I thought this might be a fun topic. This is my first experience in living in the village full time. Some background first. I've lived in Thailand full time for almost 9 years. The first seven years was in Phuket, both Patong and then Phuket Town.

I had originally planned on starting a business in Phuket. After SARS, 911 and the onslaught of Bird Flu, then the Tsunami, I bagged the Phuket idea. Tourism has been in steady decline since my first days in Thailand. A tourist focused business just wasn't going to work. I dilly dalied way too long in Phuket.

In the meantime I had traveled to Udon, P-look, Kanchanaburi, Pattaya, Konkean, Hua Hin and of course Bangers.

I decided I'd give the big city a try and see how it worked. I was no longer interested in starting a business, I enjoy RETIREMENT way to much, no need to add any stress or problems to my life.

Almost immediately I met the perfect woman. (how many times have you heard that? ) Actually it has worked damn well for us. We spent a year plus living in Din Daeng, Inthamara area in a great apartment. It was close to shopping, great transportation infrastructure and close enough to Sukumvit for the occasional foray for beers.

My missus is from the Chantaburi area, the youngest of 13 siblings ( 11 still alive). Two of her nine (9) sisters are quite ill with long term maladies. We had discussed 'eventually' moving closer to the family so she could help care for the two ladies. Her daughter also goes to a private boarding school in Rayong, so a move in that general direction was also beneficial.

(to be continued)