A Year Wasted

Steve Aldman and his friend Mike have just graduated from college and board a plane to Thailand. They plan to teach English for one year at a university in Bangkok. Steve is a strong, austere young man who believes he can only depend on himself. Thailand is about to be the shock of his life.

From the moment he lands, Steve feels conflicted. Can he apply his well-honed defenses in Thailand? Even with this struggle towards maturity, Steve's deep and humorous narrative carries the reader throughout Thailand. Through him, we learn the Thai language and culture, taste its many delicacies and travel throughout most of the country. Steve also explores Laos, India, Nepal, Malaysia, Singapore and Vietnam. The adventures range from the beautiful to the ridiculous. Examples include: ethereal sunrises, trekking up the Himalayan Mountains, drinking snake blood for dinner and sneaking into an international Communist convention.

During this journey, Steve learns as much about himself as he does about those around him. Through the people Steve meets, we learn the geopolitical histories and belief systems of various Asian cultures. These diverse exposures make a lasting impression on Steve and he blends aspects of each exotic perspective into his own life attitude. What will it do to you?

The year I lived in Thailand and traveled around Asia was the most unexpected and fantastic detour in my life to date. Since then, I have completed medical school and am now a urologic surgery resident at NYU Medical Center in Manhattan.