I figured it would happen. I just didn’t know when. 

I started to feel it in Scotland this summer. Such a beautiful and interesting country, I felt lucky to be there. But at the same time I was surprisingly restless. I found myself thinking about the next steps in my summer plans. Paris. Croatia. Then Crete. Exciting for sure. But a weariness was coming over me. Staying in the moment became a daily challenge. I was ready to get my travels over with.  

This was all new to me. 

Almost four years into my world tour and constant travel from country to country, place to place, had finally caught up with me. It was a time for a change. Time to find a home base, however temporary. I didn’t want to stop traveling. That wasn’t the point. There are still too many places on my bucket list. Too many places I want to see. But instead of bouncing from place to place, I wanted to center my adventures from a central location. Like the hub of a wheel with its spokes jutting from its center. 

There was little question where that place was. Thailand had to be it.

So what is it about Thailand? What about it appeals to me (and many, many others)?

It’s time to break it down — share with you what I’ve discovered.

Thailand has the enviable combination of great weather, healthy living, beautiful people (inside and out), awesome beaches, great food, amazing massages and an accommodating visa system. Oh yeah, and you can live like a king (or queen) for a reasonable amount of money. Certainly much less than the US. 

It is a diverse country. From the islands in the south to the cities in the north, you can find jungles, mountains(ish), islands and beaches. Not to mention the vibrant city of Bangkok. Each area has different food and culture. 

Thailand also does a decent job of bridging the gap between west and east. It’s modern enough in that it embraces technology and modern amenities, yet is steeped in ancient Buddhist culture. 

Heathcare is top tier. And prices are manageable. I just pay out of pocket when I need to. 

Not to mention marijuana is legal!

Thailand attracts people from around the world. As you can imagine there is a healthy expat population. Any many of these expats start great international restaurants. 

You know I never get tired of the food here.

Thailand’s also centrally located to a sizable swath of the world. Short flights can easily take you to countries like Vietnam. Cambodia. Laos. India. Indonesia/Bali. Malaysia. A touch further takes you to Australia. New Zealand. Dubai. Nepal and Japan.

And don’t forget, we have elephants! 

I first visited in my thirties, but returned two years ago towards the end of Covid. I arrived, lost weight, met lovely people and fell in love with the Thai lifestyle. It wasn’t long before I took up Muay Thai boxing and that sealed the deal for me.

But there is something else. Something that goes beyond. 

Thailand has magic. It is the space between all these things where it shines.

I brought my daughter Summer here last year. She also found it the magic. So much so that she now considers Thailand her home. How crazy is that?  She had to find work to live here, and a short time after arriving she got a job in a hostel on the little island of Koh Tao. Within months she was managing it. Seeing her blossom has been a pleasure for me. She tells me that she could not do what she’s doing if she had stayed in the US. And to have her live so close to me is a powerful pull.

She just got her one-year education visa. Next year she gets her working visa. This has inspired me to get my retirement visa. It’ll make popping in and out of the country easy. 

As you know, I’m a big fan of slow travel. This is taking it a step further. It’s time for me to dig even deeper into another world. 

I also met a beautiful Thai woman. Her name is Phatzy. Getting to know her and how she thinks and acts has been a fun, curious and sometimes frustrating adventure. The language difference alone keeps me on my toes. Thankful she speaks good english since I barely speak Thai. Did I say barely? Basically none. (It is a tonal language that eludes me.)

Culturally and our childhood experiences we’re light years apart. Our relationship is… simple, but loving. I’m starting to think that isn’t a bad thing. 

My life is also simpler here. Thais don’t have the same capitalistic drive that dominates the US. Their focus is more on family. And food. And laughter.

Some people say they are lazy. Perhaps that is true. They certainly have a laissez-faire attitude about life and work. Frustrating at times for sure. You have to find your own flow here or you may be pulling out your hair. But for me, I’ve come to accept its pace. Along with it comes quiet. Beauty. I have time to think. To write. To be healthy.

There is a spiritual side that permeates everything.

Now my morning routine involves yoga, breathing and meditation. Throw in some boxing and I’m ready for the day.

Or if I need a change, all I have to do is just jump on a ferry or airplane and plunge myself into another nearby country that offers a different take on life. Refresh to pallet so to speak.

But everything isn’t roses. 

Just the way that Thais think baffles me. Contradiction is everywhere. During Covid the law said that you had to wear a mask while driving a scooter. But helmets… optional. 

I’m also not a fan of the time difference between here and America (we’re between 11 and 14 hours later). But I rise early anyway, so I find morning is a good time to reach out to my friends and family for a text or talk. 

The liquor, especially wine, is somewhat expensive with limited choices, but food is cheap. 

Traffic sucks. You really have to be on your game. Thailand is near the top in traffic fatalities in the world. Pay attention at all times!

The police can be a pain. A little bribe is sometimes necessary to make them smile too. 

The sex trade can be off-putting. As well as seeing out of shape older gentlemen with their much younger Thai “girlfriends”. But at the same time everyone gives each other space to be and do what they want to. Honestly people seem happy and I’ll leave it at that. 

Thailand is about letting people be who they are in a non-judgmental way. What could be better?

So I’ll see where this all takes me. I never thought I’d settling outside the US, but the more time I spend abroad, I ask myself… why not?

As always, thanks for reading.