Last Day in Bangkok

Bangkok is an exhilarating city, known for its vibrant street life and cultural landmarks. It's a place where the traditional and modern coexist, offering a stimulating mix of lively markets, serene temples, and bustling nightlife. The city buzzes with a unique energy, from the aromatic street food stalls to the colorful tuk-tuks zipping through its arteries. While the dynamic and spirited environment makes Bangkok a thrilling destination for visitors, the incessant noise and perpetual motion can be overwhelming for daily living, making it a place more suited for adventure than residence for some.

Week in BKK

For the longest time, I was under the impression that Lululemon was exclusively a brand tailored for women. Their marketing seemed to lean heavily towards yoga enthusiasts and athleisure aficionados, predominantly of the feminine sort. However, upon discovering their men's collection, I was pleasantly surprised. Not only does Lululemon cater to the male demographic, but their offerings rank among some of the best clothing I've ever purchased. The quality, comfort, and style effortlessly bridge the gap between athletic wear and daily essentials, making it a versatile choice for various occasions. Loaded up on gym shorts and everyday casual chinos. Couldn’t be happier.

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (Red Mosque)

The Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, commonly known as the Red Mosque, stands not just as an architectural marvel but as a beacon of faith and artistry in Colombo, Sri Lanka. Erected in 1908, its red-and-white candy-cane façade is a confluence of Indo-Saracenic design, making it as much a visual treat as it is a spiritual haven. Nestled in the vibrant Pettah district, the mosque once whispered directions to sailors, its minarets serving as nautical signposts for ships entering Colombo Harbor. Today, it stands tall, intertwining history with spirituality, and beckoning both the devout and the curious to bask in its storied elegance.

It was closed for cleaning on Sunday, so I didn’t get a chance to go inside. Maybe I’ll do that later this week. Maybe not. We’ll see.

Jerseys Framed

I’ve been waiting to have my own place so I can get stuff framed — first was diplomas, and now, signed jerseys. These 3 are to compliment the blue Buriram United jersey I got in the ever-so exciting of Buriram last month.

Tyreek Hill from Mialmi Dolphins

Beijing Guoan F.C. (green)

Shandong Taishan F.C. (orange)

Update

These days are a mix of routine and anticipation. I am quietly gearing up for a trip to Sri Lanka and the Maldives, set to kick off on the 22nd with an 8-day exploration of Colombo.

When I'm not working or hitting the gym, I find solace in a good book or a Netflix binge, all while nurturing a quiet excitement for the adventure that lies ahead. It's a simple life, punctuated with preparation for the upcoming journey and a conscious effort to steer clear of existential crises. It's all about balance — and the knowledge that soon, new experiences will pepper my daily routine with unexpected joys and discoveries.

Just Living Life

Lately, my routine has mainly revolved around the gym and work. I'm navigating the aftermath of a breakup, which has been challenging. On a brighter note, I've framed and displayed my signed Buriram United jersey and a deck of cards featuring iconic NFTs. My condo is slowly coming together; a few more personal touches and it'll feel less like a rental and more like home.

For September, I'll focus on my two current roles, and by October, I intend to search for a third. One challenge I face is the perception that companies have about me juggling multiple jobs. Some assume I'm freelancing or not committed full-time. This is a common challenge among my friends, many of whom hold multiple positions. My end goal is to secure a remote job that offers a competitive full-time salary. Until then, I'll continue to work multiple jobs to meet my needs.

Job Hunting

As I search for a new job to replace my position at KrASIA, I'm reminded of what a hassle applying for jobs can be. I passed the assessment test for one job, but then, instead of an interview, they wanted me to record 8 separate videos answering questions. I emailed back, asking if it would be possible to conduct a standard 2-way interview so I could also ask questions myself. They said no, so I rescinded my application. For me, jobs are a two-way street, and feeling like a cog in the machine and being treated as one isn't worth my time or money. For now, I'll keep looking, but I won't seriously apply until I'm back from vacation in October.

Why I Live Abroad: Embracing the Challenges and Triumphs of a Global Life

Living abroad has become my norm. My suitcase has grown accustomed to visa runs, my tongue has wrestled with foreign syllables, and my heart has been both challenged and charmed by cultural nuances in relationships. While many see only the glamour and excitement of living abroad, I'll open up about the hurdles as well as the profound reasons that make this adventure worth every struggle.

Visa Runs: A Necessary Hassle

Oh, the love-hate relationship with visas! If there were a stamp for every trip to an embassy or a rushed border crossing, my passport would be a mosaic of my trials. Visa runs are not just an inconvenience but an emotional roller coaster. The panic of an impending visa expiration, the frantic planning of a quick exit, and the sigh of relief once a new stamp graces my passport—it's all a routine part of my life.

The Language Barrier: Lost in Translation

Navigating daily life in a foreign language has its charm but is not without its frustrations. Ordering food can become a game of charades, and a simple misunderstanding can lead to hours of confusion. But here's the twist: these language barriers have taught me the art of patience and the universal power of a smile. Each new word learned is a tiny victory, a step closer to embracing a new culture.

Dating Across Cultures: An Intriguing Challenge

Oh, the stories I could tell about dating abroad! From misinterpreted romantic gestures to baffling text message exchanges, the cross-cultural dating scene is both thrilling and perplexing. Yet, in the midst of all the misunderstandings, I have discovered that love has a way of transcending cultural boundaries. The process of learning to connect on a deeper level, and understanding my partner's unique cultural background, has been an enriching journey of self-discovery.

So, Why Do I Live Abroad?

Despite all these challenges, my decision to live abroad is not just about wanderlust or seeking a different scenery. It's about growth, empathy, and broadening my horizons. Here are the pillars that make this life a continual choice for me:

1. Personal Growth: The lessons learned from overcoming obstacles like visas, language barriers, and cultural clashes have shaped me into a more resilient and adaptable individual.

2. Cultural Immersion: Living abroad has granted me an intimate understanding of different cultures, people, and ways of life. It has enriched my global perspective and fostered an appreciation for diversity.

3. Professional Opportunities: Working in a foreign country, as well as working remotely in a foreign country, has opened doors to opportunities I might not have found at home. It has allowed me to build an international network and enhance my career in ways I never imagined.

4. A Sense of Adventure: Yes, the thrill of exploring new places, tasting exotic cuisine, and forming friendships across borders is addictive. It's a lifestyle that continuously fuels my curiosity and zest for life.

Living abroad is not a fairy tale. It's a complex, thrilling, and at times, overwhelming journey that I have wholeheartedly embraced. The hassles are many, but the rewards are immeasurable. It's a path filled with self-discovery, friendships, and experiences that have become the rich tapestry of my life. It's a choice I make every day, and one that continues to make me, me.

Chang Stadium — Buriram

Chang International Circuit, commonly known as Buriram International Circuit, is located in Buriram, Thailand. Though it is primarily known as a motorsport racetrack, nearby is also Chang Arena, which is a 32,600-seat stadium. The arena is home to Buriram United, a prominent football club in Thailand's professional league.

The Chang Arena, often referred to as "Thunder Castle," is a state-of-the-art stadium that offers fans an unforgettable experience with its modern design and world-class facilities. It's recognized as one of the leading sports venues in Thailand, reflecting both the region's passion for football and its growing status in the international sporting community.

The circuit and stadium are named after the Chang Beer company, a major sponsor in the region. Whether you're a motorsport enthusiast or a football fan, Buriram's Chang facilities offer a unique and thrilling experience for all spectators.

It was awesome. And picking up the last signed jersey at the store at 9:30 am this morning? Even more awesome.

Buriram Visa Run

Buriram is a town in Thailand, the capital of Buriram Province, located about 300 km northeast of Bangkok. Known as the 'city of happiness,' it has a population of around 200,000. The town has a rich history, once being part of the Khmer Empire, and has significant ruins such as the Phanom Rung Historical Park.

The local economy is primarily agricultural, focusing on rice and cassava. Tourism has yet to significantly impact the area. Language-wise, central Thai, Lao, and Khmer are spoken.

In sports, Buriram is home to football club Buriram United F.C. and Chang International Circuit, an FIA Grade I certified circuit suitable for Formula One racing. The city aims to become a hub for sports.

Education facilities in Buriram range from pre-primary to university level, including Buriram Rajabhat University. The town is striving to make a name for itself, leveraging its sports infrastructure and embracing its unique heritage and cultural identity.

With that said, there’s really nothing to do here. I’m just here to go to immigration on Wednesday to renew my 1-year Education visa.

Screen Door & Awning

Not exactly an "exciting" blog post, but I had a new screen door installed, along with 15cm "awnings" that will hopefully prevent rain from dripping into the open balcony windows.

The black floor trim is being installed today, and due to the constant rain over the past several days, the entertainment center is delayed until I return from Buriram (visa run).

Fantasy Football — CNX League

Surprisingly, I don’t know that many Americans in Chiang Mai, and as such, getting enough people for a fantasy football league is a challenge. With that said, if anyone wants to join our CNX league for the 2023 season, feel free to play!

You can join our league (Yahoo) here.

Mahanakhon SkyWalk – The Highest Rooftop in Bangkok!

I’m in Bangkok covering an OPPO event and they put me up at the Standard Hotel. Next door just happens to be the Mahanakhon SkyWalk, an unparalleled experience in Bangkok. As the tallest rooftop in the city, the views from this vantage point on the 78th floor are breathtaking, making the steep admission price worthwhile. On arrival, visitors are swiftly escorted via a high-speed elevator that simulates a flying experience over Bangkok, taking less than a minute to reach the top.

Would definitely recommend checking this out. Although I arrived at 8 pm, well past sunset, the night views did not disappoint.

Mahanakhon SkyWalk Details:

Location: 114 Naradhiwat Rajanagarindra Rd, Khwaeng Silom, Khet Bang Rak, Bangkok 10500

Hours: 10 am – 12 am (last admission at 11 pm)

Price: 1,080 baht

Transport: BTS Chong Nonsi

Muay Thai

My two buddies from Beijing came to visit and they had never been to a Muay Thai fight before, so naturally, we had to go see one.

New Window + Rain

Luckily, the new window didn’t leak

Shelves Installed

I don't know how to say this politely, but the condo renovation has been a shitshow. On the upper left, they put new concrete by the window, but it still leaks. I had to find someone to install an entirely new window. On the upper right, they installed new floating shelves in the kitchen, which are awesome and can hold a ton of weight. The bottom two pics are the guys assembling the new showers for both bathrooms, one of which was installed incorrectly. The main bathroom shower was placed 10cm to the left of the wall, making it look really odd. As in, the glass doesn’t line up with the tiled shower wall. I've already called them to come and redo it.

The one benefit of all of this is that I've learned some new Thai words, such as "tomorrow," as in tomorrow, the entertainment center will be installed, a new window will be installed, and there will be painting on the balcony, as well as new floor trim. I've also become extremely fluent in numbers, as the cost of this project has well exceeded the budget I had in mind.

Blue Skies

The first pic is the view from my balcony, and the 2nd is from the 4th floor of a little restaurant called Somm in downtown Chiangmai.

The condo has been a headache, but I can see light at the end of the tunnel. Tomorrow, a new hardwood door will be installed, replacing the black one. Additionally, I’ll have 5 hardwood floating shelves installed, as well as 2 black floating shelves in the kitchen. A repairman is also coming to fix the water pipe linked to the washing machine, which is leaking.

The white trim that was first installed is no good, so I have a team coming to remove all the trim tomorrow. After that, I’ll have the condo cleaned on the 27th, and then the trim crew will return to install as much of the black trim as they can on Friday the 28th (they can’t work on Saturday). Speaking of which, I’m throwing a housewarming party on the 29th. I'm a little nervous to open the condo up to people, but it will be a good test run to see what is working and what isn’t. Next Monday, the crew will return to finish installing the trim.

I’m also speaking with a designer to re-do the entertainment center. Right now, it’s a massive block of wood in front of a little alcove area. Basically, the space isn’t utilized well. So we came up with a new design to add a mini storage area in the alcove that blends in with a new (smaller) entertainment center. It’ll make sense when installed, but that’s another project for another day.

New Kitchen Countertops

New countertops are in, new bathroom fan installed, and metal wall for 2nd bedroom balcony painted black.

Life / Condo Update

The condo, like my life, is in a state of flux. My contractor hired non-skilled laborers to carry out much of the renovation, and the results reflect that. There is so much that needs to be redone, and I'm having a difficult time finding tradespeople, given my limited Thai proficiency, to do what needs to be done. Additionally, I'm spending more money than I had planned. Similarly, one of my jobs has undergone a significant shift in direction, requiring much more of my time, and I'm uncertain about whether I want to continue. With the condo being dirty (dust and grime everywhere) and numerous projects needing completion, I feel unsettled—like I can't relax until the condo is finished. I'm working through my list of tasks that need to be done while trying to maintain my finances. It's certainly a headache, and although I regret hiring the contractor I did, all I can do now is move forward.

Bangkok is Pretty Cool

The recent viral sensation in the world of fast food is Burger King Thailand's "Real Cheeseburger" — a unique creation featuring 20 slices of American cheese atop a bun, without any sauce or meat. The New York Times even wrote an article about it. However, my personal experience with it was not particularly positive. After taking just one bite, I couldn't bring myself to finish the rest.

On another note, traffic in Bangkok is absolutely insane.

Pictures are from a 40th-floor restaurant in downtown BKK called Bar Yard.