Six Months Abroad, Six Months Stateside—and Mom’s In

With all the personal adversity lately, spending six months in Southeast Asia and six months back in the States looks more appealing every day. A change of scenery won’t solve everything, but an ocean view certainly wouldn’t hurt.

A big thank you to David Foreman for sharing information about a friend who already lives this way. He’s spent time in various parts of Southeast Asia and enjoys his life there. David is also arranging an introduction to an expat with a business that helps people navigate the entire process. The idea is starting to feel a little more real.

Then I told my mother what I was thinking—and casually added, “Let’s move you there, too. We’ll survive the 30-hour flight, get a condo overlooking the ocean, and arrange a 24-hour caretaker.”

She’s for it.

Apparently, Mom didn’t need a PowerPoint presentation. Just an ocean view and a plan.

There’s still plenty to work out, especially healthcare and dialysis, but now I have another reason to keep exploring—and possibly a travel partner.

Keep it moving forward! 🌴

The Algorithm Thinks I Need a Beach. I Agree.

The algorithm must know what I need: a beach, a little luxury, and a dollar that stretches farther than I do.

Lately, I’ve been looking into leaving the United States and living abroad. The Philippines, which I already love, keeps popping up alongside Vietnam and Thailand—two places I haven’t visited yet.

Now, I’m not looking to become a beach survivalist. I want the nice things: reliable internet, modern conveniences, and, most importantly, good healthcare. Dialysis has to fit into this dream. It’s nonnegotiable, even with an ocean view.

According to my very enthusiastic travel adviser, The Google, Thailand deserves a closer look. Hua Hin has caught my attention with listings for luxury one-bedroom condos around $1,000 a month, complete with security and amenities. My searches also suggest potentially manageable residency options and out-of-pocket dialysis costs. All things I’ll need to verify before packing my flip-flops.

And can ride-share apps handle my transportation? Goodbye car payment, insurance, maintenance, and whatever that noise under the hood is.

I want to spend however much time I have left enjoying my life. Preferably somewhere the ocean is close and my money lasts longer.

To my Vietnamese readers: reach out! Where should I look, and what should I know? The algorithm has opinions. I’d love yours.