Starting work in Koh Lanta
So after a week of driving around Koh Lanta sorting out accommodation and our working area I was finally able to get down to being productive. As I mentioned before I’m out here with a couple of friends that have decided to stay in a serviced apartment while I commute 3 minutes down the road from my guest-house to use their internet and enjoy the air-conditioning. The photo above is actually misleading because it’s far too hot to work outside and having the sun shine on your screen isn’t handy either. But I didn’t want to destroy the ideal fantasy that some of you might have built up in your mind. Also, the reality of me sitting in an air-conditioned room with the curtains drawn just wouldn’t make for a good picture.
I usually arrive at the apartment around 10 and work until 13:00, we then go for lunch, maybe a swim, then work until 18:00. I’ve been doing this 7 days a week, although today we took the morning off because it was high tide which is ideal for playing frisbee in the sea. I should get out in the sun a bit more though because I’ve been here since the 20th of November and still don’t have a tan.
So far this week I’ve been working on a membership site for my brother and have been writing a couple of articles for one of my affiliate sites. My dad passed on some translation work for me to do and I’ll be doing that for the coming weeks while planning on how to move forward with my own projects. I’ve also fixed up a few things on nomadicneil.com including improving the SEO of the site. All I need to do now is choose some ads to put up so I can squeeze a few dollars out of you guys as well. You know I’m relying on you to pay for my cocktails right?
BTW, if you’re interested to know, the price for my accommodation is 7500 Thai Baht / 225 USD / 138 GBP / 152 EUR per month. Just a simple room, nice clean bed, a fan and a cold shower. The apartment my friends stay in is 1200 THB / 362 USD / 221 GBP / 245 EUR per month. They get air-conditioning, internet included and a warm shower. Plus they have a cleaner come in whenever they want. As you can see I’m slumming it somewhat, but I’m easy going. As long as I have a clean bed and a mosquito net I’m happy.
BTW, if anyone has any questions for me about anything just leave them in the comments section and I’ll be happy to answer them.
December 7th, 2009 at 10:50 am
Good luck with the working lifestyle. Sounds like you’ve got a sweet set up there.
December 7th, 2009 at 11:06 am
Cheers Chris. I had a look at your site, seems you’ve had this lifestyle for number of years now. Are you based anywhere at the moment or are you working as you travel?
December 8th, 2009 at 5:40 am
I’ve just spent the last 10 months traveling, but am just about to start and set up shop somewhere. Next year will divide my time between Thailand and Bali.
December 8th, 2009 at 10:20 am
Mate I am jelous.
As you know I am just back from Bangkok to the wet and cold of England for a few weeks. Enjoy it mate.
Also, love your “Who Are You” “And Why Should I Care” Great way to introduce yourself.
December 8th, 2009 at 10:44 pm
Sounds like a nice life you’ve set up for yourself. I’m a bit envious!
I have a question… Why did you choose your current location? Thailand seems to be really popular with the whole location independent crowd, but I was just wondering why you chose it personally.
December 9th, 2009 at 4:38 am
Hey Mary,
There are a bunch of reasons why I chose Thailand. I travelled around South East Asia in 2005 so have a good feel for the different countries in the area.
Why Thailand:
1. Cheap. My daily budget at the moment is 1000THB / 30USD per day.
2. It has lots of modern facilities and infrastructure. Broadband internet, ATMs, pharmacies, good hospitals, good road, rail and airport infrastructure.
3. Nice weather.
4. Lots of tourists to meet and socialise with.
5. I’ve been here before. I’ve done all the touristy things so won’t be distracted. I won’t experience any culture shock. I know how the country works.
December 9th, 2009 at 5:45 am
You forgot the food!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!