Nowadays I garner much enjoyment meandering an empty beach in the early mornings surveying the long tail boats returning from their nightly chores. It’s a nature sojourn for sure and a feeling of contentment when you give alms to a Monk to take to the Temple. Such are truly unforgettable moments to encounter. There’s an unquestionable fascination associated with ancient Thai culture and Buddhist customs.

After a passing monsoon recently, hundreds of fish and bay shrimp stunned by the brackish water conditions flailed along the coast and local residents came out in force netting them near the beach. One fellow collected 20 kilos of fresh gulf prawns, and shared with all the neighbors. This is indicative of the ardent Thai style - sharing and taking care of family and the extended family of friends and neighbors. In America some siblings rarely speak, much less share food with neighbors!

The cost of living and cordial lifestyle are bounty enough for anyone to covet this regal seaside village and relish the abundance of life for a change. A very different scene from the typical rowdy beer bar party-girl image one reads about in the tourist traps of Thailand. Hua Hin is renowned for its splendid Thai seafood, health spas, and tropical beach resorts, yet, it is still faithfully rooted in traditional arts, crafts, and simple wares which are its main enticements.

The Hua Hin way of life is about uncomplicated living, Thai seafood, coffee houses, open markets, silk and craft shops, and a vibrant yet melodious existence. Eating is the main topic day and night. It starts in the morning and continues until late seven days a week only bested by the festive holiday celebrations. There are, in fact, a handful of western pubs with young women anticipating the next generously intoxicated farang, but nothing like Patong Beach or Pattaya, whatsoever.

The King and Queen strive to maintain the integrity of Hua Hin’s cultural wealth. They recently constructed a new beach park at the end of Soi Hua Hin 19 near the Royal Palace. 

It’s an extraordinary lively ambiance constantly in forward motion; it's in sharp contrast to what one may ascertain on a familiar satellite TV network from distant troubled lands. Having deep roots in music, film, and production, I am always interested to see, hear, jam, encounter, and capture the moment of these poised attractions consummate with the simplicity of the Thai social scene. 

There are actually quite a few really fine world-class musicians living in Thailand who perform in key venues and private clubs from Bangkok to the southern Islands. Renowned studio guitarist Mick Barker from the UK has been in Thailand for over ten years and was the first to play the tropical Koh Samui scene as the original house band in the Exotic Gardens of Big Buddha Beach.

Musicians like Mick and piano man Gary Hall, who recently escaped from America, have been migrating here to merge with the European and eastern influenced Thai players.

The annual International Thai Jazz festival also contributes to the allure of musicians and music lovers alike to come, congregate, munch, and enjoy.

Numerous readers from Escape from America seeking a better life have emailed me for more info about relocating to Thailand. 

You will continue to find more on-going articles about my experience in Thailand right here in Escape from America Magazine.By living here, I get firsthand updates on the evolving details regarding visa regulations and relocating.