Moving to SE Asia. Life update.

[Moab]

Seriously making an overseas move.

Wasn't sure where to put this. I already announced my plans to travel. But can't find that post. And this is going to be much longer. And soliciting/discussing advice and plans.

So I'm 60. Grew up in rural miuntains. Was in the Marine Corps. And have spent a good 20 yrs contributing to ZS, here and other prepping forums.

I ended my 30 yr marriage at the beginning of the year. It's amicable and civil. We agree we are better off apart. Turned out better than expected.

I purposely left her and my adult son the bulk of my finances. I did invest a decent portion for myself. And I get social security of $1400 a month in less than 2 yrs. So enough to rent or buy a home in the Phillipines. And travel frequently around SE Asia.

So I have SE Asia money - but not really US money. 

Monthly expenses there are around $1500-$2000 per month total. Including everything. Rent, utilities, health insurance, food, transportation, entertainment etc.

The amount of money I have I would be living very frugally in a very rural area in the US. And honestly I couldn't afford to retire. The cost of a place alone would set me back.

I've been considering this for some time. Enough that I am going for a long term stay hopefully next month. First to some locations I've researched in the Phillipines. Then possibly to Vietnam or Thailand. 

For the moment the plan is a base house or apt/condo in the Philippines. With cheap regular travel around SE Asia. 

How did I come to this decision?

It's a big departure. I have to admit. And a pretty drastic philosophical change in my life. Much of my plans and life have revolved around homesteading, prepping and survival. 

I've gone thru some pretty major life changes over the last three years. Mostly in the area of self improvement. I got back in shape. Lost 80lbs and maybe 8 different medications for various health reasons. That have improved or outright disappeared. All of which came with side effects. Changed my diet. Got a new therapist. And just sort of went thru a 180 degree change in my medical/physical and mental health life.

Living in SE Asia is very different in terms of prepping, homesteading and survival. And my mind has changed a great deal. I wouldn't say I'm not going to use most of those skills there. It's a third world country. With questionable access to power and water. And essential supplies. With a real need for living off grid. No matter where your set up. 

So most of my acquired skills in this area won't go to waste. 

But I won't be taking any guns. That I know of. There are gun ranges in the PH. But I have not looked into gun ownership etc. And that's where the big change comes in. I won't be joining the local patriots like in the US. Lol! Or be concentrated on the more paranoid aspects of prepping. 

And think that's where alot of my own changes personally lay. 

I wouldn't say I'm no longer a prepper. But I do think your own mental health can play a role in how you approach prepping. And mine has shifted a great deal. For the better at least in terms of my own life. 

So anyway I've been working on this move for awhile. And will be posting gear lists. And strategies for keeping myself and my possessions safe. As well as good comms. Both for contacting people and managing finances. 

Luckily I can travel light. I don't need alot of clothes. And I'm not really roughing it or hiking or backpacking. Mostly between hotels, Airbnb or similar monthly or daily rentals. 

Long term. If it works out. I'll set up a beach house with back up solar and water. 

A 20ft shipping container is less than $1000. From LA to PH. So eventually it will make sense to ship my Jeep and whatever belongings or essential items I can stuff in the rest of the shipping container. If I was ready I'd probably fill it with solar system and any water system supplies I might be able to get cheaper or better quality from the US. 

So I guess I'll be changing from more of a militant(?) prepper to more of a natural disaster prepper. Which in some ways is a good change for me personally. But I will still set up as much defensive preps as I can. 

I have another thread on choosing a carry on hard suitcase and day pack. 

https://ufozs.com/smf/index.php?topic=2804.0#msg52214

So feel free to ask questions! And help me vet my decisions? Thank you all.

[DarkAxel]

One of the good things about the Philippines is that they are one of the least restrictive places for firearms in SE Asia. There's just a few hoops to jump through, and you can even get a license to carry in public. One of my high school buddies became a passport bro, married a nice local girl in Mindanao, and moved. He has legally-owned guns in his house now. He had to wait for his immigration to process before he could apply, but once that was over he was good to apply for a firearms license.

Good luck, man. Sounds like one hell of an adventure.

[Moab]

One of the good things about the Philippines is that they are one of the least restrictive places for firearms in SE Asia. There's just a few hoops to jump through, and you can even get a license to carry in public. One of my high school buddies became a passport bro, married a nice local girl in Mindanao, and moved. He has legally-owned guns in his house now. He had to wait for his immigration to process before he could apply, but once that was over he was good to apply for a firearms license.

Good luck, man. Sounds like one hell of an adventure.

Wow. That's good news. I'll look into it more. I hold an FFL01. So I'm hoping I'd eventually get approved for something like that. 

Yes. It's an adventure. I don't usually make small decisions. They're usually big ones. But it's worked out thus far.

Really it comes down to finances. I just can't afford to live here anymore. And I don't want to work two jobs until I die. Just to afford food.