Lucky we live in Chiang Rai!

[SoilSpoil]

I have the feeling that Villagefarang seems like a genuine nice bloke, dont get me wrong  but is he  taking a significant portion of prozac, or something? Living in Chiang Rai is a @#$$, hell right now, and among the most polluted places on earth. Just pay a visit to the local hospitals and say hello to some of the children on respirators there. With your 'happy' voice.

 

To post that living in CR is so wonderful, with your air purifiers and ac's, is as intelligent as posting that life on Mars is so great. It reeks to a mix  of arrogance and ignorance.

 

Sometimes its better to say nothing all and just enjoy your privileged life in silence. Like I tend to do.

 

 

Edited March 28, 2020 by SoilSpoil

[Berkshire]

On 3/18/2020 at 10:04 PM, HuskerDo said:

I'm curious why, if life is so exciting and grand for you (or anyone) in Thailand that you bother to post what a great life you have instead of simply enjoying it. I get the feeling that life is boring to many farang in Thailand thus they resort to message boards. If your life is great then just live it and not put yourself in a situation where you spend time dealing with people that don't agree with you or want to try to "irk" you. 

The obvious question to ask is why are YOU posting if you believe that TVF is a waste of time and everyone with a wonderful life should just be living it.

 

If you know anything about these boards, you would know that it's typically dominated by negativity.  VF is a naturally positive guy which is refreshing to see.  It seems you'd prefer people to only post negativity and misery.  Is that what you "hope" for those of us living in Thailand?  I'm sorry to disappoint you.

[villagefarang]

1 hour ago, SoilSpoil said:

Sometimes its better to say nothing all and just enjoy your privileged life in silence. Like I tend to do.

You are of course are welcome to say nothing, as you have done so eloquently here, but is it really necessary to try and silence others?  I was under the impression we are all allowed to post here.

 

No one has insulted you or accused you of being on drugs and quite frankly I can't comprehend why you feel so privileged, even obliged, to do so to others.

[Lacessit]

On 3/27/2020 at 9:09 AM, sceadugenga said:

 

I have my scheduled tests at the Overbrook next month, not sure how that is going to work out.

 

I'd appreciate feedback on the Overbrook, which is close by. I've heard the doctors there are arrogant towards farangs, and it's expensive. Data and your thoughts welcome.

[NCC1701A]

15 minutes ago, villagefarang said:

You are of course are welcome to say nothing, as you have done so eloquently here, but is it really necessary to try and silence others?  I was under the impression we are all allowed to post here.

 

No one has insulted you or accused you of being on drugs and quite frankly I can't comprehend why you feel so privileged, even obliged, to do so to others.

VF you sure take a lot of <deleted> on this forum.

I just want you to know I still have that photo of you bending all the way over doing yoga and when the time is right I will release it into the world again like the corona virus.  

 

good luck with your great life.

 

Edited March 28, 2020 by NCC1701A

[kevvy]

1 hour ago, SoilSpoil said:

I have the feeling that Villagefarang seems like a genuine nice bloke, dont get me wrong  but is he  taking a significant portion of prozac, or something? Living in Chiang Rai is a @#$$, hell right now, and among the most polluted places on earth. Just pay a visit to the local hospitals and say hello to some of the children on respirators there. With your 'happy' voice.

 

To post that living in CR is so wonderful, with your air purifiers and ac's, is as intelligent as posting that life on Mars is so great. It reeks to a mix  of arrogance and ignorance.

 

Sometimes its better to say nothing all and just enjoy your privileged life in silence. Like I tend to do.

 

 

hook , line and sinker .. your first few words are not correct .

[kevvy]

2 minutes ago, NCC1701A said:

VF you sure take a lot of <deleted> on this forum.

I just want you to know I still have that photo of you bending all the way over doing yoga and when the time is right I will release it into the world again like the corona virus.  

I have some great photos if you know where to look .. Ncc1701A want to swap.

Edited March 28, 2020 by kevvy

[sceadugenga]

10 minutes ago, Lacessit said:

I'd appreciate feedback on the Overbrook, which is close by. I've heard the doctors there are arrogant towards farangs, and it's expensive. Data and your thoughts welcome.

I've been a regular there for nearly two years and never had any problems with doctor attitude.

I suppose price depends on your needs, major surgery is expensive, sure, other stuff not so much by western standards.

[villagefarang]

46 minutes ago, NCC1701A said:

VF you sure take a lot of <deleted> on this forum.

I just want you to know I still have that photo of you bending all the way over doing yoga and when the time is right I will release it into the world again like the corona virus.  

 

good luck with your great life.

It is not all bad.  The love can sometimes be quite embarrassing.

 

 

[sceadugenga]

Posts removed.

 

The topic is about how lucky we are to live here, not bickering about who's nice and who's not.

[Peter Denis]

19 hours ago, SoilSpoil said:

...

Living in Chiang Rai is a @#$$, hell right now, and among the most polluted places on earth. Just pay a visit to the local hospitals and say hello to some of the children on respirators there. ...

To post that living in CR is so wonderful, with your air purifiers and ac's, is as intelligent as posting that life on Mars is so great. It reeks to a mix  of arrogance and ignorance.

...

Hmmm...

I don't live in Chiang-Rai but it is one of my favorite places to visit.

True, I haven't been there at the peak of the pollution the city and province suffers.

And before relocating there I would surely check out that aspect in full before taking the decision.

But without the mostly self-inflicted pollution, it's imo a great place to live so I can easily relate to VillageFarang's posts.

[SoilSpoil]

7 hours ago, Peter Denis said:

Hmmm...

I don't live in Chiang-Rai but it is one of my favorite places to visit.

True, I haven't been there at the peak of the pollution the city and province suffers.

And before relocating there I would surely check out that aspect in full before taking the decision.

But without the mostly self-inflicted pollution, it's imo a great place to live so I can easily relate to VillageFarang's posts.

So can I, but not his timing.

[Yom]

On 3/28/2020 at 5:48 PM, SoilSpoil said:

living in CR is so wonderful, with your air purifiers and ac's, is as intelligent as posting that life on Mars is so great

Thanks, SoilSpoil.

[villagefarang]

It seems to me city life loses its appeal when one is required to self isolate.  No work, no entertainment, no restaurants, people crowded into high-rise buildings with no place to exercise.

 

Living in rural Chiang Rai we know our neighbors and don't share elevators and public spaces with strangers.  There is space to grow fruit and vegetables, as well as walk the dogs.  Keeping your distance from others is easy and we all know who has returned from another part of Thailand, so we can exercise additional caution while still being polite and friendly from a distance.

 

A drive through the countryside with a stop or two to share an excess of Mayomchit from an over productive tree is relaxing.  Open space and nature is generally more soothing than concrete and confined spaces.

 

All things considered, I still think Chiang Rai is where I would rather be and I feel lucky to live here.????

[KC 71]

5 minutes ago, villagefarang said:

It seems to me city life loses its appeal when one is required to self isolate.  No work, no entertainment, no restaurants, people crowded into high-rise buildings with no place to exercise.

 

Living in rural Chiang Rai we know our neighbors and don't share elevators and public spaces with strangers.  There is space to grow fruit and vegetables, as well as walk the dogs.  Keeping your distance from others is easy and we all know who has returned from another part of Thailand, so we can exercise additional caution while still being polite and friendly from a distance.

 

A drive through the countryside with a stop or two to share an excess of Mayomchit from an over productive tree is relaxing.  Open space and nature is generally more soothing than concrete and confined spaces.

 

All things considered, I still think Chiang Rai is where I would rather be and I feel lucky to live here.????

I hear you

[giddyup]

On 3/18/2020 at 7:06 PM, villagefarang said:

I think all of us who live here full-time are well aware of air quality and make adjustments to our lifestyle, accordingly.????

Adjustment meaning expect a shorter lifespan?

[villagefarang]

1 minute ago, giddyup said:

On 3/18/2020 at 7:06 PM, villagefarang said:

I think all of us who live here full-time are well aware of air quality and make adjustments to our lifestyle, accordingly.????

Adjustment meaning expect a shorter lifespan?

No, I mean using HEPA filters indoors, wearing a mask when outside, limiting physical exertion when the air quality is bad, exercising in the house instead of outdoors.

 

As I have said before, I am more worried about living too long and drifting into dementia.  I take full responsibility for my choices in life and that includes living where I live.????

[giddyup]

Just now, villagefarang said:

No, I mean using HEPA filters indoors, wearing a mask when outside, limiting physical exertion when the air quality is bad, exercising in the house instead of outdoors.

 

As I have said before, I am more worried about living too long and drifting into dementia.  I take full responsibility for my choices in life and that includes living where I live.????

Sorry, but having to make all those adjustments to live somewhere doesn't sound like much of a life to me, but to each their own.

[villagefarang]

2 hours ago, villagefarang said:

A drive through the countryside with a stop or two to share an excess of Mayomchit from an over productive tree is relaxing.  Open space and nature is generally more soothing than concrete and confined spaces.

I neglected to post a picture of our fruit.  Sorry for my oversight.

 

 

 

 

[villagefarang]

Not everything is photogenic these days but the White Temple was eager to please, today.  It is not everyday you get the place all to yourself.  I choose to focus on the positives in my life, not sit around worrying about things I have no control over.????

 

 

 

Edited March 30, 2020 by villagefarang

[Randell]

Yes VF a very rare site these days on my many trips to the hospital in CM drove by it on a regular basis for quite a few months and never saw it not totally busting at the seems  with tourists. That must have been a very pleasant walk around . Thanks great photos as always.

[sceadugenga]

I went into Big C today disguised as the Masked Marauder.

I got there a few minutes before 9 and there were half a dozen girls waiting at the entarance, ignoring social distancing.

There was a double sink and liquid soap on the veranda which I used before entering, temperature checking was set up and a girl pointed a device at my forehead and gave me a red sticker to show my lack of contamination, it reminded me a bit of the bad guy in No Country for Old Men killing people with his compressed air gun.

 

Big C has plenty of what most people need, I got chicken fillets, bacon, imported  cheese and crackers and a good supply of apples and oranges. There was plenty of other meat and veg.

Yes, I love Thai fruit but two rounds of bowel surgery last year has shown me that there's some things I can eat a lot of and not others.

 

Coming out of town I stopped at Saifon's German Bakery shop for fresh bread, rolls and her husbands smoked smallgoods.

 

So mission accomplished, the traffic was fairly light but I'd recommend getting to the supermarkets at opening time for quick and easy shopping. 

 

 

 

 

[villagefarang]

It has been more than three weeks since we went shopping and ten days since we last went for a drive.  Looks like tomorrow might be a good time to see what is going on in town and stock up on of few items.

 

I still miss the gym but in general I have found this whole isolation thing easier than I thought it would be.  My wife has gotten very philosophical about life, what is important, what we have learned and how life might change because of this forced time of isolation and introspection.

 

I somehow thought there might be an urge to call or FaceTime with people I know but I haven't felt lonely or in need of anything more than what I have here at home.  I am still hoping for rain so we might be able to go for a hike together but this time spent at home has been far from unpleasant.

 

For me, Chiang Rai has been a wonderful place to ride out this pandemic, keeping us and others safe by staying home.????

[villagefarang]

Central was pretty bizarre today but we found everything we needed.

 

[EricTh]

@villagefarang

 

Which part of Chiang Rai province do you recommend staying that is not too isolated and not too busy like in the capital of the province?

 

Not too isolated means we can find supermarkets like BigC there. 

 

We don't need all the high-end Tops, Rimping, Tesco etc., just the smaller ones will do.

 

 

Edited April 10, 2020 by EricTh

[JAFO]

18 hours ago, villagefarang said:

It has been more than three weeks since we went shopping and ten days since we last went for a drive.  Looks like tomorrow might be a good time to see what is going on in town and stock up on of few items.

 

I still miss the gym but in general I have found this whole isolation thing easier than I thought it would be.  My wife has gotten very philosophical about life, what is important, what we have learned and how life might change because of this forced time of isolation and introspection.

 

I somehow thought there might be an urge to call or FaceTime with people I know but I haven't felt lonely or in need of anything more than what I have here at home.  I am still hoping for rain so we might be able to go for a hike together but this time spent at home has been far from unpleasant.

 

For me, Chiang Rai has been a wonderful place to ride out this pandemic, keeping us and others safe by staying home.????

Hey VF,

Was watching a movie and had some time to browse TVF. Same ol same ol as it appears...

 

Crazy times going on globally as we all see and read.  Life and where you are currently is what you make it. We are just doing our thing and honestly have zero complaints.  I do not see any hoarding or panic behavior where we live. One thing very nice about living here (Thailand) is that each little village/city has their own markets so you know who sells chickens, pigs, fish fruits and vegetables. No need to wait for some truck to deliver it from across the country and have people lined up outside to fight over it.. Mail order stuff has been quite good where we are, no delays and Kerry hasn't missed a beat. Most private shops are still open doing business with the social distancing requirements.

 

I am enjoying working 100% remote as it gives me ample time to catch up on house projects and work around the property. I still get up and ride my mountain bike early Am. I am teaching my 7 year old niece English and keeping her on track with her school work.  Her Mom still works so we offered to watch her during the school closures. Air around our parts is hit and miss, most days its descent but some days it can be down right filthy. No biggie, just do something different.  

 

One thing for sure, I imagine with all the big chain stores and malls closed its very hard on a good number of Thai folks who routinely frequent them for free AC and to get out of the bad air that many areas suffer from.

 

 

 

 

[sceadugenga]

1 hour ago, villagefarang said:

Central was pretty bizarre today but we found everything we needed.

 

Was the Royal Project shop open?

[villagefarang]

6 minutes ago, sceadugenga said:

Was the Royal Project shop open?

I didn't notice it so can't say for sure.  We were in that area because the bathrooms on the lower level were the only ones open and all the shops on that level were closed as far as I could see.  The produce vendors located between the two buildings were selling and Tops was busy but everything else seemed pretty much deserted.  I was looking for Greek Yogurt and a few other things which were out of stock on our last visit.  We got everything we wanted.

 

Also stopped at Chiwit Thamma Da for some takeout and bread along with a stop at the Baan Mai market not far from there.  That is my wife's favorite market when we are in town.  Filled up the car with goodies and headed home.  It was nice to get out of the house for a change.????

[villagefarang]

1 hour ago, EricTh said:

@villagefarang

 

Which part of Chiang Rai province do you recommend staying that is not too isolated and not too busy like in the capital of the province?

 

Not too isolated means we can find supermarkets like BigC there. 

 

We don't need all the high-end Tops, Rimping, Tesco etc., just the smaller ones will do.

 

 

There is a Makro and BigC on the north side of town near the airport intersection.  The other BigC is pretty much across the highway from Central Plaza and they are located more on the southern end of town.  Chiang Rai really isn't that big so there should be lots of choice within 10 km of town.  We are over 50 km east of town in Phayamengrai and I love it here but it is not for everyone.  Sorry I don't have any experience living in town close to shopping so don't know how to advise you on that.

Edited April 10, 2020 by villagefarang

[Number 6]

Yeah, after that first spurt of buying probably brought on by US panic supermarket in central Bangkok are stocked.

 

AQ 4pm < 100