June 2007
I just became the proud owner of a “luggage scale”.  Why you ask?...am I bragging about this earth-shaking bit of news.  Well, let’s put it this way.  Have you ever tried standing on a scale holding a “fully packed” suitcase…trying to see (or guess) the numbers?  Wouldn’t you rather spend a few bucks now rather than anteing-up and possibly having to pay hundreds of dollars in overweight charges later?  Guessing…is like gambling…”you” are the one who’s going to lose, not the airline. 
So, in my opinion…yes, opt for the luggage scale.

It should be noted that there are a couple of scales on the market. One in particular looked the same and was cheaper.  Unfortunately it was rated “up to 50 lbs”, which is OK except for the fact that the International Limit is 70 lbs (so that would leave you ehhh… guessing?). The scale I bought was purchased from www.magellans.com and is rated up to 75 lbs.  It also includes a built-in tape measure (for luggage girth).  By the way it cost just under $15 and that included the additional cost for shipping (one less thing to worry about). 

What follows is a quote from www.thaiair.com and specifically highlights weight and girth allowances:

“For travel To/from Canada and the U.S.A., the following regulations apply: Passengers in all classes of service, from First to Economy, are allowed two pieces of luggage.  The sum of the three dimensions (length + height + width) for each piece cannot exceed 158 cm. (62 inches) and the weight of each piece cannot exceed 32 kgs. (70 lbs)”.

Additionally, the quote continues: “Each passenger may hand-carry one piece of luggage the sum of whose dimensions (length+ height + width) does not exceed 115 cm. ( 56 + 46 + 25 cm) (44.85 inches, i.e. 21.5 x 18 x 9.75 inches) and which does not weigh more than seven kg. (15.4 lbs).  Pieces exceeding these dimensions must be checked in at the Check-in counter prior to departure.  A woman is allowed to carry a purse as well.”

Now comes the fun part.  After some manipulating you’ve managed to get all of your luggage to fit into the above parameters.  However, there’s this tiny little problem.  And what’s that you ask? Well…once you’ve completed your flight to Bangkok and (unless you’re staying in Bangkok) you now have a connecting flight to Chiang Mai (or another city).  Here lays the problem…a problem that cost my friend $130US in overweight charges.  It seems that domestic Thai flights only allow 2 pieces of luggage with a 50 lb limit for each piece (some airlines only allow 33lbs each piece).  In either case, do yourself a favor and double check with your airline as these regulations tend to change.

So…what to do. Well you can figure the extra cost into your total relocation costs…try repacking…again….or don’t sweat it too much.  There is a way around this…sort of. 

Hopefully before you re-locate to Thailand, you’ll have lined up a place to live, for a few months at the very least.  This means you’ll have an address and with an address in hand you will now be able to mail some items to yourself.  I plan to start my mailing campaign about month or two before I actually transform myself into an expat in Thailand. 

Now I’m not talking about clothes or any of those items that you feel are a necessity.  Basically (for me anyway) things that are bulky and/or add a lot of weight - like books, hiking boots (we’ll get to this at a later date), cold weather clothes (needed for evenings during the cooler months) and things in general that you do not need when you’re living a normal day to day life, or for that matter when you fly.

The bottom line: do the necessary preparations before hand and side-step the “sometimes costly” problems later on, like saving possibly hundreds of dollars in “over the limit weight charges” and that’s not even mentioning the aggravation.

Retirement starts to become a reality
Today was a benchmark day for me as I filed for Social Security.  I’ve been waiting to get this done for quite sometime and consider this as one of those memorable days!  Actually, I definitely feel this day to be one of the first major stepping-stones in my becoming an expat/retiree.  I was told to expect to be in the Social Security office for about an hour.  I guess luck was with me as I was done in about 20 minutes. 

Pleasantly surprised' is my comment…along with praise to the representative who handled my case. She was informative, efficient, friendly and professional.  Remember, we all have a different work history etc. etc.  With that in mind I would strongly suggest you do your “due diligence” regarding Social Security (or for that matter anything of importance).

For general information go to www.socialsecurity.com or call 1-800-772-1213.

A real shot in the arm
I just finished my second vaccination (a series of three) of the Hepatitis A+B series (*not required, but I figure it’s the least I can do to protect myself).  The first shot occurred one month ago and now (as of this writing) my last scheduled shot is in 4 months.  On a personal note…you might enjoy knowing that I hate needles…but this (for me anyway) was a piece of cake.

*if you happen to be a veteran (as I am) and you’re already signed up with the VA…
the shots are inexpensive (costs vary depending on individual coverage) and are quick and painless.  According to the CDC www.cdc.gov …currently there are no required vaccinations.

Schizoid?
Forgive me if I fluctuate between the present and the past.  I’m guessing this is a natural phenomenon for an aspiring “expat”.  And in a way…it’s a pathway of enlightenment for those of you who have yet to make at least a “look-see” trip to Thailand.

I’m starting to experience what I call a “split civilization assessment”.  What I mean by this is simple.  It’s not so much the fact  that I spent a couple of weeks in Thailand on vacation (although it definitely opened my eyes).  However, add to that trip the on-again-off-again personal research that I did for well over a year.. and the fact that the day-to-day living in Thailand is basically re-living the lifestyle of our parents  (and in some cases grand-parents) in the U.S. about 50 or 60 years ago.

There are of course exceptions notably the internet, communications, medical etc.  But life in general is not akin to the frantic pace of western life (especially here in the U.S.A).  Now top this off by adding the excitement of actually pulling this expat (relocation) thing off, with less than 4 months to go and I think you get the picture.

Mostly everything I do now I think to myself…”wow…what’s it really going to be like when I’m actually living life as an expat?”  To give you a small hint; a little while ago, I made a date for dinner.  We ended up at a new Thai restaurant in my area that just recently opened.  I then thought to myself…

• food…will be mediocre at best compared to what I’ll be eating in Chiang Mai 
• cost…even if moderate here (S. Florida)…Thailand - ridiculously cheap
• atmosphere (well I’m not even going to go there)…no comparison - Thailand wins hands down!

The above is just a small look through the window of my life and only one of many experiences that I am fully expecting to encounter in the near future.

Another event that I’m sure will be a “biggy” in the “try-to-understand” department will be “driving”.  I’m currently living in South Florida where traffic is a nightmare at anytime.  Now I’m not saying that traffic in Chiang Mai will be any less hair-raising…just different.  Thai’s apparently like to multi-task while “trying” to drive in what some would call a loosely controlled hodge-podge.

The big difference is going to be that they drive on the left side of the road (think England).  But, like I’ve always done in the past, I think the best I can do for myself (and I suggest you do the same) is…“go with the flow”…and don’t allow the Thai ways to “unhinge” you.  Always try to stay cool, calm and collected.

The past is alive and part of today’s life
One of the things that keep popping into my mind is the sight of the various “hill-tribe peoples” that are interspersed throughout the northern regions.  The tribes are quite a site and at the same time very interesting.  Unfortunately, it would take much more space than I presently have to go into any real depth.  But I’d be irresponsible if I didn’t at least mention and/or give a basic overview of the Hill-tribe community. 

The community is made up of varied tribes known respectively as Akha, Hmong, Karen, Lahu, and LIsu.  Their individual tribal population sizes vary anywhere from 25,000 to 300,000 and all the tribes have their own unique language, beliefs, customs and dress. 

These individual tribes further divide into smaller sects, which additionally include different dialects and dress.  Speaking of dress – not so much the men – but the women are easily spotted…as they usually wear large ornate head-dresses or large hats along with tribal colored 
smocks and/or leggings highlighted with varied silver-laden ornaments.

That said…stay tuned…for more information at a later date…

Exploring anyone?
Usually I really don’t get lost in the world of fantasizing, but I’ve noticed that in the back of my mind I’ve been seeing myself as an explorer of sorts.  To me this is kind of weird because that’s totally unlike me.  Then again, maybe the old me is disappearing and the “kid” in me is surfacing once again (and wouldn’t that be awesome). 

Thailand is a small country, about twice the size of Wyoming.  If you want to get technical, we’re talking 514,000 sq km [ www.cia.gov ]. The point I’m trying to make is that besides the official size there is sooo very much to experience.

Look around.  Off to the east of Chiang Mai and only about a ½ hour drive from the old city, you’ll see the unmistakable mountain backdrop of Doi Suthep.  Make this one of your day trips and you’ll find one of Thailand’s most revered temples - Wat Phrathat.  Nearby you’ll find Phu Phing Palace with it’s luscious gardens.  The palace is also the winter home of the Royal Family.  And just to add to all of this magnificence, from atop Doi Suthep, look westerly and you’ll be treated to an awesome birds-eye view of Chiang Mai.  While you’re up there ( hey you’re in the neighborhood), why not visit a Hmong village (mentioned earlier).

Do yourself a favor.  There are 2 ways to get to the Wat at the top of Doi Suthep - which by the way is 3520 feet above sea level.  Walk up the “290” steps guarded by two very long and very large symbolic-like serpents called “Naga” or…take the “”funicular” (an elevator that elevates on an angle).  When I visited there, I did the latter.  For me that was a mistake as I thought I’d be taking the “easy way out”.  Little did I realize (until later) that in actuality, it’s harder walking down than up…as the very deep and very wide steps have a slight downwards angle…which shall we say…at the very least…was a little uncomfortable and unsettling for yours truly.

But, one must understand - exploring in Thailand isn’t just about temples.

I know I’ve been talking mostly about Chiang Mai, which in itself is home to some 300 Wats. There are however many smaller cities, towns and villages, not to mention caves, waterfalls, numerous open-air markets, elephant riding (and no they do not smell), ox-carting, balloon rides, trekking and bamboo rafting.  Hire a “long-tail” boat and visit some hill tribes or experience a bamboo-raft river ride.  The list can go on and on.
Personally, I won’t be caught sitting around and thinking of what to do when just being out amongst the population will be an experience.  Last, but as they say not least of all is experiencing and discovering all the different tastes and smells of Thai foods….mmmm can’t wait.

It’s different over there!
Wherever you presently call home, is where you’ll forever be from.  And wherever that is, expect to find a remarkably different, enjoyable and exciting lifestyle in Chiang Mai.

Now remember I only spent 2 weeks in Thailand (one week in Bangkok and one in Chiang Mai… a.k.a. The Rose of the North) and yet those couple of weeks set in motion a plan that I could not control.  Luckily, I was at a point in my life when I was able to actually take advantage of my personal life-changing discovery.  The peace and tranquility that surrounded me was stimulating to the point that deep-down I new nothing was going to stop my becoming an expat…which would ultimately include my upcoming move to Chiang Mai.

What you ask, did I discover?  And my answer is - everything.  The sounds (sometimes too loud), the aromas, sight and tastes of exotic foods, the beautiful women, the quiet peace…right next to the hustle and bustle.  Around every corner, the strangeness, yet welcoming of this alien life-style along with a fusion of peoples from all around the world.

Epicurean delights
Sometimes I can’t help wonder why one of the first things an American does (and now increasingly westerners in general do) in a foreign country is look for a Mickey-D’s or other fast food spots.  After all you’re in (or soon going to be in) Thailand, a country that is known throughout the world for its delectable tasting foods and food presentation.  Yes, we all have cravings for a taste of “home”…but fast food?  Come on now guys, let’s get serious!

Is it that most people are afraid to try something new and different? If that’s true…then…we all need to let our noses, eyes and taste buds take control of our collective brains. 

Now don’t think for one second that I’m not as guilty as most.  When I was on my little “get acquainted tour” with Thailand I decided to experience…“Pizza Hut”. 

You see I wanted to tell everyone back home that I tried Thai Pizza.  Well I’ve gotta say,  it was somewhat different and yet the same (nothing to write home about).  However, I soon discovered…TA-DA…right there…within easy arms reach was a whole world of luscious mouth-watering foods (and a hell of a lot cheaper). 

Being fairly new to Thai food I was cautious and tried a salad.  Not any salad mind you but a “Spicy Thai Mango Salad”.  Now please understand, with my “western mind” still pulling the strings, I expected the counter girl (who spoke ZERO English) to hand over a pre-wrapped concoction (like back home). 

Imagine my surprise when she proceeded to perform a whole first class gastronomic show for me.  This girl, in front of my very eyes, produced an amazing salad (including using some very sharp knives and cleavers) for the enjoyment of my personal palate.  Not only was there enough salad for two people, but more importantly, the salad was absolutely beyond delicious (my mouth is watering as I write this).  Now before you ask the inevitable “duh” question”…

YES… it was SPICY, but definitely…and I say again…“definitely” worth the heat!. 

Now I need you to understand this was not in some fancy restaurant.  This whole event took place in a food court of all places, located in the lower level of the Central Department Store on Huay Kaew Rd.

And here’s the kicker - if memory serves correctly - it cost all of about 75 cents (no…not a misprint).  So, do yourself a big favor and try something different.  I can almost guarantee that you won’t be sorry.  In fact…look at it like this…

this little act of you… not acting like you…may just open up a whole new you.

I really wasn’t going to write about language, but I just finished another one of my Thai language lessons and my head is still spinning (this was a rough session).  According to my friend who lives in Chiang Mai - one really doesn’t need to know much Thai - and this is true if you plan on never leaving the city. However, once you’re outside of town this will prove to be a “whole ‘nother ballgame”. 

In the Thai language you would greet someone by saying “sa-wat-dee”…followed by “krab” if you’re a man and “kaa” if you’re a woman. In other words a man would say “sawatdee-krab” and a woman would say “sawatdee-kaa." 

You’d be hard pressed to find any “real’ English spoken after you leave the city/tourist areas.  Given that, personally I’ve decided to give it my best shot learning Thai.  By the way, learning some Thai will likely at the very least ease the way in one's daily routines.  Another good thing about knowing some of the language is if you plan on bargaining….think about it!

Now there are a few ways one might go about learning Thai.  The easiest way is if you happen to be friends with a Thai person and you learn whatever you can from that person.  Since this is probably not as realistic as it sounds (especially as a newbie), you might do what I am doing. 

Personally, I chose the “Rosetta Stone” learning system www.RosettaStone.com and I’m very pleased with it.  It’s easy to use and you’ll learn as a child would learn any language ie, no memorizing!  Also available and on-line…go to www.learningthai.com. (and it’s free)… 
I use this for quick reference and it also contains lots of additional and useful information. 

Is Thai an easy language to learn?  My answer would have to be “no” as it is a tonal language with five subtle tones.  Basically what that means is that one Thai word can have as many as five entirely different meanings just by the tone of ones voice.  To give an example of what I’m talking about, lets take the word “mai” which can mean “no (or not)”, “mile”, “silk”, ”wood” and “new”.  However, like I said before learning Thai…can prove quite useful and you just might achieve some respect among the Thai peoples. 

and another thing…
Still within the area of the Thai language and closely following it would be it’s cousin… the subject of “understanding” or maybe it’s best to say the subject of “misunderstanding”. 

An American Expat living in Chiang Mai recently relayed this story to me concerning him, being given a cup of coffee and being asked by his Thai friend did he like the coffee.  My friend said “yes”.  Simple enough right?...wrong!

At this point his Thai friend said OK, “I’ll take it away then”.  Apparently (and my friend is still trying to figure this one out), his answering “yes” for some unknown reason was taken as a “no”.  The only thing that we can come up with that’s even close…and yet bring some sense to this…is the old “yes, we have no bananas” saying.

More to come (I’m sure) on this subject in the near future.

Well…time is marching on and I’m getting the “move it on out itches”.  I’ll be a “newbie expat” in about 4 months (not soon enough…but, before I know it).  Surely, I’ll have more words of advice including some of my earth-shaking bits of wisdom in my next article. 

So until then…enjoy and live life!

A Guide To Living, Retiring, Working and Doing Business in Thailand.  This EscapeArtist Special Report is intended for those readers who are seriously considering moving to Thailand for a prolonged period, or perhaps for the rest of their lives. The contents focus less upon the sort of information usually found in the popular tourist guides (hotels, restaurants, entertainment etc) and more upon the practical realities of moving to and successfully living in the Land of Smiles. Thailand is a wonderful place to live, but a move to the country is not without it’s attendant difficulties. This Report aims to help the reader to achieve a smooth transition to a new life in the Kingdom - Get The Details About Living In Thailand - Click Here -