Southeast Asia Backpacker

Cycle Touring
Cycle Touring 701 404 Greg Ellifritz

Although I don’t think I would enjoy a long term cycle tour, the idea of biking around the world seems pretty cool.

 

This article covers the basics you need to understand before embarking on this unique mode of travel.

 

How to Travel by Bike – A Beginners Guide to Bikepacking & Cycle Touring

 

 

Haggling Tips
Haggling Tips 960 636 Greg Ellifritz

Bargaining and haggling in local markets is a favorite pastime for many tourists traveling in foreign countries.

 

I think the best advice about the bargaining/haggling process was written by Christopher Blin in the book Swimming to Angola.  In that book, he wrote:

 

“1) Think of what they want you to pay- eye level

2) What you want to pay- chest level

3) Where you are after bargaining- somewhere around the neck

4) What the locals would pay- knee to ankle level

5) What they would charge if you forgot to ask the price beforehand -above the top of the head

 

You win the game if you can keep your transaction within the “strike zone”- from knees to chest.”

 

If you want some more haggling tips, I think you’ll like the article below.

 

The Do’s and Don’ts of Haggling in Southeast Asia

Martial Arts Vacation?
Martial Arts Vacation? 2560 1912 Greg Ellifritz

Have you ever considered traveling for the sole purpose of learning or practicing a martial art?

I haven’t.  I did take a couple of Capoeira lessons on a trip to Brazil once, but the trip’s purpose wasn’t to do just that.

Capoeira sparring in the street in Paraty, Brazil. The agile capoeira guy is about to eat a roundhouse kick from the bulky, non-agile American.

 

If I did travel for training, it would be to Thailand to train Muay Thai at the world famous place where the kickboxing art was developed.

 

I’ve been to Thailand twice now.  On both occasions, I watched the local Muay Thai fights.  It was an amazing experience that I would recommend to anyone.

 

World famous Bangkok Thai boxing stadium

 

Did you know that you can go to Thailand just to train in Thai kickboxing once or twice a day?  Check out the article linked below to find out how to do that.  I may try it after I retire.

 

Everything You Need to Know About a Muay Thai Holiday in Thailand

 

Unsure about Muay Thai?  Check out the article History of Muay Thai – Thailand’s 600 Year Old Sport for more details.

 

I hope this inspires some of you to do some training in Thailand!