BLOG
4.03.25: Palindromes
I love palindromes. There’s something weirdly satisfying about words and phrases that loop back on themselves, like a secret code hidden in plain sight. Racecar, taco cat, madam, I’m Adam—they just hit different. It’s like language showing off, proving it can be clever without even trying. Numbers too—2112, 1221—clean, symmetrical, no loose ends. Maybe it’s the balance, the way it all clicks together. Or maybe I just enjoy pointless little patterns and mindless wordplay. Either way, palindromes are underrated. They’re simple, satisfying, and never change, forward or backward. Honestly, if you don’t like palindromes, I don’t trust you.
4.02.25: Massage Gun
I bought a massage gun, convinced it would change my life. Sore muscles? Gone. Daily recovery? Dialed in. Except now it just sits there, collecting dust like every other “game-changing” gadget I’ve impulse-bought. I used it once, thought, Yeah, this is nice, and then never touched it again. It’s not that it doesn’t work—I’m just too lazy to actually use it. Feels like a gym membership for my muscles: great in theory, neglected in practice. Maybe I’ll pick it up again someday. Or maybe it’ll just stay in the drawer, silently judging me for my poor life choices.
4.01.25: Sofa Shapes
Is there a word for L-shaped sofas that have a long section on both sides with an empty middle? Feels like there should be. It’s not quite an L-shaped couch, but it’s not a full circle either. If I had to name it, I’d go with “THE U”—clean, simple, and accurate. It’s the kind of couch that says, “Come hang,” but also “Stay in your lane.” Perfect for lounging, hosting, or just pretending you have your life together. Whatever it’s called, I respect the design. Function meets comfort. Now I just need to know if that’s the actual name.
Clothes Have Been Donated!
Collected 250kg of clothes last month! After sorting, several boxes went to migrant communities in #ChiangMai through the Shan Youth Power program, helping both kids and adults. Huge thanks to everyone who donated! ❤️ If you're in CM and have more clothes to give, DM me! 🙏♻️
More from Hua Hin
Hua Hin isn’t just another beach town in Thailand—it’s got history, charm, and a vibe that balances laid-back beach life with a touch of sophistication. Whether you're thinking about a weekend escape from Bangkok or just curious about this coastal gem, here are some fun facts about Hua Hin that might surprise you.
1. Thailand’s OG Beach Resort
Before places like Phuket and Samui became international hotspots, Hua Hin was the beach destination in Thailand. Back in the 1920s, King Rama VII built his summer palace here, and ever since, it’s been a go-to retreat for Thai royalty and Bangkok’s elite. That’s why you’ll still find a more refined, old-school vibe compared to the party-heavy islands.
2. Home to the Longest Golf Course in Thailand
If you're into golf, Hua Hin is a paradise. The Royal Hua Hin Golf Course, built in 1924, is Thailand’s oldest 18-hole course and still one of the most scenic. Bonus points: it's right next to the train station, which itself is one of the most picturesque in the country.
3. It’s Got a Vineyard—Yes, Really
Thailand and wine? Sounds like a weird combo, but Monsoon Valley Vineyard in Hua Hin is proving that tropical winemaking is a thing. Set in rolling hills just outside the city, it’s a spot where you can sip Thai wine while surrounded by vineyards—something you don’t see every day in this part of the world.
4. The Night Markets Are Next-Level
While Thailand is known for its night markets, Hua Hin’s are especially fun. The Cicada Market brings in artsy, handmade crafts and live music, while the Tamarind Market is all about incredible food. If you want seafood fresh off the boat, the night market in the center of town is where you’ll find grilled prawns, fresh squid, and just about every Thai dish imaginable.
5. You Can Ride Horses on the Beach
Move over, jet skis—Hua Hin’s beaches are famous for horseback riding. Thanks to its royal history, the tradition of horses here is strong, and you’ll find locals offering rides along the sand, making for a totally different kind of beach experience.
6. It’s One of the Driest Spots in Thailand
While much of Thailand deals with heavy monsoons, Hua Hin gets less rain than most coastal areas, making it one of the best year-round beach destinations. Even in the rainy season, showers tend to be short-lived, which means more sunshine and fewer interruptions to your plans.
7. There’s a Train That Goes Straight to Bangkok
If you hate dealing with airport transfers, Hua Hin’s got you covered. Thailand’s Southern Railway Line runs right through town, and you can take a scenic 4-hour train ride straight to Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong station. Bonus: the Hua Hin train station itself is a historic landmark, with its classic red-and-white architecture making it one of the prettiest in Thailand.
Hua Hin is that perfect mix of relaxing and lively, with just enough history and uniqueness to set it apart from other beach destinations in Thailand. Whether you’re there for a short getaway or looking to slow things down for a bit longer, there’s plenty to love about this royal retreat by the sea.
Hua Hin: The Retirement Capital I Had to See for Myself
I knew what I was getting into. Hua Hin has a reputation, and it’s well-earned—this place is retirement central. The sidewalks are filled with slow walkers, the beach chairs are occupied by people who have been here since the '90s, and every second restaurant serves up some version of schnitzel with mashed potatoes. If you’re looking for nightlife, excitement, or—let’s be real—anyone under 50, this isn’t the spot.
But hey, I wanted to check it out. First and last time for sure.
To be fair, the beaches are decent, and there’s a certain charm to the old-world, laid-back vibe. The seafood is fresh, and the night markets aren’t bad if you’re into browsing knockoff watches and elephant pants. If I were 70, I’d probably love it. But I’m not. And after a few days of watching the early bird dinner crowd shuffle through European bistros, I was ready to move on.
Hua Hin? Been there, done that. No need to return.
I Got Instagram
Alright, I caved—I got Instagram. Posting on the blog was becoming a hassle, and since I’m not traveling as much these days, I figured I’d join the masses. It’s mostly me and Cooper, so if you’re into cute French bulldogs, give me a follow and say hey: https://www.instagram.com/degen.11/
I’ll still keep this site going, but it’ll be more text-focused—think writing, my portfolio, and an archive of travel shots.
250kg of Clothes, One Big Thank You
Sometimes, the simplest things make the biggest impact. Over the past few weeks, we pulled together 250kg of clothes for Child’s Dream Foundation, and now they’re on their way to families who actually need them.
This wasn’t just a dump-run of old stuff—these are clothes that’ll keep people warm, that’ll be worn daily, that actually matter. And it only happened because a whole lot of people showed up, donated, and made it happen.
So, huge thanks to everyone who pitched in. Whether you dropped off a bag, spread the word, or just helped move all that weight—this was a team effort. Feels good to do something real.
The Collar
Cooper's dealing with an eye infection, so he's rocking a collar—which, unsurprisingly, he’s not thrilled about. The eye drops every two hours are getting easier with practice, but I totally get it—eye drops are the worst. Fingers crossed he’s all good in two weeks!
2025 Goals, Resolutions, Whatever
Every year, I scribble down a mix of goals, dreams, and random "let's see if I actually do this" ideas. Call them resolutions, plans, or just things I hope don’t stay in my head too long—they’re my way of keeping life interesting. This year’s list is all over the place, from fixing my balcony to exploring new corners of the world. Some goals are about leveling up, some are about tidying up, and a few are just about enjoying the ride. Here’s what I’m aiming for in the year ahead.
Visit a new country: Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, New Caledonia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, or Timor-Leste
Spend a week at a resort in Thailand (Phuket or Hua Hin)
Read 12 books throughout the year
Get a new built-in walk-in closet
Stretch every night (continuation from 2024)
Donate 50 kg of clothes to charity
Fix the water problem on my balcony (Condo above me is leaking and soaking my drywall ceiling, just haven’t gotten around to addressing it)
Have all the drains in my condo replaced
Save $50,000 by the end of the year
Double my Bitcoin holdings
New Series for 2025 — “In 100 Words”
I’m starting a new blog series next year called “In 100 Words.” The idea is simple—cover anything and everything, but keep it tight. Each post will be exactly 100 words, whether it’s a random thought, some advice, or a quick story.
It’ll be short, easy to read, and (hopefully) worth your time. The first post drops in January, and I’m pretty excited to see where this goes.
