Northbound

Ever since returning to Thailand to live in 2005, I’ve had Chiang Mai on my mind. Thailand’s second city has called to me for its manageable size and its mountains. At least once a year I’ve made forays there to stay in touch with old friends and to keep my ears open for ways relocating could work.

Next week that vision becomes real. My last day at CDC is this Friday. I decided not to extend the contract for another year. Even though I’ve enjoyed the work more than ever during the past few months, it’s a good time to move on. The combination I now enjoy—good health, financial security, and a total lack of responsibilities—is too rare to ignore.

So I’ll take a sabbatical in Chiang Mai. At least for the rest of this year, I don’t plan to work for money. Instead the plan is to finish the book that Jip began. I’ll also make time to volunteer, read, hike, and who knows what else.

Between now and 2013, I’ll figure out what kind of work to do next. Most people don’t allow themselves, or aren't lucky enough, to take plenty of reflection time between jobs.