Expat Life
Meeting a Local Expat in Chiangrai
Chiang Rai is the capital of Chiang Rai province, in Northern Thailand
It was late morning in the northern Thai city of Chiang Rai. I’d awoken with a splitting headache, a result of heavy drinking the previous night and the hot, humid weather that I was still not used to.
I made my way down to the ground floor of the guest house, which happened to be a restaurant and bar. That was good news – while travelling I live by a hair-of-the-dog philosophy for hangover cures.
It was roughly 11 a.m. and the street was bustling with activity. The ground floor was packed and I took a seat at the last empty table out by the street side.
I called to the waitress for a tall glass of Chang beer and a menu – food also being an essential part of the hangover recovery process. The beer came quickly, and I ordered a simple meal of pork-fried rice before giving the waitress the menu and a few Thai baht for the beer.
A short time later my food arrived, along with another beer. I started reading. Lost in thought.
It was shortly after I finished my meal that the deep roar of an engine began drowning out my music. I looked over to see a man riding a jet-black motorcycle pull up in front of my table, along the street edge.
The man was tall and tanned, wearing shorts, sandals, a white tank and a black helmet with a short visor. He had to be in his mid-sixties. He walked into the restaurant with his helmet tucked under his arm and glanced around. He looked shocked at how full the restaurant was. From my peripherals, I could see him making his way over to my table, which still had three empty seats.
I glanced up at the man and he motioned for me to remove my headphones – he clearly had something to say.
“Oi, you ink it would be okay if I sat here?” said the man, pointing to the opposite side of the table. “You can leave your headphones in, I don’t expect you to chat wit me or nuffin, just wanna cup of coffee.”
Throughout my travels I had met many people with many different accents, and this man had a unmistakably British one.
“Sure,” I replied.
I set my headphones down on the table. Despite his assurance I could leave them in, I felt awkward listening to music while he sat quietly across from me. I like to think I’m more social than that.
I took a sip of beer, and lit a cigarette from my pack while the man ordered a cup of coffee and a shot of whiskey.
“What are you going to do with a cup of coffee and a shot of whiskey?” I said.
“Whaddya think? Drink’em,” he replied. I felt sorta stupid for asking, it just seemed like a strange combination.
He pulled a pack of cigarettes from his shorts and flicked the paper pack so that a single smoke left the pack and found a home between his lips.
“Where you from?” he asked, looking up at me while he lit a smoke. “American? Canadian?”
“I’m from Canada,” I said. “And you?”
“Me? I’m from here,” he said. “Well actually, I’m from just outside town. I live with my wife on her family’s farm.”
I took a long, deep drag from my cigarette and continued, “originally?”
“Well, originally I be from east London, but ‘ats ancient history now,” he said as he poured the shot of whiskey into the cup of jet black coffee.
Whiskey and coffee – I still couldn’t get my head around it. It seemed like it was too hot of a climate for a concoction of that sort. I left this experience wondering why he drank it, I assumed it must taste good. It wasn’t until over a year later in Belize that I tried mimicking the drink – it was terrible. I still don’t get it.
We started talking about narcotic use in a country that has such harsh drug laws. The man’s advice to me was simple: don’t do them.
Good advice.
We had been joined at the table by another backpacker. Mike, a scrawny American from Pennsylvania, had been coming around a lot lately because his hostel was just down the road from mine.
He was just in time for one of the most interesting stories I’d ever heard.
“You see, when I was in my early 20s, me and a friend came up with quite a lucrative plan to smuggle hash from Morocco back to London,” said the man. “We spent sometime building compartments in my jeep.”
He paused for a moment and took a long sip of his coffee-whiskey mix.
“You see, it’s easy enough to cast metal compartments – well easy when you work in a shop anyway. Once you have ‘em made you just hide the hollow metal boxes under the truck, and you’re in business.”
Both Mike and I stared at the man in amazement; when he first sat down I never would have guessed our conversation would stray so far from the commonplace topics.
“So you just drove the hash back to London?” I asked.
“Yes, we would drive to Spain –– a long bloody drive that is, then take the ferry across to Morocco,” he said, “then head back the same way we came.”
It is ironic that all I had previously known about Morocco is that it produces lots of hemp, hash and hash oil – a fact confirmed by this man, who had driven from London to North Africa to acquire it.
“I had made a connection there, years before while on a vacation, that could get me good quality hash and hash oil.”
Prison conditions in Morocco are harsh although they have reportedly improved in recent years due to efforts by human rights movements.
He stopped and put his cigarette out. “So when I got to Morocco, he would deliver me blocks of hash which I would hide inside the compartments.
“It all worked well, and was extremely profitable – until I got caught.”
“You got caught!” I blurted out. “What the hell happened?
“Did they beat you, or whip you or lock you up?”
“No whippings or beatings, at least not initially,” he said. “They threw me in a shitty, dark, toilet-less jail cell. And in that jail cell I stayed for a long and terrible 12 years. It’s terrible being in a foreign prison, especially an African one.”
“But how, how did they get you? Just a random search?” said Mike, now clearly interested in where this conversation had gone.
“Someone tipped ‘em off, and I got a very comprehensive search at a police check point, obviously leading to my arrest and subsequent imprisonment,” said the man calmly.
I pulled another cigarette from my pack. I think imagining the gravity of the man’s Moroccan situation stressed me out vicariously. I lit the cigarette and waved at the waitress for another beer.
“It was hard to argue too, when you get caught red-handed with drugs stashed in your car, there’s not a hell of a lot you can say,” he said.
“But you learn a lot about yourself after 12 years in hell, it’s dark and smells terrible. Panic is your first thought, but that quickly fades into a long dark depression. Prison is the worst punishment imaginable – it makes the sane go crazy and the crazy go insane. Suicide becomes a mans best friend,” he said sadly. “Sometimes I wonder how I lived.”
He picked his cup from the table, put it to his lips and tipped the rest of the alcoholic coffee down his throat. He set the cup back on the wooden table and the smile returned to his face for the first time since he began the story.
”Now I live in paradise with a beautiful wife, a big farm and enough money to enjoy my days.”
He paused and laughed.
He was right, things had to be better now, living in northern Thailand is a dream I share with many others, but it was evident he still carried the stressful memories with him, it was obvious from the deep lines in his face. Wrinkles from the terror and horror of a Moroccan prison.
There was a lesson to be learned from this story, and it’s importance was immediately impressed upon me. Never traffic drugs, it’s simply not worth it.
Smoking a joint in a foreign country is bad enough – selling the stuff is just plain stupid. The man agreed.
“Stay away from selling the stuff kid, I tell ya – it’s simply not worth it. Freedom is just too good.”
By Matthew Bossons
(CTN News) – We depend on the kitchen’s garbage disposal. John Hammes created garbage disposals in 1927, and while their design has largely remained the same since then, their use has increased to the point where they are now a necessity in almost every kitchen. The following guides will give you all the information you need to select and install a new disposal, properly operate your disposal, and troubleshoot problems.
1. Garbage Disposal: How It Works
A garbage disposal is installed under a sink and contains a grinding chamber for collecting solid food waste. An impeller plate, or spinning disc, pushes food waste against the outer wall of the grinding chamber when the disposal is turned on. Water washes the food through holes in the chamber wall by pulverising it into tiny bits. Disposals indeed have blunt metal “teeth,” known as impellers, on the impeller plate but do not have sharp blades.
2. Garbage Disposal Mistakes You Should Never Make
There is a difference between a regular trash can and a garbage disposal. You shouldn’t just toss everything down the drain, even leftover food and liquids. Finding out what goes in the trash and how to use the garbage disposal properly will help keep things running smoothly and free of jams. In most cases, you shouldn’t add fibrous or rough food scraps, potato peels, oil, grease, pits, or other sharp or hard items.
3. The Troubleshooting Guide for Garbage Disposals
If you take the time to diagnose and fix the most common issues with your trash disposal, you can avoid spending hundreds of dollars on repairs or a new device. Jams are the most common cause of disposal issues.1 Ignoring a jam and restarting the machine repeatedly can burn up the motor, but fixing a stuck disposal is easy.
4. Clogged garbage disposals can be repaired
The most common cause of disposal clogs is improper foods, such as grease, potato peels, and hard-to-grind foods. Clogs can occur in the disposal itself, but most often, they occur in the drainpipe downstream. You can prevent clogs by removing problem scraps from the disposal and throwing them in the trash. Maintain a clean environment as well.
5. Disposal of Garbage: Selecting a System
When selecting a new trash disposal, you can be as general or as specific as you like. You may get by by purchasing a generic model from your neighbourhood home centre or appliance store. Conversely, you can find a model with all the characteristics you need by researching the most recent additions to some disposals, such as upscale stainless steel grinding chambers or more insulation to reduce noise.
6. Installation of garbage disposals
Even if it doesn’t require much plumbing or electrical wiring knowledge, installing a garbage disposal is not a picnic. Most reasonably handy homeowners can install a new disposal in a matter of hours.
7. Removing garbage from landfills
When replacing a sink or a broken garbage disposal, it is essential to remove the disposal first. For easier disassembly and removal, many disposal models have a mechanism that allows you to swiftly detach the motor unit—the bulky component—from the washbasin assembly.
As each situation is unique, pay attention to your sink’s outlets, power source, and other specific details when researching garbage disposals. Based on these details, you can determine what kind of garbage disposal you can get and how easy it will be to install and repair it.
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A 5-Step Guide To Getting A Startup Business Loan
(CTN News) – Are you feeling lost in the maze of financial decisions? Do you struggle with making a plan for your finances? Financial planning ensures a stable financial future in today’s fast-paced world.
This article will discuss the importance of financial planning, the key steps to creating a financial plan, and the common mistakes to avoid. Let’s dive in!
Introduction to Financial Planning
Financial planning is the process of managing your finances to achieve your financial goals.
It involves assessing your current financial situation, setting financial goals, creating a plan to achieve them, and regularly reviewing and adjusting your plan.
Why Financial Planning is Important
Financial planning is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it helps you achieve your financial goals, whether buying a house, paying off debt, or saving for retirement.
Secondly, it helps you manage risk and uncertainty by ensuring you have a financial cushion in case of emergencies or unexpected events.
Thirdly, it helps you make informed financial decisions by providing a framework for evaluating your options.
Key Steps to Creating a Financial Plan
- Assess your current financial situation: Start by calculating your net worth, which is your assets minus your liabilities. This will give you a clear understanding of your current financial position.
- Set financial goals: Identify your short-term and long-term financial goals. Short-term goals may include paying off debt or saving for a vacation, while long-term goals may include retirement or purchasing a house.
- Create a budget: A budget is a plan for income and expenses. It helps you identify areas where you can save money and prioritize your spending.
- Choose the right investment strategy: There are various investment options available, such as stocks, bonds, and real estate. Choose a strategy that aligns with your financial goals and risk tolerance.
- Review and adjust your plan regularly: Your financial situation and goals may change over time, so it’s important to review and adjust your plan regularly.
Common Mistakes to Avoid in Financial Planning
- Not having a plan: Many people make the mistake of not having a financial plan. Without a plan, it’s challenging to achieve your financial goals.
- Overlooking risks: Financial planning should also involve managing risks, such as unexpected expenses or job loss.
- Not diversifying investments: Investing all your money in one asset class, such as stocks, can be risky. Diversify your investments to reduce risk.
- Failing to review and adjust the plan: A financial plan is not a one-time exercise. Review and adjust your plan regularly to align with your current financial situation and goals.
Conclusion
In conclusion, financial planning is critical to achieving your financial goals and ensuring a stable financial future.
By following the key steps to creating a financial plan and avoiding common mistakes, you can take control of your finances and make informed financial decisions.
FAQs
- What is financial planning?
- Financial planning is the process of managing your finances to achieve your financial goals. It involves assessing your current financial situation, setting financial goals, creating a plan to achieve them, and regularly reviewing and adjusting your plan.
- Why is financial planning important?
- Financial planning is essential for several reasons. Firstly, it helps you achieve your financial goals. Secondly, it helps you manage risk and uncertainty. Thirdly, it helps you make informed financial decisions.
- What are the key steps to creating a financial plan?
- The key steps to creating a financial plan include assessing your current financial situation, setting financial goals, creating a budget, choosing the right investment strategy, and reviewing and adjusting your plan regularly.
- What are the common mistakes to avoid in financial planning?
- Common mistakes to avoid in financial planning include not having a plan, overlooking risks, not diversifying investments, and failing to review and adjust the plan regularly.
- How often should I review my financial plan?
- Reviewing your financial plan at least once a year or when a significant change in your financial situation or goals is recommended.
- Is it necessary to hire a financial planner?
- Hiring a financial planner is unnecessary, but it can be beneficial, especially if you have complex financial goals or investments.
- Can financial planning help me save money?
- Financial planning can help you identify areas where you can save money and prioritize spending to achieve your financial goals.
- How do I choose the right investment strategy?
- Choosing the right investment strategy depends on your financial goals, risk tolerance, and time horizon. It’s essential to do your research and seek professional advice if needed.
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Sewing Machines
What this post isn’t, I’ll tell you right away. An expert sewist did not create this post with years of experience with various sewing machine brands.
That being said, this piece is created by a newbie sewist who was recently in your shoes, went down a rabbit hole studying machines, and would want to share her discoveries in case they can assist.
What to Look for When Buying a Sewing Machine
The features you require will be determined by the type of projects you intend to do. As a sustainable design creator, I’m mostly interested in manufacturing and upcycling garments; thus, my experiences will be geared around that.
Longevity
If at all possible, avoid small sewing machines. These devices are extremely portable and inexpensive, but they are not built to last.
I tried to sew on my family’s 10-year-old Shark Euro Pro X, and it couldn’t perform a good stitch at all, even though it had scarcely been used when it was new (even my sewing instructor couldn’t get it to operate).
You should also evaluate the projects you want to work on as you develop your expertise. If you’re serious about sewing, it can be worth investing in a fancier machine to “grow into it” rather than updating afterward.
New vs. used/vintage/refurbished.
Buying a used machine is a terrific method to save money if you’re starting. Reliable new machines will cost at least $150-200, but a nice used one will cost between $50 and $100.
Many sewists prefer old machines to current ones since newer machines include plastic parts that don’t last as long. I had planned to buy an antique Kenmore for $75 on Offerup, but the seller ghosted me, so it didn’t work out.
I was also thinking about acquiring a vintage Singer, but it didn’t have all of the features I wanted, and I was concerned about maintaining it. Note that many older machines are simpler and may not have as many stitches.
If you do decide to buy a secondhand machine, I recommend visiting locally so you can ask the vendor to demonstrate its functionality.
If you buy online, it may be best to acquire a manufacturer-refurbished machine rather than a used one because individual sellers may not know how to properly pack their equipment, and you won’t be able to verify that it works.
Computerized vs. mechanical
Because computerized machines have a computer, they have additional stitch possibilities and can automatically alter thread tension.
They are known to function more smoothly, but with all of their possibilities, they can be overwhelming, and if the computer inside breaks, it will be an expensive repair.
Mechanical devices are simpler and less expensive, but they lack functionalities. It all comes down to personal preference because I selected a mechanical machine for my first machine. All the possibilities I describe will be mechanical, but remember that a computerized machine may still be your best option.
Straight stitch and zigzag stitch
As a novice, you only need a good straight stitch and a zigzag stitch. If you don’t have a serger and want to finish the seams/edges of the fabric, a zigzag stitch is essential. Most current sewing machines include at least these two stitches, although older machines may have a straight stitch.
Stitch length adjustment
Changing the width of your stitch can be useful in creating ruffles or working with more delicate fabrics. Some basic machines don’t allow you to do this, including modern ones, so keep an eye out for it.
Drop-in bobbin
Drop-in bobbins are often easier to use because the tension is automatically adjusted, and you can see how much thread is left through the glass plate.
Front-loading bobbins can be more difficult to adjust, but some sewists claim it depends on your experience.
A TikTok follower advised me that front-loading bobbins sometimes take a long time to correct, so I went with a machine with a drop-in bobbin.
Automatic buttonhole
If you plan to sew a lot of clothing with buttons, having a 1-step buttonhole machine can help you make cleaner buttonholes. Many machines feature a 4-step buttonhole that requires human stops and readjustments.
Needle threader
Some people can thread their needles by hand, but if you don’t have quick fingers or good vision, opt for a machine with a needle threader.
Sewing Machines for Beginners
This post contains affiliate links, meaning I receive a tiny percentage on any purchases you make at no additional cost. This cash permits me to maintain my site, which I greatly appreciate.
The links above the sewing machine names go to Amazon because there are loads of reviews and extensive information, but I advise you to buy from smaller businesses if possible.
There are even more recommendations for machine shops after the piece!
1. Brother ST371HD ($200)
The Brother ST371HD is a heavy-duty machine made to sew through thick fabrics. When Angelina of BlueprintDIY tested it, it could sew through 10 layers of denim! This machine had everything I wanted, including:
- drop-in bobbin
- automatic buttonhole
- straight and zigzag stitch (among many others)
- stitch length adjustment
- needle threader
I almost bought it, but I ultimately went with a higher-end Janome (it’s last on this list since it’s the most expensive).
2. Singer Heavy Duty 4452 ($220)
I considered buying a manufacturer-reconditioned Singer 4452 on eBay ($160), but I opted against it after hearing many people say to avoid new Singer machines.
This laptop contained all of the features I desired (though I found the grey color ugly). Because Singer is such a well-known brand, many setups and troubleshooting videos should be available.
The machine has a high rating on Amazon (4.6 stars and 6,500+ ratings), indicating that it has helped many people. It’s also heavy-duty, which means it’s built to last and can sew through thick fabrics.
I didn’t want to take the chance after wasting hours with my family’s faulty (non-Singer) small machine.
3. Janome Magnolia 7318 ($230+)
This machine was one of the former picks of the NYTimes Wirecutter, which does in-depth, blinded tests to provide trusted appliance recommendations.
The Janome Magnolia 7318 is no longer in production, but you can still find new and refurbished models from $220-300. I was seriously considering this one, No automated buttonhole or needle threader.
4. Bernette 35 ($300)
Bernette is a brand under Bernina, one of the most trusted sewing machine companies. Their machines are said to be smooth, reliable, and high-quality. I used a computerized Bernina when I went to a local sewing studio was lovely.
That said, this particular model has a front-loading bobbin, which may be trickier to get used to than the drop-in bobbin. It also has a 4-step buttonhole instead of an automatic one.
5. Janome Sewist 725S ($375) – my machine
I was persuaded into buying this machine by the woman at Ken’s Sewing Center, an online sewing retailer based in Alabama. I called to ask about their refurbished Janome Magnolia 7318, and she upsold me to get the Janome Sewist 725S (after I slept on it for a night).
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