flores in Indonesia




This little girl sat quietly in her box as a group of 5 little boys her age went nuts on all the tourists. 4000 Islands in southern Laos




Some people have trucks, others have 125cc scooters. Bandung, Cambodia




Paradise. Koh Russei, Cambodia




Monkeying around in Sumatra, Indonesia




The tail end of a lovely sunset in Muang noi