Until then, I've been hanging in Phuket enjoying the last few weeks of my early retirement. After this weekend, I'm going to Cambodia to check out the ancient ruins of Ankor Wat. This will be my last adventure before leaving Asia.
What follows are some of my favorite photos from my journeys... (A warning again - the first group of photos are from the Vegetarian Festival [see http://therandychung.blogspot.com/2005_10_01_therandychung_archive.html Oct 11 entry]. Some of the photos are extremely painful.)
These are the some gods that are possessing the people to pierce and mutilate themselves. 
These gods are waiting to be carried through the parade.
He is on his way to get pierced. I've tried to get this look in my eyes, but I just can't. I would have to say that he really is possessed.
These buddies are sharing the same sword to slide across their tongues. Obviously, AIDS is not a concern for them.
waiting for the parade to start
After marching about 10 kilometers around the city, all gather at a temple at the edge of town and say prayers into the horizon.
