Short and Sweaty — Krabi Province, Thailand

Phra Nang Beach

My first term as an elementary professor finally came to an end and we had two weeks to kill before I had to head back to school for summer camp, so we threw some clean underwear in a grocery bag and ran down to Krabi Province on the western coast of southern Thailand, situated on the Andaman Sea. Koh Kwang, our little guesthouse, was located on the quiet Klong Mueang beach on the outskirts of the province and about half an hour from Ao Nang where all of the tourists flock for their imitation goods and charter boats.

Mandatory Vacation — Vientiane, Laos

The Mekong River

Any expat who’s lived or worked in Thailand will tell you that dealing with visas is a pain in the arse—especially if you don’t have a long-stay, work visa. Keeping your papers current is expensive and tedious, especially if you’re not near the border. Fortunately, my work permit went through and I was able to get a ‘multiple re-entry visa’ that is good for a year. Unfortunately, Reaksmey won’t have a job until May, so we have to deal with keeping her visa current. It’s all a moneymaking racquet in my opinion, and just goes to show that even if you’re living in the most laid-back country in the world you still can’t avoid red tape.