Hordes of screaming men possessed by their magic Sak Yant tattoos run wildly towards a shrine, crashing into the human shield of soldiers protecting it. Welcome to Thailand’s bizarre Wai Kru Festival. Each year over 10,000 people gather at Wat Bang Phra, a large Buddhist temple about an hour outside Bangkok to recharge the magic… Continue reading Possessed By Tattoos: Sak Yant Wai Kru Festival
Why You Shouldn’t Ride Elephants In Thailand
Everyone wants to ride elephants in Thailand. Including me. That was until I spent the day at an elephant sanctuary and learned the disturbing truth about this popular activity. Just imagine how incredible it would be to sit atop a massive 9 foot tall, 4-ton beast while lumbering your way through deep rivers and pristine… Continue reading Why You Shouldn’t Ride Elephants In Thailand
Blessed By A Monk: How I Got My Magic Sak Yant Tattoo
Over 40 people watched in silence as a famous Thai monk repeatedly penetrated my flesh like a sewing machine. His Sak Yant needle sent waves of searing pain into my back. Traditional Sak Yant (also called Sak Yan, or Yantra) tattoos are hand-etched onto the skin using ancient geometric designs mixed with Buddhist prayers. They are believed… Continue reading Blessed By A Monk: How I Got My Magic Sak Yant Tattoo
Why “Luggage Class” Is Much Better Than First-Class
Have you ever traveled luggage-class before? It’s like a billion times more awesome than first-class! These are just some of the reasons why. First-class. The envy of all travelers everywhere. It’s truly how the ultra-rich get from point A to point B with complimentary alcohol, ample legroom, top-notch service, and plenty of privacy. But hold… Continue reading Why “Luggage Class” Is Much Better Than First-Class
Are You Ready for Some (South African) Football?
We knew we were getting closer to the action as we approached hundreds of men & women armed with Vuvuzelas. These powerful South African weapons have a reputation for chaos & mayhem.Non-stop dancing in the seats… Rumor had it that football matches in South Africa can be a little crazy. This isn’t the “touchdown” kind… Continue reading Are You Ready for Some (South African) Football?
10 Super Fun Things To Do In South Africa
I’ve traveled to South Africa twice now. It’s one of my favorite countries and an adventure lover’s playground. Here are some great ideas for things to do there. The Republic of South Africa is a huge & diverse country teeming with wildlife & culture. It has a little bit of everything — dry deserts, high… Continue reading 10 Super Fun Things To Do In South Africa
Apex Predator: Cage Diving With Great White Sharks
Suddenly a great white shark barreled towards me with black zombie eyes and razor sharp teeth only inches away from my face. Would this be my last adventure? Luckily the cage stopped it. I was shark cage diving in South Africa and adrenaline was coursing through my body. Great white sharks are the ocean’s most… Continue reading Apex Predator: Cage Diving With Great White Sharks
Waves For Change: Community Outreach Through Surfing
Volunteering in Cape Town with Waves for Change was a highlight of my trip to South Africa. They use surfing to provide health and education support for township kids. Life in South African townships can be rough. Many communities are plagued with high crime, drug use, and murder rates. Kids drop out of school to… Continue reading Waves For Change: Community Outreach Through Surfing
Rafting In The Desert & Swimming To Namibia
Local legend says the Orange River is home to a mysterious monster that’s been eating people and livestock for 2000 years. Would rafting it be safe? Tales of the dreaded Orange River Monster weren’t going to stop me from rafting down this unique oasis of life in the heart of a desolate desert environment. Richtersveld… Continue reading Rafting In The Desert & Swimming To Namibia
Durban’s Big Rush: The World’s Craziest Rope Swing!
Three, two, one, jump. I stepped off the catwalk and into the void, falling 288 feet with my stomach in my throat. The world’s tallest rope swing is a big rush. I seem to have an addiction to extreme heights lately. Hiking Spain’s Caminito del Rey, floating through the sky in a hot air balloon, and now… Continue reading Durban’s Big Rush: The World’s Craziest Rope Swing!