I am still quite a freshman to all this living in Thailand, and don't get me wrong, there are things that I like and things that I don't, but then is that not why we are here, it's not our original home is it?

Remember whereever we came from our considered home before we arrive at these shores, our native land has had the same issue of foreign nationals coming over to work. We've seen it all before, well in the UK its been happening for hundreds of years, first the Irish, then followed by the list of commonwealth nationals making their way to our Septic Isle.
In truth we are here in Thailand for whatever reasons are important to us, however this is their country and we are the guests, so its up to us to fit in with their life, rules and culture regardless of how strange difficult or hard to stomach we may feel. Of course that does not mean we have to accept or even agree or understand some aspects of life we may find unacceptable, and sure we can and should raise these issues. Whilst people are different, in many ways, I like many have had some good experiences here and some not so good, but that is the life of someone in foreign shores, sadly we often learn by our mistakes. Even though I am lucky enough to have travelled worldwide for many years every country has its hang-ups and issues, Thailand is no different to that.

Sure when I first arrived I went a little off the rails, living life to the full so to speak, but after a while and a wasted few pounds later, plus with the help of a wonderful local woman, life has settled down to be rather good. As we know not all Thais are alike and neither are us expats, there are good and bad in all of all. I think I have found a reasonable life, I work and earn a fair salary, nothing amazing, but it gives me a fair standard of living, I enjoy my job, teaching a variety of students, my day is varied and stimulating, then I go home to someone who is actually please to see me. I fit in with her family and take an active role within it. I can't say its always been easy, but over time your do earn respect if you make the effort and we are the visitors so really we must make the first step.

I now look at my lot and say, could and would I be better off back back in the UK, on a higher salary and work load, would I be happy? The fact of the matter is no, I think everything considered my life here offers me more, a good circle of Thai and English speaking friends, a caring partner, a family that accept me and actually take an interest in me, and not as a walking ATM. I have enough money to live in a reasonable home which both of us work to keep and improve, then there is some free time to relax and enjoy. Yes I do miss some things from home and that is only natural, but I think I have found many more new things to take their place. We all know things can change from one day to the next, and at times we all get let down and messed about, that happens everywhere and its always hurts and causes discomfort. Life is always about learning and pushing boundaries, but now I leave the pushing bit to the students I teach.

Ian