Wednesday 15 September 2010

A long overdue update

Haven't had the chance to update for a while as we're in the process of pretty significant change. After ranting about making plans for the future I decided the leave the world of freelance journalism (and give up my cherished M (for media) Visa) for an in-house marketing job at a big tech company in Bangkok.

Initially we stayed in Saraburi and I had the unenviable 2.5 hour (each way) commute in addition to a 9.00am - 6.00 pm job for my first tens 10 days, a combination which almost finished me off. However, after a through search, we moved into a nice two bedroom place in Bangkok last weekend...words can't fully express my delight at a new sub-30 minute commute to work.

As yet there is no internet at home hence the mini hiatus in posts, but rest assured I'll be back soon with plenty of content.

As for Saraburi, my in-laws remain there and I envisage we'll be making plenty of trips back at weekends, particularly as the missus is expecting late November/early December and will need some support looking after the little fella as she becomes less mobile. For now, all three (/four) of us are in Bangkok.

Before I sign off, a quick point to a great post at a newly discovered blog by Lat (aka @RatasitC) who covered the delights of the national park in Khao Yai (a place I know well) and curry puffs, a delicacy that originated in Saraburi and is closely associated with the town.

Check out the post here.

15 comments:

Joe said...

Welcome to the big citylife of BKK, and great success with the new job.

Mike said...

Hi Jon, nice to see you. Was the media visa related to Asian Correspondent, or will you still continue with that?

Glad you found a nice place, I don't think I could handle a 2.5 hour commute, you could get from Nottingham to London in that time back home including a big breakfast on the way :-)

Martyn said...

Jon nice to see you back in business with Jonny Foreigner, I wondered where you'd been. Congratulations on your new employment as well your relocation in the Big Mango. Have fun with the wife and little one (baby that is).

Ben Shingleton said...

Good for you Jon, good luck with it all.

Jon said...

Yeah, living without internet is certainly tough...like being without a limb, is being sorted as top priority.

Jon said...

Cheers Boonie.

Jon said...

Yeah, crazy commute was only ever temporary as the opportunity arrived soon than expected. No doubt I'll continue my intimate familiarity with the journey between Bangkok and Saraburi as time goes by.

Jon said...

Hi Steve,

Well, I've been dropping hints without explicitly commenting but this move was always on the cards. Education-wise, I don't fancy it out here for my son, plus we want to keep our options open for the future and this job is likely to bring opportunities both in and outside of Thailand.

Ceasing the journalism was a difficult decision but, not just in monetary terms, it makes sense. Were I without responsibilities I'd probably have continued on but made the move nonetheless.

Hope all is well with you and your gang.

Jon said...

Thanks Joe, been a while coming that's for sure.

Jon said...

Hi Mike,

Yeah commute was always going to be temporary as the new job materialised a little sooner than expected, 5 hours a day simply not possible in the long run.

The visa related to other work not Asian Correspondent, which will continue going forward in much the same way/volume once we have the internet installed and I replaced the laptop I lost recently.

Jon said...

Cheers Martin - all change, but the posting will return soon.

Steve said...

Now I see why it's been so quiet over here. Congrats on the new job, kinda surprising given how excited you were about the Media job and visa. I didn't think you were one who fancied the Big mango either, hope all went well with the move. Sounds like things are looking very up for you, very nice!

Paul Garrigan said...

Hi Jon, it is good to hear that you have reduced your commute; an extra four hours in your day sound like a great thing. Good luck with your new home.

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Wish you all the best in your new environment.

Joe said...

Jon .. you settled into your new routine in Bangkok now. Job going OK ?