This is a site dedicated to the enlightenment of all who seek knowledge or wish to share information concerning Southeast Asia, the Korean peninsula or the Philippines. The underlying principal is that no one is inherently more valuable than anyone else. In the interest of closing the distance between hemispheres, all are encouraged to share their views and personal experiences in a respectful manner with other contributors on this site. Material submitted will be edited only for purposes of accuracy and readability. Please use the form at the bottom of this page for comments, suggestions or informational contributions. If you prefer I can be reached by email at this address: enquire@maekongmike.com. Please include links to any information you feel would be beneficial in furthering the development of this site. Thank you in advance.
A brief biography:
Let me begin by introducing myself. I was born in Camden, New Jersey (USA) the first child of a single mother in nineteen fifty nine. I began life in military housing later residing with my maternal grandparents in Pawtucket, Rhode Island. I spent the majority of my formative years in Aberdeen, Ohio and East Providence, Rhode Island before graduating from a small country High School in 1977. I entered the military the following autumn. Upon discharge from the service, I worked briefly for a relative in Ontario, Canada. Unable to obtain secure immigration status I was forced to return to the US. In 1980 I obtained employment as a sweatshop laborer in the jewelry district of my hometown, eventually being promoted to foreman of my department. This fortuitous event afforded me both the opportunity to acquire a second language as well as gain insight into the world of the less fortunate. I learned a great deal from individuals who through no fault of their own found themselves far from their homeland and forced to provide for their families in a land insensitive to their plight and unconcerned for their wellbeing. Now at age fifty one, I find myself beginning anew in circumstances not so dissimilar from theirs, having married a woman of Thai descent with whom I am seeking to raise a young daughter under less than ideal circumstances. Forced to divide my time between my new home in Thailand and the small province in the United States where I am currently finishing my tenure in the Special Education Department of a local school district, I confront my own personal demons as I continue to prepare to make Southeast Asia my permanent home. I have relied on serendipity and the kindness of strangers throughout most of my existence and will continue to do so in a new land. But I must also acknowledge that none of my success would have come to pass without the unflinching support of my mother; the only continuous source of love in an otherwise tumultuous and often painful existence. Her importance in my survival could not possibly be overstated. It is with a deep sense of gratitude and regret that I leave her behind. However there are others to whom I owe both my life and success to this point; friends and family alike whom I will carry in my heart for the rest of my days. A certain amount of credit should be given to dumb luck as well, for without it I would never have made it thus far. I see no reason to expect that things will change significantly going forward, nor would I want them to. May there always be the hint of adventure in each of our lives. Remember, it doesn't need to be easy, it only needs to be possible. And it doesn't matter what 'it' is. The rest is up to us. Stay tuned for updates...
Map of Southeast Asia
