Eight Days of Absolute Bliss (and Bootleg!)

Eight Days of Absolute Bliss (and Bootleg!)

I spent my first three nights on Thailand’s Samui Island, staying at beachfront hotel The Library, reading and recovering from jet lag. Then I moved over to the fitness/wellness resort Absolute Sanctuary, where I stayed eight days for a round of healthy living. The...
Transfer to Le Méridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa

Transfer to Le Méridien Koh Samui Resort & Spa

This photo shows a flooded street on Ko Pha Ngan. Next is the speed boat I took over to Koh Samui. My accommodations at Le Méridien Resort in Koh Samui were upgraded to a suite overlooking its own courtyard and private pool and outdoor bathtub. Very...
Sea Crossing to Ko Pha-ngan

Sea Crossing to Ko Pha-ngan

Ko Pha-ngan is an island off the central Gulf Coast of Southern Thailand forming part of the Chumphon Archipelago. Located halfway between the islands of Ko Samui and Ko Tao, it is known as a land of coconut trees and world famous full moon parties. To me, it is a...
Spirit Houses

Spirit Houses

With food this fresh and delicious I could imagine becoming 95% vegetarian. Today I took a taxi into town after the rain. I had several options for lunch including Indian, Italian, and Thai food. I ended up just wanting to come back to the Wellness Spa for healthy,...
Asia 2017 Departure… and Arrival

Asia 2017 Departure… and Arrival

It seems so long ago when last Tuesday I boarded the first of four flights bound for Koh Samui, Thailand. Once again aboard First Class on Cathay Pacific and with a first class book to read on the flight. An Introduction to Stories I Tell on Dates by Paul Shirley....
Life is Short, Don’t Hesitate…

Life is Short, Don’t Hesitate…

As I have been traveling on the other side of the world my thoughts keep drifting towards memories of my cousin Jay. There had been many times when Jay talked about someday joining me on one of my SE Asia trips. I realize that among my travel blog subscribers, many...
Hoi An, Vietnam

Hoi An, Vietnam

We boarded a short fifty minute flight from Dalat to Hoi An. The alternative option was a two day car trip. I must say that my sister Beth is the most enjoyable travel mate you could ask for. She is always cheerful, happy to undertake anything, and has a special gift...
Visiting Dalat, Vietnam

Visiting Dalat, Vietnam

This is my third visit to the cool mountain region of Dalat, an old French colonial town where wealthy residents of Vietnam had gone to escape the heat. Vietnam had been under French rule for 200 years and before that controlled by China. Only after the end of “the...
Hello… and Hip-Hop, Hanoi Style

Hello… and Hip-Hop, Hanoi Style

Greetings Friends and Followers, Indeed it has been a long time since my last vacation blog entry from “Where in the World is Gary.”  Today I would like to introduce you to Hanoi on my fourth visit to Vietnam.  The adventure started on a 787 Dreamliner from DFW to...