Young Barack Obama

"Caught without a class, a structure, or tradition to support me, in a sense the choice to take a different path is made for me. The only way to assuage my feelings of isolation are to absorb all the traditions [and] classes; make them mine, me theirs."

“The only way my life makes sense is if, regardless of culture, race, religion, tribe, there is this commonality, these essential human truths and passions and hopes and moral precepts that are universal. And that we can reach out beyond our differences. If that is not the case, then it is pretty hard for me to make sense of my life. So that is at the core of who I am.”

-Barack Obama

Young Barack Obama in Love

Happy Valentine's Day.

Wandering Plans

It's been a little over two weeks since I arrived in Bangkok. I've explored a bit of the neighborhood, checked out the bar scene on Sukhumvit and the clubs of RCA, and made one friend. Things are off to a good start.

Today was pay day so I finally finalized my upcoming visa run to Singapore (I'm only allowed 30 days in Thailand at a time). I knew I'd see Singapore again and I can't wait to spend a weekend out in Clarke Quay with my buddies. I'm staying with my friend, Mel, and will be included in her family's Chinese New Year festivities... I can't wait to be surrounded by the Singaporean accent, mini-orange trees, and red envelopes.

Catch up with me in Singapore from February 15 - 17.

My friends and I also booked our tickets and accommodations to Krabi for my colleague's birthday. I stumbled upon Railei Beach Club and found the perfect beach bungalow for our group. Railay is known for its beautiful limestone cliffs (world-class rock climbing) and white sand beaches. So when we're not out trekking the jungle, swimming in the ocean, or lounging on the beach - this house is going to be perfect for taking in the serenity of a tropical paradise. Just one more month!

Meet us in Krabi from March 8 - 10.

Then it's time for another visa run. Does anyone have recommendations for an overnight trip? I'm thinking Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, or Malaysia.

And because I can...

Here is a family picture of me, Mokey, and Zeus from Small Point, Maine 2013

It was Mokey's 4th birthday on February 2nd. This big puppy is just as much of a tumbleweed as her mama. She's been a regular at the dog parks of Washington, DC, Maryland, New Jersey, and Maine. She's one of the most loved dogs I know - I'm so lucky to have friends that would take care of her at a drop of a dime.