Whether by design or serendipity, you have reached the website of Elka Ray, an author and illustrator based in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

If you’re looking for a good read or insight into Southeast Asia, you’re in luck. If you’re cruisin’ the Web in search of a mail-order-bride, click here.

Whew! Okay, thank god we got rid of those guys.

For the rest of you, welcome. I hope that we’ll share a good laugh – and that I’ll be giggling all the way to the bank when hoards of you buy my book Hanoi Jane. Or you can just donate at starvingartiste.com. It’s tax deductible in many countries*. Just kidding. I don’t need your charity. Just read my new novel and tell only your coolest friends about it.

Why am i here?

Of course once in a while I wonder why I’m here, as in alive on this planet, but mostly I just wonder why I’m in Vietnam. And why have I spent FIFTEEN years here? But deep down, I know the answer: My life might be weird but it’s never boring.

a