Treasure wonders from across the Asian continent … from the crossroads of Kuala Lumpur on the Malaysian archipelago … to walking barefoot thru the temples of Bagan, in central Myanmar …to getting thru motorcycle traffic in Vietnam … how the monkeys of Agra do … an ode to the Bahn Mi (sandwich) the women who make it possible … the incomparable neighborhood of Pahar Ganj, near Delhi’s train station main … the liquid color flavors coursing thru Shanghai’s neon veins … the miracles of Khmer math … an onomatopoeia of Chinese New Year fireworks… the stonework artistry of India’s Taj Mahal … the legend of the great dragon, descended from heaven to save China … the dangerous threats lurking in Thai kitchens … how the world's first Buddha relics found their way into the world's greatest temple ... more Pearls of the Orient (44 pieces; 2oo+ photos).
Willy Thorn is a journalist & copywriter, teacher, author & artist.
He has published more than 30 books & plays & proudly notes a Master’s Degree from Marquette University & books in Washington's Library of Congress & the Vatican Archives in Rome.
His Milwaukee-centric column of sports prose [‘Run of the Mil’] can be found at Milticket.blogspot.com
Thorn’s writing background includes a Masters Degree in Journalism & more than 300 published articles & reviews. He has reported from both an NFL locker room & the Rose Garden & also has a specialization in the visual & performing arts.
As a copywriter & creative, his work for Coca-Cola during CNY in China was aimed at an audience of more than 800 million & his television commercials for Princess Cruises played in a media market of more than 25 million.
Other media endeavors include work as an international wire editor & magazine editor, public relations campaigns, lecturing & academic publication, ghostwritten biographies, art studio teaching & arts criticism, & time on the radio — as a DJ & on-air host, play-by-play sports announcer & music promoter.
He has won awards at Cannes Lions & been recognized for sports writing & political columns, magazine features, theatre scripts, religious publications & photography.
His artistic C.V. includes classical oil painting training at the Corcoran in Washington, DC; photography gallery shows; sculpting in Mamallapuram, India; concrete statuary in Luang Prabang, Laos; flower petal mosaics in Cagli, Italy; & documenting temple architecture.
Thorn is also a Buddhist meditation instructor & graduate of Thailand’s renowned Willpower Institute. He was the rare foreigner to complete the entire six month course in spoken & written Thai & he currently sits as an advisor on the institute’s English Foreign Language subcommittee – where he translates books, helps develop outreach programs & occasionally lectures.
He was born in Milwaukee, raised in Rome & lives in Bangkok.