Howdy!First off, I want to continue showing my shameless appreciation for the political movement that is taking place and wish to openly congratulate Barack Obama for finally securing the Democratic Presidential nomination--I was fortunate to be staying in a place where I was able to see both his acceptance speech and Hillary's "campaign suspension" speech. I was moved by Obama's remarks and look forward to seeing him elected in November. I was also v...

Well, after uploading a ton of pictures I don't have the energy to put together a story about my recent travels...I will soon! Until then, here's a link to some new pictures with captions: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=39782&l=6107e&id=591780743 It is a hassle to use the internet here (and expensive too) so I will most likely get an update out sometime after I check out on Sunday. I'm doing very well--it's been a bit weird to be in such a luxu...

Hello Again my Friends!Today was such an interesting, reflective and "real" day for me. Not that each day I spend out here isn't--today was just special and different from the days I've had recently. I spent my time wandering the streets of Savanakhet, in southern Laos, on my own for the first time in over three weeks. Throughout my wanderings I have only seen a handful of westerners in this crumbling French-colonial Laos border town (Thailand lies j...

Sabadii!I have been traveling through Laos for about a week now and have found myself feeling continually exhilarated by the places I see and the experiences I encounter. I know that I have said it before, but I find it very difficult to sit still long enough to put my thoughts and feelings into words (especially in email form...).Let me relate to you one amazing experience that I had the good fortune of having. The second night that I was in Laos I, along with...

Hello Again My Friends and Family, It has been a busy, relaxing and, most of all, fun time over the last week or so. I haven't had time to really put my thoughts into words--I don't even have time now (I'm off to see some music with a friend). I am now in Chiang Rai and will be heading into Laos tomorrow for another chapter in my adventure. I spent the six days in Pai--the most beautiful and mellow area (that is still easily tourist accessible) I have been to...