From the Ultimate Thailand Explorers Pattaya Blog [originally published 4 January 2010].

Writing about Ripley’s Believe it or Not was an exercise in marketing. While their museums are engaging and appealing to many, after too many “fun facts” I grow tired. Nonetheless, our assignment was to promote them so Brian and I made an effort to make our visit look fun.

On the other hand, the Joe Louis Puppet Theater was an impromptu stop that was a delightful surprise. I’d recommend it for an evening activity.

Enjoy your weekend!

*****

Hey Explorers,

From the Ultimate Thailand Explorers Pattaya Blog [originally published 31 December 2009].

So today’s post was a bit uncomfortable to write at first. The Sriracha Tiger Zoo wouldn’t go over well in the United States. Between the tigers jumping through flaming hoops and crocodiles being dragged around the stage, too many people would be concerned about the welfare of the animals.

But in Thailand, these kinds of shows are quite popular. So it posed a travel blogging ethics moment. How does one promote a venue that instinctually feels wrong? Was it wrong because of my cultural beliefs? Or was Thailand treating it’s animals poorly? Where’s the line between cultural sensitivity and standing up for what’s right. What is right in an intercultural situation?