3 hours ago, GammaGlobulin said:

I never use AI when my own efforts prove even better.

I have been missing your comments during the past days.

Have you been under the weather, or something?

Sorry love. I am travelling. Enjoying the weather, but not under it, so not as much time to spend trolling on AN at the moment. Beautiful time of year in southern Europe. Lots of time spent outdoors. Clear blue skies. Cool spring air. Doesn't get dark until a bit after 9PM. Museums. Parks. Stunning old architecture. Lovely walks. Exercising at night. Great supermarkets. All the great fruits are in season now too (nectarines, peaches, strawberries, plumbs, apples, kiwis) that you can't get in Thailand. And the fresh asparagus and mushy canned peas, all so lovely. I have surely been eating too much bittersweet chocolate and big jars of peanut butter, also scarce and ridiculously expensive in Siam. Thinking about going back to Thailand very soon simply depresses me. I should have planned to stay here longer. Anyway, I have been patiently awaiting your next unhinged topic about how Elaine unjustly lost the trial to Samantha so I can dump on it. I assume it is in the works? Well, you know I will be patiently awaiting.

49 minutes ago, BilllyGOAT said:

Well, you know I will be patiently awaiting.

Yes, I know.

There is no need to say more.

While in Spain, why not take the opportunity to stomp grapes at your local vineyard?

Or, France....

Edited May 21May 21 by GammaGlobulin

34 minutes ago, GammaGlobulin said:

Yes, I know.

There is no need to say more.

While in Spain, why not take the opportunity to stomp grapes at your local vineyard?

Or, France....

I'm not a big grape juice fan, especially once the grapes have been stepped on and are starting to turn rancid. When in Spain though, the tomato juice is very nice. Especially Gazpacho, which they sell in bottles, just like that rancid grape juice, and it doesn't even need to be served in a bowl. It can be drank just like tomato juice right out of the bottle. Lovely.

58 minutes ago, BilllyGOAT said:

I'm not a big grape juice fan, especially once the grapes have been stepped on and are starting to turn rancid. When in Spain though, the tomato juice is very nice. Especially Gazpacho, which they sell in bottles, just like that rancid grape juice, and it doesn't even need to be served in a bowl. It can be drank just like tomato juice right out of the bottle. Lovely.

Did you know that ripe tomatoes, not fried green, can relieve both constipation as well as writer's block?

7 hours ago, IsmeUno said:

My dear @Hummin

You need to understand that people don't live inside your head. They read and interpret what they see and respond in a way they think appropriate. It might not match exactly with what you meant to convey, but nevertheless, that is what they understood. I am quite sure many times you interpret what I write quite differently from my meaning. That's okay, communication can straighten things out. It's a discussion board with many different perspectives on life.

You added a lot of things that you didn't in your first post: "Choices, discipline, timing, health, luck, and responsibility matter."

That's quite different from your initial statement of "What I do not understand, people have choices, and we had all the possibilities to do what we wanted, and also had the education system to become what we wanted, but again, people need to realise it takes dedication and discipline."

Why on earth would I look back at my life to tell myself i could have done something better? Maybe if I have done something different, my life might have taken a completely different trajectory. I'm not complaining about my life. Everything led me to here. Happily, I haven't done anything terrible.

I don't disagree with how you ended the above post. My only disagreement was with your "I don't understand...". I've met people from all walks on life. Some with difficult childhoods. Even relatively wealthy people, as we have seen on the news recently. So many variables and outlooks on life to affect outcomes. I don't bother judging people on what they have.

Seen with all my replies leading up to each other, and the nature of the thread, I think I was on point.

My point was more about later generations who had options and choices earlier generations never had. With those options came new priorities, and maybe that is where many forgot about the future.

We all had our life rollercoasters, with insecurity, setbacks, economic setbacks, health problems, physical or mental, sometimes both, new experiences, new starts, retraining, and crossroads where we could let the setbacks determine us, or strengthen us.

You say you do not complain about your life. Fair enough. But do you see me complaining about everything I did not do in mine?

You still see me making plans and trying to execute them, even with setbacks, delays, and changed priorities.

You tried hard to arrest me on my workshop, something I aired from the top of my head last week, and aimed that as a failure in my life. That was a good one, honestly. Nice try, repeated through several threads.

Some of us are still building and still moving forward.

And that is what I mean when people arrive in a low-cost country, where the future is still unknown. Spend your resources wisely. It is not over yet.

We do not live in the past, and we do not live in tomorrow. But we still owe tomorrow some respect.

Nice and warm opening thou, My Dear Hummin, I like that, sweet

I can only speak for myself, but in my own case the quality of life for me here in Thailand is far better than it was in the San Francisco Bay Area. I can go into town here in Rayong and feel perfectly relaxed instead of constantly looking over my shoulder worrying about crime, aggressive behavior, or homeless people defecating on the sidewalks like in San Francisco. The people here in Thailand are very polite, respectful, and easy to get along with. Life is calmer, less stressful, and more civilized to me. So, needless to say, I have no plans to return to Crazyfornia.

On 5/20/2026 at 8:48 PM, Harry Tuchas said:

I see a lot of gloomy videos online posted by people in developed countries like the United States saying they can no longer afford basics like food and rent. In Japan, salarymen often work long hours, and many people report very tight monthly budgets despite the country being highly developed. It creates the impression that even in advanced economies, many people still struggle with living standards that might be expected to be higher.

If you broaden the view, similar concerns appear in places like the United Kingdom, Germany, and South Korea. In those countries, the issues often include rising housing costs, wage stagnation, taxation, and the overall increase in the cost of living. In the United States, the discussion often centers on healthcare, housing, and inequality.

These are all major developed economies with strong infrastructure, education systems, and decent GDP, yet many people still feel financial pressure that seems inconsistent with the idea of a comfortable developed world lifestyle. In parts of Asia, particularly Japan and South Korea, long working hours and limited free time are often highlighted, alongside high costs for leisure and daily living. These are countries that have a lot to offer, but a large portion of the population can no longer afford much beyond basic living expenses.

It raises questions about how much of this comes from the modern cost of living in large economies, and how much comes from expectations rising faster than incomes. It also makes me reflect on my own situation in Southeast Asia, where basic costs like rent, food, clothing, utilities, and transportation have always felt easily manageable.

Of course, quality of life is not only about affordability. It also includes stress levels, free time, personal freedom, and overall lifestyle balance. When comparing countries like Japan, South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, the reality becomes more complex than the assumption that developed countries automatically offer a better quality of life for people who live there.

Break it down.

It's all about money.

With sufficient money you can buy/afford a good life in Europe, same in SE Asia.

On 5/20/2026 at 8:48 PM, Harry Tuchas said:

I see a lot of gloomy videos online posted by people in developed countries like the United States saying they can no longer afford basics like food and rent. In Japan, salarymen often work long hours, and many people report very tight monthly budgets despite the country being highly developed. It creates the impression that even in advanced economies, many people still struggle with living standards that might be expected to be higher.

If you broaden the view, similar concerns appear in places like the United Kingdom, Germany, and South Korea. In those countries, the issues often include rising housing costs, wage stagnation, taxation, and the overall increase in the cost of living. In the United States, the discussion often centers on healthcare, housing, and inequality.

These are all major developed economies with strong infrastructure, education systems, and decent GDP, yet many people still feel financial pressure that seems inconsistent with the idea of a comfortable developed world lifestyle. In parts of Asia, particularly Japan and South Korea, long working hours and limited free time are often highlighted, alongside high costs for leisure and daily living. These are countries that have a lot to offer, but a large portion of the population can no longer afford much beyond basic living expenses.

It raises questions about how much of this comes from the modern cost of living in large economies, and how much comes from expectations rising faster than incomes. It also makes me reflect on my own situation in Southeast Asia, where basic costs like rent, food, clothing, utilities, and transportation have always felt easily manageable.

Of course, quality of life is not only about affordability. It also includes stress levels, free time, personal freedom, and overall lifestyle balance. When comparing countries like Japan, South Korea, the United States, the United Kingdom, and Germany, the reality becomes more complex than the assumption that developed countries automatically offer a better quality of life for people who live there.

difference is IMHO you are a foreigner with most likely foreigner income while the locals are the ones that are suffering. Many of the foreigners here probably would suffer along with their neighbors if they were still in their home country. I know I could still survive easily in much of the US but if I returned now, I would also suffer finding a suitable home/apartment which I sold prior to coming to Paradise several decades ago. My family and friends in the states tell me about current conditions there and what many suffer, especially the younger generations that did not enjoy the conditions in which my generation grew up. Now, well-paying jobs are not as easy to find, housing is much more expensive and utilities are higher than they used to be. Buying a car is ridiculous now IMHO in the US. This is my opinion only of course as i have no idea of the life of other foreigners here but I do think we are here because life is easier and cheaper.

On 5/20/2026 at 8:53 PM, Celsius said:

Another coping thread.

We live quite well in Toronto on less than 50k per year..... and that's in canadian dollars.

Of course, no stupid expenses like

Healthcare

Dentists

Western food (not Thai slop) at ridiculously cheap prices

On this budget I would even go horing more than u saddos in Pattaya. The premium of fornicating while breathing clean air is worth it.

Of course, I wasn't one of those idiots who sold the property to live a dream in Thailand that is now slowly disappearing.

COPE MORE

Life is good

Happy for you. as a USA citizen, you can understand I faced an increased economic challenge upon retirement and so ... Going on 16 years here in Thailand and quite happy.

20 minutes ago, wwest5829 said:

Happy for you. as a USA citizen, you can understand I faced an increased economic challenge upon retirement and so ... Going on 16 years here in Thailand and quite happy.

Actually some posters will be happy to know that I am getting royally f'ed at the moment by taxman, condo Corp and my immune system.

First I arrived just in time where Coil Fan in condos will have to be replaced. 6 grand. In a few years they are looking at windows replacement..... probably 30 grand per unit.

Then the taxman cometh. Every week, I’m getting fresh tax bills in the $10,000–$20,000 range.

Fellow Canadians: if you’ve ever contributed to a TFSA and then left the country without properly notifying the CRA of your exact departure date (my accountant forgot to do this), brace yourself. You’re about to get absolutely reamed.

I’m now sitting on a tax balance close to $100k because their system has decided I’ve been a non-resident of Canada since the day I was born. This will be fixed, but it will apparently take a year to be adjusted.

And holy f$$$, I got plantar fasciitis from the stupid cold and winter. My feet have been hurtin' for almost a year. I’m not angry, I’m just disappointed. Just kidding, I CENSORED hate Canada

4 hours ago, Hummin said:

Seen with all my replies leading up to each other, and the nature of the thread, I think I was on point.

My point was more about later generations who had options and choices earlier generations never had. With those options came new priorities, and maybe that is where many forgot about the future.

We all had our life rollercoasters, with insecurity, setbacks, economic setbacks, health problems, physical or mental, sometimes both, new experiences, new starts, retraining, and crossroads where we could let the setbacks determine us, or strengthen us.

You say you do not complain about your life. Fair enough. But do you see me complaining about everything I did not do in mine?

You still see me making plans and trying to execute them, even with setbacks, delays, and changed priorities.

You tried hard to arrest me on my workshop, something I aired from the top of my head last week, and aimed that as a failure in my life. That was a good one, honestly. Nice try, repeated through several threads.

Some of us are still building and still moving forward.

And that is what I mean when people arrive in a low-cost country, where the future is still unknown. Spend your resources wisely. It is not over yet.

We do not live in the past, and we do not live in tomorrow. But we still owe tomorrow some respect.

Nice and warm opening thou, My Dear Hummin, I like that, sweet

It seems that you are tripling down on this, without really understanding the point I was making...

In how many countries did you live and have been educated in order to make a statement such as that below? How many families did you observe in order to gain an understanding that everyone could do what they wanted?

How many lives have you observed?

Do you suggest those Japanese salarymen work even longer hours? What is your suggestion to them?

Yours is just a blanket, generalised statement that applies to no one but yourself. Typical of an old man from an earlier generation.

You were lucky to get work on the rigs that allowed you to build up a substantial amount of cash reserves. Most people have to survive on salaries and cannot give up work at all until they retire in their 60's.

We are the lucky ones and should perhaps have more compassion for those less fortunate, rather than arrogantly swaggering around looking down on them.

What I do not understand, people have choices, and we had all the possibilities to do what we wanted, and also had the education system to become what we wanted, but again, people need to realise it takes dedication and discipline.

We had it all, and I cant say that for the kids today, unfortunately

Your opening line was "I do not understand..." That is a problem with your understanding or lack of therein.

You don't seem to be able to look beyond your own experience. You highlight some guy on YouTube(Video not available). What is your suggestion to him to fix all of his issues? You don't even see your own issues, so how do you expect him to see his?

Every generation sees things differently from the one before. I saw how hard my parents worked and understood that life was not for me. How many times have you repeated that nonsense of "If only I had utilised my obvious intelligence...."? What do you know of what I have achieved? You are too full of empty statements such as these.

You utilise yourself as the reference that all men should follow, without really understanding anything at all.

I more fully understand why people have differing outcomes in life and therefore refrain from making such vacuous statements about them. Just a different perspective. I hope you understand.

1 hour ago, IsmeUno said:

It seems that you are tripling down on this, without really understanding the point I was making...

In how many countries did you live and have been educated in order to make a statement such as that below? How many families did you observe in order to gain an understanding that everyone could do what they wanted?

How many lives have you observed?

Do you suggest those Japanese salarymen work even longer hours? What is your suggestion to them?

Yours is just a blanket, generalised statement that applies to no one but yourself. Typical of an old man from an earlier generation.

You were lucky to get work on the rigs that allowed you to build up a substantial amount of cash reserves. Most people have to survive on salaries and cannot give up work at all until they retire in their 60's.

We are the lucky ones and should perhaps have more compassion for those less fortunate, rather than arrogantly swaggering around looking down on them.

Your opening line was "I do not understand..." That is a problem with your understanding or lack of therein.

You don't seem to be able to look beyond your own experience. You highlight some guy on YouTube(Video not available). What is your suggestion to him to fix all of his issues? You don't even see your own issues, so how do you expect him to see his?

Every generation sees things differently from the one before. I saw how hard my parents worked and understood that life was not for me. How many times have you repeated that nonsense of "If only I had utilised my obvious intelligence...."? What do you know of what I have achieved? You are too full of empty statements such as these.

You utilise yourself as the reference that all men should follow, without really understanding anything at all.

I more fully understand why people have differing outcomes in life and therefore refrain from making such vacuous statements about them. Just a different perspective. I hope you understand.

I understand I pinched a nerve when saying people should make a plan, be dedicated, be disciplined, not abuse their chances, and learn from earlier mistakes.

So I leave it with that.

How old are you really?

8 minutes ago, Hummin said:

I understand I pinched a nerve when saying people should make a plan, be dedicated, be disciplined, not abuse their chances, and learn from earlier mistakes.

So I leave it with that.

How old are you really?

What you don't appear to understand is how much you illustrate your ignorance outside your own little bubble.

You didn't come up with a viable option for the Japanese salarymen. Nor the subject of your YouTube video. Easy to just make things up in your head, then to present it as a fait accompli.

What you did illustrate is your propensity for exuding large amounts of hot air, without the ability to back anything up with any facts nor data.

Yes

1 hour ago, IsmeUno said:

What you don't appear to understand is how much you illustrate your ignorance outside your own little bubble.

You didn't come up with a viable option for the Japanese salarymen. Nor the subject of your YouTube video. Easy to just make things up in your head, then to present it as a fait accompli.

What you did illustrate is your propensity for exuding large amounts of hot air, without the ability to back anything up with any facts nor data.

We grew up in a time with many options that do not exist the same way today.

I started making my own money when I was 6, picking stones from the fields after long hard winters.

You could quit school early, travel, work, get training on site, and move around with far less regulation and licensing.

You could join the army, go to sea, work in oil, fishing, shipping, trades, construction, real estate, and many other jobs with little or no formal education.

A lot of that is now outsourced, more regulated, or done by immigrants doing work many locals no longer want.

And if you do not understand that many wasted their lives, partied their ass off, never stopped, and then continued the same way here without one single thought about tomorrow, then you miss the point.

Still, choices, discipline, timing, health, luck, and responsibility all matter.

And yes, I am grateful too. I know I have been privileged,

We live today, not yesterday, and not tomorrow. But we still owe tomorrow some respect.

4 hours ago, Celsius said:

And holy f$$$, I got plantar fasciitis from the stupid cold and winter. My feet have been hurtin' for almost a year. I’m not angry, I’m just disappointed. Just kidding, I CENSORED hate Canada

I had plantar fasciitis in both feet at different times. The first foot lasted well over a year and may have never gone away if I hadn't figured out what to do.

Cold weather actually helps because cold reduces inflammation. Hot weather makes feet swell inside your shoes when walking, increases pressure, and only makes things worse. I tried all kinds of physical therapy and rehab, but none of it helped. I also got cortisone shots in both feet. The cortisone improved one foot quite a bit, but not the other.

Eventually, I did two things that fixed both feet within a couple of weeks. First, I stopped walking barefoot on hard floors. I now always wear thick, soft flip flops indoors. The most important part is putting them on immediately when getting out of bed first thing in the morning, or even if getting up to use the bathroom in the middle of the night. Never stand up on a hard floor barefoot again.

Second, I got a pair of PowerStep Pinnacle brand insoles made specifically for plantar fasciitis. They have several different models, but the PowerStep ones in the blue box are the ones to get. I bought them on Amazon and put a pair in every pair of shoes I wear. Just need to make sure you get the right size for your feet.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KPKMX0

After I started wearing cushioned flip flops at home and using the orthotics in all my shoes, the problem was solved. The pain disappeared, surgery avoided, and now I can now walk and run normally again.

1 hour ago, Hummin said:

We grew up in a time with many options that do not exist the same way today.

I started making my own money when I was 6, picking stones from the fields after long hard winters.

You could quit school early, travel, work, get training on site, and move around with far less regulation and licensing.

You could join the army, go to sea, work in oil, fishing, shipping, trades, construction, real estate, and many other jobs with little or no formal education.

A lot of that is now outsourced, more regulated, or done by immigrants doing work many locals no longer want.

And if you do not understand that many wasted their lives, partied their ass off, never stopped, and then continued the same way here without one single thought about tomorrow, then you miss the point.

Still, choices, discipline, timing, health, luck, and responsibility all matter.

And yes, I am grateful too. I know I have been privileged,

We live today, not yesterday, and not tomorrow. But we still owe tomorrow some respect.

You started your post with "I don't understand..." Clearly you do understand, since you keep trying to explain it.

Do you think those options are no longer available?

Now you are writing to me "And if you do not understand that many wasted their lives, partied their ass off, never stopped, and then continued the same way here without one single thought about tomorrow, then you miss the point."

At which point did I state that I did not understand anything?

I think you are getting your lines crossed. Remember the post that you actually responded to...

On 5/21/2026 at 3:46 AM, scubascuba3 said:

Doing jobs for the likes of American banks ultimately meant i could retire early, some people hate their jobs and don't get paid much. Maybe 1 in 10 actually enjoy their work, i probably enjoyed it 50% of the time

You replied with...

What I do not understand, people have choices, and we had all the possibilities to do what we wanted, and also had the education system to become what we wanted, but again, people need to realise it takes dedication and discipline.

What has that to do with partying or even to "join the army, go to sea, work in oil, fishing, shipping, trades, construction, real estate, and many other jobs with little or no formal education"

Are those things that people wanted to do? If they were, they would have been doing them, wouldn't they? So what's your point?

You think a banker that hated his job should join the army? Many people here did already own property in their country and either rent them out or sold them on. So? Your posts are all over the place, mainly because they are all based on your experience of life. Nothing to do with anyone else's experience. It was a sanctimonious rant about nothing at all, IMHO. I simply could not connect it with the thread topic or discussion at all.

What has any of that to do with the quality of life in their respective countries? You don't even live in your own.

On 5/20/2026 at 11:48 PM, Harry Tuchas said:

see a lot of gloomy videos online posted by people in developed countries like the United States saying they can no longer afford basics like food and rent

The west is screwed, too many leftist, Wokes in government, controlling their countries,destroying them. They need a strong leader like Trump.

Oz needs Pauline, she'll fix our problems

Edited May 22May 22 by SAFETY FIRST

These days it's all about how much money you have... pretty much most countries can be a sweet place to be or a complete nightmare depending on the money you have available.

35 minutes ago, IsmeUno said:

You started your post with "I don't understand..." Clearly you do understand, since you keep trying to explain it.

Do you think those options are no longer available?

At which point did I state that I did not understand anything?

I think you are getting your lines crossed. Remember the post that you actually responded to...

You replied with...

What has that to do with partying or even to "join the army, go to sea, work in oil, fishing, shipping, trades, construction, real estate, and many other jobs with little or no formal education"

Are those things that people wanted to do? If they were, they would have been doing them, wouldn't they? So what's your point?

You think a banker that hated his job should join the army? Many people here did already own property in their country and either rent them out or sold them on. So? Your posts are all over the place, mainly because they are all based on your experience of life. Nothing to do with anyone else's experience. It was a sanctimonious rant about nothing at all, IMHO. I simply could not connect it with the thread topic or discussion at all.

What has any of that to do with the quality of life in their respective countries? You don't even live in your own.

When you lose it, there is no ending and no useful exchange.

Have a good evening.

26 minutes ago, SAFETY FIRST said:

The west is screwed, too many leftist, Wokes in government, controlling their countries,destroying them. They need a strong leader like Trump.

Oz needs Pauline, she'll fix our problems

Trump has been a disaster for most Americans. Don't let the booming stock market fool you.

17 minutes ago, Hawaiian said:

Trump has been a disaster for most Americans. Don't let the booming stock market fool you.

I strongly oppose a booming stock market because it often benefits only the wealthy. This is why I advocate for a wealth tax—it’s time to ensure that everyone contributes fairly to our economy.

On 5/20/2026 at 9:48 PM, Harry Tuchas said:

developed countries like the United States

The US is more like a developing country, vast inequality, even publications like The Economist have pointed this out, as well as luminaries like George Carlin saying it's a club and you're probably not in it (if you are here) :)

My story ? I live in Australia and can live more cheaply then SE Asia. As a citizen, I have my own home on a few hectares in my own name, on the edge of a small rural town, solar on my roof so electricity is zero ( i get paid to generate even when I am away) , my solar charges my ecar and ebike for free, so zero fuel costs. I pay local taxes but that gives me streets that are repaired, rubbish collected, public lawns and parks cared for, a free town library I can walk to, free swimming pool I can walk to and some of the cleanest air in the world. I also pay for water but that gets me water I can drink from the tap and infrastructure upgrades. The bus to the nearby big smoke is free, so I take that for outings (they have daytime orchestral recitals at the cathedral for a few $) for a great day out I am surrounded by nature and a zillion outdoor activities, most are free. I get as much free beef as I want as my neighbor agsists his cattle on my bit of land and pays me in free beef and $500 a year. I have dozens of fruit trees and endless fruit, my gf is a chef and likes to grow her own veg and cooks incredible meals. She works locally 3 days a week when we are back in Aus and her 15 minute commute uses the ecar for zero fuel cost. We live in a mild climate in Aus (I consider anywhere with snow too cold) with good rainfall

I lived in the US for a short time in the 1990s as well as NZ, so I cant really comment on other developed countries,

I was lucky, I was born white, male in Australia and had many opportunities come my way, mostly I was too lazy but some opportunities I took and that allowed me to retire at 40, I am now 60. I have lived in Thailand and Cambodia because I could, but now we slow travel SE Asia (Laos, Thailand, Malaysia, Cambodia, The Philippines) for 7-8 months a year and then 4 months back home, I currently prefer that but it may change in future. I luckily don't get any government pension, it's mean tested in Australia and is there for the poor not to fall through the cracks, a good thing to have rather then endless homelessness.

We are 30 days into this years trip, started here in Malaysia. I currently don't want to live in SE Asia full time, just as I don't want to live in Australia full time, too many winging Aussie's there haha

My only regret ? not retiring earlier, paid work is where your soul and spirit goes to die.

As to your premise, i'd suggest no, the US aside.

Edited May 22May 22 by BumGun

11 minutes ago, nick supreme said:

I strongly oppose a booming stock market because it often benefits only the wealthy. This is why I advocate for a wealth tax—it’s time to ensure that everyone contributes fairly to our economy.

I agree 100%. There should be one, fair income tax. What ever that is for everyone, 10-20-30-40% flat tax across the board, no deduction for anything. Flat tax is the only fair tax. Everyone pays the same % on their income ... a fair tax.

No subsidizing of any businesses, and no public assistance, without some type of work involved. Everyone can do something with rare exceptions. You can't do physical work, do some type of data entry, even from home, but time on the clock for that assistance check .... No Work - No Check

Edited May 22May 22 by KhunLA

2 hours ago, Sir Dude said:

These days it's all about how much money you have... pretty much most countries can be a sweet place to be or a complete nightmare depending on the money you have available.

For some people that is how it is.

8 hours ago, Celsius said:

Actually some posters will be happy to know that I am getting royally f'ed at the moment by taxman, condo Corp and my immune system.

First I arrived just in time where Coil Fan in condos will have to be replaced. 6 grand. In a few years they are looking at windows replacement..... probably 30 grand per unit.

Then the taxman cometh. Every week, I’m getting fresh tax bills in the $10,000–$20,000 range.

Fellow Canadians: if you’ve ever contributed to a TFSA and then left the country without properly notifying the CRA of your exact departure date (my accountant forgot to do this), brace yourself. You’re about to get absolutely reamed.

I’m now sitting on a tax balance close to $100k because their system has decided I’ve been a non-resident of Canada since the day I was born. This will be fixed, but it will apparently take a year to be adjusted.

And holy f$$$, I got plantar fasciitis from the stupid cold and winter. My feet have been hurtin' for almost a year. I’m not angry, I’m just disappointed. Just kidding, I CENSORED hate Canada

Well at least you got that wonderful Canadian health care system to look after you. 555

You can't be out of Canada for more than 6 months at a time or you lose your residency and OAS if Canadian residency is less than 20 yrs. Around 2005 immigration started informing revenue Canada when you departed and returned. Good luck.

Edited May 22May 22 by gargamon

8 hours ago, Celsius said:

And holy f$$$, I got plantar fasciitis from the stupid cold and winter. My feet have been hurtin' for almost a year. I’m not angry, I’m just disappointed. Just kidding, I CENSORED hate Canada

Forgot to mention, don't waste time and money with any other brands of orthotics. I've found that PowerStep Pinnacle have just the right blend of stiffness and arch support to correct the problem.

Also, are you 100% sure that you have plantar faciitis and has it been diagnosed by a podiatrist? Sometimes bone spurs can give off similar symptoms. So if there's any doubt, get a foot x-ray to ensure correct diagnosis.

But if it is plantar faciitis then after a couple of weeks of cushioned flip flops indoors, the right orthotics in all your shoes, and some light stretching of the Achilles tendon (you can find info about stretches online) and you should be laughing.

20 hours ago, spidermike007 said:

Wrong. I come back twice a year so it's not the cumulative effect of several years. Everybody that I know here, whether they're just getting by or they're quite wealthy are complaining about how inflation is soaring, and it's out of control.

The CPI numbers are a fiction created by the very dishonest government, using entirely skewed metrics. It's not just the Goon, all Administrations do that. The cost of living in America is completely out of control.

All your friends in the USA are just starting to notice inflation? 😄

My friends have been complaining about inflation for the last several years.

Two years ago, it was one of the biggest topics in the country because prices were jumping fast every month. ($12 eggs became a meme for a reason.)

Housing prices went crazy too, homes that were selling for $90K suddenly jumped to $170K. Car prices got completely out of control as well. Vehicles that used to cost $30K were suddenly $80K–$90K.

What I’m saying is that I’m not hearing people today saying inflation itself is “out of control” the way they were in 2022.

Prices are still high absolutely, but inflation is the rate of increase. Those are two different things.

Unfortunately, once prices go up they usually don’t fully come back down. That’s the part people are still frustrated about.

Just now, BigLek said:

Forgot to mention, don't waste time and money with any other brands of orthotics. I've found that PowerStep Pinnacle have just the right blend of stiffness and arch support to correct the problem.

Also, are you 100% sure that you have plantar faciitis and has it been diagnosed by a podiatrist? Sometimes bone spurs can give off similar symptoms. So if there's any doubt, get a foot x-ray to ensure correct diagnosis.

But if it is plantar faciitis then after a couple of weeks of cushioned flip flops indoors, the right orthotics in all your shoes, and some light stretching of the Achilles tendon (you can find info about stretches online) and you should be laughing.

Thank you. Those are freaking expensive and not available in canada, so I guess importing them it is. I bought dr scholls, but they are not helping much. The problem is I really like walking. Might try the cortisone.

On 5/20/2026 at 2:45 PM, scubascuba3 said:

I think people should earn the max they can in farangland then retire abroad to a country where you can have a much better quality of life, this will also add to the housing stock available to the young back home who are always moaning they can't buy

I like that idea as long as they don't move to Thailand, we have plenty of expats here and we don't need millions more.