Getting ready for my move to Southeast Asia has become a second full-time job. The first job was arduous enough, leaving me little energy and time to think about blog topics and going to movies or reading. I’d get home each day and just want to eat, clean up and sit and read other people’s work.
I knew last year that I might be able to put into place a plan to move. One major issue was resolved late last autumn, namely an early retirement offer. Accepted. Soon they gave me a final departure date. So I swung into action. All I had to do was finish out my job over the next six months and pack. Believe me, even with all that time, things will be a challenge right to the last metre before the finishing line.
So here I am a little over 3 weeks to departure for that Martian survival cell called Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok and still no police clearance, no one to rent my apartment, bags not packed and some things unsold.
I’m still waiting for my simple police clearance for my Thai visa, which I have to file in triplicate with medical clearance, income statement, personal data form and three photos, plus $175 Canadian. For the record, it’s a Non-Immigrant O-A, long-stay, multi-entry 1-year visa. You have to be over 50 to qualify and have to report to immigration every 90 days. Unless you leave the country in that period, then the 90-day clock starts ticking again.
The visa is very near the last in a long line of things to do over that half-year. There are things you’d never consider, or have to consider, when checking out.
So the List of the Undone looms like a black mountain.
Accommodation: I will have to rent out my condo apartment, furnished. I handed it all over to an agent. I didn’t want to store anything. Well, apparently that takes longer to rent out, although I live in a fairly desirable area. I think he set the rent too high but I went with it. After more than two weeks, no takers. So down the rent comes. About 5 weeks to go. Anxiety level: 4 out of 5.
Banking: I moved some financials to a more international organization a few years ago. Yes, I was thinking ahead despite not being a financial genius. I have to plug HSBC here. A sharp adviser told me that she could set up a Thai account with HSBC in Bangkok from here. I could move money online between my Canadian accounts and Thai account without charge. I could also do my own wire transfers for a reduced fee. All because I moved a bit more financial activity to HSBC, which moved me up a step in benefits. Which is equivalent to me moving forward in a coffee shop lineup when someone gives up and goes elsewhere. That’s how big a client I am. The idea is to save as much in banking fees and international transfer fees as possible. Compared with my credit union, the savings are significant. Anxiety Level: 2/5
Personal goods: I’ve already written on this topic Too much stuff? Don't move it, get rid of it. And I’m still shedding stuff. I swear that when I sell/dump/give away something, two things appear in its place. Only the bits get smaller. I’m still awestruck at how much stuff I’m trying to get rid of. Why have I been keeping socks with holes in them? For years? Anxiety Level: 3/5
Communications: How is anyone going to get in touch with me if my cable/internet/phone company wants to cut me off if I quit my account? They wouldn’t let me keep my longtime email address and phone number, not even for a small fee; I have to have a geographic address. Well, each of those requires separate services. I signed up with Apple’s MobileMe for email (secure email and online storage), got a Magic Jack worldwide phone number ($20 a year -- eat that Gouging Media Co.!) and I already have a Thai number. Then there’s snail mail to deal with -- but they will only hold mail for three months. Argh! Anxiety Level: 2/5
Relationships: Suddenly, you want to call people you haven’t talked to in months and invite them out for a drink or lunch or dinner. Nearly all are married and it still takes weeks and months to find a slot in their family lives to see an old friend. There’s all the people who I worked with for nearly 3 decades who I wanted to say a proper goodbye too but was largely unable -- partly because so many have left the employer already. And, surprisingly, I find out someone I’ve known for a year and a half has been showing more interest in me than before. To be honest, though, the dice were cast last year and nothing was going to change my mind. Anxiety Level 1/5
Packing: I got motorcycle gear and that takes up my entire backpack. Clothing? Minimal. I like all natural toiletries. Do I bring those plus extras? Fave DVD movies and TV series. Then there’s laptop and accessories. Anxiety Level: 5/5
Regulatory: I have to return to Canada from time to time to maintain health coverage and a few other services. Anxiety Level: 1/5
Family: They don’t know yet. Anxiety Level: 3/5.
Look at those clouds surrounding the mountain top. Say, they’re looking a little dark.
