Derek Ray
Derek became enraptured with visiting strange, new places during a Eurail adventure shortly after his graduation from UCLA. He has subsequently journeyed throughout Europe, Asia, Latin America and the US. As an educator, he believes that travel encourages a better understanding of and appreciation for other cultures. He also believes in packing light. Derek has been contributing his travel stories and photos to the Reader since 2009.
Latest Stories
Hip Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Friday, Feb. 10, 2012
"In Ho Chi Minh City, there are eight million people and five million motorbikes," my guide informed me as we slowly wound our way through this bustling city en route ...
Exploring the Mekong Delta, Vietnam
Thursday, Jan. 19, 2012
“I think that thing is staring at me,” someone in our tour group remarked nervously. No, it wasn’t a wild animal spotted while hiking through the wilds of Vietnam. It ...
Ayutthaya, Thailand: City of Buddhas
Saturday, Jan. 7, 2012
The ancient Thai capital of Ayutthaya, about eighty kilometers north of Bangkok, is a worthwhile day trip if you’re staying in Bangkok. To really appreciate Ayutthaya, it helps to know ...
An Ecuadorian Christmas in Quito
Saturday, Dec. 17, 2011
Over Christmas break in 2009, I chose to participate in a brief volunteer project in Quito, Ecuador, working with street kids. Once my volunteer stint was over, I wasted no ...
Montaña de Oro State Park, California
Thursday, Dec. 8, 2011
"Come forth into the light of things, Let Nature be your teacher." ~ John Muir I don’t know if John Muir ever visited what is now Montaña de Oro State ...
Do's and Don'ts in Bangkok
Monday, Nov. 28, 2011
Bangkok is the introductory city to Asia for many Americans, and the hectic pace and traffic may remind New Yorkers and Angelenos of home. A city of eleven million, Bangkok ...
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia: A Study in Contrasts
Tuesday, Nov. 22, 2011
Kuala Lumpur is, above all, a city of contrasts. The capital of Malaysia is an interesting mix of the historic, traditional Asia and the modern, hip Asia. Its ethnically diverse ...
Mellow Out in Topanga, California
Wednesday, Nov. 16, 2011
When you’re staring at a deer beneath a grove of oak trees, it might be difficult to realize that you’re within the city limits of Los Angeles. Topanga is a ...
Hanoi, Vietnam: Looking Toward the Future
Monday, Oct. 17, 2011
Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital and second-largest city, is one of the most beautiful capitals in Asia. Most well known to Americans for its role in the Vietnam War, Hanoi celebrated its ...
Khao Sok National Park, Thailand: World’s Oldest Evergreen Rainforest
Monday, Oct. 3, 2011
Many travelers to Thailand head from Bangkok to one or more of the beautiful beaches and islands in the southern part of the country. Just a few kilometers inland from ...
