September 1, 2013
by Kevin Cook
3 Comments
Hercules beetles are strange, intimidating insects. Holding a string that acts as a leash around the beetle’s top horn, Thai children send their prized pet beetles to battle. On a bored Saturday night, I documented a clash of these ferocious … Continue reading
August 20, 2013
by Kevin Cook
5 Comments
As a blogger you’ve gotta ask yourself: Who’s actually reading my work? Arguably the most rewarding aspect of blogging is building an audience. I mean, unless others are reading your blog, then it’s just an online diary (not that there’s … Continue reading
August 17, 2013
by Kevin Cook
4 Comments
Four months ago I left America to pursue a life of perspective and personal growth and I’m certainly finding what I set out for. Living abroad has lifted a veil, both in my perception of the future and my reflections … Continue reading
August 1, 2013
by Kevin Cook
8 Comments
Managing an English camp at a Thai school can be an exhausting trial of improvisational grit. At least that’s how I’d describe my first camp experience a couple of days ago. With very short notice, a few foreign teachers and … Continue reading
July 29, 2013
by Kevin Cook
6 Comments
Backpacking and living abroad are not the same thing. Backpacking involves frequent migration to new cities and countries until your savings are depleted. Living abroad is experiencing the lifestyle of a single foreign country for a prolonged period. Both are … Continue reading
July 14, 2013
by Kevin Cook
11 Comments
Imagine that you’re the only teacher in a classroom of 45 rowdy Thai high school students. They’re texting on their phones, screaming in a foreign language, kicking each other, and climbing on desks. How the hell are you supposed to teach … Continue reading
July 7, 2013
by Kevin Cook
10 Comments
DURIAN. This offensively stinky fruit has been on my wish list of foods-to-try. The time has come to put the durian’s rotten reputation to the test! Watch this short video about my experience with the “king of fruits” here in northern Thailand.
July 6, 2013
by Kevin Cook
11 Comments
BANGKOK—My cross-country bus heading 700 km to Pua is scheduled to depart Bangkok in 30 minutes. I’m standing on the sidewalk, cars gridlocked on both sides of the road. No taxicabs available and I’ve got to travel 14 kilometers to Mo … Continue reading
July 2, 2013
by Kevin Cook
15 Comments
Thai people roaming and working the streets of Bangkok are an eclectic collection of hustlers, monks and nomads. During a recent stay in Thailand’s largest city, I took photos of them. Check out my 30 favorite photos below.
June 9, 2013
by Kevin Cook
12 Comments
Rusty little outdoor gyms are scattered all over the place in Thailand. These rudimentary exercise facilities sit on street corners, curbsides, public parks, alleyways. Their function is simple: get Thai people PUMPED. Unfortunately, they don’t seem to be working.
June 6, 2013
by Kevin Cook
13 Comments
No doubt, Bangkok’s bright lights have a tempting allure. But don’t forget about small town life in Thailand. For those who enjoy clean air, friendly locals and a laid-back lifestyle, small town living might be for you. Here are 3 … Continue reading
May 20, 2013
by Kevin Cook
22 Comments
The first day of teaching English at a Thai school is intimidating. With a 120-hour TESOL course behind me and no prior teaching experience, I dove in head-first. The only administrative guidance I had was a piece of paper with … Continue reading
May 12, 2013
by Kevin Cook
11 Comments
Pua Nan is a small town located in far north Thailand. This little community in the mountainous region rarely receives foreign visitors. The outsiders that do venture here receive both a warm embrace and curious stares.
May 5, 2013
by Kevin Cook
3 Comments
For only a few US dollars, you can receive an hour-long Thai massage pretty much anywhere in Thailand. In fact, Thailand is so saturated with massage parlors that it makes you wonder how any of them stay in business. I … Continue reading
April 29, 2013
by Kevin Cook
0 comments
The muggy air in Thailand is seductive. You don’t want it to invade your space but it gets under your clothes and makes you wet anyways. Stepping out of the airport terminal in Thailand for the first time, the air … Continue reading
April 9, 2013
by Kevin Cook
77 Comments
Out of 193 possible countries to inhabit, why live in Thailand? A good question. Check out these 5 reasons why I left America to live in the “Land of Smiles.”
April 1, 2013
by Kevin Cook
9 Comments
Leave America to gain a new perspective in a foreign country. It’s a bit extreme, but the idea of it creates clarity of mind – knowing that in a few weeks, everything familiar will end.