JAFO

Yes, that's the bait... the accommodations. The hook? Because while they took a hit on the accommodation margins they got it all back and then some overcharging for tours, food, entertainment, activities you name it. So while they may go back to China saying they got cheap rooms, they surely will not tell them how much it cost to go to that fake "floating market" on hiway 3 or the silly dolphin show or the big seafood buffets.

YES...Absolutely. And if you try and discuss things you like to do and they never did it, they seem offended and take the stance you are just bragging when the intent is to see what the person likes to do or has done. Its a weird dynamic. What you hope to say is "Hey I used to Jet Ski in the states and they go "Yeah I did too". Then you might connect and plan a weekend out on an island and rent wave runners and play around while the wives or GF's call us crazy foreigners.

I think one of the challenges (at least for me) is finding the "balance" I had in the states. What I mean by that is I had friends and buddies ages 30 to 55 or so. So we would go do various activities or get togethers whether a sports game, camping, motorcycle riding, boating, weekends to Vegas, motors sports events or just big house parties etc. The discussions topics were all over the place which made it refreshing and fun. Here the vast majority of foreigners are old, many have ailments which limits their capabilities to do things, many are whiners and complain leading to discussions that are extremely boring. Others I have met in various business venues have typically been drunken loud mouths after a few beers. When it comes to younger Thai people I associate with at work, they have very very limited interests and honestly do not have disposable income to go off and do different things that I grew up doing and still like to do. So establishing that "Balance", if you will, is extremely difficult. Plus if you toss in that many people you meet here are from other countries you find quickly you have absolutely zero in common with them and you just can't relate to what they did in their home country. I frequently tell other expats that say they want to move abroad for a job like I am doing. It is a key point one should consider, especially if you are social, hobby driven, active type. At this time I find I do most of my stuff alone and do enjoy it. You make it what it is. My wife is very supportive and has enjoyed trying some and now likes many.