I Nearly Went Home... 

I travel back to the the U S once per year and spend 3 weeks visiting family. Doing this just makes me appreciate living in Chiang Mai more.

Your best visiting your old Mum whilst you can . Many people don't have that option.

I remember flying back from Asia to trying and see my mum during her last few days but when the plane landed back in the UK, got the call to tell me my mum didn’t make it. Even though UK is not great, it might be nice to see your mum before that day comes. You’ll come to regret it. Believe me.

Living abroad long term can make one consider a 'home' return. But when we live abroad, we change so much that a return 'home' is doomed to fail. I compare it to being a piece in a jigsaw. You didn't fit in the UK jigsaw and there was a Wayne-shaped hole in Chiang Mai. Family is family. They love and miss you - but if you were back in cold, grey, wet, expensive UK, they would not see the best you anyway. Your channel is the best way for family to see you - try to persuade family to visit you in Thailand.

Go home and see you mom, mate. 21 year China expat here (and big fan of your channel!) I try to get home every year to see my 78 year old mum. Never know how much time you have left.

Hi Wayne, I'm back in the UK for 6 months to work believe me mate your better off in Thailand its so stressful here😂.

Definitely good to pop home for a week or two every now & again to see family. It’s also good to visit the country you left from time to time anyway (unless you retired with no intention of going back) to see how things are - which will probably remind you why you left 😎😆 most people I know who moved abroad retain a vision/impression of their home country fixed at the time they left, even decades later - but things change as the years pass. TBH with the uk you’d notice a significant difference, probably for the worse, as public services lack funding and local services get cut, the high street died in places and things are generally more run down whilst prices go up. Will be very interesting to hear your thoughts when you do get back here 😆😆😎👍👍

Your mother is still alive. You should visit her, and this is a kindness to her for raising you. You may not have the opportunity. No one guarantees that he will be alive tomorrow. I advise you to visit as soon as possible.

Congratulations on 20K subs my man - you’ve done it the real way - no bars & no boobs 🤣🤣🤣 - luv your work my friend 🙏🙏🙏

Hey Wayne Im 20 yrs in Oz I didnt go home for over 10 yrs because of covid etc I have been back for a month for the last 2 yrs This yr i will be back inChang Mai in November for a month motorcycling but then going on back to England for Christmas My folks are mid 80's and not in the best of health Im not thrilled about going back but this will proberbly my last visit

It IS a Tough Call--I DO love my Second Home of Chiang Mai but I likewise enjoy it here on Cape Cod in the States! Still, it WILL be SUPERB to get on a Cathay Pacific flight from Boston to Hong Kong and then onto either So-You-Wanna-Boom-Boom International in Bangkok or straight into Chiang Mai! Thanks for ANOTHER Great Video, Wayne! 🙂

As someone said, "loving my country is mot the same ss loving the government. Anyway, I know your mum can't travel, but Steve Rosse (grumpy old men) is bringing his 90 year old.mother over to.Phuket for a visit.

Hi Wayne, im heading back to the USA to visit family and friends next month. If it wasn't for the family, I probably wouldn't go back there. Im happy living here in Thailand and for a 1/4 of the price.

great video and very important conversation :)) I think you should do it this year! Go to the UK in the summer when its not miserable

Mate you should visit your mum,you never know what's round the corner ❤

Gooday, mate, it's been 2 years away from my town in England since I married my Malaysian wife. I stay in Melaka. My life was pointless and boring back home until I made a decision to live in Malaysia with my wife, my life has been 100% changed by that. I feel this way what you mentioned about, just follow your heart and keep buzzing.

Its a hard decission. But maybe it would be nice to see mum mate. Just turn up. Thaiwise: Up to you😅 take care Wayne

If you're an explorer you know what you give up. Trips home are a luxury to be enjoyed when possible, ignored when not. Everyone still here knows they made the right choice.

Beautiful park Wayne you must miss family 5 years is along time mate not seeing family but you could invite mum over for a holiday

I feel more happier living abroad. The cost of living is more affordable, there's always lots to do, and it really broadens your whole perspective on life.

Admit it, you wanted to go to Germany and watch the games. 😉😉Take care mate. 👍

I live in the UK and travel back ‘home’ to South Africa every 4 or 5 years to see family. The changes after 5 years will seem drastic although your friends and family hardly notice a change to their surroundings or way of living because change happens so slowly. So go see your family for a few weeks and go with an open mind. Also, somebody mentioned in the comments that when they go back to visit family in uk they sit down and have a cuppa tea and watch coronation street as if nothing has changed. They haven’t broadened their horizons and live in their own small bubble and keep doing the same old thing they’ve always done - I’ve seen the same with my family back in South Africa; they’re still doing the same things they’ve always done, regardless if I’m visiting or not.

Been here 15 years Wayne, no inclination to go back home ( England) anytime soon, I've got a very dysfunctional family which makes my choice easier. I've adopted the attitude to friends now that if they need to see me...... Come here. I've had the same thoughts as you regards having regrets after a couple of days. My wife has also researched the cost of a living there and can't justify the prices. Nice vlog matey 😕🙏🏻

A short visit home to see family and friends probably the way to go to know that you have ticked that box and spend some quality time there and at the same time can recharge for the next 5 or 10 years and not have a trip back to the Old Dart always on your mind. Good one Wayne. 🤩

Hello Wayne,... completely understand where you are coming from it must be on your mind a lot,.... just remember you only have one mum,...i lost mine just before covid from the big C,...i think about her every day 😢,.....as long as she knows you are fine and happy at present and likewise that's what counts,... you will know when time is right like you have mentioned,...... enjoy the game tonight 🙂

Having left the UK in 1998 for Australia, I went back in 2016 and was shocked at what's happened. It's gone downhill and I didn't even recognise the place!

Wayne, my friend, go see your mum. I understand that the rest of it is going to feel awkward and different, especially after the first few da, s but seeing your family is important for the soul. None of us are guaranteed tomorrow, so don't put it off too much longer. ...do you video chat with your mum?

Beautiful parks

Hola Wayne! The best weather for us too, hugs from Ometepe!! Land of Volcanos, Nicaragua! 🙌💕

I fully understand your predicament, but you only have one Mum mate. Look forward to seeing you hit 20,000.00 AND seeing your visit back to the UK THIS YEAR ........ 5 years is a long time!

I hear what your saying Wayne and it will do you good to get it off your chest. Im about 6 months away from taking my "forever flight" to Chiang Mai and have considered how I will feel in 5 years time with my family still in Australia

I don’t blame you for wanting to stay. I am so ready to be back in Chiang Mai…BUT…my mother is in Hospice and most likely won’t make it through the end of 2024. Although she cognitively doesn’t know who I am anymore, I have to believe somehow her maternal instincts knows. Maybe one day, I can treat you to a nice meal when I’m back. By the way, is Duke’s restaurant still in business? I’m wondering if they bit the dust during the sniffles pandemic

I think you hit the nail on the head with the “what happens after a few days?” thought Wayne. If you found yourself wanting out almost as soon as you arrived, then it’d be a wasted visit. If you’re already thinking you’d feel that way, then you would. Only go back when it feels right, not because you think you probably should. P.S. If you get the urge again too soon - just remember those iced lattes you like so much cost £6 😂

All good WW - for sure it wouldve been tempting to jump on a plane from KL to UK - no harm in thinking about it hey . Sounds like you have it all sorted mate - Nice one mate ✌️👍👋😃🙏

definitely bring ur mum over for a holiday Wayne. Think it makes more economic sense as well.. unless of course your mum has some mobility issues.

I can count what I miss about home on one hand. I don’t even need to use all my fingers.

20,000 subscribers. Well done 👏. Go see mum. Life is short. Always remember that

If you only lived in Thailand and England it’s easier but when you lived in five countries and visited many more what do you do . The other issue is folks there are getting older and my mate in England passed away recently. A long absence means you might not see them again . Visits to England is like well nice to see you sit down and have a cuppa while I finish watching crossroads or coronation st. Their tiny world is more important! Only go over in the summer . Winter is no good mate . Still plenty of time this year ! I’m scared of flying over dodgy airspace’s at the moment.

I guess it's different for everyone. Personaly I like to go to the uk in the summer !! well as close to summer as it gets now. Allways good to reconect with family and friends. It gives a fresh perspective of life here in Thailand and makes me appreciate both countries, however where ever you may reside the most important thing is keeping you mental and phyical health in good order. Happy travels

I always find your thoughts very practical and balanced Wayne. Living abroad doesn’t mean you have to hate your country. At times a foreign country’s way of living is just more in sync with what we are at a particular moment in life. You should become a father, Wayne. You will raise good kids with good values, I am sure.

Yet another BOBBY DAZZLER my friend. I think we would love to see some more eating vlogs..love the food. Stay safe.

❤

Hello Wayne. Good vlog. I am working through those thoughts myself. On the one hand Being in New England US during the summer and fall is great. The weather is good and all the places I like to spend time are perfect this time of year from the Mountains in New Hampshire, the Lakes and Rivers in Maine and Vermont to surf cast fishing on the beaches of Cape Cod. It is great. But now I am at the cross road. Do I sell my house while the prices are very favorable and the result will easily set me up very nicely for a stress free life in Thailand? But what about my Kids and grand kids here? Do I keep a smaller house somewhere here in the US for the summers and fall or just pack it in and come back on occasional trips? Its a lot to mull over and I'm putting pressure on myself to make a decision before we get too far into this coming fall because I want to be settled with a place and visa before the end of September. So long story way to saying I get it man. You hang in there and be well.

Would be nice for you to see your family,especially your mum

Hi Wayne. When did you make the move to Thailand? I have considered Thailand, but also Latin America too, but I need to take the steps to make it possible because it's a big decision. I wouldn't feel content unless I'm making good money (in UK currency) while living abroad.

I left West Brom in 1976 for West Oz, missed it at first, but couldn’t live there now. I miss watching the baggies up at the Hawthorns, but def could not live there, not for a million bucks.

Wayne , why not bring your Mum to visit you and see how you live.

i decided kwai is for me as well 😄 next year thailand here i come , is it raining like england there ?

Im ex service man never ever slag down UK Not politically minded every country has its pros and cons Went back UK for 3 weeks just after COVID only staying 9 days had to return Thailand realising how fortunate I am living here When you eventually return I'm sure youll feel same

Mate flying back to England with Qatar Airways gives you approx 2x 6 hour flights with a stopover in Doha. The real killer would be if you flew back to London from Singapore direct, it's approx 14 hours non-stop, I've done that trip twice and it really zaps your energy. Qatar would be the sensible and cheaper option. I live in Da Nang, Vietnam, been here since early February - I have thought about going home a couple of times but I'd be mad to give up this amazing weather and extremely low cost of living. I know you have been here before so you'll know what I'm on about.

Hey Wayne, i was in Asia from 4th Jan until 10th May, was in Chiang Mai over Songkran was hoping you bump into you, but I think you were somewhere else? I've been back in England now for a month and literally have sat here each day wondering what the f am I doing back haha.

Nearly 20k !

Been here 3 years.. thought about home for a minute.. then the feeling went away… my family is almost all retired… and they travel a lot… they can come visit me… I would hate that 23 hour flight for me to go home.,.no thank you…

The thing is your family wont be around forever.. go while theyre still around...

which part of the flying annoys you, how long it is haha? or flying in general safety aspect?

Isnt it very lonely over there, I would miss being social, having freinds and activitys.

How long is your flight were you to go home?

One day is enough time in England before you would want to leave again.

you're not missing much at all I can assure you! lol its still a shit show over here... am a couple months away from getting the hell out... finally!

It is a long road ...John Rambo haha

Mate you have to get back home. You have to see family. No doubt youve changed over the years or they've changed. Treat it as a 2 week holiday or something obviously thailand is your new home but you have to get home to see your family mate. I bet your mum is missing you like absolutely crazy. She's probably the 1st one to watch your vlogs

Five years is a long time out of Blighty you're well due a visit home fella, look what's happening with Ed Sweeney it can all change in the blink of an eye

I want to visit my country and family also but unfortunately the political climate in England and America right now is making some of us stay away.

Hey maybe one day we can bump into each other!

I remember when you only had 1k subs. I'm from the UK too. It has advantages, but the trajectory is down. Nothing has improved in the past 10 years and it's only going to get worse. By all means go see family etc. but I wouldn't have the UK in your long term plans. Also, critically, the GBP is in a macro decline, so even if you generate good income from the UK, the £ is losing value.

Analogue Case 101!!!! 1. The West is Top Notch. We just lack in our previous more traditional and conservative approach. South-Eastern Europe is, sadly, no different now. But still people are as cool as they can get, despite the fking agendas they shove down our throats... The West is cool and no less colorful and adventurous than any other part of the world, though, WE JUST NEEDSTA CHILL MAN! 2. Being a British man is so cool bro! You are from one of the Peoples of the Isles, and all I know is, THERE IS NOTHING COMMON about the Commonwealth. You be some sturdy bad mfks! 3. And here's the FIX ---> I had the same thoughts just as you, man ---> You love and respect your Country, you are a good loving man, an Englishman! So it's basically the other way around! It calls you outside! You may be on this Earth to actually spread the good, and mighty fine proper image of the Isles Lads abroad! I'm telling you, Sheriff man, you are bringing so much positive impressions about Great Britain, man, His Majesty King Charles MUST adorn you with THE GEORGE CROSS right there and there! This thing of yours man, your work, your travels, your very being and character, as well.... this right ere is the real Gallantry Enacted! Mr. Wayne TOP MAN! Walk-About Wayne TOP CHANNEL! p.s.: And a mighty proper joke there, Sire -> Man, you almost got me, with that footie tricks of yours....leaving Thailand, yeah right... good joke! What's next? France winning? 😀😀😀🤣😂 Man, salute to Les Bleus, too! It's just a joke!

You should make the visit soon, at least before the weather changes in the U.K., I flew Qatar to BKK about 3 months ago and the only way I ever set foot on that plane again is first class, flying coach was sardine can hell. Cheers Wayne.

Are you seeing my posts?

When that plane is approaching the UK, you will probably wonder what the hell you are doing. You will have massive shock at prices. It will. cost you more in a few days what it costs you to live in Thailand for a month.

Would your mum come over and visit you?

Do you think things would have changed back home after five yrs? Retirees might be going home every year for six months if the tax laws change😭

Wayne please vote on line reform party if you Can 😂 I love my country but Wayne it’s changed here in uk so much easier back in the day your better off in Thailand Wayne

Gave me goosebumps Wayne, also thinking about this stuff. Couple more years scraping money together, and then probably go 3 months "home Isaan" and doing bike trips, and 3 months "home in Holland" escaping the hot season and the high season continously like early cheap retirement (im now 44). The long flights also annoy me, but yeay, gotta do, what you gotta do. Happy you didn't press the red button, and transported you back to reality. I would miss your Thailand VDO's. I like you a lot, but i don't want to see any VDO's from Europe (or the Western world for that matter) 5555🤣

Western countries have changed, most have gone backwards in areas and small improvements in others. But the PC BS is getting over the top. Royal PIA to most folk.

temporary insanity

For the soul, you need to return for a short period. You will probably see everyone is doing exactly the same as when you left, which will be nice in a way, but will make you wan to get back to Chaing Mai. You have moved on.

I don’t hate the uk it’s my home country but I hate what it’s become its the uk that looks more like the third world country at the moment

Nothing here in uk for you apart from visiting family and friends, But 1 month is 28 days to long. It gets worse by the year we're racing about to just get by with work eat sleep and repeat. This is not living life or even doing what we want.

You need to get home to see your mother, even if it’s just a couple of weeks. Do it for her, Not yourself.

G'day Wayno, England is a shithole mate😂😂😂just kidding, l was born in Birmingham but left for Australia when I was 2, so l don't remember anything. But from what I hear constantly, pretty much all Western countries have gone to the dogs ay. Unless you make over 100k a year, you're on struggle street. Thailand is a much better option mate👍

Are you in the situation you're in because you're quite selfish?