On a recent cruise, March 2019, pirates in several speed boats hurtled at full speed towards the cruise ship as we sailed off the coast of Somalia. Their goal:  to hijack the vessel, crew and passengers for a handsome ransom. It was mid-afternoon on a clear day, when between 8-13 speed boats could be seen... Continue Reading →

The pitfalls of a week-long cruise are well documented:  weight gain, alcohol overload and altered sleep patterns are among the top symptoms.  But what happens when you triple the dose?  What pitfalls can you expect on a longer cruise and how can they be avoided? In the true spirit of experimental living I put myself... Continue Reading →

Rooftop bars are the perfect way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city for a breath of cool air and a few moments of serenity, much better than yoga. Chiang Mai can be a challenging place to live, particularly when the traffic and air quality is ghastly.  You sometimes just need to step... Continue Reading →

Chiang Mai is a strong hold of Buddhism, so you will see monks going about their business every day and  I have made a photographic study of them during my time in Chiang Mai.  

Transport options are plentiful in Chiang Mai, but which is the best? Well, I just got home from an outing in Chiang Mai and I feel like I’ve just sucked down two packets of Camel unfiltered, again, but I don’t mind this time because I feel like I’ve made a breakthrough.  So, here’s the options... Continue Reading →

An essential element of Cool Footing in a new location is learning how to source food.  Anyone who has lived in another world will tell you that adventuring to a new supermarket can be a daunting experience.  Suddenly you are illiterate and must rely on pictures and guess work. You won’t find large supermarkets you’d... Continue Reading →

While it can’t be said the Night Safari is on the ‘avoid’ list, it creates mixed emotions. The Safari grounds include zoo like enclosures around the main buildings in which some big cats: lions, leopards and tigers are housed in small spaces.  However, the actual safari grounds provide large, natural spaces in which the animal... Continue Reading →

It has been said that Lampang is the last paradise in Thailand.  It is a 2-hour train journey south-east of Chiang Mai and far from the tourist track, so it may keep this title for a little while yet.   Although it is the third largest town in Northern Thailand, it is considerably sleepier than the... Continue Reading →