<a class="proll" href="https://shop.Writing.Com/main/books/item_id/2032403-On-The-Write-Path">On The Write Path

Oct 28, 2025 at 11:15am
In response to "Roi Et, Suvanaphum, Surin"

Wordsmitty ✍️ Yes... I do. I need to accept that I'll never meet all of them.

Oct 28, 2025 at 3:17am
In response to "Roi Et, Suvanaphum, Surin"

You've got a lot of connections around the world. Keep traveling.

Sep 29, 2025 at 12:35am
In response to "Flygskam"

Wordsmitty ✍️ Thank you. I need as much encouragement as possible.

Sep 28, 2025 at 9:25pm
In response to "Flygskam"

So, I prefer some convenience, like not taking forever to get somewhere. I also realize that sometimes spending more gets more for the local folks and their economy (not always though).

I do try to play politics and avoid bad-people states and go to good. (does this mean I should be traveling more than staying home?

)

I try to avoid typical tourist clothes and just dress as normal folks do wherever I travel. I don't wear fancy, designer clothes, so sometimes I'm underdressed. I also don't do typical tourist tours or the mobbed-by-tourist attractions.

That doesn't mean I am unshamable, but don't hold perfect ideals against people that aren't perfect, and those that do aren't perfect either.

Best wishes on your upcoming trip. I'll be back home in a few days.

Apr 11, 2025 at 8:39pm
In response to "Modes of travel: train, plane, whatever's sane."

Wordsmitty ✍️ I remember something similar from growing up. Reminds me that I can't remember much any more.

Euro-American airlines aren't the best. They're basically Air Greyhound with wings and minimal service. Not as bad as traveling by mini-van in Thailand though; that can be brutal.

Apr 11, 2025 at 4:12pm
In response to "Modes of travel: train, plane, whatever's sane."

When I was little, we did family trips. My dad was a saleman, so we always drove, sometimes all day. We had a cooler in the back seat that mom could make snacks and sandwiches so dad could continue to drive. Sometimes we'd stop if there was a place to picnic.

International transportation always has better food and service than most of the US carriers. Of course, those seated beyond the curtain near the front have pretty good stuff. They never send leftovers to the back, even after you smell the cookies baking.

Feb 19, 2025 at 7:56pm
In response to "Travel 2025"

Cruises start in early May and go through September, but the rush is mainly June through August to attract families with kids.

Feb 19, 2025 at 7:46pm
In response to "Travel 2025"

Wordsmitty ✍️ I'm thinking of going off-off-season. Need to find when cruises start... and avoid them. I'm assuming that the ferry is fairly frequent. Hop off one day, hop on two days later? The details...

I haven't checked into prices for lodging. If it's like anywhere else in the US it'll be painful regardless of season.

May need more planning than Morocco or Costa Rica. May be more expensive. The advantage is that it's "close" and not ten time zones away.

Thanks for the link.

Feb 19, 2025 at 7:30pm
In response to "Travel 2025"

Be aware that Juneau in the summer becomes swamped with cruise ship tourists during most days. Avoiding the port area might mitigate some of that issue, but local sites will mostly be full. Sitka has more history. Didn't get to Ketchikan, so can't comment, but all have some cruise ships. Here's a site to check to get links to find out what ships are at ports each day. Good to know in advance wherever you are going that has a port, but especially smaller places than can get overwhelmed or become much different on ship days. https://www.whatsinport.com/

This comment is attached to a private entry, so it is not available.

November 21, 2025 at 3:22pm

#1102101

Photos... Nov 20 till...

Nov 20th posted Nov 21st 13:21

Dirty window, lovely sunrise! Orange and yellow and streaked. No time to clean the windowpane. I'm seldom up at dawn. 20.november.2025 #missoula, #mountsentinel, หน้าต่างสกปรก แต่พระอาทิตย์ขึ้นสวยมาก! สีส้มและสีเหลืองปนกันเป็นลาย ไม่มีเวลาทำความสะอาดกระจก ฉันไม่ค่อยตื่นเช้า #พระอาทิตย์ขึ้น

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=25627578250183457&set=a.101069823260984

November 2025 posted Nov 23rd at 1-ish.

Shimmering lights of the krathongs in Bueng Phlanchai in Roi Et for Loy Kratong in early November 2025. #RoiEt #Thailand #LoyKrathong แสงไฟส่องประกายของกระทงในบึงพลาญชัย ร้อยเอ็ด สำหรับเทศกาลลอยกระทงในเดือน พย 2568 #ร้อยเอ็ด #ลอยกระทง

November 20ish.posted Nov 23rd 18:30-ish
Rotting apples still clinging to the tree a couple days ago. A freeze Tuesday morning and snow on Thursday/Friday should take care of that. #missoula #montana #apple แอปเปิ้ลเน่าเกาะอยู่บนต้น พื้นที่จะหนาวจัดในเช้าวันอังคารและมีหิมะในวันพฤหัสบดี/ศุกร์น่าจะทำให้แอปเปิ้ลเหล่านั้นร่วงลงมา #แอปเปิ้ล Las manzanas pudren... ya viene la nieve y su caída. #manzanas 20.noviembre.2025.

November 13, 2025 at 1:32am

#1101525

Morlam

Isaan (NE Thailand) has a style of country music as well.

"Morlam หมอลำ is characterized by vocal leaps, a conversational singing style, and strong rhythmic accompaniment. The melodies can be flexible, changing to fit the tones of the words. Traditionally, lyrics focused on the hardships of rural life and were often accompanied by wry humor. Modern themes frequently explore unrequited love." from our old friend Wiki.

https://www.afana.org/morlam.htm#:~:text=Morlam%20music%20is%20also%20referred,s...(Lao).

The practical use for me is that it might fit a story poem about old age and rice fields.

Feeling abandoned by the younger generation gone to the city.
Old ways replaced by machinery and McDonalds.
The presence of fast change in a traditional culture.
The balance of ying and yang.
the rains giveth and taketh.

95.91

Why would someone move to Norway?

October 28, 2025 at 2:58am

#1100311

I understood why he moved to Norway.

My reasons for Thailand are similar.

I have a dear friend in Tromsø. I've been there 3 times. I would go back again.

91.20

Roi Et, Suvanaphum, Surin

October 27, 2025 at 8:20am

#1100245

To Neil:

1. I try to blog every day but some days it's just the basics so I don't forget. I need to do a blog entry focused on what I've learned about traveling, eating, staying places and the people!

2. I met a young man from Utah (his twin lives here too) and his wife from Hua Hin (she's from Surin). They have a daughter and a son.

3. I've taken a bus in the USA for 30+ hours; but, I was "younger". 14 hours *sigh* Yes, Mochit... I'd rather not have to transfer buses.

4. Suvanaphum is very old and important in the history of Roi Et. I do want to visit; but, my lack of Thai meant that I didn't figure out how to get there. I thought mini-van or songthaew. The bus to Surin goes there. Easy-peasy day trip. Now I know.

5. I plan to come back Dec-Jan-Feb but nothing is planned yet. I'd stay one month in Roi Et if I could.

6. I have Line (new to me) and Messenger.

7. I go back to the USA Nov. 10.

9094

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September 28, 2025 at 10:33am

#1098184

Flygskam

I need to think about the following excerpt from an article I found:

"Different Types of Travel Shaming We Face Today"

©unsplash

Environmental travel shaming includes Swedish flygskam, which became trendy just before the pandemic, since most air travel harms the environment. Political travel shaming occurs when you visit a hostile country such as North Korea or Iran or a place with a large indigenous population and a history of exploitation. Animal travel shaming happens if you go on a "Big Five" hunting expedition in Africa or even do a swim-with-the-dolphins experience from those concerned about animal welfare.

There's also luxury shaming, where people criticize others for staying in expensive hotels or flying business class, and cultural appropriation concerns when travelers participate in traditional ceremonies or wear local clothing.

Me:

1. Why use a plane? I use buses and trains when they are available. I like to look out windows and I'm not usually in a hurry.
2. Political: I believe in connection but I'm concerned about safety. These days that includes coming back to hostility by zealous officials.
3. Exploitation. Good point. People aren't in a zoo. But... I'd have to think further.
4. I'm not a hunter but can see how interaction with other species can help understanding. I don't ride elephants or horses but I eat hog and cow.
5. I'm a budget traveler so luxury is beyond my consideration. I don't need to be catered to.
6. I prefer to observe rather than participate, so that's one of my blind spots. It's more respective to join in when invited but I'm socially awkward.
7. I try to wear appropriate everyday clothing. I'd like to wear some traditional Thai clothing though when appropriate.

Need to think deeper.

85.94

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July 26, 2025 at 7:39pm

#1094169

Comments from the coffin #25

Misery

Comments from the coffin #18

July 26, 2025 at 7:31pm

#1094162

@ N'Orleans, Louisiana

Comments from the coffin # 3

July 3, 2025 at 11:55pm

#1092760

@ Peach Springs, Arizona.

Who needs a raft when I've got the boat I sleep in, snug-as-a-crypt and certified that it's sealed against intrusion by water, light or the deadly aroma of Greeks cooking Garlic.

I know a white-water guide, said hello to her today. Mandela was wearing a captains hat. The Grand Canyon? What's that. Level 3? Piece of cake, except for those that don't pay attention and do what she says. Their lives are in her hands and she refuses to lose any.

Ah... the Colorado...

No worse than some flights during thunder-and-lightning or a hearse with a bad suspension.

I have motion sickness, even after all these years... Sing it Simon!

June 6, 2025 at 5:14pm

#1090906

Communicating abroad

Wisdom found on the internet about Rick Steves: "When trying to converse with someone who speaks another language, Steves says to “Use what Voice of America calls ‘simple English.’” Just like you might know a few very basic words of the native language of the country you’re in, most people know at least some common English words. “Speak clearly… no contraction. No slang,” Steves advises. Speak slowly, for one, articulate your words and stick to the basics—both in English and the country’s native language. Full sentences are overwhelming and harder to follow for anyone new to a language. Steves gives a good example of what he’d say if trying to convey that his car was broken in Portugal: “Auto caput.” These words are pretty universally used and understood regardless of language, so it would do the trick."

In essence:

1. speak slow
2. speak clear
3. basics

I manage but I'd add: 4. patience is a virtue and 5. if you are frustrated don't show it.

I know about these because I've broken the rules many times.

I would also say: look people in the eyes, notice their reactions (facial and body), be careful using your hands (not appropriate in Japan, inadvisable in many places as gestures are not universal, don't point with the fingers, motion with an open hand). Oh... and good luck.

Remember that you can depend upon the kindness of strangers most of the time.

7629

April 26, 2025 at 8:18pm

#1088163

Thai haiku [42]

Bueng Phlan Chai, Roi Et

island within
an island — sunset
across water

[42a]

On the riverbank of the Pasak, Ayutthaya

slow river
eddies — herons perched
on garbage bags

[42b]

Bueng Kaen Nakhon, Khon Kaen

small white
poodle — coffee
and chit-chat

[42c]

Earth in Udon Thani

making roti
with banana — a sunny
smile

[42d]

Phimai

ruins behind
ruins — a rush to the
rest room

[42e]

Korat

unshod
devotion to Ya Mo —
butter buns

[42f]

Thao Suranari (Thai: ท้าวสุรนารี; 1771–1852) is the royally bestowed title of Lady Mo, also known as Ya Mo (ย่าโม, "Grandma Mo"),

Bangkok

Slur out loud —
volcanic outrage
erupts

[42g]

Suzie in Phuket

a tatted
foreigner — bikinis
poolside

[42h]