THAILAND

Country Overview:

"Thailand, a captivating blend of vibrant cities, tranquil villages, pristine beaches, and idyllic islands, holds a special place in my heart."

Every time I return to Thailand, I'm reminded of its irresistible allure. The warmth of the Thai people, the seamless blend of modern amenities and ancient traditions, and the sheer diversity of experiences on offer make it a truly remarkable destination. From the bustling energy of Bangkok to the serene beauty of Chiang Mai, and the sun-kissed shores of Phuket to the tranquil islands of Koh Phi Phi, Thailand has something to captivate every traveler. And let's not forget the food – a symphony of flavors that tantalizes the taste buds and leaves a lasting impression. Despite the challenges it has faced, Thailand remains a must-visit country, beckoning me back time and time again.

*Currently living in Chiang Mai.

Chiang Mai / Bangkok / Ayutthaya / Pattaya / Chiang Rai / Krabi / Phuket / Koh Tao

I quarantined in Bangkok in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. You can read more about that experience here.

Degen Hill Degen Hill

2020 Highlights

2020 was a fucked up year. There’s really no other way to say it. Despite the chaos and turmoil that it brought, here are some of my highlights:

  • Left China after 7 years

  • New countries visited: Turkey, Serbia, Albania, Kosovo, and North Macedonia

  • Won a few grand by betting on Biden and the Democrats on a BTC betting website

  • Started my 2nd novel - “A Viral State” (currently at around 64,000 words)

  • Made a new logo for my website

  • Got COVID-19 while in Istanbul

  • Read 8 books. Not my best, but it was a crazy year

  1. Fictions - Jorge Luis Borges

  2. A Thousand Splendid Suns - Khaled Hosseini

  3. Childhood’s End - Arthur C. Clarke

  4. Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage - Haruki Murakami

  5. Old Man’s War - John Scalzi

  6. A Little Life - Hanya Yanigihara

  7. The Wall - John Lanchester

  8. Normal People - Sally Rooney

  • Finally ended up in Chiangmai, Thailand after almost a year of trying to get there

  • Started freelance writing & editing

  • Celebrated my birthday in Albania, Christmas in quarantine in Bangkok, and New Year’s Eve in Chiangmai

  • My short stories Transitory and Dimensional were accepted into literary magazines

  • Had visitors from 67 countries visit my website in 2020

I wish everyone a great 2021 and hope that it will be, in some way, better than 2020. Thank you to everyone who visited my blog this year! I will continue to find interesting things to post about and make site improvements throughout the year. I’m always open to feedback, suggestions, questions, or criticisms, so feel free to reach out. Would love to hear from you!

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Degen

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