On Purchasing Art in the Far East

by Justin Nedd

Justin Nedd is an art enthusiast, student of Muay Thai, Globe Trotter and contributing writer to laughingtraveller. In the following blog post Justin gives a brief and contrasting insight into the valuing of art and its production between east and west.

As I arrived in Chaing Mai, Thailand to embark on learning Muay Thai from the best, I could not help myself being impressed by the courtesy, discipline, dedication, and artistic disposition of the city’s people. Chaing Mai, located in Northern Thailand is renowned for the awesome night bazaars, diversity of tourist attractions, painful massages, silk factories, as well as gruelling Muay Thai sessions which start with a 3 mile run and is a stark contrast from the hustle of Bangkok.


For 5 days, training started promptly at 6am and the trainer had no regard for my previous night’s foray. He arrived to pick me up in his tuk-tuk at 5:30 every day. Though the sessions were grueling, I took delight in hitting the 5’6”, 45 year old frame of my trainer who showed the scars of battles past. The payback was unpleasant but I drew solace from the fact that the session would be done in a few hours and I was free to roam.


The night market on Sundays (12pm to midnight) is an absolute must for anyone visiting Chaing Mai (or S.E Asia). Like any bazaar, the range of products sold is vast; therefore, one should not waste time with the cheaper looking stuff. Compared to North America, everything is relatively cheap especially if one is prepared to plead one’s case or “barter” as my North American travel buddies ineptly stated, despite my numerous attempts to enlighten them. One of the main things sold at the bazzar in which I took interest were paintings.

Art is best expressed by simple people who have no fixation on material wealth. The Buddhist beliefs of Thailand, highlights the innate ability and the Sunday Bazaar is the best place to see the splendor.


The two paintings which we purchased from Bobby, a 5’11” dreadlocked Thai artist (Thais are usually short), highlight the vivid hope of life – a butterfly on a 4’ x 3’ canvas, and the joy of simplicity in a 5’ x 3’ black, blue and red depiction of the floating market.

Before I returned to North America, I wisely framed the pictures and the kind Thai woman put the oversized frames on the 16 hour Asian Air flight at no cost; the cost for the pictures, framing and transport to Los Angeles, LAX? $200 USD.

When I arrived at LAX, the dutiful customs offices were curious about what was nicely wrapped. Much to my delight, everything was intact and my flight onward to Winnipeg was with United Airlines (see United breaks guitars). My optimism was quickly dashed when the United agent informed me that my oversized luggage would cost $350 to check through – more than the cost of the items. Luckily, I was able to “barter” and later extend my gratitude to the agent for which I paid $100; yet I ended up with two broken picture frames. I was back in the capitalist state.

Armed with my experiences, I shall certainly return to Chiang Mai, Thailand.


Korp khun khop!

A Lioness Among Lions (Zimbabwe)

by Chicago Shedell

Chicago Shedell is a native of Chicago, guest contributing writer for laughingtraveller, and associate of Rose Mountain Photography.

I am Chicago Shedell: lioness, socialite, world traveler, health field worker, mom, and all around fabulous-fashionista. In May 2010, I went alone on a business trip to Zimbabwe to open up a night club in downtown Harare. The plane ride was the longest of all my travels so far: exhausting, uncomfortable and 32 hours’ worth. For the majority of the trip I worked long days and nights in a number of high rises in downtown Harare; but the venture was successful so I decided there is no way that I could spend all this time in Africa without having a bit of fun. I am business savvy so as part of my contract, I made sure I negotiated a trip to the safari so I could see the lions.

I was extremely excited about seeing the lions because for my entire life I have always been aroused and fascinated by lions: collecting pictures, watching their mating as well as hunting habits on Animal Planet etc. I am yet to figure out why I am drawn to these regal animals but I assume it’s because of their pure passion for life and beastly mannerisms which somewhat parallels my own lifestyle.

Anyways, while on safari, the cost to enter the park/den was only $3 USD. As I approached I grew excited to see them and in a single chorus, as if they knew I was there, 40 lions welcomed me in a coordinated roar. This was the most chilling and arousing sound I have ever heard.

I was able to get close and pet them; their coats and fur are very soft and like house cats they enjoyed there bellies being rubbed. Being in the den, I felt no fear and a sense of euphoria the entire time. I did not want to leave and could have stayed with them all the entire day if possible.

Laying with the lions made me feel like royalty because I had often seen pictures of ancient queens and kings next to lions and other exotic cats.


The loud roars of the cats and watching them play with each other sent my body into a hormonal outburst and state of ecstasy…oh la la…and I think they sensed it and this is why I believe they got so close to me. I will do it all over again but the next time the ultimate experience will be to see them mate…

What's the opposite of Fair? (Ghana)

If light skin is "fair" then what is dark skin? Language, images, ideologies, religion, culture etc...are all important in how we view ourselves.

So what exactly drives someone to bleach the melanin out of their skin? Sociological studies have shown that people with lighter skin have better access to jobs, are considered prettier, and is more likely to have better access to upward mobility.

Skin bleaching is prevalent in many ex-European colonies (Jamaica, Trinidad, Barbados, India, Guyana, Ghana, Sudan, Mexico, parts of Asia etc...etc.) One thing we know from history is that oppressed people tend to take on characteristics of their current or past oppressors because those qualities are associated with prestige. Take for example the once used brown paper bag test or doll test in the United States.

When I was in Ghana, my travel mates and I were on our way back from a coco-cola bottling plant and at the side of the road; I saw for the first time in all my travels a billboard advertising skin bleaching cream. I immediately yelled "stop the bus!" everyone seemed a bit confused as to why I was yelling. I got off and took a snapshot.

I have seen examples of skin bleaching first hand in Guyana, Barbados, and Ghana. In the market place at Kumasi, Ghana; I met a woman whose face was discolored from bleach. When I enquired she proudly stated that she used skin bleach. I asked why and she said to become fair.