August of '26
One of many hidden gems in Chiang Mai is Wat Umong. It was established in 1297. For-crying-out-loud, it’s 729 years old! There are thirty Wats here in Chiang Mai that are over 500 years old. One of many things in the plus column while living in a city with such a rich history.
Proselytizing (yep, had to look up the spelling)
I was inspired by a message from a reader. Comments from a complete stranger — sometimes those are the best. Truly. The following is a shotgun full of thoughts aimed in her general direction.
We have found a good place to be and want others to be aware of the possibility. If you live in the US, there may be an opportunity to spend some time, or a lot of time, outside the country. There are other options in the world.
I am not talking about traveling the world, satisfying one’s wanderlust. Lust of that sort is really expensive. I am just saying that picking up and living somewhere “else” is just fine. It is certainly not “unheard of” and may be a great benefit for you in many ways.
I’ll be the first to admit, for most people, it is comfortable back in the US, with friends, family and favorite restaurants. Your collection of books lined up on a wall in your home. A basement full of memorabilia from your past is comforting. I get that for sure. Talking to the checker at your local supermarket where you have been shopping for more than a decade feels pleasant. Feels easy.
Money does come to everyone’s mind. Is moving out of the country a panacea for all of one’s financial woes? Simply put, no. If you have no money in savings, or a 401k, your ex ended up with the house, and you are about to lose your job. Well, don’t come to Thailand. Please. Here will not fix any of that. It will probably make it worse. No, it will make it worse.
If you are settled, or close to it, becoming an expat is worth some thought. Monetarily, the analogy would be like having trouble throwing a ball from home plate to second base. Then suddenly you can throw a frozen rope from home plate to deep in left field.
Austin A35 Fahlanna Art Museum
The Advice Portion:
Fahlanna Art Museum
I think becoming an expat works best if you move somewhere warm and inexpensive. Otherwise, the compromises and sacrifices may not be worth it. Also, be aware that some countries are more welcoming than others. For recently retired expats, Panama practically hands you the keys to the city, while Japan politely, yet firmly, says “No.”
In no way is vacationing somewhere close to actually living there. When I first heard that decades ago, I thought, “yeah, that kind of makes sense.” But now, after three years in Thailand, no wiser words have been uttered. To add to that, don’t narrow your search to a place on a beach. Be open.
Are we to be poster children for becoming expats? Maybe? By Western standards we are miles away from being wealthy, but here I have to say, “I just never worry about money anymore.” Geez, that does seem like a ‘brag’, but it is all about where we have chosen to live. There is compromise. We cannot walk into our local Starbucks and talk about the Mariners to the barista. Or even talk much at all, other than ordering, being polite, and having answers for simple questions. To add to that, for three years neither one of us has driven a motor vehicle while here in Thailand. For us, that is a perk… most of the time. However, not everyone chooses that path.
In the future, when years and years have passed, with Diane and I sitting in two hand-carved white oak rocking chairs in some location built for ancient people, where will we be? I truly cannot see that far into the future. Will there be ice cream that far in the future? Maybe not. In a just world, by that time, it will have been replaced by gelato.
Fahlanna Art Museum
Bonus Section:
I purchased a new camera, and this video was its maiden run. For those who are curious, it is an Insta360 X4 Air. It films in every direction, including straight up. What it allows one to do is give the slight illusion of having a camera crew. I just hold the camera still while filming. Then later, in editing, select the camera’s viewpoint I want. Or in this case move the ‘camera’ as the cat walks into the scene.
Lap (Lucky) is one of my regulars on my morning route. Over the last few years, the population of neighborhood cats has dwindled. Which was part of the reasoning behind finding a new place to walk. Like Wat Umong, which I hear is teeming with cats in the morning.
Don’t forget to check out Diane’s YouTube channel: Ate Diane at Sacred Heart Cathedral
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