Out of Asia. I'm Done. (A ramble)

Post by **Username Taken** » Wed Oct 24, 2018 9:45 pm

If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. I attended my first Chinese lesson today (paid for by employer).

Post by **Username Taken** » Wed Oct 24, 2018 9:53 pm

Username Taken wrote: ↑Wed Oct 24, 2018 9:45 pm If you can't beat 'em, join 'em. I attended my first Chinese lesson today (paid for by employer).

Just to be clear, the lessons are optional.

taabarang · Post by **taabarang** » Wed Oct 24, 2018 11:21 pm

More power to you KFH. You lifted up the rock and look how many disgruntled long term expats finally crawled out and talked straight. Post of the year Imo.

GMJS-CEO · Post by **GMJS-CEO** » Wed Oct 24, 2018 11:35 pm

I’ve left to raise my son in the west, being my wife is Khmer we expect multiple trips back.

In my line of work I do not regret missing the influx of Chinese businesses. Their business practices made my work as an accountant exceedingly more difficult, plus they always had to be chased to pay. My favorite is when one Chinese client was trying to write off his KTV whore expenses as tax deductible.

I haven’t checked out Laos, but that would be the next place on my list.

Cinnamoncat · Post by **Cinnamoncat** » Thu Oct 25, 2018 12:44 am

I was not surprised to move back to Oregon and find happiness again. The traffic, the robbers, the violence, bad health care, a culture that awards supremacy to being born with a penis, the observation that despite billions dumped into the KOW--no great advancements for the people--all these things and more began to disenchant me.

Fortunately, I got back early enough to build something. In my early forties, I got to work and put together a different life. Glad I did. I still miss SE Asia, but I can visit. This was an excellent post, and I'm interested in hearing what everyone has to say.

phuketrichard · Post by **phuketrichard** » Thu Oct 25, 2018 1:05 am

simon43 wrote: ↑Wed Oct 24, 2018 8:16 pm I've lived in south-east Asia for the past 16 years. Mostly in Thailand, (and mostly unhappy times). One year in Luang Prabang (happy times) and about 5 years in Myanmar (happy times).

I'm due back in Thailand next week, and I still can't decide whether to settle in Thailand again or to return to Myanmar. My dick says Thailand (ease of accessible women), but my heart says Myanmar (because the people and countryside are all lovely).

I'm concerned that prices in Thailand are rapidly closing on a European cost of living, and I'm also concerned about potential visa chnages in the future. I'm 12 months away from applying for PR in Myanmar, with a renewable 5-year visa on offer.

Decisions, decisions...

after all my trips to Burma, i'd settle there in a minute if i had $$$ and 20 years younger, tons of possibilities...

I find its true that prices in Thailand have increased its nowhere near the states.
Bacon, 2 eggs, toast and hash browns Ca $12++, Phuket $5-6

Cambo Dear · Post by **Cambo Dear** » Thu Oct 25, 2018 2:28 am

I returned to the UK after nearly 13 years in Asia, which at one time I never would have believed would happen, considering how much I enjoyed the freedom of being in Cambodia and the life I had carved out. The catalyst for me was my daughter's education, coupled with the passing of my Khmer mother in-law, which was the first time I had come into close contact with the Cambodian medical system (or lack thereof). I was lucky in that we had enough for a deposit on our own place and my work meant I could be based anywhere. As others have mentioned, the ways in which Asia has changed and my changing perspective on life mean that I would not wish to be back there. Sure there are times when I miss the weather or eating out most days, but that doesn't measure up against how well things work here, the dots just connect so much better, stress around children particularly is much lower and visiting the in-laws does mean 2 weeks in Phnom Penh now and again

.

phuketrichard · Post by **phuketrichard** » Thu Oct 25, 2018 5:32 am

This is from the 2005 thread OTOF, from Dr Zeus after he had left Cambodia after 4 years there. <

In the west, its all spending money. People go shopping in their spare time, meet for coffee and dinner, .. everything is based on spending money. I was trying to save money, and found that I couldnt do anything without spending money. The whole of our society is geared to spending money, and if you are not consuming, then you are not living.
I don't have rose coloured glasses. I just appreciate a more simple and basic lifestyle.

To you all moving out of SE asia,
Best of luck

logos · Post by **logos** » Thu Oct 25, 2018 6:32 am

Great thread that highlights a growing number of returnees.

OD certainly didn't think he'd be back in the US a couple years after he'd moved here (with hindsight great timing as he escaped the Chinese takeover in shitsville).

I don't see Detroit muscle rambling too much about a lost paradise, on the contrary his plan was to GTFO as soon as his wife got the right papers.

Myself I consider Cambodia like some sort of Westworld, where anything goes - but with a permanent exit ticket for the wife and me. I've been coming to SEA on several extended visits per year since my 20s but never over a year at a time so no asian burn out so far. I love coming to Cambodia and enjoying life here but I had realized from the start I didn't want to get stuck like so many purposeless expat "lifers" I had first encountered in Thailand 20+ years ago. So I have kept a "real" life in Europe, with close ties to Cambodian good friends there which keeps the wife happy too.

willyhilly · Post by **willyhilly** » Thu Oct 25, 2018 6:45 am

Living in the tropics in Australia is pretty good. No rats, no rubbish. Crocs and crabs, lots of fruit bats. Free mangos and tamarind from street trees. Excellent public schools and free healthcare. But fucking boring.

Out of Asia. I'm Done. (A ramble)

Re: Out of Asia. I'm Done. (A ramble)

Re: Out of Asia. I'm Done. (A ramble)

Re: Out of Asia. I'm Done. (A ramble)

Re: Out of Asia. I'm Done. (A ramble)

Re: Out of Asia. I'm Done. (A ramble)

Re: Out of Asia. I'm Done. (A ramble)

Re: Out of Asia. I'm Done. (A ramble)

Re: Out of Asia. I'm Done. (A ramble)

Re: Out of Asia. I'm Done. (A ramble)

Re: Out of Asia. I'm Done. (A ramble)

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