Archive for July, 2009
Welcome to America
By Thomas on July 29, 2009 | 5 Comments »
Most Americans would probably agree that it is quite easy to enter this country. But not so. All foreign visitors are subject to an intimidating pre-admission process. Starting on the plane, I had to fill out an entry form answering an array of questions and then sign away my rights to legally challenge any immigration disputes. Upon arrival, I was questioned by an agent and then required to give my fingerprints. Not just one print – but all ten fingers! And then came the face scan for facial recognition security software. “Please, Sir, look at the camera over here.”
As if that weren’t enough to make anyone feel like a criminal, the Department of Homeland Security has gone one step further with their new ESTA scheme. » Continue reading this post »
California, Here We Come…
By Tony on July 25, 2009 | 2 Comments »
…right back where we started from (before Berlin). And we’re doing it in style – in business class! A very lucky mistake on the part of Philippine Airlines resulted in our being bumped up to business class. Good food, seats that recline into a virtual bed, and, best of all, flight attendants that treat you like you matter. Oh, the pain, will we ever feel comfortable in coach again?!? I fear not.
So, what’s in store for us in the “new and improved” version of the United States? Will the Obama-nation feel any different? Will a soon-to-be-bankrupt California feel like we’ve landed back in India? Stay tuned for ContemporaryNomad.com’s coverage of the post-Bush America. Has it really changed? Don’t think we’ll pull any punches just because it’s my home country.
Money, Money, Money
By Thomas on July 21, 2009 | 3 Comments »
Abba was wrong, it’s not necessarily a rich man’s world. So how can you finance your next intercontinental extravaganza? It’s not as difficult as you might think. The only trick is, you’ll have to spend some money to make some money.
Our Swedish friends Emelie and Carl, who we met while traveling in India, had the brilliant idea to buy Indian textile items that would appeal to Westerners and then sell them in Sweden. During a recent trip to Calcutta, their entrepreneurial side quickly took over and they went shopping on a big scale. Scarfs, bedspreads, handbags, shawls, and other decorative items. I would have had a lot of fun with that.
But then came the shipping » Continue reading this post »
Rainy Days on Koh Chang
By Thomas on July 17, 2009 | No Comments »
I don’t know what the heck we expected when we headed for Thailand’s second largest island – sunny beaches and crystal-blue waters? Duh! Koh Chang is one of the wettest places in the country AND it’s monsoon. Not the ideal combination for beach bums.
So now, from different vantage points within our bungalow, we are watching sheets of rain pouring out of ominous clouds – and actually liking it. What’s most enjoyable is » Continue reading this post »
Khao San Road
By Tony on July 15, 2009 | No Comments »
Khao San Road is a travelers’ institution, a piece of backpacking history. Not so long ago this was THE hub of Southeast Asia, the ultimate intersection where travelers spent a few days rejuvenating on mango lassis while they exchanged travel tips and stocked up on the latest boot-legged cassettes. The street was lined with postcards, Nepal bags, some jewelry from Thailand’s northern tribes, and a few pharmacies. Any backpacker worth anything had been to Khao San. The street gained international attention in the 2000 film adaption of “The Beach”, starring Leonardo DiCaprio (and more importantly Tilda Swinton). Perhaps the focus was a little more than Khao San could handle.
Today Khao San feels like the place where manic Fort Lauderdale spring-breakers have crashed into the drugged-out Ibiza crowd. Embarrassingly goofy » Continue reading this post »
