The national bestseller by the award-winning Thai American author. “A brilliant collection . . . brimming with sharp-clawed survival lessons” (Los Angeles Times). Set in contemporary Thailand, these are generous, radiant tales of family bonds, youthful romance, generational conflicts, and cultural shiftings beneath the glossy surface of a warm, Edenic setting. Written with exceptional acuity, grace, and sophistication, the stories present a nation far removed from its exoticized stereotypes. In the prize-winning opening story “Farangs,” the son of a beachside motel owner commits the cardinal sin of falling for a pretty American tourist. In the novella, “Cockfighter,” a young girl witnesses her proud father’s valiant but foolhardy battle against a local delinquent whose family has a vicious stranglehold on the villagers. Through his vivid assemblage of parents and children, natives and transients, ardent lovers and sworn enemies, Lapcharoensap dares us to look with new eyes at the circumstances that shape our views and the prejudices that form our blind spots. Gorgeous and lush, painful and candid, Sightseeing is an extraordinary reading experience, one that powerfully reveals that when it comes to how we respond to pain, anger, hurt, and love, no place is too far from home. “Lapcharoensap is a commanding, animated tour guide, and a lot more than that—he can write with the bait and the hook of genuine talent . . . [He] has a gift for the detail that catches not only his Thai milieu but teenage life everywhere.” —Darin Strauss, The New York Times Book Review

Travel on six contnents and numerous places on the planet. Travel covers trips from 2005 to 2008 and tells of people, places and cultures through the author's eyes. It will take you on adventures that few people experience. You will be next to glaciers and icebergs and penguins of Antarctica and in the palaces of Russian Tsars. You will travel on the Nile, and cruise the Amazon Rivers. You will experience the depths of the Amazon rainforest on an eco-tour. You will go inside a hut in a Zambian village, to Victoria Falls, and sunset on the Zambezi River. It visits Jerusalem, Bethlehem, Jericho,and other biblical cities. The author travels to the Taj Mahal in India, the bathing ghats of Varanasi and to Katmandu and takes an aerial view of Mount Everest. In turkey you will experience the countryside and see the rock formations and underground city in Cappadocia and you will visit Ephesus and Istanbul. You will be taken on an illusive quest to see the fall colors of New England, USA.

Is travel inherently beneficial to human character? Does it automatically educate and enlighten while also promoting tolerance, peace, and understanding? In this challenging book, Dean MacCannell identifies and overcomes common obstacles to ethical sightseeing. Through his unique combination of personal observation and in-depth scholarship, MacCannell ventures into specific tourist destinations and attractions: "picturesque" rural and natural landscapes, "hip" urban scenes, historic locations of tragic events, Disney theme parks, beaches, and travel poster ideals. He shows how strategies intended to attract tourists carry unintended consequences when they migrate to other domains of life and reappear as "staged authenticity." Demonstrating each act of sightseeing as an ethical test, the book shows how tourists can realize the productive potential of their travel desires, penetrate the collective unconscious, and gain character, insight, and connection to the world.

This book examines the various operators that have catered for tourists in the heart of our capital since 1970 and the vehicles that they have used.

Discover everything about aliens in this funny and informative handbook packed with weird science, fascinating history, and plenty of trivia—perfect for curious and adventurous readers ages 8–12. Are aliens out there? What’s the deal with Area 51? Can outer space support human life? Blast off to space with Sightseeing with Aliens and discover: Cool science and eye-opening history! Learn about the past, present, and future of space exploration. Strange accounts of alien encounters! Dig into the truth behind UFO sightings, crop circles, extraterrestrial events, and more. Hands-on activities to try at home! Create a time capsule and learn how to advocate for the environment. Engaging, offbeat, and educational, Sightseeing with Aliens is an illustrated exploration of the unknown and how it can shape our lives. The whole galaxy is out there—grab your guide, and let’s go! For more on the supernatural, check out Hanging with Vampires and Chilling with Ghosts!