Jun 10, 2013 Posted by Alex

My Travel and Blogaversary: Year Two

Yesterday marked a very special anniversary for me: Two years of remote self-employment, two years blogging away here at Alex in Wanderland, and two years of living nomadically. It’s been a trip, in every sense of the word. From attempting drysuit diving in the frigid waters of Iceland to becoming a Divemaster in the warm seas of Indonesia, from throwing back $15 cocktails at a private VIP room in... read more

Jun 9, 2013 Posted by Alex

Photo of the Week 104

Happy Sunday, everyone! I hope wherever you’re reading this post is as beautiful as where I’m writing it from — my sunny backyard in Albany, New York! This week has been a quiet one for me as I focus on website updates, finishing up freelancing projects, and tackling my never-ending inbox avalanche. I snapped this photo while walking my canine nephew Boo in Rochester. I stopped to visit... read more

May 28, 2013 Posted by Alex

Photo of the Week 102

Greetings from New York! I’ve been back in my favorite state for a full week now, and I’ve managed to squeeze in a quick visit with friends in Brooklyn, half a dozen NYU graduation celebrations for my sister, familypalooza with the out-of-towners that came to our party in Albany, numerous trips to Chipotle, and strep throat. That last one has been especially fun. I flew back on the specific... read more

May 9, 2013 Posted by Alex

The Great Escape: Month 20 Roundup

Since I left home for my Great Escape, I’ve been doing monthly roundups of my adventures filled with anecdotes, private little moments, and thoughts that are found nowhere else on this blog. As this site is not just a resource for other travelers but also my own personal travel diary, I like to take some time to reflect on not just what I did, but how I felt. You can read my previous roundups here: Month... read more

Apr 25, 2013 Posted by Alex

A Leap of Faith: Deep Water Soloing in Thailand

One might think learning to rock climb would be enough accomplishment for a week in Railay. But if you know me you know that if there is an adventure to be had, I’m going to have it. Unless said adventure involved eating bugs. In that case, I’ll meet you at the after party. But deep water soloing? There’s something I could get involved in. I know what you’re thinking — deep... read more

Apr 24, 2013 Posted by Alex

In the Heart of the City: S15 Bangkok

Bangkok is one of my favorite cities in the world and I’ve loved exploring the different corners of it, from reveling in the backpacker ghetto that is Khao San Road to staying in trendy hostels in Silom to trying out residential life with friends way out in the suburbs. But my favorite area to stay in the city continues to be Sukhumvit. I’ve tested out a few hotels in this area already —... read more

Apr 19, 2013 Posted by Alex

Rock Climbing in Railay

By now I hope I’ve convinced you that the beauty of Railay alone is reason enough to visit. But in reality, most travelers come here for something a little more adrenaline-pumping. Railay is the undisputed Southeast Asian mecca for rock climbing. With routes ranging from beginner to advanced and plenty of climbing schools and experienced climbing buddies milling around, it’s a great spot for... read more

Apr 16, 2013 Posted by Alex

The Beauty of Railay

When I made the decision to cut my Philippines trip in half to spent more time in Thailand, I vowed that I would use at least some of my new-found days in my most beloved country to go to a new destination. And I knew exactly where I was headed. I had long been lured by stories of Railay, a tucked away collection of limestone crags and turquoise water bays facing Thailand’s Andaman coast. Not only is... read more