[ATMwalking]

I’m 250+ posts past total forum newbee, but I figure an introduction is still good.

I came to Thailand on a whim vacation over 4 years ago and haven’t got around to leaving yet. From just a backpack and now too much stuff…what happened! Anyway, I am glad I settled in as I think of home being Phuket.

I lurked on the board for a few years before I decided to get active. There really is a good group of people on this forum. Also, I have made plenty of mistakes while living here. Newer people may benefit from my real-life thai learning curve. You have to make this place work for you or it will chew you up and spit you out.

From that first day rock star cocaine “sexy man” high until now, I am still really excited about this place. I went through the various phases of being shy about going with bar girls, taking way too many girls, parting and drinking all the time, to burn out and bitterness. Now I am into taking the best of this place when I want it and ignoring the rest.

I try and mix in some thai culture into who I am, but don’t forget I will always be a foreigner. I’ve played with many BGs and had several university educated non-BG girlfriends. I’ve dabbled in business ideas here but never committed. I’ve seen many good people have a great life here and others make mistakes then wash out. You’ll meet some of the world’s richest people here as well as scheming guys that were on their last baht five years ago. Phuket is roadside noodle-shack local and world-class cosmopolitan at the same time. It’s an interesting place to live.

My interests include trying to get decent internet speeds, home theater, surfing/body boarding, and trying different restaurants run by some great cooks from all over the world. I also find time to float around in the pool with a cold gin & tonic in hand. Thinking of getting a boat next year when some of the new marinas are finished. When I get tired of up-country/island life, I find myself popping up to BKK for some city fun.

While the naughty p4p side of life here is great fun, there are plenty of other sides to this island. I am often going to the openings of new restaurants and bars outside of the “scene” and outside Patong. I’ve been holding back on posting that stuff because I wasn’t sure if anyone is interested.

I would say to new people, don’t be shy. Jump in.

Thanks for reading.