Artist friends

I met Ismail Kadir in China in 2008 during the International Watercolor Masters Invitational. He is the best watercolorist in Malaysia, that is… when he’s home. I’ve never seen him at home though. I’m in southern Thailand now, probably a four hour drive from Ismail’s studio, and somehow couldn’t coordinate my schedule to drop in…

Thailand’s Islands

The Sea Gypsies that operate the long tail boats in the Andaman sea have made a great life for themselves, ferrying travelers between the hundreds of small dots of land in the turquoise water. Some of the islands jut straight up out of the water with sheer cliffs topped by lush jungle. They make for…

Ferries, islands and dreams

Sitting on the ferry to Ko Phi Phi I am reminded of many such water crossings I have had in my travels. Orcas Island, Wa and Ocracoke Island NC have been among my favorites. My family used to hitch a ride with the National Park Service boat to Horn Island regularly when I was a…