For Chiang Mai Expats: How do you keep yourselves occupied in Chiang Mai?

[opalred]

if you have a interest in movies 

you can get free showings of walking dead and zombies 

just go to one of the little groups of expat gatherings

[NancyL]

33 minutes ago, opalred said:

if you have a interest in movies 

you can get free showings of walking dead and zombies 

just go to one of the little groups of expat gatherings

Opalred, you redeemed yourself with your charming post #116 of your activities of making spaghetti for 200 to feed your village, making wooden toys for local children, you and your wife taking local children to the beach several times a year, etc.  All very nice and worthwhile activities.  No one attacked you or said your lifestyle was less than idea, even though it appears your wife has set it up for you.  (seems you have a good wife)  Plus, I doubt you're a young handsome specimen any more yourself.

 

So, why do you persist in slamming older expats who like to congregate together in clubs and activities like playing bridge and board games, computer club or doing community service in groups like Rotary club, FERC, Chiang Mai Trash Heros, etc.  Are their lives any less worthwhile than yours?

 

[Dick Crank]

I'm a man, getting off, getting off on my neighbor in cm, who is a man, has a hairy back, an ego the size of Texas, and did I mention he has a hairy back?

[bkk6060]

14 hours ago, NancyL said:

Opalred, you redeemed yourself with your charming post #116 of your activities of making spaghetti for 200 to feed your village, making wooden toys for local children, you and your wife taking local children to the beach several times a year, etc.  All very nice and worthwhile activities.  No one attacked you or said your lifestyle was less than idea, even though it appears your wife has set it up for you.  (seems you have a good wife)  Plus, I doubt you're a young handsome specimen any more yourself.

 

So, why do you persist in slamming older expats who like to congregate together in clubs and activities like playing bridge and board games, computer club or doing community service in groups like Rotary club, FERC, Chiang Mai Trash Heros, etc.  Are their lives any less worthwhile than yours?

 

Because most older people can not understand why others don't do what they do.

I personally would want to die if I found myself playing bridge or peeknuckle or chess or any related things.

It seems to me the 75 year olds here are older then in Pattaya.  Bad mouth Pattaya if you want, but the older guys there are much more active many still sexually active with better quality lives.

[NancyL]

When have I "bad-mouthed" the "Pattaya lifestyle" or the lifestyle of those who want to lead a rural life immerse in a Thai village?  To each his own.  That's a big part of the attraction of how Chiang Mai expats keep themselves busy, which was the OP's question -- there is so much to do that one can have a wide variety of lifestyles.

 

And no, my lifestyle isn't the same as if I were living in The Villages in Florida.  I wouldn't be doing Children's Eye Clinics with Thai Rotary Clubs at school that serve hilltribes, I wouldn't be floating down the Mekong for a holiday, nor would I go to quiz night in a pub and wonder at all the questions that leave me clueless from other English-speaking cultures.  

 

And any hospital volunteer work I'd do in the U.S. would probably involve wearing a pink smock and selling stuff in the hospital gift shop, vs. doing some real good like helping an elderly expat to repatriate to his home country.

[rumak]

well CBF,   its obvious that one thing a lot of expats do is spend time espousing their views on TV forums.

It does seem to fill in some idle spaces in the day......  

 

[opalred]

things must have changed 

had my own business all my life to retirement

when young till 30 was in rotary/ then you advance to the lions/  also was a mason

everyone i new advanced to the lions after 30 or 40 yrs of age as was only for young people

if i can save one newbie from the cons and scams here

that come from groups of expats would make me happy 

people think Thai girls rip the newbie off 

half would be ripped off by people in these expat groups

the newbie is a easy target /insurance/ health/  real estate/and want money to put into projects 

after 14yrs have seen many sorry people from these cons and scamers

[NancyL]

32 minutes ago, opalred said:

things must have changed 

had my own business all my life to retirement

when young till 30 was in rotary/ then you advance to the lions/  also was a mason

everyone i new advanced to the lions after 30 or 40 yrs of age as was only for young people

if i can save one newbie from the cons and scams here

that come from groups of expats would make me happy 

people think Thai girls rip the newbie off 

half would be ripped off by people in these expat groups

the newbie is a easy target /insurance/ health/  real estate/and want money to put into projects 

after 14yrs have seen many sorry people from these cons and scamers

I'm sorry, but you obviously haven't been to a CEC meeting in years.  It's been under different leadership since early 2014.

 

And since when is health insurance a scam?  Sure, people who don't understand how health insurance works may think it a scam may think it is if they sign up and then expect the insurance company to start paying expenses related to pre-existing conditions.  

 

I think most of the expats who do the "ripping off" of other expats aren't the ones who hang out at CEC or other special interest groups like computer club or bridge club, but rather they're more likely to be at the popular watering holes where they can engage someone already under the influence of alcohol and pretty women into thinking they're invincible and can get unbelievable returns for little money or effort.  I can't think of the last time someone in my circle was "scammed" by another expat, not since the pre-2014 leadership of CEC left town.

[Jai Dee]

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[Dick Crank]

11 hours ago, bkk6060 said:

Because most older people can not understand why others don't do what they do.

I personally would want to die if I found myself playing bridge or peeknuckle or chess or any related things.

It seems to me the 75 year olds here are older then in Pattaya.  Bad mouth Pattaya if you want, but the older guys there are much more active many still sexually active with better quality lives.

Maybe some, but as u git a bit older your going to be playing that peeknuckle...

 

not because u would not rather be out surfing, but simply because ur a bit older and less mobile and have less energy. Force of nature, has nothing to do with what you want to do.

 

partying in patts through 70's - 80's your either seeing one offs or extreme exceptions.

[JimmyJ]

On 5/9/2018 at 3:25 AM, NancyL said:

It's the company you keep.  My husband is past age 70 and I know many expats past that age. 

 

In fact, most of the folks we assist with Lanna Care Net are past age 70.  It's almost as if there are two cohorts among expats here.  Those who lead a dissipated lifestyle die of the factors you mention in their 60s.  If someone takes care of themselves, i.e. no smoking, drinking in moderation, exercise, not riding motorcycles and keeping company with responsible, engaging people, then they live well into their 70s and an entirely different set of problems develop for expats after age 75.  Dementia and broken hips from falls on the nasty footpaths and stupid little steps they put in all the homes here are the two most common problems among the over age 75 set.  

 

Once someone gets to be over age 75, problems can escalate quickly, even if someone is fit and in good health.  A broken hip can drive someone into irreversible dementia because of "ICU psychosis".  What appears to be a case of flu that is ignored turns out to be pneumonia and next thing you know major organs are shutting down, etc.   

"...not riding motorcycles..."

 

NancyL (and others) - What do you recommend for expats to use to get around?

 

In the US after a lot of bad experiences I swore never to use public transport.

I read a lot of headlines on TVF of bus drivers and van drivers falling asleep, crashing due to that or other reasons, etc.

 

I thought rather than budgeting for buying a car that budgeting for Uber would be a better choice, but don't know what the situation will be like with Uber exiting.

 

Scooters and cycles definitely seem too dangerous given the poor driving.

But I don't like the idea of trusting my life to a bus driver or a van driver, etc.

 

What do you suggest? How do you deal with it?

 

[Dick Crank]

Doing something different each day is pretty much the privledge of the wealthy.

 

most people in the world do the same things day in and day out, their whole lives except for rare vacations, eating, working, screwing, gossip, tv...

[totally thaied up]

18 hours ago, opalred said:

 if i can save one newbie from the cons and scams herethat come from groups of expats would make me happy 

people think Thai girls rip the newbie off 

half would be ripped off by people in these expat groups

the newbie is a easy target /insurance/ health/  real estate/and want money to put into projects 

after 14yrs have seen many sorry people from these cons and scamers

3

Chiang Mai is a great place.

 

Has a place for all the clubs and the such. Impossible to get bored here.

 

Never met NancyL, but she has done lots of commendable work here. Much more I can ever do, so no need for anyone to trash her. 

 

I have seen my fair share of expats taking advantage of others here (loaning money). So I can say the same for bar girls (BG)/ordinary girls (OG). In all honesty, will not trust either (expat or BG/OG) that much. To get a close group of friends here is very hard. Only got one or two here that I can trust. We get all sorts of people here in CM. Met prison wardens to ex-cons.

 

Some people are running away from the past. That is something to be aware of.

 

 

[VocalNeal]

On 5/7/2018 at 6:26 AM, simoh1490 said:

I then have investments to manage which can also be time-consuming

Yep. I used to have a job once! 

 

Join the "other" expats club the Chiang Mai Hash House Harriers
  Get some exercise which may make you live longer
  Have a laugh which will make you live longer
  Meet people. They won't all want to socialize oiuside the group but...
  No age limits
  Go to places you will never find yourself
  Having local contacts helps with local stuff.
  Join in and contribute every now and again gives a sense of accomplishment.

 

Buy a scooter/motorbike and go exploring
 

[NancyL]

7 hours ago, JimmyJ said:

"...not riding motorcycles..."

 

NancyL (and others) - What do you recommend for expats to use to get around?

 

In the US after a lot of bad experiences I swore never to use public transport.

I read a lot of headlines on TVF of bus drivers and van drivers falling asleep, crashing due to that or other reasons, etc.

 

I thought rather than budgeting for buying a car that budgeting for Uber would be a better choice, but don't know what the situation will be like with Uber exiting.

 

Scooters and cycles definitely seem too dangerous given the poor driving.

But I don't like the idea of trusting my life to a bus driver or a van driver, etc.

 

What do you suggest? How do you deal with it?

 

Lived here 10 years without a car.  For starters we live near the central city were it's possible to walk to two malls, numerous restaurants and shops.  Most of our daily needs can be met within one kilometer of our condo.  Walking is good exercise, you know.

 

Uber has been replaced by Grab and is doing about as good a job as Uber did.  Their map application isn't as good as Uber's, but the drivers come more quickly, probably because all the Uber drivers are now Grab drivers.

 

We've developed a relationship with a tuk-tuk driver for short hauls who drives safely and knows the back route shortcuts to the places I commonly go.  Frankly, I overpay him a bit, but that means he'll send a buddy if I call and he's not available.  He doesn't want me developing a relationship with another driver

 

For longer trips, we fly or take the train.  I agree, the overland buses are risky and we try to avoid them.  Sometimes we've hired a car and driver for a weekend trip.  

 

I agree, the overland public buses and vans are best to be avoided.  We've taken a few trips on those and the vans are always way overcrowded and the buses, while they say they have toilets, usually they're locked because they're broken.  Thus, the option of renting a car and driver.  Yes, a little extravagant, but still cheaper than owning a car that you don't use very often.

 

What I can't understand is why does a 75+ year old person who has already had a hip replacement continue to ride a motorscooter?  And tell me, from his hospital bed, that he has no other way to "get around".

[Lizard2010]

23 hours ago, opalred said:

things must have changed 

had my own business all my life to retirement

when young till 30 was in rotary/ then you advance to the lions/  also was a mason

everyone i new advanced to the lions after 30 or 40 yrs of age as was only for young people

if i can save one newbie from the cons and scams here

that come from groups of expats would make me happy 

people think Thai girls rip the newbie off 

half would be ripped off by people in these expat groups

the newbie is a easy target /insurance/ health/  real estate/and want money to put into projects 

after 14yrs have seen many sorry people from these cons and scamers

Sorry to say this

But if you were a Mason

You would not have behaved like this

Shame on you

I also know from person experence

From my fellow Masons

Plus this is my last post on the forum post

I dont need to read all these negative posts after so many of them

I think the Op has a good idea what can be done in Chiang Mai

IMHO

 

[cyberfarang]

On 5/10/2018 at 10:32 AM, colinneil said:

Your comment above is disgusting.

Nancy L IS A GOOD KIND CARING LADY.

A lady i have never met, but have spoken to on the phone and by message.

After my accident she was a great help to me, by putting me in contact with others who would be able to help.

So stop your snide remarks now.

True, but it`s well publicised whatever she does. She often uses TV threads to promote her club and the other stuff she`s into. I know of many people both Thais and Farlangs that have hearts of gold, that do not expect or ever get or want recognition for what they do for others. 

[Sparkles]

46 minutes ago, cyberfarang said:

True, but it`s well publicised whatever she does. She often uses TV threads to promote her club and the other stuff she`s into. I know of many people both Thais and Farlangs that have hearts of gold, that do not expect or ever get or want recognition for what they do for others. 

Promoting the CM Expats club  is hardly a crime or against forum rules or the mods would have deleted it.I've never been a member but know those who enjoy the social side

.

Many older people retire here not knowing anyone and its helps then settle in ,do you have a problem with that ?

 

As for the "other stuff she's into" I presume you mean her assistance with medical issues for some peoples health problems.I think that's a welcome reference point if somone knows someone who needs help.

 

Why you have to be so unpleasant in your posts denigrating people only reflects on your character, not theirs

 

 

[orang37]

On 5/13/2018 at 1:00 PM, Lizard2010 said:

Plus this is my last post on the forum post

 

You promise ?

 

~o:37:

[opalred]

if you come here to live why live in the past?

enjoy the new environment cheap to travel in Asia/ anywhere 

mix with the local community its a two way street help them they will return 

a few weeks ago i had some of my children and grandchildren over 

short of 9beds for them /who came set up beds and bedding for them community center

i had a bike accident some years ago /sometimes  i have trouble with my leg 

who turns up with crutches to use /community center

these rotary/ bridge clubs and masons died out 30 years ago 

expats  were good 40yrs ago where you could information from your country through them/

as the world was isolated /telephones hard to work/ and mail slow 

now instant internet in the world/so now just sit and fester bad things

get a life and shut the door to gods waiting room

[evenstevens]

4 hours ago, cyberfarang said:

True, but it`s well publicised whatever she does. She often uses TV threads to promote her club and the other stuff she`s into. I know of many people both Thais and Farlangs that have hearts of gold, that do not expect or ever get or want recognition for what they do for others. 

Over the years,   have seen so many unsung heroes,   either thai or farung , who generously donate their services to help others ,  without seeking social media to push their own personal agenda,     They  Are  The  Real  Heroes!!!!!

 

[cyberfarang]

55 minutes ago, evenstevens said:

Over the years,   have seen so many unsung heroes,   either thai or farung , who generously donate their services to help others ,  without seeking social media to push their own personal agenda,     They  Are  The  Real  Heroes!!!!!

 

I know of several staff and managers that run care homes in Chiang Mai. One of the best known is the Mckean institute. I often visit some of the elderly residents of that home. Another charity helps abused women and their children, the people who run the orphanages and those that run and work voluntary in the animal rescue centres. Yet hardly anyone has heard of those people, the unsung heroes. That`s the point I`m trying to make.

[Wang Lalker]

yes i guess some of you chiang mai expats are feeling a bit bored now that they have closed the rendition and torture facility at the chiang mai chapter of the international terrorist organization

[Ulysses G.]

10 hours ago, cyberfarang said:

True, but it`s well publicised whatever she does.

So what?

 

She is helping other people and that is to be commended.

[NancyL]

Actually, by posting on Thai Visa and keeping an active presence on Facebook and the internet, Lanna Care Net attracts clients and is able to help more people this way.  It's not about getting more accolades for me.  There are six or seven others who are as active as me, but they don't care to take on ThaiVisa.com

[Wang Lalker]

3 hours ago, Wang Lalker said:

yes i guess some of you chiang mai expats are feeling a bit bored now that they have closed the rendition and torture facility at the chiang mai chapter of the international terrorist organization

ah so you see it, it is not actually closed but operating as usual under a disguise and different name

[JLCrab]

8 hours ago, cyberfarang said:

I know of several staff and managers that run care homes in Chiang Mai. One of the best known is the Mckean institute. I often visit some of the elderly residents of that home. Another charity helps abused women and their children, the people who run the orphanages and those that run and work voluntary in the animal rescue centres. Yet hardly anyone has heard of those people, the unsung heroes. That`s the point I`m trying to make.

Yes but abused women and children and Thai orphans are not frequent readers of ThaiVisa. Persons who might potentially be helped with some of NGO's that NancyL assists, are.

[opalred]

i knew a expat some years ago here /was paying insurance  to get care later when needed

when he later needed it/ the care mob said there were no rooms or beds  spare 

he had to pay a private nurse to care for him at his place  till his death 

is lanna care a charity  or a business 

[orang37]

22 hours ago, Wang Lalker said:

yes i guess some of you chiang mai expats are feeling a bit bored now that they have closed the rendition and torture facility at the chiang mai chapter of the international terrorist organization

No torturer's skill is equal to what we can do to ourselves.  Of course, the art of boredom is an essential technique: but, you need to keep it honed by intentional practice; such as ... reading posts like yours.

 

~o:37;

[bkk6060]

10 hours ago, opalred said:

i knew a expat some years ago here /was paying insurance  to get care later when needed

when he later needed it/ the care mob said there were no rooms or beds  spare 

he had to pay a private nurse to care for him at his place  till his death 

is lanna care a charity  or a business 

I do no understand that here.

You can get someone to take care for $300 to $400 dollars a month.

Why pay for years for an insurance anyway?