After a wee break (not the urinary kind) I am now back to my blogging best

Its been a few weeks since the last update and a lot has gone on. I was on holidays in Thailand for 3 weeks which was great, I moved out of Evans house, spent a few weeks in Denis’ house and finally moved into my own place in Dalkey. Only problem is that I will only be staying in Dalkey for 5 or 6 months.

I think I must be near a world record for the number of house moves in a year – across different continents even. Maybe I should buy myself a caravan – it would make things a lot easier.

Anyway, the trip to Thailand was great. Spent a few days up in Isaan checking out the new house…. Looks really great. I cant believe how good it really is considering the price that I paid. It is definitely good value for money. Police were getting suspicious though and quizzed Nang on where the money came for such a lavish house…… they thought she was dealing in drugs.

Bangkok is such a great city – I really love it and this was confirmed again on this trip. Basically you can get whatever you want in Bangkok. The public transport system is getting better by the day, the food is awesome (every type of international food is available), there is always something going on and it just has a great vibe about it. A few of the lads came up from Cha-am and we had some good nights out.

Most of the rest of the time was spent in Cha-am. The Villa in Talay Samran is looking good and I was much happier with the way things are going there than I expected to be. Of course, there are still some issues to be dealt with but I think most of it is under control. It also looks like that bookings for next year are up and I am going to start some self promotion soon too. I have reserved www.rentmythaivilla.com for this purpose and have already started working on the design. Sneak preview here http://www.hibizdesign.com/rentmythaivilla.html

One thing that I definitely decided on during the trip is that I will not be living permanently in Cha-am for a long time. It is just too small and quiet for my liking now but it is ideal for retirement. I am also seriously considering buying some land there and doing a small development/boutique hotel. I found a great plot of land but I just need to get to grips with the legal situation.

However, Cha-am is still a great place to go to on holidays.

Can’t believe how hard the Banks are getting hit on the markets recently. I keep thinking it must be time to buy into them but then they crash even further. THe credit crunch is definitely having a negative effect on consumber confidence and I think there are more bad days ahead. I am still tempted to throw some money into AIB but just havent decided where the best place to do that would be.

Bertie has completely lost it now. He has given himself a massive pay rise which makes him the best paid leader in the world! Yes, in the world!!!! and this comes at a time when he is telling the rest of us to tighten our belts. His true colours are coming out now and all he is trying to do is bump up his salary now so that he gets a higher pension!

The economy in Ireland is slowing down and the property market is at a standstill. I think some people are hoping that it crashes so at least there is some action. At the moment it is all just stagnant. Rents are going up though which should be good news for me.

Thailand are having their elections on December 23rd. I cannot figure out why they have picked this date. That week is the busiest on the tourist calendar and it means that no alcohol will be on sale during the 2 day election. Crazy decision.

Looks like the PPP – a reincarnation of TRT – are going to fare well and that Thaksin may be back in Thai politics sooner rather than later…. we will just have to see. From a foreign investors perspective I believe the Democrats would be the best option and its possible they may form a coalition with PPP. Time will tell.

Munster and Leinster are playing well and with the same players that represented IReland at the World Cup. To me, this shows that the problem is Eddie O’Sullivan and he needs to go.

Staunton is already gone from the football setup and I think that is good news. Watching them against Wales yesterday there is a lot to look forward to but they need a decent coach. Personally, I would love Paul Jewell to take the job but I dont think that he will.

My new website is coming on well and I am working on a few others too. All in all I reckon that it will turn into a nice little side business and eventually into something good.

I’ve seen the new iphone too and I think it looks great but only uses 2.5g and I think its better to wait a little. THe new gphone will be interesting.

I have also started studying for the PMI qualification – Project Management. I am hoping I can get qualified in the next while.!

I made it through the West Wing and bought a load more DVD’s in Thailand. I think it will keep me out of trouble during the winter. I have a big TV, surround sound, DVD’s and a big fire….. all I need are the slippers and the pipe!

Still not sure what I will do in the long term. Thailand was great for a holiday but I will only go back there on a proper Expat contract. I dont want to go back there on a low paid job.

On the other side, Ireland is a great place to live but the weather is completely crap. THe money that I am earning now is not even helping me break even and I havent had a job like that since I left school. THerefore, I will be looking for more opportunities and more money in the New Year.