Urban living or Rural living, what's your choice?

[krisb]

My salt water pool 30 meters along the straight edge just like you'll have in your back yard?

Seriously is that your pool at your house?

If it is, I suggest a 'who's got the best pool' thread.

[JLCrab]

No it is 'my' pool because that is the one that I swim in several times a week.

[JLCrab]

OP has developed a deep almost primal lust for nature. I have developed a deep almost primal lust for lust.

Good for you,let's hope you don't live up to your name and catch them.

Whatever -- I was just smithing words.

[AYJAYDEE]

No it is 'my' pool because that is the one that I swim in several times a week.

oh well, in THAT case

[JLCrab]

No it is 'my' pool because that is the one that I swim in several times a week.

oh well, in THAT case

Nice -- but an uncovered pool in Thailand? You can probably cook eggs in it months out of the year. I look forward to the cold months when the Thai people don't even bother to show up.

[manarak]

urban, in a central but quiet place with a big pool just in front of the terrace and parking space in front of my door.

24h supermarket just 2 minutes away.

IMO, cannot beat that.

I had a house before, and it was just a huge time waster, took an eternity to clean, there was always something broken, it needed paint all the time, pressure cleaning, the pool pumps needed fixing, then it was the electric panel, then the water floater, then a bathroom had a leak... never ending story. good riddance.

[StefanBBK]

We are technically in Bangkok, but far enough out to feel like small village. I could not live in a condo because of Kids, dogs, birds, BBQ etc.

Need to stick around for kids' school, otherwise would have long ago moved to a more rural area with huge vegetable garden....

[Mosha]

Rural living, in the rubber trees, yet only 3 minutes drive from an international airport, beach and all shops.

Perfect for me

100_8380-800x600.jpg

Hope the trees are under short final Simon

That should read not under

[Dellie]

Used to love the city. Lived in Bangkok for 11 years and loved every minute. Then I got married and had kids and it all changed. Now live in Ban Chang which has turned out to be perfect. Close to great beaches, tons of golf courses, good international schools for the kids.

[AYJAYDEE]

No it is 'my' pool because that is the one that I swim in several times a week.

oh well, in THAT case

Nice -- but an uncovered pool in Thailand? You can probably cook eggs in it months out of the year. I look forward to the cold months when the Thai people don't even bother to show up.

look up

[JLCrab]

I did -- looks like it covers the kiddie pool section unless it is retractable on wheels and can be lengthened to cover the entire pool.

Look if you have a nice uncovered pool that's what you swim in hot water or not -- just with me I can only swim for about one third time as when the water is cool before my head gets dizzy.

[AYJAYDEE]

I did -- looks like it covers the kiddie pool section unless it is retractable on wheels and can be lengthened to cover the entire pool.

Look if you have a nice uncovered pool that's what you swim in hot water or not -- just with me I can only swim for about one third time as when the water is cool before my head gets dizzy.

perspective. and it doesnt get too warm

[JLCrab]

I did -- looks like it covers the kiddie pool section unless it is retractable on wheels and can be lengthened to cover the entire pool.

Look if you have a nice uncovered pool that's what you swim in hot water or not -- just with me I can only swim for about one third time as when the water is cool before my head gets dizzy.

perspective. and it doesnt get too warm

Perspective: It depends how far and how long you swim.

[AYJAYDEE]

I did -- looks like it covers the kiddie pool section unless it is retractable on wheels and can be lengthened to cover the entire pool.

Look if you have a nice uncovered pool that's what you swim in hot water or not -- just with me I can only swim for about one third time as when the water is cool before my head gets dizzy.

perspective. and it doesnt get too warm

Perspective: It depends how far and how long you swim.

nope

[JLCrab]

I swam 1500 meters no stopping except for 4 water sip breaks this morning in 40+ minutes and I can assure you that at least for this 60 year old it most certainly makes a difference as to the temperature of the water.

[AYJAYDEE]

I swam 1500 meters no stopping except for 4 water sip breaks this morning in 40+ minutes and I can assure you that at least for this 60 year old it most certainly makes a difference as to the temperature of the water.

temp is fine in this one

[weegee]

I swam 1500 meters no stopping except for 4 water sip breaks this morning in 40+ minutes and I can assure you that at least for this 60 year old it most certainly makes a difference as to the temperature of the water.

60!!!!!!!!!!! Hell...no wonder you still swim 1500mtrs. Your only a youngin fella. Everything disappears around 67....have fun til then.

[willyumiii]

Let me start by saying that I have never lived in a Thai Urban area full time.

Rural is just fine with me.

Slow, friendly, and not judged by what not so nice farang tourists and residents have done and still do.

When I need something fastera nd more exciting, I know how to get to Bangkok or other Urban areas.

I must mention that rural is good, but too rural was not that good for me.

My first year here I lived in a very small village < 30 houses and all family of my wife.

It was so small and limited as to what was available both materially and socially, I found myself going crazy after six months.

Since relocating to a pretty large town ( not a city) I am much happier!

[pgrahmm]

Thinking more about this (than I probably should).....I don't like anything that is artificial/superficial - which is just what city life is....from the cages that people live in - to the mouse wheels they take two steps at a time to get to the BTS or up-down in malls (artificial caves).....to the man made concrete jungles, vistas, smells, polution......."relaxing" in a man planned/made parks.....plus all the artificial pressures seeping into (aging/killing) people 24/7 created by this whole artificial environment and infra-structure to the "have to" trends/fads/entertainment/designer brand worshipping for a zombie like following crowd of pre-programmed inhabitants.....

[JLCrab]

I swam 1500 meters no stopping except for 4 water sip breaks this morning in 40+ minutes and I can assure you that at least for this 60 year old it most certainly makes a difference as to the temperature of the water.

60!!!!!!!!!!! Hell...no wonder you still swim 1500mtrs. Your only a youngin fella. Everything disappears around 67....have fun til then.

63 but who's counting.

[JLCrab]

Thinking more about this (than I probably should).....I don't like anything that is artificial/superficial - which is just what city life is....from the cages that people live in - to the mouse wheels they take two steps at a time to get to the BTS or up-down in malls (artificial caves).....to the man made concrete jungles, vistas, smells, polution......."relaxing" in a man planned/made parks.....plus all the artificial pressures seeping into (aging/killing) people 24/7 created by this whole artificial environment and infra-structure to the "have to" trends/fads/entertainment/designer brand worshipping for a zombie like following crowd of pre-programmed inhabitants.....

It's a tough life being sophisticated but somebody has to do it.

[Chonburiram]

Yeah,

rual living, count me in!

[JAFO]

Good Post OP,

I'm on the fence about it. As a kid I grew up in the Santa Cruz mountains on a little farm. Out back of our land was 2,000 acres of open BLM land to go off and do whatever. Its was a very small town, everybody knew everybody etc. Leave the doors and garage open and nobody stole anything. I was up early everyday with my dad and took care of animals and the land and then went to school. Was an awesome life and great character building. Had some of the best surfing waters to be had as a kid only 45 minutes away. Later I moved to Orange County in Southern Calif and went to college. Went from a quiet, know everybody, small town life, to the crazy world of the big city living which cost a heck of a lot of money and everything seemed far more complicated. But again awesome time in my life once I was entrenched in the the big city life and of course still sustained excellent surfing waters in Huntington beach.

Comparing the 2, I like the living in a small town but within a 10 to 15 minute drive to city life which fulfills the things I need. For me its about balance after living both. I will call it "Urbal" living. Where my wife and I live is just that. I require a social life and like meeting and talking to folks. I know I could not do deep rural living anymore nor could I do straight up condo living in BKK(I've done them both in Thailand). Again nothing wrong with either but for me rural living is just too far removed as it was when I was a kid. City life is fun with all the glitz, glamour, bars, people, but the trade off is noise, congestion, garbage, sirens, accidents, loud neighbors and shared amenities. For me having a few rai at the end of a quiet street with a nice secluded home allows me to stay active and do things I grew up doing but sustain a level of privacy. I have paved roads, hear birds and frogs morning and night, but not cars and noise except for an occasional moto off early to market. I can work on my moto, trucks and cars, do some yard work, have a BBQ, play some horseshoes and when I want to go see a movie I can drive to Central Mall and catch a flick and after grab a Swensen's Ice cream with the missus. I do not require much western anymore. A simpler life and less consumerism suits me just fine.

[Thongkorn]

I spent a while in the Jungles if south Thailand. I would like to live there, plenty to do and see, lots of insects animals and snakes . bit like Pattaya really,

[3SoiDogNight]

Good Post OP,

As a kid I grew up in the Santa Cruz mountains on a little farm. Out back of our land was 2,000 acres of open BLM land to go off and do whatever. Its was a very small town, everybody knew everybody etc.

Where my wife and I live is just that. I require a social life and like meeting and talking to folks. I know I could not do deep rural living anymore nor could I do straight up condo living in BKK(I've done them both in Thailand). Again nothing wrong with either but for me rural living is just too far removed as it was when I was a kid. City life is fun with all the glitz, glamour, bars, people, but the trade off is noise, congestion, garbage, sirens, accidents, loud neighbors and shared amenities.

Did you grow up in a town called Loma Prieta? What years did you live there?

I'm sure you've heard of the band The Doobie Brothers. That is where they are from. They are one of my all time favorite bands,

Your old neck of the woods is where I enjoyed camping and/or taking long bicycle rides and weekend drives in my convertible. That is beautiful country up there in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

As far as noise here in Bangkok goes, you can avoid it depending on the building. I prefer older (by Thai standards) high-rise condo buildings because they have thicker walls. Also make sure there is no construction, empty lots, open markets, karaoke bars or repair shops nearby that can make lots of noise.

One of my pet-peeves is people that still act like they live out in the country an leave their front door open when living in a high-rise condo. They do this because they're too damn cheap to run the air conditioner. As a result, I can hear EVERYTHING they're doing inside their condo even when my door is shut. I used to live in a building an had a family down the hall that left their front door open all the time. I constantly heard them washing their dishes, watching TV, taking a crap on the toilet an even smelled their nasty cigarette smoke. I moved up to another floor so I didn't have to hear it.

Luckily I live in a building with considerate neighbors and the condos use double pane windows for sound insulation. I sleep like a baby an never woken up to any noise from outside. Yet I have an awesome view of the Bangkok skyline an walking distance to BTS.

[pgrahmm]

Good Post OP,

I'm on the fence about it. As a kid I grew up in the Santa Cruz mountains on a little farm. Out back of our land was 2,000 acres of open BLM land to go off and do whatever. Its was a very small town, everybody knew everybody etc. Leave the doors and garage open and nobody stole anything. I was up early everyday with my dad and took care of animals and the land and then went to school. Was an awesome life and great character building. Had some of the best surfing waters to be had as a kid only 45 minutes away. Later I moved to Orange County in Southern Calif and went to college. Went from a quiet, know everybody, small town life, to the crazy world of the big city living which cost a heck of a lot of money and everything seemed far more complicated. But again awesome time in my life once I was entrenched in the the big city life and of course still sustained excellent surfing waters in Huntington beach.

Comparing the 2, I like the living in a small town but within a 10 to 15 minute drive to city life which fulfills the things I need. For me its about balance after living both. I will call it "Urbal" living. Where my wife and I live is just that. I require a social life and like meeting and talking to folks. I know I could not do deep rural living anymore nor could I do straight up condo living in BKK(I've done them both in Thailand). Again nothing wrong with either but for me rural living is just too far removed as it was when I was a kid. City life is fun with all the glitz, glamour, bars, people, but the trade off is noise, congestion, garbage, sirens, accidents, loud neighbors and shared amenities. For me having a few rai at the end of a quiet street with a nice secluded home allows me to stay active and do things I grew up doing but sustain a level of privacy. I have paved roads, hear birds and frogs morning and night, but not cars and noise except for an occasional moto off early to market. I can work on my moto, trucks and cars, do some yard work, have a BBQ, play some horseshoes and when I want to go see a movie I can drive to Central Mall and catch a flick and after grab a Swensen's Ice cream with the missus. I do not require much western anymore. A simpler life and less consumerism suits me just fine.

Los Gatos/Millbrae boy here - I had the thought of Bonnie Doon when OP posted - of course could be anywhere from Felton/SC to Watsonville.....I was in Santa Cruz when the quake hit but living in Felton at the time.....

Great places to grow up and live in Calif///I was in Janesville between Susanville & Reno with 2600BLM acres adjacent to my place....could go almost to Lake Tahoe without hitting pavement cutting across it.......

[JLCrab]

October 17, 1989 I was living in the town of Alameda, CA and was on the Cypress Viaduct to/from San Francisco twice that morning returning to east bay about 11 AM.

[weegee]

I was there (on holidays of all things) about a couple of weeks after the big bang.....what a mess, but Las Vegas and San Francisco was still in one bit.

[JAFO]

Good Post OP,

As a kid I grew up in the Santa Cruz mountains on a little farm. Out back of our land was 2,000 acres of open BLM land to go off and do whatever. Its was a very small town, everybody knew everybody etc.

Where my wife and I live is just that. I require a social life and like meeting and talking to folks. I know I could not do deep rural living anymore nor could I do straight up condo living in BKK(I've done them both in Thailand). Again nothing wrong with either but for me rural living is just too far removed as it was when I was a kid. City life is fun with all the glitz, glamour, bars, people, but the trade off is noise, congestion, garbage, sirens, accidents, loud neighbors and shared amenities.

Did you grow up in a town called Loma Prieta? What years did you live there?

I'm sure you've heard of the band The Doobie Brothers. That is where they are from. They are one of my all time favorite bands,

Your old neck of the woods is where I enjoyed camping and/or taking long bicycle rides and weekend drives in my convertible. That is beautiful country up there in the Santa Cruz Mountains.

As far as noise here in Bangkok goes, you can avoid it depending on the building. I prefer older (by Thai standards) high-rise condo buildings because they have thicker walls. Also make sure there is no construction, empty lots, open markets, karaoke bars or repair shops nearby that can make lots of noise.

One of my pet-peeves is people that still act like they live out in the country an leave their front door open when living in a high-rise condo. They do this because they're too damn cheap to run the air conditioner. As a result, I can hear EVERYTHING they're doing inside their condo even when my door is shut. I used to live in a building an had a family down the hall that left their front door open all the time. I constantly heard them washing their dishes, watching TV, taking a crap on the toilet an even smelled their nasty cigarette smoke. I moved up to another floor so I didn't have to hear it.

Luckily I live in a building with considerate neighbors and the condos use double pane windows for sound insulation. I sleep like a baby an never woken up to any noise from outside. Yet I have an awesome view of the Bangkok skyline an walking distance to BTS.

@3SoiDogNight

Of course I remember the Doobie Brothers(Long train running, China Grove....). They ironically played at a couple of High School dances I went to before they took off. Great band. Came back at one point in late 70's to do a charity concert to save the Graham Hill Road fairgrounds(Which was actually more of a big horse field). Carlos Santana was there and Eddie Money and some other local groups which later became huge if IIRC, I was there when the big quake hit. I was called over to help as I had been a volunteer fireman on and off earlier on. Showed up in Ben Lomond at the Old Henflings bar. Downtown Santa Cruz was a wreck. Interestingly my parents house so close suffered only a cracked chimney. As for me I grew up very close to Quail Hollow Ranch near Zayante road. I was also there during the big flood in 1983 as well when the San Lorenzo River washed homes out. Awesome Steelhead fishing when I was a kid. Now its like many rivers, polluted and stagnate in places.

Funny on the door open at the condo, used to annoy me as well. Also was the fact all was cement and tile so as folks walked along to the elevator everything they said echo'd. They were not being rude just the building materials.Sheetrock and carpet sure deaden a lot of noise. Other part in the Condo life that was unnerving was being that all room floors are tile or marble anytime someone dropped something below or above you, you heard it loud and clear. Heck some one would drop a 10 bht coin and you could hear it hit, bounce and role LOL!

[JAFO]

Good Post OP,

I'm on the fence about it. As a kid I grew up in the Santa Cruz mountains on a little farm. Out back of our land was 2,000 acres of open BLM land to go off and do whatever. Its was a very small town, everybody knew everybody etc. Leave the doors and garage open and nobody stole anything. I was up early everyday with my dad and took care of animals and the land and then went to school. Was an awesome life and great character building. Had some of the best surfing waters to be had as a kid only 45 minutes away. Later I moved to Orange County in Southern Calif and went to college. Went from a quiet, know everybody, small town life, to the crazy world of the big city living which cost a heck of a lot of money and everything seemed far more complicated. But again awesome time in my life once I was entrenched in the the big city life and of course still sustained excellent surfing waters in Huntington beach.

Comparing the 2, I like the living in a small town but within a 10 to 15 minute drive to city life which fulfills the things I need. For me its about balance after living both. I will call it "Urbal" living. Where my wife and I live is just that. I require a social life and like meeting and talking to folks. I know I could not do deep rural living anymore nor could I do straight up condo living in BKK(I've done them both in Thailand). Again nothing wrong with either but for me rural living is just too far removed as it was when I was a kid. City life is fun with all the glitz, glamour, bars, people, but the trade off is noise, congestion, garbage, sirens, accidents, loud neighbors and shared amenities. For me having a few rai at the end of a quiet street with a nice secluded home allows me to stay active and do things I grew up doing but sustain a level of privacy. I have paved roads, hear birds and frogs morning and night, but not cars and noise except for an occasional moto off early to market. I can work on my moto, trucks and cars, do some yard work, have a BBQ, play some horseshoes and when I want to go see a movie I can drive to Central Mall and catch a flick and after grab a Swensen's Ice cream with the missus. I do not require much western anymore. A simpler life and less consumerism suits me just fine.

Los Gatos/Millbrae boy here - I had the thought of Bonnie Doon when OP posted - of course could be anywhere from Felton/SC to Watsonville.....I was in Santa Cruz when the quake hit but living in Felton at the time.....

Great places to grow up and live in Calif///I was in Janesville between Susanville & Reno with 2600BLM acres adjacent to my place....could go almost to Lake Tahoe without hitting pavement cutting across it.......

@PGramm.

Felton is a cool little place, you live on a hiway 9 past the town heading towards Santa Cruz?. I remember when Western Auto when out of business when Ernie(A good friend of mine) opened up Ernies Auto Supply by the Safeway. as for LG I I used to fish Lexington dam a lot. LG is a nice area. WAY to expensive now and I am still not sure why. When I first got into racing cars there were few of us that used to road raced over highway 17 late at night from Santa's Village to Cats. This is long before they had the center divide. It was always timing runs and we built our cars for that road. Specific camber/caster set ups, adjustable panhard bars and shocks, rear end gearing sets and tires. I had a 1969 RS Z/28 Camaro, my racing buddy had a 1970 Boss 302 Mustang. These cars were not stock but looked it. We could routinely blaze from Santa's Village to Cats in just over 11 minutes. None of us ever clipped the 10 min mark, got close quite a few times. 11min 09 secs was best time by me. I used to love to absolutely destroy unsuspecting Corvettes and Porsches. Had numerous CHP OMG's as well but never was caught. Later we moved our hooligan activities to Highway 9 to Boulder Creek. A lot more technical and the road was a challenge. Ate up a lot of trannies.

Small world to connect with a few guys from our neck of the woods on a Thai website living in Thailand. . And Yes as a kid there back in the day there were awesome places to grow up. Sadly some of those cool places are saturated with Meth heads now.