Leaving America For Bali And Thailand: Our Expat Journey!

Introduction

About a week ago, my family and I made the bold decision to sell everything, pack our bags, and buy one-way tickets to Southeast Asia. Our first stop was the beautiful island of Bali, Indonesia, and soon we will be settling into our new home base in Bangkok, Thailand. This move is more than just an adventure for us; it's about embracing a new way of life. We’re leaving behind the political polarization, constant anxiety, and hustle culture that have characterized our lives in America, in search of something more aligned with our desired lifestyle. Join us on this journey of living life abroad!

Arrival in Bali

Upon arriving, we encountered a pleasant surprise and a few unexpected challenges. Our initial accommodation did not live up to the expectations set by its listing. The listing pictures failed to convey a crucial detail: the absence of a door in the living space. The property had an open concept but did not clearly indicate the lack of separation that we thought would be there. After a rough first night, we decided to request a refund and look for a better place.

Our next accommodation was a relief. This time, we found a lovely condo-type apartment in Bali. Being in close proximity to a laundry place, restaurants, and the beach was a bonus. We had never booked an apartment like this in Bali, and the positive vibes were palpable. The first place had left us feeling uneasy, but this new spot was much more comfortable and aligned with what we had envisioned for our stay.

Our New Space

The new apartment features a balcony, a decent master bedroom suitable for our baby, and even two bathrooms - including one for our little one. The amenities here are much better. We found extra toilet paper, hand soap, and shampoo, all things we had missed at the first place. The spacious environment, quiet area, and beautiful pool downstairs made for a much more relaxing atmosphere.

Safety was a prime concern for us, especially with our baby. The previous accommodation did not have a secure space for him, which was a major factor in our decision to leave. We're now grateful to have found a cozy place that feels safe and has everything we need.

Why We Left America

Our motivation for moving to Southeast Asia stems from the desire for a lifestyle change. We wanted to escape the fast-paced, car-dependent culture in America and find a place where we could be more active and connected to our surroundings. The ability to walk to markets and restaurants has been liberating and fulfilling. We appreciate being able to buy fresh produce and try traditional foods without the need for food delivery services.

The hustle of American life pushed us to make this move, and now, we are eager to settle into our new routine. Every challenge we've faced so far serves as a reminder that everything happens for a reason. We've yet to experience the rest of our journey in Bali and Thailand, but we know it will be an unforgettable adventure.

Keywords

expat, Bali, Thailand, new lifestyle, family, adventure, accommodation, security, walking distance, markets, traditional food.

FAQ

Q: Why did you move from America to Southeast Asia?
A: We wanted to embrace a new way of life that aligns more closely with our values and desires, escaping the political polarization and hustle culture present in America.

Q: What was your first experience like in Bali?
A: Our first accommodation did not meet our expectations, primarily due to safety issues and lack of cleanliness, leading us to seek a different place.

Q: How is your new accommodation in Bali different?
A: Our new apartment is much safer and cleaner, with better amenities. It is also walking distance from restaurants and the beach.

Q: What do you appreciate most about living in Southeast Asia?
A: The ability to walk to local markets and restaurants, allowing for a more active and connected lifestyle, is something we cherish greatly.

Q: What are your future plans?
A: We plan to continue exploring Bali and then relocate to Bangkok, Thailand, making it our new home base.