I began writing my Travel Letters during the summer of 2001 while on holiday in The Balkans. My intention was to document the trip and share some experiences with my family and friends. Since that summer I have mailed more than two hundred letters from Asia, Australia, Europe and South America.
Quite unintentionally, the letters have evolved into more than simple documentation and entertainment. Do they educate just a little? Since I am a teacher, this evolution was inevitable.
Bangkok
January 6, 2012
Hello,
Years ago, one of my first Travel Letters from Thailand began with something like this: “I am stretched out on a chaise lounge, watching the sun set in the mountains beyond the River Kwai.”
Another letter began, “I am relaxing at a restaurant in Koh Chang, watching the fishing boats slide along the waters of the Gulf of Siam.”
The most recent letter described my sunset stroll around the Pyramids.
So, my friends, are you curious as to where I am lounging this very day? The answer is, “I am lying flat on my ass in Room 935 in Bumrungrad International Hospital!” Read more »
Cairo
The Arab Republic of Egypt
December 23, 2011
Dear Family and Friends,
For the final day trip of our visit to Egypt, my friend Ralph Velasco and I considered three possible destinations: the Suez Canal, the Camel Market or the agricultural area south of Cairo. We decided to head south, out of Cairo, to explore the area and see the sights.*
December 22, 2011
Dear Family and Friends,
Despite the heavy traffic and the early morning smoke and fog, my group’s day of sightseeing in Cairo included several memorable stops. The Saladin Citadel. The Muhammad Ali Mosque. Virgin Mary Coptic Church. The Ben Ezra Synagogue. The Egyptian Museum. Can you guess which one is my favorite?
December 21, 2011
In 1952, Sue Thompson recorded the hit song "You Belong to Me." Later it was covered by Patti Page, Jo Stafford, Dean Martin, Patsy Cline and Bing Crosby. My favorite rendition is in the Doo-wop style by The Duprees in 1962.*
The opening lyric of the song is "See the Pyramids along the Nile...."
I suppose it is the dream of many people around the world to "See the Pyramids."
Alexandria
Egypt
December 20, 2011
Dear Family and Friends,
The four hour ride northwest from Cairo to Alexandria is less than scenic but Alexandria itself is a worthy and picturesque city.
Bangkok
October 10, 2011
Monday Afternoon
Grey Skies
Fog, Low Visibility
Pouring Rain
Dear Friends,
I am OK.
I live on the ninth floor of a modern apartment building. So far, the streets in my neighborhood are passable. From my balcony I can see the canal. Despite the rain, the flood waters descending from the north, and the high tides in the Gulf of Siam, the canal is at a normal level and the commuter boats are operating.
I have my usual supply of fresh fruit, juice, dried fruit and nuts. And as long as the electric power is on, I have coffee and three different kinds of tea. Food is available from the shops on the street and at the food court at Bumrungrad Hospital just up the street. If things really get bad, there is a McDonalds, au bon pain, KFC, Burger King, Starbucks and Pizza Hut in my neighborhood. But I am not yet that desperate.
The big story here is Floods.
Bangkok
Tuesday
Hello,
I am back home in Bangkok, hoping for the best. #
My trip to Hua Hin with my friend Noy was quite restful and even productive.
In addition to beach time, we made a short bus trip north to Phetchaburi where we visited the Wat Mahathat Worawihan and the Khao Wang Palace.
Moscow
September 28, 2011
“Is there anything ugly in Russia?”
“How did you learn to read the Russian alphabet?”
“What are your roots?”
My Travel Letters from Russia generated these three challenging questions.
The surprising question came from my loyal friend Dodie Edwards in Texas. Dodie asked, “Is there anything ugly in Russia?” Dodie was responding to my predilection to photograph only colorful, historical structures, or dramatic scenery, and the occasional attractive gal or guy.
Moscow
Russia
September 27, 2011
My Dear Jan,
I am so disappointed in you!
Two weeks ago, I read in your initial letter from Moscow that you were reluctant to travel alone on the Moscow Metro. Reluctant?!
Yes, I know that there are no signs whatsoever in English. But you were afraid? And are you so lazy that you can't learn to read at least a few Cyrillic letters so that you can identify the Russian word for "entrance" and "exit”? Reluctant? Shameful!
Then you said that you were terrified? Terrified? Shocking!
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