Having lived solo in Chiang Mai off and on for years. You can learn about who you really are there. With its many temples and pleasant nonjudgmental people, Chiang Mai city can be like living in a huge monastery, very good for introspection.
I'll tell you Wayne, from my perspective your skill with editing and presenting a compelling VLOG continues to get better and better. Audio on this one was perfect and the voice overs while showing the park scenery was great. You raised some great points Mate. Very glad to see this one!
Thanks for the words of wisdom. I am in Chiang Mai now on scouting trip and was thinking about these issues if I make the move to Thailand. Great to get the perspective of someone that has already done it. Cheers!
@@WalkAboutWayne I will see what else comes to mind as I’m thinking about living in CM for up to 3 months a year to get out of winter here. I’m over in CM in mid January.
Everything you mentioned on this video has me questioning myself often because of us planning on moving to Thailand within sometime next year i often think if will i be able to make it work specially for my husband i grew up there but moved to Germany for a couple of years at the age of 11 years old and now living in the USA for the last 40 years we did went back in December 2021 for only two weeks and Chiang Mai was our favorite wish we had more time there I was very excited and happy to be back seeing how much Thailand changed and progress and thinking to myself what have I been missing out 😂 after all this time I agree with you no matter where you live having a routine or hobby maybe volunteering in something is a good idea happiness is something we all have to work on witin ourselves having a clear understanding and accepting things for what is it and letting go of the what if and living in the moment is how i cope with staying positive do whatever it is that makes you happy we enjoy watching your videos keep it coming
Some good ideas about settling in to a new location, Wayne. I really hadn’t thought about the transportation aspect. Have your own wheels makes getting a round and exploring easier.
What a great topic. I've been retired 1.5 years and besides some of my coworkers, I miss the routine the most. It's crucial to ones well being and, at present, I have no established routine. Don't want a PT job as I don't need the money, but I would like some sort of schedule to my days. I know I think about moving to Thailand and will also need a schedule there.
Thanks! Yes, that's the main thing people don't think about when moving. How to fill that empty routine space. It's great being on holiday mode for a while but then it stops. I do miss being at work sometimes. That might sound bad but I miss that routine.
I like my routine here in the west. Get up eat my breakfast and go to work and sleep in on weekends. A month away in somewhere like Thailand is a nice contrast, I don't think I'd want to do it full time as I can't stand the summer heat there.
You brought up a good point regarding transport and contentment, Wayne. Personally, I wouldn't have lasted a week in Chiangmai without a motorcycle. The freedom to explore is priceless, and there's so much more to see beyond the old city moat. Perhaps another vlog on motorcycle safety would be useful for anyone thinking of coming here for their first ride. A one week ride on an island is no qualification for Chiangmai traffic.
Nice topic, mate! I agree that you should adjust your mindset, back in your home country, before relocating full-time overseas. This is especially true if you are planning to switch to a minimalist lifestyle - if you can't make minimalism work where you are now, with all of your existing safety nets (friends & family, government programs, steady job/income) then you probably will not be able to do it in a foreign country. I'd opt for the bicycle over a motor vehicle, though, for day-to-day transport & neighborhood exploration. Scooters, motorcycles & autos are fine for going quickly between point A and point B, but you tend to miss out on everything inbetween, as it passes by in a blur (and because you need to pay much more attention to traffic). Bicycles are just fast enough to give you a greatly extended range vs. walking, yet still slow enough that you can more thoroughly absorb & get to know your surroundings. And, ofc, you get the added benefit of exercise when riding a bicycle. If I wanted to explore further out, say a trip to Pai, I'd probably rent a car/driver to take me there, and bring me back. And I'd take along a bicycle to use to explore the area during my visit. But, that is just me... everyone should do whatever floats their own boat! :)
Nice one Michael, yes mindset at home first I think, that’s what helped me. Having a bicycle is great. I had one for 2 years. It helps you get around the city. Getting to know the full area of the city is a different thing in my eyes though. A motorcycle changed all that for me. I really enjoyed the time on my bicycle but after time, I think you would like to progress, especially after some years. It's not a leisurely bike ride around taking in the sights that people think, outside the old city you will be at the mercy of traffic and on full alert (more alert than a motorcycle). Like you said , everyone’s different though. I got a friend here that cycles to Kanchanaburi, Mae hong son loop and all over. Cheers mate
Hi nice to see that park, it is a bit of a hidden gem sadly. I wish they had more ways in/out. When we were there we ended up at the end in a not very nice area, maybe it is cleared up by now. We found a entrence opposite of the "corner" park of the old city, south west, by accident. Hardly anyone there but it looks real done up now 5 years later👍 We brought 1000 PG Tips teabags for our 10 months in ChM 2018-2019, had our breakfast at home. Expencive cheese for our sandwishes and milk in the but worth it. Eat downstairs in Airport F Plaza or at the organic restaurant at Rimping. Soon we are back to enjoy it. And some places you have shown. Thanks👏🏻
Yes, the park is a bit like that done the other end. It always seems like they don't care so much about the far end. It's a nice park, shame about the traffic noise though. Thanks.
Hi Wayne, yes you are right when your family is around they aways want to interfere in the way you want to do things. Sometimes, with a good intention. I think in the first year guy's are living in Thailand the temptation is always there, the attention from the Thai ladies, you have to be strong and avoid the bars. that's the key, i think. Wishing you the best . 👍
All that partying and drinking does one thing, makes you age quicker. You get older and relish more the peaceful quiet times and the beautiful serenity of nature. For me, I enjoy being away from all the hustle and bustle. I know where to go if I want noise, I don't want the noise to find me. Carry on mate😅
Great advice! I love your videos! I’m probably an overthinker, but I’ve been saving locations on Google maps. Condos I like, things close by each one like groceries, hair salon, muay thai gym, temple to visit regularly, classes to learn Thai, cooking classes, and cost of everything. Motorbike seems like good idea, easier to get around and find parking. When I visit I’ll see which area I like best.
That’s the same thing I did when I first came here. I prepared and pinned lots of places on Google Maps. You will soon know the best area for you. Thanks for liking the videos 👍
Thanks for putting in the park locations. I discovered that park when they closed the one across the street for the flower festival for 2 or 3 weeks. It did the job but a bit noisy as you mentioned but being empty was a plus. Thanks for the video.
Hey! Love your videos! What do you think about starting out with an E-Bike? I'm terrified I might crash. I think I need to ease into using a scooter. Driving a car seems easy over there, but navigating the city must be a nightmare. I was thinking Hua Hin might be a good fit for me, but I'll have to try it out.
Thank you! E-Bike would be ok, I’m seeing more and more of them around the city these days. Take it easy on the roads and stay off the big roads for a while, that would be my advice. Hua Hin is a nice place . Try both and see what you like. Thanks
@@WalkAboutWayne Thank you for your helpful response and valuable advice. We truly appreciate your insights and the experiences you share with us. They are of great value to us here in the States!
Great Insights I strongly confirm are sound, especially what you related about personal transportation and being ale to get out. As it can be difficult to register a car in SE. Asia if you don't have a residence permit, but I came up with a work-around others might want to consider. A local friend in Malaysia used to buy cars from Brits and Americans working in Malaysia's silicon valley when they rotated back home, and I offered to pay a non-refundable down-payment of $600 for 6 months on a car he was selling for $3500. He held the registration in his business's name. I Got an international Insurance rider that covered him for losses, so basically it cost me only $100/month to use it and he was happy as the car was still worth $3500 in 6 months. Having a car totally transformed Malaysia into what felt like home.
Great helpful tips! I’ll be a tourist for the time being but will have these notes with me once we decide to move out semi-permanently. Also, love the scenery 🌴
I had to leave Thailand because it was impossible for me to get out of the holiday mode, In my opinion once i get out of the holiday mode Thailand loses all its incentives and reasons to be there it's much better to be back home i can do so much more and have all the rights to work and do everything as a citizen. what is there to do once you leave the holiday mode you just become a 3rd class citizen a farang with very very limited opportunities .
Great comment! Yes, a lot of people can’t live that routine life here. It can be hard . It’s a bit different for me, I probably feel more detached back home. I agree about the feeling of being third class sometimes though. It can be difficult.
Wayne thanks for the excellent vid again. I can relate to everything you say and have been to Chiang Mai 8 times 9th coming up in 6 weeks. You are right I cannot call Thailand home even though I love it so much. This is because as you said I cannot get an image of the layout of it so I always feel lost and desperately need google. Another thing which I want to ask you is , how do you integrate with the language. I can never get it, 1 same sounding word means 5 different thing and not in a sentence. I find this to be alienating as well and again have to rely on my Google translate to get by How do you cope with these ?
@@Patatovski Cheers mate! I'm rubbish at Thai still but you will learn bits the longer your here. Or learn from my mistakes and learn straight away. I never use google translate anymore, I just get by. I know the food I want and how to say some basics. Lot's of people speak English also.
yes, it's very funny, the thing with people saying everything. How do you make time go by? As I hate to say, we all do the same thing, every day. it is only the 6-8 hours when everyone else has a job, where you are doing something else
@@WalkAboutWayne yes, you quickly find something else to do. also who didn't have much time before. fitness and swimming I've never had time for that,. and Thailand has so much you can see and experience.. also just a different life in you nomalit is water for .. I am a window cleaner so my day is from 05 - 14 every day all year round.
Having lived solo in Chiang Mai off and on for years. You can learn about who you really are there. With its many temples and pleasant nonjudgmental people, Chiang Mai city can be like living in a huge monastery, very good for introspection.
I 100% agree with that 👍
I'll tell you Wayne, from my perspective your skill with editing and presenting a compelling VLOG continues to get better and better. Audio on this one was perfect and the voice overs while showing the park scenery was great. You raised some great points Mate. Very glad to see this one!
Cheers John, I don't do anything to flashy but have my own simple style now.
We all realise at some stage what we need to do to make us happy. Life isn't a rehearsal. You only get one go on this merry-go-round🎠
Well said.
👍👍👍
Thanks for the words of wisdom. I am in Chiang Mai now on scouting trip and was thinking about these issues if I make the move to Thailand. Great to get the perspective of someone that has already done it. Cheers!
Thank you! I hope it all goes well for you 🙏
I, for one, am very glad you decided to vlog. I really enjoy your views. keep it up!
Cheers Robbie mate 👍
Thanks Wayne that was a great video and so on the money with the answers I was after.
Thanks for the question, it was a good one for this vlog. Cheers.
@@WalkAboutWayne I will see what else comes to mind as I’m thinking about living in CM for up to 3 months a year to get out of winter here.
I’m over in CM in mid January.
Another good one. Cheers Wayne 🤩
Cheers mate 👍
Like your peals of wisdom Wayne . Each location has its virtues must choose what you like . 👍
Thanks Adrian 🙏
Everything you mentioned on this video has me questioning myself often because of us planning on moving to Thailand within sometime next year i often think if will i be able to make it work specially for my husband i grew up there but moved to Germany for a couple of years at the age of 11 years old and now living in the USA for the last 40 years we did went back in December 2021 for only two weeks and Chiang Mai was our favorite wish we had more time there I was very excited and happy to be back seeing how much Thailand changed and progress and thinking to myself what have I been missing out 😂 after all this time I agree with you no matter where you live having a routine or hobby maybe volunteering in something is a good idea happiness is something we all have to work on witin ourselves having a clear understanding and accepting things for what is it and letting go of the what if and living in the moment is how i cope with staying positive do whatever it is that makes you happy we enjoy watching your videos keep it coming
Thank you Mally, great to read this comment. I hope you can get back to Chiang Mai soon. 🙏
Some good ideas about settling in to a new location, Wayne. I really hadn’t thought about the transportation aspect. Have your own wheels makes getting a round and exploring easier.
Thanks! Yes, to really feel a proper routine, transport really helped me. Ofcourse you can get by without it but it really helped me.
Best advice to anybody is to makesure you have something to do 👍
100%
What a great topic. I've been retired 1.5 years and besides some of my coworkers, I miss the routine the most. It's crucial to ones well being and, at present, I have no established routine. Don't want a PT job as I don't need the money, but I would like some sort of schedule to my days. I know I think about moving to Thailand and will also need a schedule there.
Thanks! Yes, that's the main thing people don't think about when moving. How to fill that empty routine space. It's great being on holiday mode for a while but then it stops. I do miss being at work sometimes. That might sound bad but I miss that routine.
I like my routine here in the west. Get up eat my breakfast and go to work and sleep in on weekends. A month away in somewhere like Thailand is a nice contrast, I don't think I'd want to do it full time as I can't stand the summer heat there.
Nice! Sounds like you have a great routine 👍
Funny thing , the passage of time! Makes most of us wiser…..but not all.
Very true
Thanks for introducing me to that park Wayne. I often went to the other one across the road in the old city. I'll visit next time i'm in chiang mai 😊
No problem! This one is always quiet 👍
Good advice Wayne!
Nice one Richard 👍
You brought up a good point regarding transport and contentment, Wayne. Personally, I wouldn't have lasted a week in Chiangmai without a motorcycle. The freedom to explore is priceless, and there's so much more to see beyond the old city moat. Perhaps another vlog on motorcycle safety would be useful for anyone thinking of coming here for their first ride. A one week ride on an island is no qualification for Chiangmai traffic.
Yes mate, I think the motorbike really transformed things for me here.
Nice topic, mate!
I agree that you should adjust your mindset, back in your home country, before relocating full-time overseas. This is especially true if you are planning to switch to a minimalist lifestyle - if you can't make minimalism work where you are now, with all of your existing safety nets (friends & family, government programs, steady job/income) then you probably will not be able to do it in a foreign country.
I'd opt for the bicycle over a motor vehicle, though, for day-to-day transport & neighborhood exploration. Scooters, motorcycles & autos are fine for going quickly between point A and point B, but you tend to miss out on everything inbetween, as it passes by in a blur (and because you need to pay much more attention to traffic). Bicycles are just fast enough to give you a greatly extended range vs. walking, yet still slow enough that you can more thoroughly absorb & get to know your surroundings. And, ofc, you get the added benefit of exercise when riding a bicycle.
If I wanted to explore further out, say a trip to Pai, I'd probably rent a car/driver to take me there, and bring me back. And I'd take along a bicycle to use to explore the area during my visit.
But, that is just me... everyone should do whatever floats their own boat! :)
Nice one Michael, yes mindset at home first I think, that’s what helped me. Having a bicycle is great. I had one for 2 years. It helps you get around the city. Getting to know the full area of the city is a different thing in my eyes though. A motorcycle changed all that for me. I really enjoyed the time on my bicycle but after time, I think you would like to progress, especially after some years. It's not a leisurely bike ride around taking in the sights that people think, outside the old city you will be at the mercy of traffic and on full alert (more alert than a motorcycle). Like you said , everyone’s different though. I got a friend here that cycles to Kanchanaburi, Mae hong son loop and all over. Cheers mate
Hi nice to see that park, it is a bit of a hidden gem sadly. I wish they had more ways in/out. When we were there we ended up at the end in a not very nice area, maybe it is cleared up by now. We found a entrence opposite of the "corner" park of the old city, south west, by accident. Hardly anyone there but it looks real done up now 5 years later👍 We brought 1000 PG Tips teabags for our 10 months in ChM 2018-2019, had our breakfast at home. Expencive cheese for our sandwishes and milk in the but worth it. Eat downstairs in Airport F Plaza or at the organic restaurant at Rimping. Soon we are back to enjoy it. And some places you have shown. Thanks👏🏻
Yes, the park is a bit like that done the other end. It always seems like they don't care so much about the far end. It's a nice park, shame about the traffic noise though. Thanks.
Hi Wayne, yes you are right when your family is around they aways want to interfere in the way you want to do things. Sometimes, with a good intention. I think in the first year guy's are living in Thailand the temptation is always there, the attention from the Thai ladies, you have to be strong and avoid the bars. that's the key, i think. Wishing you the best . 👍
Yes, it's good to break free from family I think. You are correct about the bars and ladies, it takes will power to deal with it. Thanks
All that partying and drinking does one thing, makes you age quicker. You get older and relish more the peaceful quiet times and the beautiful serenity of nature. For me, I enjoy being away from all the hustle and bustle. I know where to go if I want noise, I don't want the noise to find me. Carry on mate😅
Yes, I think with age comes less and less partying. I like the peaceful life.
Great advice! I love your videos! I’m probably an overthinker, but I’ve been saving locations on Google maps. Condos I like, things close by each one like groceries, hair salon, muay thai gym, temple to visit regularly, classes to learn Thai, cooking classes, and cost of everything. Motorbike seems like good idea, easier to get around and find parking. When I visit I’ll see which area I like best.
That’s the same thing I did when I first came here. I prepared and pinned lots of places on Google Maps. You will soon know the best area for you. Thanks for liking the videos 👍
Wayne I am going to Thailand and let grab a beer❤
Hope to see you around buddy!
Thanks for putting in the park locations. I discovered that park when they closed the one across the street for the flower festival for 2 or 3 weeks. It did the job but a bit noisy as you mentioned but being empty was a plus. Thanks for the video.
Yes, the traffic can be overpowering at this park, it's a shame because it's a nice little park. Thanks.
thanks for the location. Perfect spot for park enjoyiment . Thanks
No problem, it's a nice little park.
Good topic & great thoughts & opinions from you my friend
well presented and as always very enjoyable 👍✌️😎✔️👋🙏
Thanks Ant 🙏
Hey! Love your videos! What do you think about starting out with an E-Bike? I'm terrified I might crash. I think I need to ease into using a scooter. Driving a car seems easy over there, but navigating the city must be a nightmare. I was thinking Hua Hin might be a good fit for me, but I'll have to try it out.
Thank you! E-Bike would be ok, I’m seeing more and more of them around the city these days. Take it easy on the roads and stay off the big roads for a while, that would be my advice. Hua Hin is a nice place . Try both and see what you like. Thanks
@@WalkAboutWayne Thank you for your helpful response and valuable advice. We truly appreciate your insights and the experiences you share with us. They are of great value to us here in the States!
True words mate I live on the cheap no interest in bars those days have gone 😂😂
Nice one Dave 👍
And have a purpose in life…………………blogging! Thanks Wayne.
Nice! Blogging is something I started doing in the beginning. I had my own website and everything. I’m crap at writing though . 🥲
@@WalkAboutWayne We are glad you are a crappy writer because we get to enjoy your great vlogging.
Great Insights I strongly confirm are sound, especially what you related about personal transportation and being ale to get out.
As it can be difficult to register a car in SE. Asia if you don't have a residence permit, but I came up with a work-around others might want to consider. A local friend in Malaysia used to buy cars from Brits and Americans working in Malaysia's silicon valley when they rotated back home, and I offered to pay a non-refundable down-payment of $600 for 6 months on a car he was selling for $3500. He held the registration in his business's name. I Got an international Insurance rider that covered him for losses, so basically it cost me only $100/month to use it and he was happy as the car was still worth $3500 in 6 months. Having a car totally transformed Malaysia into what felt like home.
Good info mate.
A routine Headspace that I would be in when I'm back there at Home =) I used that park for some TaiChi practice, as its so much quieter... Take Care
Nice one Daniel 👍
Did you get your bike license there, or did you have it already?..Cheers..
I got my bike license in Thailand 👍
Great helpful tips! I’ll be a tourist for the time being but will have these notes with me once we decide to move out semi-permanently. Also, love the scenery 🌴
Thank you! I hope the moving plans go well.
I had to leave Thailand because it was impossible for me to get out of the holiday mode, In my opinion once i get out of the holiday mode Thailand loses all its incentives and reasons to be there it's much better to be back home i can do so much more and have all the rights to work and do everything as a citizen. what is there to do once you leave the holiday mode you just become a 3rd class citizen a farang with very very limited opportunities .
Great comment! Yes, a lot of people can’t live that routine life here. It can be hard . It’s a bit different for me, I probably feel more detached back home. I agree about the feeling of being third class sometimes though. It can be difficult.
What is the name of this park?
Kanchanaphisek Park
@@WalkAboutWayne Thanks. I’ll go there. I’m in Chiang Mai now, living near central Festival.
Name of the park you walk in?
Kanchanaphisek Park
I see you say it
I see the old wall
What about all the new tax proposals ?
What about an E-Bike? I guess they are not the best solution once you're out of the city?
E-Bike would do the job in and around the city. I lived here for 2 years with bicycle. Everything changed for me once I got the motorbike though.
Wayne thanks for the excellent vid again. I can relate to everything you say and have been to Chiang Mai 8 times 9th coming up in 6 weeks. You are right I cannot call Thailand home even though I love it so much. This is because as you said I cannot get an image of the layout of it so I always feel lost and desperately need google. Another thing which I want to ask you is , how do you integrate with the language. I can never get it, 1 same sounding word means 5 different thing and not in a sentence. I find this to be alienating as well and again have to rely on my Google translate to get by
How do you cope with these ?
@@Patatovski Cheers mate! I'm rubbish at Thai still but you will learn bits the longer your here. Or learn from my mistakes and learn straight away. I never use google translate anymore, I just get by. I know the food I want and how to say some basics. Lot's of people speak English also.
🙏🏻
👍👍👍
New troll title for this video:
“Everything Changed With LUCILLE❤!”
Glad you didn’t use it
LOL.
🤣 Think I'll give that one a miss mate.
yes, it's very funny, the thing with people saying everything. How do you make time go by? As I hate to say, we all do the same thing, every day. it is only the 6-8 hours when everyone else has a job, where you are doing something else
Yeah true. It was the working day hours I struggled with at first. 8 till 5. I came here after a full time job, so it felt strange at first.
@@WalkAboutWayne yes, you quickly find something else to do. also who didn't have much time before. fitness and swimming I've never had time for that,. and Thailand has so much you can see and experience.. also just a different life in you nomalit is water for .. I am a window cleaner so my day is from 05 - 14 every day all year round.
"Somewhere over the rainbow" - - There's no place like home... no place like home
Good ol' Judy
@@WalkAboutWayne You picked a fine time to leave me Lou Seal...
Pretty hard to have routine life without working
Yes, it's not easy, especially being at a working age still.
You need coffee ☕☕☕
Milk no sugar mate 👍