Well I guess the time has come to head out of Thailand. We both agonized over the decision for over a month. Neither of us really want to leave but the hassle of renewing Visas and the general goal of wanting to "travel" finally forced the issue.
We have made good friends here and the thought of leaving them is a bit painful. Mostly the people at the SL Tennis Club where we play with have been a source of joy. They have been so good to us and given us a great opportunity to see life through their eyes. Lately we have been together with them daily and it was very hard breaking the news to them that we are leaving.
Of course, we say we'll be back and we'll see them again, but if history is and indication that is really unlikely. It is a sad scenario but the experience has been fantastic and has changed my perspective in many ways. I hope to always carry a bit of Thai culture in my life and demeanor from this point forward.
So we head to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on the 26th. Mostly we're heading there to give the kids treat by going to a big amusement park. They have been great with the routine here and deserve it. We'll also go to the city and see what it has to offer. We will be there until only the 1st of April when we head to Bali. Again for the kids, as they want to spend some time on the beach, do some snorkeling and "get on a boat" Didn't sound like a bad thing to do so we relented to the demand. We have friends there (well friends of friends) as well so we should be able to find the "inside track " quickly.
I promise to write about it as things unfold. I'm sorry I haven't written much of late but the idea of being on the computer has just been a real turn-off.
For Leslie...
Thailand has a very large Ex-Pat community, probably more so then most places I've visited. There are ex-pat newspapers, organizations and activities. Not just Americans either, in fact there are likely many more Europeans here then English speaking folks. The people we've ended up spending time here are mostly from the American Consulate as well as private entrepreneurs, (mostly internet related).
All of them speak highly of living in Thailand but of course there are caveats. For one you must be willing to live in a "developing country". Many people, (perhaps Americans especially), tend to look down at lesser developed countries, complaining about how "they should have this and they should have that". Another issue are "rights". Here you will never be a citizen even when you get a retirement visa. Owning a house here is probably not a good idea, there are just too many uncertainties. Luckily renting is incredible inexpensive. For around $400 a month you can live in a modest house in a modest neighborhood. For $800-$1000 a month you can live in a fancy house (3bed, 3 bath) gated community complete with tennis courts, pool and club house. So from that point of view things are cheap.
Heath care and meds. are incredibly inexpensive, perhaps a tenth of what we pay in out country. (This fact seems to be a global theme). The quality of health care is good, better then what we see in the states. I wouldn't think twice about undergoing surgery here, at the right facility that is.
Safe? Is it safe? That is the most typical American question ever. Thailand the capital of Sex and the Underworld. The Mafia and Drug Trade. That is the impression and it's true, but it is also true of America, Europe, Africa, etc. Just depends on where you are. South L.A. comes to mind.
I've never been to a "Country" that was unsafe, but I have been to regions and cities that were. Cities in Africa come to mind. I'd say the most "unsafe" place that we've stayed was Harare, Zimbabwe two years ago. That place felt unsafe from the moment we got off the plane and didn't get any better when we got to the guarded, gated hotel. When we asked if it was safe to walk to the restaurant we were provided an escort. At the time inflation was 5000% (not nearly where it is today) and the government was destroying the economy and peoples lives as fast as it could. The dispair there was very apparent and it seemed the country was close to a boiling point. We felt like targets of opportunity for these desperate people.
Getting back on subject, "Thailand" is not an unsafe country but there are places and types of people that you would want to avoid. But if you stay out of the brothels, and avoid trading heroin and those types of connections, you'll be fine. :)
In Chiang Mai violent crime is almost nonexistent. I'd have no problem with Syd walking around at night down virtually any street in this city. This view is bourne out by the conversations I've had with the locals here, both Thai and ex-pat. In fact I'd have to say this is probably one of the safest cities I've been to. Violent crime just isn't an issue.
Petty crime is very low as well. It just doesn't seem to be in the demeanor of the people here. There are very few beggars as food is plentiful and the nucleus family (ie; support) is still prevalent here. The city is over 700 years old, steeped in "rural traditions", I just don't see crime as an issue.
I can't talk for other parts of Thailand but I'd certainly not have any misgivings of traveling around this country by car. The nicest people I've ever met live here.
