The Move to Thailand, So Much To Do…

Thailand

I’ve been planning my trip to Thailand for Some time now, 2 years or so to be exact, and now that it’s almost upon me there are a million things to do.

I was planning to move to Thailand some time ago but my mothers health deteriorated fast and she passed away and then my fathers cancer became worse. I’ve basically spent the past 15 months in limbo living out of suitcases in my parents basement…Yeah, I know, 44 year old man living in the parents basement isn’t what I had planned.

Now that my father has passed my brother, sister and I are packing away all the memories and closing out my parents estate which is a lot harder than I had imagined. It’s not just all the moving and packing of physical items but the memories involved and the stories that go with each picture or nik nak. All the while I have to start making my plans for heading to Thailand at the same time.

Putting away things that will stay behind and figuring out the things that need to go, including two cats that have shared the good and bad with me over the past 10 years, is a pain in the ass. And even though I can think about what needs doing I can’t literally do anything until we get the estate closed out. It shouldn’t take long but until then I’m in a holding pattern. Of course, once the estate is taken care of then I will have everything to do at one time…oh joy.

I have to tell you I have mixed emotions right now, We haven’t had a chance to catch our collective breaths in 15 months. One thing led into another and into another and we are still at it closing out the estate. Some nights I just want to sit down and have a long cry to get all the stress of the past 2 years out, and I’m sure that night will come soon enough but until then it’s more packing and moving and remembering the years.

I know I will be in Thailand soon enough but right now it’s more about family and all of us getting through this together. Very soon I will be down to an inflatable bed, a blanket, a few suitcases and two cats…hopefully things will go quickly otherwise I will go stir crazy.

There probably won’t be as many posts over the next few weeks as I wrap everything up on this end but I should find time to make you smile or piss you off…depending on who you are.

Hopefully I remember not to wear either the Red or Yellow shirts when I land in Bangkok :)

 

 

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talensig

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15 Responses to The Move to Thailand, So Much To Do…
  1. SiamRick
    April 24, 2010 | 10:38 am

    All the best to you, Talen. I know some of what you’re up against but to lose two parents in such a short time birthed circumstances far beyond my piddly little problems. I hope you are able to soon look ahead instead of behind.

    I’ve got about four months and change before I head to the far east and it doesn’t seem like enough time to get it all done. See what I mean? But the thought of settling down in a “new” land and exploring more of the neighbourhood makes my head spin — in a good way.

    It’s all good from here on in!
    .-= SiamRick´s last blog ..Korean temptress wins my heart =-.

    • Talen
      April 26, 2010 | 3:33 am

      Rick, a new land and new life is just what the doctor ordered. We will definitely have to catch up and have a beer or 4.

  2. Mike
    April 24, 2010 | 1:48 pm

    Talen I know from experience what it feels like to up sticks and move to a foreign land.

    Its certainly exciting, at times frustrating and even a little sad too. I guess my so called honeymoon period with Thailand is over and as I have discovered ts not the same as being a tourist.

    That said I wouldn’t pack my bags and head back to the UK either unless circumstances forced such a move.

    Enjoy the planning and execution and good luck.
    .-= Mike´s last blog ..Les Misérables-Beyond the Barricades in Bangkok =-.

    • Talen
      April 26, 2010 | 3:34 am

      Mike, not sure how much I will enjoy all the planning and run up stuff but I will definitely enjoy the execution :)

  3. Ed
    April 24, 2010 | 3:51 pm

    After what you’ve been through, Thailand will be the perfect therapy.

    Your memories will already be packed and they will creep up on you when you least expect them. It’s just your parents saying hello.

    Hope everything goes smoothly for you from here on in.
    Ed.

  4. malcolm
    April 24, 2010 | 8:19 pm

    Talen, It want be long now ,Buddy and you’ll be over here in the LOS and fulfill the longing in your heart for this little bit of Paradise, thats still left in the world , even with the unrest in the Big Mango as Martyn calls it , it’s still the best place I can think of, if you are going to pull up roots and plant again, I believe that we can be here in Thailand just like I say about plants , stick them in the ground and they’ll grow, We have the same opportunity to live and grow , if we hang in there , like Mike said it’s not long till you realize you’re not a tourist anymore and It takes a bit of getting use to before you start to feel like home , but don’t worry it will happen. Take care, and if there is something I can do to help you in making your move let me know . Malcolm
    .-= malcolm´s last blog ..CHARCOAL MAKING-MAKING MONEY =-.

    • Talen
      April 26, 2010 | 3:35 am

      Malcolm, definitely no other place in the world I want to be and I can’t wait to call it home.

  5. Lloyd
    April 26, 2010 | 2:39 am

    My condolences to you and your family, I hope you’ll be free to travel sooner rather than later.

    I am the opposite, after nearly a year in Thailand I am now packing my bags and due to fly out to the UK later today. As Mike says it doesn’t take long for the honeymoon period to end and life in LOS is certainly interesting and somewhat different! I am lucky that my wife is soon to join me abroad so I will have my little bit of Thailand whereever I end up in the coming months.
    .-= Lloyd´s last blog ..Cycling in Phuket, Thailand =-.

  6. Talen
    April 26, 2010 | 3:37 am

    Lloyd, It can definitely be different and interesting at times I just hope not too interesting for my own good. Good luck in your Journey home but bringing back your little bit of Thailand is sure to make it that much sweeter.

  7. Martyn
    April 26, 2010 | 4:41 am

    Talen packing all the things away from your family’s past must be a traumatic experience. You do at least have your future and new life in Thailand to look forward to and that must be a big help in the present difficult times.

    ‘…Very soon I will be down to an inflatable bed, a blanket, a few suitcases and two cats…hopefully things will go quickly otherwise I will go stir crazy….’

    The above seems ideal practice for living life in a Thai village. At times you have to go without certain luxuries and when the power cuts out even the simplest things are gone. Very good practice indeed.
    .-= Martyn´s last blog ..Kicking a Can Loudly =-.

  8. Catherine
    April 26, 2010 | 8:18 am

    Talen, it’s been a really tough two years for you. You’ve been so patient (I can’t imagine I’d be the same).

    When you are done sorting out your old life, your new one will be waiting. All fresh and shiny new.

    Mike and Llyod are soooooo right about the honeymoon period. You can almost time it. Like you, I came to Thailand many times before finally living here and I was like NO! Not me! But it happened just like people warned.

    First you love LOVE Thailand.
    Then the cracks start showing.
    The ups and downs settle into dislike.
    Sometimes distain and mistrust get mixed in.
    Eventually (if you are lucky) you come out the other end with a healthier mindset of the country.
    But it’s never the same.
    .-= Catherine´s last blog ..Thai Language Thai Culture: Old Snake Heads and Butterflies of the Night =-.

  9. Talen
    April 26, 2010 | 11:06 am

    Cat, I am so ready and so need to be there ASAP. I am going into it with a clear head though…I have already seen the cracks but I know you Mike and Lloyd are right that it will still be a honeymoon period and living in LoS will be much different than visiting…luckily I have those who have gone before me to help with the transition as well.

    • Catherine
      April 26, 2010 | 12:05 pm

      Talen, I believe that out of anyone I’ve known, you are the best prepared to make the grand move to Thailand.

      Do you know what would be fun? A post giving tips on how to keep the honeymoon period rolling.

      But truthfully, if it were even possible, one might miss out on knowing the real Thailand. And for me, missing out on the Thai friends I have would be sad.
      .-= Catherine´s last blog ..Thai Language Thai Culture: Old Snake Heads and Butterflies of the Night =-.

  10. PhuketTravel
    April 28, 2010 | 2:33 pm

    Keep breathing. Travel in Thailand and to Phuket is wonderfully refreshing!

    In some ways, you are fortunate to be there with your family during the difficult times. I live in Thailand and my father passed last year. I was unable to make it home for the end or funeral and am sad to have missed the opportunity.

    All my best for you on the path!

  11. Mr Samui
    June 21, 2010 | 6:46 pm

    What a challenging time for you and your family. Once you arrive in Phuket and or Thailand for that matter you will find the space and opportunity to recharge and reflect on the wonderful memories of your family home. You are fortunate that you were available for your parents during their last years.