4 hours ago, swissie said:

Pleasant thread with great pics. A description of a life in harmony, fulfillement and peace of mind. Clearly, OP "has got it made".
In stark contrast to most of my Farangs Friends, that started out with the best of intentions, envisioning a life similar to the one the OP has the privilege to experience.
Sadly, most marriages of my Farang friends have failed. They have left and their Mansions/Estates look like a tornado has ravaged the place after having been left to the care of the former "Thai-Family".

- Perhaps I have the wrong friends or they didn't have the right "Karma" to begin with.

As much as I like this thread, strongly focusing on the positive sides of living in Thailand, it may produce a negative side effect:
After reading this thread, a farang with no or little "Thailand-Experience" may be tempted to pull up stakes, sell everything including his kitchen sink and head straight for paradise (what could possibly go wrong?)
A Farang with no or little "Thailand-Experience", but having been infected by "Thailand-Fever" will disregard negative threads concerning Thailand as a matter of principle, favouring tales of harmony, fulfillement and piece of mind.

As welcome as positive threads are, the authors of such threads should not disclose their geographical location. The day may come when a gang of discruntled elderly Romeos may appear in front of their house, acting like a lynch-mob and shouting "you made me doing it".

VF: Keep those pics coming. Next to your pets, guard dogs can make good pets too. ????

Swissie,

One can only hope that a person moving anywhere abroad would not pull up stakes based on 1 thread.  Look at all the negative threads on this and other sites and yet people still move here.

 

I think the jest of the thread is to show others a view from the other side and with proper planning, the right demeanor one can live a great life here.  Make no mistake, location is everything and one moving here should be honest with themselves on their expectations.

 

That's my 2 bht worth. ????

7 hours ago, HuskerDo said:

Can you tell me a little about it and why it's appealing to live there? You and VF are seriously making me reconsider my thoughts about making Chiang Mai my forever home.

 

Thanks JAFO!!

HuskerDo,

I will send you a PM.  In the spirit of this thread we can chat offline.  

 

Cheers

 

 

4 hours ago, swissie said:

Pleasant thread with great pics. A description of a life in harmony, fulfillement and peace of mind. Clearly, OP "has got it made".
In stark contrast to most of my Farangs Friends, that started out with the best of intentions, envisioning a life similar to the one the OP has the privilege to experience.
Sadly, most marriages of my Farang friends have failed. They have left and their Mansions/Estates look like a tornado has ravaged the place after having been left to the care of the former "Thai-Family".

- Perhaps I have the wrong friends or they didn't have the right "Karma" to begin with.

As much as I like this thread, strongly focusing on the positive sides of living in Thailand, it may produce a negative side effect:
After reading this thread, a farang with no or little "Thailand-Experience" may be tempted to pull up stakes, sell everything including his kitchen sink and head straight for paradise (what could possibly go wrong?)
A Farang with no or little "Thailand-Experience", but having been infected by "Thailand-Fever" will disregard negative threads concerning Thailand as a matter of principle, favouring tales of harmony, fulfillement and piece of mind.

As welcome as positive threads are, the authors of such threads should not disclose their geographical location. The day may come when a gang of discruntled elderly Romeos may appear in front of their house, acting like a lynch-mob and shouting "you made me doing it".

VF: Keep those pics coming. Next to your pets, guard dogs can make good pets too. ????

I'd say that since VF and JAFO have had positive experiences here that is pretty much what they have to talk about. They have the right mindset and have obviously done the right things to make their lives as happy as they are. Anyone who would read a positive post thread and rush off to another country without considering all options and possible things they won't like, well, they are probably bound for failure. Reading negative posts are sometimes helpful to gain a different perspective but most of the negative posts I've read are by very bitter folks that came for what VF and JAFO have but either went the wrong way about getting there or underestimated what was involved.

 

I think the biggest issue I keep reading has to do with ex-pats disrespect for the Thai people, culture, kingdom and rules/laws. Another is the disrespect ex-pats show to the women of Thailand. I don't know your friends but maybe they didn't have the right kind of Thai-Experience you speak about.

 

No issue with JAFO and VF telling the towns they live in. No one knows what JAFO looks like and if needed VF can just quit shaving his head and put on a pair of sunglasses. ???? They live in fairly large towns and never disclosed their addresses so no worries.

 

Let's continue to keep the thread on a positive note.   

9 minutes ago, JAFO said:

HuskerDo,

I will send you a PM.  In the spirit of this thread we can chat offline.  

 

Cheers

 

 

OK JAFO. Thanks!!

5 hours ago, swissie said:

As much as I like this thread, strongly focusing on the positive sides of living in Thailand, it may produce a negative side effect:

in the spirit of this thread,  i will try to think of a positive response to this.

May take me some time........ i will post if i think of one

7 hours ago, swissie said:

Pleasant thread with great pics. A description of a life in harmony, fulfillement and peace of mind. Clearly, OP "has got it made".
In stark contrast to most of my Farangs Friends, that started out with the best of intentions, envisioning a life similar to the one the OP has the privilege to experience.
Sadly, most marriages of my Farang friends have failed. They have left and their Mansions/Estates look like a tornado has ravaged the place after having been left to the care of the former "Thai-Family".

- Perhaps I have the wrong friends or they didn't have the right "Karma" to begin with.

As much as I like this thread, strongly focusing on the positive sides of living in Thailand, it may produce a negative side effect:
After reading this thread, a farang with no or little "Thailand-Experience" may be tempted to pull up stakes, sell everything including his kitchen sink and head straight for paradise (what could possibly go wrong?)
A Farang with no or little "Thailand-Experience", but having been infected by "Thailand-Fever" will disregard negative threads concerning Thailand as a matter of principle, favouring tales of harmony, fulfillement and piece of mind.

As welcome as positive threads are, the authors of such threads should not disclose their geographical location. The day may come when a gang of discruntled elderly Romeos may appear in front of their house, acting like a lynch-mob and shouting "you made me doing it".

VF: Keep those pics coming. Next to your pets, guard dogs can make good pets too. ????

Unfortunately, you do have a point.  I am not a fan of those guys who promote Thailand as a cheap destination where they say you can live like a king on 500 baht per day as I feel that is not realistic.  I hope I am not leading anyone down an unattainable path and only wish to provide a balance to all the negativity.  I also know people who do not appreciate my photography or anything about me, really.  Other expats can be a problem if they decide you are not one of them.

 

Several years ago a group of local farangs broke off from TVF and started their own forum because they hated me so much and couldn’t get me removed from this site.  For years I stopped going to expat events to avoid confrontation.  More recently I thought I might test the waters, so to speak, and started attending some events.  At the end of a recent event, where I had been talking with a few expats, one of the guys asked who I was and if I had any online presence.  I hesitated briefly before smiling and telling him I was VF.  I could see his expression change as he tried to balance our conversation with what he had no doubt heard about me.

 

I have also encountered numerous people who told me they used to read my blog many years ago and how appreciative they were.  So things have a way of working out and a balance is found between good and bad, positive and negative.  I have chosen not to let the naysayers silence me or sour my outlook on life.????

38 minutes ago, villagefarang said:

Unfortunately, you do have a point.  I am not a fan of those guys who promote Thailand as a cheap destination where they say you can live like a king on 500 baht per day as I feel that is not realistic.  I hope I am not leading anyone down an unattainable path and only wish to provide a balance to all the negativity.  I also know people who do not appreciate my photography or anything about me, really.  Other expats can be a problem if they decide you are not one of them.

 

Several years ago a group of local farangs broke off from TVF and started their own forum because they hated me so much and couldn’t get me removed from this site.  For years I stopped going to expat events to avoid confrontation.  More recently I thought I might test the waters, so to speak, and started attending some events.  At the end of a recent event, where I had been talking with a few expats, one of the guys asked who I was and if I had any online presence.  I hesitated briefly before smiling and telling him I was VF.  I could see his expression change as he tried to balance our conversation with what he had no doubt heard about me.

 

I have also encountered numerous people who told me they used to read my blog many years ago and how appreciative they were.  So things have a way of working out and a balance is found between good and bad, positive and negative.  I have chosen not to let the naysayers silence me or sour my outlook on life.????

Yes VF. Accentuate the positive and eliminate the negative.  ???? 

 

Some of what you say about not attending expat events in the past to avoid confrontation is saddening.   

 

When you say "I could see his expression change as he tried to balance our conversation with what he had no doubt heard about me" I find it funny. He apparently enjoyed your conversation. I've had many people over the years (mostly at work) tell me how horrible another person was yet when I met that person I thought they were great. I think the lesson is that everyone is an individual with a different thought process from anyone else. Maybe there are personal issues between two folks. Maybe a personality conflict.

 

Bottom line I think it best to not take another persons opinion of an individual as gospel but get to know them yourself and determine your own relationship/friendship/destiny.

 

6 minutes ago, HuskerDo said:

 

Bottom line I think it best to not take another persons opinion of an individual as gospel but get to know them yourself and determine your own relationship/friendship/destiny.

and learn how to duck when they start throwing home grown tomatoes at you  ????

 

also a pic of my favorite farangs.....

8 hours ago, swissie said:

Pleasant thread with great pics. A description of a life in harmony, fulfillement and peace of mind. Clearly, OP "has got it made".
In stark contrast to most of my Farangs Friends, that started out with the best of intentions, envisioning a life similar to the one the OP has the privilege to experience.
Sadly, most marriages of my Farang friends have failed. They have left and their Mansions/Estates look like a tornado has ravaged the place after having been left to the care of the former "Thai-Family".

- Perhaps I have the wrong friends or they didn't have the right "Karma" to begin with.

As much as I like this thread, strongly focusing on the positive sides of living in Thailand, it may produce a negative side effect:
After reading this thread, a farang with no or little "Thailand-Experience" may be tempted to pull up stakes, sell everything including his kitchen sink and head straight for paradise (what could possibly go wrong?)
A Farang with no or little "Thailand-Experience", but having been infected by "Thailand-Fever" will disregard negative threads concerning Thailand as a matter of principle, favouring tales of harmony, fulfillement and piece of mind.

As welcome as positive threads are, the authors of such threads should not disclose their geographical location. The day may come when a gang of discruntled elderly Romeos may appear in front of their house, acting like a lynch-mob and shouting "you made me doing it".

VF: Keep those pics coming. Next to your pets, guard dogs can make good pets too. ????

I think attitude plays a big part in how people handle life in Thailand in general, and the countryside in particular.  Anyone considering leaving their own country to move here should be asking themselves why they are making that decision.  All too many do it because they are unhappy where they are, for whatever reason, only to come here and find that they are still unhappy - often for the same reasons as back home.  They then become bitter at Thailand for not being the panacea they hoped it would be, and threaten to move elsewhere - all the while knowing the true reason in the back of their mind.  In my studied opinion, this is why so many do remain here, despite the threats and promises to leave; they can't bear to face the fact that they would likely be just as unhappy elsewhere, which would force them to take a look in the mirror.  Better to remain here, moaning about Thailand and Thais, and expats who are happy here, saying to yourself "well, I can always move to Vietnam", while knowing that will never be a real option unless financially forced into it.  My advice to those considering a move from their own country is to sort your life out first, then move elsewhere if you still want to.  

 

I feel somewhat dirty at writing that in this upbeat thread, so to bring back some positivity, I was offered a job in Singapore when I was 20, following 4 years of University, and made frequent work visits to Thailand while there, before moving here at 23.  Therefore I didn't decide to come here because I was unhappy at home - if I hadn't got the job I would have happily continued at University.  (Reason 1 why I'm happy here).  I met my wife when I was 26 and she was a student aged 21, and 27 years later we're still happily together.  (Reason 2 why I'm happy here).  I have a number of expat acquaintances, but two real friends, who both came here for work in their mid twenties, both married girls around their age in the 1990's, and both still married today.  Needless to say, they are also happy here.  All three of us enjoy a "local" night out every so often (Thai style nightclub / band / karaoke), and I enjoy going to the local festivals and shows periodically held at wats and tambon / amphur offices. (Reason 3 why I'm happy here).  There are numerous other reasons for my being happy, most of which are personal ones, however the three I've noted above are important, and should be common to anyone wanting to live here:

No bitterness carried over from your previous life.

Happy family life / relationship (while realising that some are happier outside a formal relationship, but that still falls under this category).

Willingness to try local activities, and getting enjoyment from them.

 

 

15 minutes ago, ballpoint said:

 

 

I feel somewhat dirty at writing that in this upbeat thread, so to bring back some positivity, I was offered a job in Singapore when I was 20, following 4 years of University, and made frequent work visits to Thailand while there, before moving here at 23.  Therefore I didn't decide to come here because I was unhappy at home - if I hadn't got the job I would have happily continued at University.  (Reason 1 why I'm happy here).  I met my wife when I was 26 and she was a student aged 21, and 27 years later we're still happily together.  (Reason 2 why I'm happy here).  I have a number of expat acquaintances, but two real friends, who both came here for work in their mid twenties, both married girls around their age in the 1990's, and both still married today.  Needless to say, they are also happy here.  All three of us enjoy a "local" night out every so often (Thai style nightclub / band / karaoke), and I enjoy going to the local festivals and shows periodically held at wats and tambon / amphur offices. (Reason 3 why I'm happy here).  There are numerous other reasons for my being happy, most of which are personal ones, however the three I've noted above are important, and should be common to anyone wanting to live here:

No bitterness carried over from your previous life.

Happy family life / relationship (while realising that some are happier outside a formal relationship, but that still falls under this category).

Willingness to try local activities, and getting enjoyment from them.

 

 

Thanks again for another thoughtful contribution to this thread.???? It is very much like the idea of inertia.  People who are happy tend to find ways to remain happy and people who are unhappy tend to remain in a state of unhappiness.????

1 hour ago, ballpoint said:

There are numerous other reasons for my being happy, most of which are personal ones, however the three I've noted above are important, and should be common to anyone wanting to live here:

Good to hear your story , and wish you continued "happiness".   Since we are being philosophical ( country life will do that   lol )  ,  I would like to add my 2 cents.   I can understand that many expats, TV members, or people in general will sometimes react negatively to people that tell their "happiness stories".  

Not many, including myself, have had a smoothe passage through life.  Each individual has different experiences and few get by without mishaps.  Whether due to fate, ones own doing,  good or bad judgement,health issues, a partner that did a jekyll and hyde , or maybe they themself just screwed up ....

it's what makes us all different.    I personally now try to avoid the many negative facets, and people, in this game of life.  I do however,  try to  make the best of what I have .  Improve my physical,  relax a bit and try not to be too critical of others.  To all on here with the burdens of the past on their shoulders...... try to move on.   

To those who just say fk it..... its ok.    Just have another beer.   

 

 

Of the foreigners generally happy with their lives in Thailand, I have found a large proportion came for work and stayed for the long haul.  Most are reasonably well versed in Thai so communication is not a problem and they have a good understanding of how things operate here. Many of the complainers came much later in life, looking for a place to retire, and cannot communicate in Thai. They became too reliant on someone else for their daily life. 

 

Thailand can be a great place to live or it can be hell. But this depends on the person, not the country. It is what you make of it. I've been here 37 years now, and will be here for many more.  I am looking at retiring in the middle of nowhere in the north east in another 4 years or so. After having lived in Bangkok for most of my time here, it will be a major change, but I am ready for the challenge and my wife and I are already studying house plans (nothing as ostentatious as VF's though). 

1 hour ago, GarryP said:

Of the foreigners generally happy with their lives in Thailand, I have found a large proportion came for work and stayed for the long haul.  Most are reasonably well versed in Thai so communication is not a problem and they have a good understanding of how things operate here. Many of the complainers came much later in life, looking for a place to retire, and cannot communicate in Thai. They became too reliant on someone else for their daily life. 

 

Thailand can be a great place to live or it can be hell. But this depends on the person, not the country. It is what you make of it. I've been here 37 years now, and will be here for many more.  I am looking at retiring in the middle of nowhere in the north east in another 4 years or so. After having lived in Bangkok for most of my time here, it will be a major change, but I am ready for the challenge and my wife and I are already studying house plans (nothing as ostentatious as VF's though). 

When I sold my small condo in Bangkok things were going for between seventy and eighty-thousand baht per square meter.  Construction costs up here were in the ten to fifteen range, so we got a lot more house for the exact same cost as what we had in Bangkok.  Of course we didn't stop there and have had numerous projects and modifications over the years.  Our most recent renovation should be finished by the end of the day, with any luck.

 

After my thirty years in Bangkok, moving upcountry was definitely a challenge and a major change.  I had no idea what I was getting myself into but it has all worked out.

40 minutes ago, villagefarang said:

When I sold my small condo in Bangkok things were going for between seventy and eighty-thousand baht per square meter.  Construction costs up here were in the ten to fifteen range, so we got a lot more house for the exact same cost as what we had in Bangkok.  Of course we didn't stop there and have had numerous projects and modifications over the years.  Our most recent renovation should be finished by the end of the day, with any luck.

 

After my thirty years in Bangkok, moving upcountry was definitely a challenge and a major change.  I had no idea what I was getting myself into but it has all worked out.

I am not selling my house in Bangkok though, at least not for quite a few more years after I retire. So I will be using some of my savings for the new house. 

4 minutes ago, GarryP said:

I am not selling my house in Bangkok though, at least not for quite a few more years after I retire. So I will be using some of my savings for the new house. 

That is actually a very good plan.  To be honest we didn't sell right away and thought we would split our time between Bangkok and Chiang Rai but ended up spending most of our time in Chiang Rai.  We also received a cash offer on the condo which we decided to take, so we ended up with one house much sooner than we expected.

7 hours ago, villagefarang said:

When I sold my small condo in Bangkok things were going for between seventy and eighty-thousand baht per square meter.  Construction costs up here were in the ten to fifteen range, so we got a lot more house for the exact same cost as what we had in Bangkok.  Of course we didn't stop there and have had numerous projects and modifications over the years.  Our most recent renovation should be finished by the end of the day, with any luck.

 

After my thirty years in Bangkok, moving upcountry was definitely a challenge and a major change.  I had no idea what I was getting myself into but it has all worked out. 

"After my thirty years in Bangkok, moving upcountry was definitely a challenge and a major change.  I had no idea what I was getting myself into but it has all worked out."

 

What were the biggest hurdles/challenges for you VF in your relocation and how long before you felt comfortable with all the newness?

 

Thanks! 

9 hours ago, GarryP said:

I have found a large proportion came for work and stayed for the long haul.

I came here for a US company back in 2005. Working here gives you lots of time to acclimate and become familiar with the ins and outs. Plus living in a condo in BKK and loads of free time after work gives you ample opportunity to research areas and travel to see them.

 

 

1 hour ago, HuskerDo said:

"After my thirty years in Bangkok, moving upcountry was definitely a challenge and a major change.  I had no idea what I was getting myself into but it has all worked out."

 

What were the biggest hurdles/challenges for you VF in your relocation and how long before you felt comfortable with all the newness?

 

Thanks! 

First we were building a house which we had never done before so there was that challenge.  Just finding your way around and sourcing things twelve years ago took some effort.  We didn't have a car for the last eight years in Bangkok so I had to renew my license and buy a truck to help with the house build and shopping.  Initially my wife didn't drive so I had to do all the driving at first.  I didn’t even think about socializing or meeting farangs for the first two years because we seemed to be so busy.

 

I threw myself into blogging and joined ThaiVisa along with many other sites.  I didn’t have a gym and I could no longer play squash so I had to find other interest.  There was a lot of trial and error, with me trying something out for a while before moving on to something else.  Photography, blogging, mountain-biking , hiking, motorcycling, and a few other things were just things I did for a while but I didn’t label myself as any of those things.

 

When we finally got around to seeing who else was living in Chiang Rai, we were surprised how little we had in common with other expats.  People were from so many different countries and backgrounds, seemed so cliquey, old, unfit and very old-fashioned.  They generally drank too much for my taste, couldn’t  speak Thai and complained too much.  We still do most of our socializing midday to avoid the heavy drinking that seems to accompany nighttime activities.

 

I have always been very spontaneous and don’t really like making plans and that was fine in Bangkok but didn’t work so well living where we live.  I had so much history in Bangkok and all that went out the window when we moved.  Even though I was moving within Thailand it was still like starting over in many ways.

 

Some of the hurdles were age related with me no longer being at my peak or in as much demand.  We have dealt with that by reversing roles.  My wife is now the same age I was when we met and has access to more interesting people and activities than I do at my age.  Being her husband instead of her being my wife was a little different at first.

 

Learning how to slowdown and smell the roses, as it were, was a process.  We got pets and toys which I couldn’t have in Bangkok but in the end the most important aspect of living up here is that my wife is my best friend, we have similar interests and I still love her deeply and have so much respect for her.

20 minutes ago, villagefarang said:

First we were building a house which we had never done before so there was that challenge.  Just finding your way around and sourcing things twelve years ago took some effort.  I didn’t even think about socializing or meeting farangs for the first two years because we seemed to be so busy.

 

I threw myself into blogging and joined ThaiVisa along with many other sites.  I didn’t have a gym and I could no longer play squash so I had to find other interest.  There was a lot of trial and error, with me trying something out for a while before moving on to something else.  Photography, blogging, mountain-biking , hiking, motorcycling, and a few other things were just things I did for a while but I didn’t label myself as any of those things.

 

When we finally got around to seeing who else was living in Chiang Rai, we were surprised how little we had in common with other expats.  People were from so many different countries and backgrounds, seemed so cliquey, old, unfit and very old-fashioned.  They generally drank too much for my taste, couldn’t  speak Thai and complained too much.  We still do most of our socializing midday to avoid the heavy drinking that seems to accompany nighttime activities.

 

I have always been very spontaneous and don’t really like making plans and that was fine in Bangkok but didn’t work so well living where we live.  I had so much history in Bangkok and all that went out the window when we moved.  Even though I was moving within Thailand it was still like starting over in many ways.

 

Some of the hurdles were age related with me no longer being at my peak or in as much demand.  We have dealt with that by reversing roles.  My wife is now the same age I was when we met and has access to more interesting people and activities than I do at my age.  Being her husband instead of her being my wife was a little different at first.

 

Learning how to slowdown and smell the roses, as it were, was a process.  We got pets and toys which I couldn’t have in Bangkok but in the end the most important aspect of living up here is that my wife is my best friend, we have similar interests and I still love her deeply and have so much respect for her.

Thanks VF. I'm not sure why there would be age related hurdles as you look in EXCELLENT shape. Not sure how old you are but anyone who can do the splits like you do as well as spend a lot of time biking, hiking and in the gym, well, let's just say many many many are jealous of the way you take care of yourself.

 

I know the feeling about not being "in demand" as I took a break from the working world and then decided to jump back in and found it far harder. In the past I'd send a resume and I'd hear back sometimes within the hour. I've come to the realization that there are more folks who want to be in our "retired" situation rather than the other way around. ????

 

 

9 minutes ago, HuskerDo said:

Thanks VF.

I added a couple edits to the post you quoted.

4 minutes ago, villagefarang said:

I added a couple edits to the post you quoted.

and I finished my thought as I accidently submitted too quickly.

13 hours ago, villagefarang said:

Unfortunately, you do have a point.  I am not a fan of those guys who promote Thailand as a cheap destination where they say you can live like a king on 500 baht per day as I feel that is not realistic.  I hope I am not leading anyone down an unattainable path and only wish to provide a balance to all the negativity.  I also know people who do not appreciate my photography or anything about me, really.  Other expats can be a problem if they decide you are not one of them.

 

Several years ago a group of local farangs broke off from TVF and started their own forum because they hated me so much and couldn’t get me removed from this site.  For years I stopped going to expat events to avoid confrontation.  More recently I thought I might test the waters, so to speak, and started attending some events.  At the end of a recent event, where I had been talking with a few expats, one of the guys asked who I was and if I had any online presence.  I hesitated briefly before smiling and telling him I was VF.  I could see his expression change as he tried to balance our conversation with what he had no doubt heard about me.

 

I have also encountered numerous people who told me they used to read my blog many years ago and how appreciative they were.  So things have a way of working out and a balance is found between good and bad, positive and negative.  I have chosen not to let the naysayers silence me or sour my outlook on life.????

 

Genuinely surprised to read this? I am one of those that enjoyed your blog, particularly the photographs in and around the Chiang Rai area. I doubt I'd agree with you on every subject, I'm more cynical about Thailand than you, but I can't quite get my head round why you would illicit those type of responses? 

 

 

 

 

57 minutes ago, villagefarang said:

Learning how to slowdown and smell the roses, as it were, was a process.

surprise! that's not at all the impression i got from reading all your comments including the "ancient" ones. but perhaps my judgment is biased by my perspective. it took me only a few months to slow down. that was 39 years ago. 

9 hours ago, Naam said:

that was 39 years ago. 

29!

9 hours ago, Naam said:

that was 39 years ago. 

 

52 minutes ago, Naam said:

29!

Damn.  You slowed down so much you're going backwards.

12 hours ago, HuskerDo said:

Thanks VF. I'm not sure why there would be age related hurdles as you look in EXCELLENT shape. Not sure how old you are but anyone who can do the splits like you do as well as spend a lot of time biking, hiking and in the gym, well, let's just say many many many are jealous of the way you take care of yourself.

 

I know the feeling about not being "in demand" as I took a break from the working world and then decided to jump back in and found it far harder. In the past I'd send a resume and I'd hear back sometimes within the hour. I've come to the realization that there are more folks who want to be in our "retired" situation rather than the other way around. ????

 

 

I will turn 65 in a few months.  I am feeling much better after recently losing 10 kilos and returning to the gym.  I have no real health problems and my parents lived into their 90's.  Age related hurdles are individual in nature and relative to what we used to be able to do, in my opinion.  Comparing myself to many of my peers, I come off pretty good but that does not really make me feel any better or limit my perceived decline from my peak.  I explain it like I summited the mountain some time back and now I am on the way down.  I have the brakes on while I try to slow the decent as much as possible.

 

Watching my mother's long decline into dementia and the toll it took on my father, who never really came to grips with it, has me questioning my own mortality and how much longer I have or want to have.  I have no children to worry about but my wife is twenty years younger and I don't want to be burden to her later on.  I am doing what I can to enjoy the moment but age and quality of life is always in the back of my mind.  For me death is final so I am trying to feel and experience as much as I can, while I can.

 

When I was younger I quite often had older friends and found their lives more interesting and motivational.  Now I am drawn more to people my wife's age as they have more going on than people my age or older.

To your Post #380 VF (rather than quote it all) I think quite a few foreigners (no matter where they live here) struggle with adapting or taking up new hobbies or activities to replace the ones they had grown accustomed to in their home country. In many cases that proves to be the deal breaker and they become extremely frustrated or bored. Many tend to lash out when they see others that have assimilated well.

 

Like you, I have found (other than work colleagues here) that I have very little in common with the foreigners I have personally met, up to this point. I am way to active and busy and have been my entire life and the folks I have met here do not have similar interests and of course some coming from other places besides America makes it even harder. I need my toys and outside hobbies. My wife understands this albeit sometimes she shakes her head with a smile. Sitting around every day was never my plan which is why I packed up a 40 ft container and brought "stuff" over. In the states I was never a dinner party socialite type either, even though as part of my position at various companies I was expected to attend. I found most of those gatherings to be rather stuffy and pretentious. I am the "BBQ out by the pool having cocktails with music on and people playing around" type. 

 

Our house build here was a great project for my wife and I and we had a great time designing it and then having it built. My wife learned a lot about how to build a home to a set of standards and architect renderings. I wouldn't recommend it for all but if you have a good partner it can be fun.

 

Vlogging/Blogging etc can be an interesting hobby or past time but the downside is exposing yourself to a HUGE audience and with that comes the harsh or rude comments/opinions from an anonymous audience. I was asked several times to start a Vlog of my travels and what its like working in Thailand for large companies. I skated around the question and never took it up. Occasionally a friend from the states will send me a link to a Vlog or YouTube vid someone did about Thailand and I watch it. Most I can only handle about the first 30 seconds, some even less. There are lots of interesting folks out there. But sadly those Vlogs are what forms perceptions and instills an image to the outside world of life in Thailand ( no different then some posts on TV).

 

You know in the end I just see myself as the same guy just living in a different country. I live a very "California/Thailand" life style here and love it. Blending the two has made for a good balance for both my wife and I. 

 

While the last few posts are not specific to living in the North, they are all part of living. 

11 hours ago, Naam said:

surprise! that's not at all the impression i got from reading all your comments including the "ancient" ones. but perhaps my judgment is biased by my perspective. it took me only a few months to slow down. that was 39 years ago. 

I have always been calmer and more low-key than most, so it was more of a relative thing for me.  Still, moving from the center of Bangkok to a remote country location entailed some tweaking of focus and perception and tuning into nature.

Moving from big city to country living definitely takes some time unless of course you had previously lived both.  However I think as we age we tend to fight change versus when younger we loved it so making that move later in life could prove to be a bit unnerving and stressful. I have watched my parents and their friends settle into a pretty rigid routine and pulling them out of that can be challenging. My dad reminds me all the time to NOT do as he did as he got older.  In fact he was and still is a huge proponent of me moving, working and living abroad.  

12 hours ago, AlexRich said:

 

Genuinely surprised to read this? I am one of those that enjoyed your blog, particularly the photographs in and around the Chiang Rai area. I doubt I'd agree with you on every subject, I'm more cynical about Thailand than you, but I can't quite get my head round why you would illicit those type of responses? 

 

Thank you.  I too struggled to understand the depth of feeling coming from some corners.  I did discover later that at least one individual struggles with depression and that probably affects his inability to measure his responses at times.