Thread: So long but not Goodbye

I'm going to California with the family in April.

Got any recommendatiuons of restaurants in SF (if you ever go there)?

I've lived in that area before but my knowledge is 20+ years out of date on such things..... is Round Table Pizza still good?

Stinking rose. Garlic based Italian food. The food was great if you like garlic. Its been a few years since I was there though. The link takes you to the SF site also.

Los Angeles Steak House: Add Garlic to Your Restaurant Experience

Originally Posted by aging one

Best of luck mate. Sorry that things did not work out right

Did he go there in the hope of restarting his life to avoid having to live in the US ever again?

Seems like he likes Thailand but prefers the US. A few years overseas can reinforce that and stop what one has being taken for granted, which in addition to an eye-opening experience is a great reason to do it (whilst keeping the return bridges well maintained).

Originally Posted by prawny

Originally Posted by aging one

Best of luck mate. Sorry that things did not work out right

Did he go there in the hope of restarting his life to avoid having to live in the US ever again?

Seems like he likes Thailand but prefers the US. A few years overseas can reinforce that and stop what one has being taken for granted, which in addition to an eye-opening experience is a great reason to do it (whilst keeping the return bridges well maintained).

Coming back to this thread, I actually enjoy both places. I learned a lot. Initial intention was check it out, if I like, then stay. However many concerning things surfaced along the way which were not terribly bad but were deal breakers for me to live there full time. # 1 was I could not buy a nice little house on my own. Always seem to have to be tied to be married to a Thai. While other options existed they were long and painful paths. Renting was an option but found that to be very risky too. I did not want a condo as I am an outdoor type. I had hoped to set up a place and just relax, fish, ride my moto's, fix up a 4wheel drive truck to go play etc.

In the beginning I was alone in Thailand just traveling around with some Thai friends I had made while working in Rangsit. The political stuff does not bother me at all. Just watch it from afar. Besides not my country and none of my business and never will be. If they wanted me to leave then I would hop a plan back here noooo problem. I never have had any issues with any Thai folk. I just blended in. I like the food, enjoyed the low price living but even after a short time realized that things were not as cheap as they seemed. I did not miss all that much in the California except for a few creature comfort things and all the sporting activities I enjoyed doing. The weather never ever bothered me. In fact I enjoy the Thailand rainy season and the incredible downpours. I will say I do hate the mosquitoes and they can be relentless. I liked the Thai simple culture. It can be refreshing but after awhile it can grate on you as their is definitely a huge knowledge delta between here in the US and how Thais do things. Lots of times I had to bite my tongue and then scratch my head. But so be it. One other things as has been mentioned here over and over is meeting other westerners to establish friendships and share common interests.

As for back here things are just far more user friendly. Its easier to navigate, quality roads, better tools and quality items can be bought a far lesser price. Bringing my GF back here as added an element of fun to it showing her around. The sporting activities I like to do are readily available. Employment is everywhere in any field you want if you so desire. I can buy another property without issue and I can travel anywhere I want and not have to pay to leave the country. Plus no 90 check in. The downsides here are cost of living if you are a person who wants to live top shelf. But if you want to live comfortable and in a little house it can be down cheaper then in Thailand and one can finance this rather then sink your entire retirement into it which leaves you many options. I do not worry about medical costs as I am great health and sustain it. It will catch up to me as it does all of us but will worry about that when the times comes.

When all said and done, I like the idea of splitting time between California and Thailand. Pick the best of both worlds weather wise and go live. My GF owns her home so no need for me to sweat that part of it anymore and if we fall apart for whatever reason then its OK. I feel I planned it well that I did not close any doors here or burn any bridges. I definitely needed a break from the US and that was well worth the move.

Originally Posted by Bobcock

I'm going to California with the family in April.

Got any recommendatiuons of restaurants in SF (if you ever go there)?

I've lived in that area before but my knowledge is 20+ years out of date on such things..... is Round Table Pizza still good?

PM me with what you like and I can help.

BTW Round Table pizza sucks...