✈️ 🏖 A Visa Run, a Knife Scar, and an Unexpected Lesson in Trust

What you’ll find in this issue:

A Visa Run, a Knife Scar, and an Unexpected Lesson in Trust

My 30-day Thai visa was about to expire, and my visa agent in Chiang Mai had given me what sounded like a simple plan:

“Just cross the border into Myanmar, then come back. Easy.”

So, one humid morning, I climbed onto a bus headed north. Four, maybe four and a half hours later, we rolled into the border town. The bus dropped us at a small bus station in a small town I forget the name of that felt like the edge of the known world.

From there, we had to transfer to a songthaew—a kind of open-backed truck with two long benches facing each other.

As I hoisted myself into the back, I immediately noticed the man sitting directly opposite me.

He was Asian—Burmese, I guessed—with tattoos winding up his arms and neck. But what froze my attention was the scar. It slashed down the side of his neck, about 6 inches inches long, thick and pale against his skin, which looked like it had been stitched back together in a hurry with only a few stitches.

It was the kind of scar you only get from a knife and a close call.

I sat there, trying not to stare, feeling my heart beating a little too fast. The truck rattled and bounced its way towards the border, wind whipping dust into our faces.

Nobody spoke. I spent most of the ride alternately worrying about the man with the scar and rehearsing how simple this was all supposed to be:

Cross into Myanmar. Get a stamp. Cross back. Visa extended.

What could go wrong?

“Myanmar Closed to Foreign Nationals”

At the border, I jumped off the truck, paid the driver, and walked toward the immigration building with my passport in its little holder hanging safely around my neck. I was almost cheerful; this was just an admin task, and soon I’d be back in Chiang Mai, back to my rented apartment and my big suitcase full of my life.

Then the immigration officer looked at my passport, waved his hand dismissively, and pointed behind me. No explanation. Just a wave.

I frowned, looked around, and walking back out I finally saw a tall sign I’d missed on the way in because of the overwhelming amount of text on it starting with language that wasn’t my own. It confirmed what I’d been told:

Myanmar was indeed closed to foreign nationals, and had been for about 3 months already.

I was in shock… I hadn’t even considered that possibility.

My agent had told me, and the internet had confirmed it, that I could cross over.

Inside, a kind woman at immigration confirmed what the sign already told me: the border with Myanmar really was closed to foreign nationals, and there were no exceptions.

Except that…

…my visa was due to expire that very day.

If I couldn’t get out and back in, I’d be:
- overstaying my visa,
- risking fines,
- serious complications at the border, maybe even a ban from Thailand!


I walked back outside into the heavy heat, my mind racing.

For the first time since arriving in Thailand, I wondered if the new life I was building there might collapse over a single missing stamp…

Stay Socially Connected


Crazy but true: Loneliness is as deadly as smoking 15 cigarettes a day.

People need people —whether it's coffee with friends, volunteering, or joining a club—social interaction dramatically improves longevity and mental health.

As a retiree you finally have more free time, so be sure to make sure you spend it with those who lift you up -

it’s not selfish to prioritize who you socialize with.

Ice breaker: a great way to make friends is to pick up a new hobby & join a club:

I personally recommend cooking classes :)
If you’re making thai food like me, just go easy on the spice!

Imagine stepping off a plane during an exploratory trip to your dream retirement destination, shooting a few minutes here & there of video during your evening —and knowing that this video & a few more could end up paying for your next adventure!

Many people think YouTube is for teenagers and tech experts. That simply isn’t true.

For retirees and near‑retirees (ages 50–70), YouTube is powerful because it offers:

Flexibility – You choose when and where you film.

Location independence – As long as you have internet, you can upload from almost anywhere in the world.

An asset that grows over time – Videos you create once can keep bringing in views and income for years.

A meaningful way to help others – Many people your age are nervous about retiring abroad. Your honest experiences are valuable.

A sense of purpose – Creating something useful gives structure and joy to your days.

You may already be planning exploratory trips to:

Test cities and countries for retirement.

Compare cost of living.

Try out healthcare options and lifestyles.

Instead of just taking personal notes, you can turn these experiences into short, helpful YouTube videos. Over time, these videos can:

This guide will show you how to do that in a simple, step‑by‑step way.

-These videos help viewers make decisions and avoid mistakes—exactly what YouTube rewards.

Simple Equipment (Keep It Light and Travel‑Friendly)

Camera
- Your smartphone is enough. Use the rear camera for better quality.

Microphone (strongly recommended)
- A basic clip‑on (lavalier) microphone that plugs into your phone.
Or a small USB microphone if you record at a desk.

Tripod or Phone Stand (optional)
- A small tabletop tripod for indoor shots or a lightweight travel tripod or handheld grip for walking videos.

Months 1–2: 1 video per week.

Months 3–6: 2 videos per week if you feel comfortable.

Later: Optional live Q&A streams once you have some viewers.

A steady, realistic pace is better than a big burst followed by burnout.

Sources of ideas:

Turn each good question into one focused video.

Keep an “Ideas List” with 10–20 topics at all times. That way, you never sit down wondering what to film.

Over time, the right people will warm to you & want to follow your adventures.
Just start, perfect is the enemy of progress - best to figure it out as you go along.

If you come from a place of having fun & being authentic, post consistently at a rhythm that works for you, over time you’ll have an army of little assets all working 24/7 to fund your overseas adventures:)

-Tonight, why not explore this idea for yourself?

This could become the first step toward a small, growing income stream that helps fund your overseas retirement adventures!

Live boldly,

-Rich