R Layne Holley
@rlholley
American expat in Thailand
Forum posts
42
Contacts
52
About me
American
Lives in Bangkok, Bangkok
Speaks English
Registration: 01 December 2014
An Introduction by Peter.Greenhalgh
Hi guys, thanks for allowing me to join your forum website, expat.com. I have been urged to introduce myself and tell you all a little about myself. I trust you won't be to bored.Well, I was 16 years old when I left my home in Tasmania to travel ...
Welcome, Peter. I too like Cambodia and am in Phnom Penh currently. Sihanoukville is a city in transition given the Chinese investments and has significantly changed during the past two years. I did just visit but still managed to enjoy the beach ... Read More
Safety in Sihanoukville by SCSM2650
Hi All, When I learned about Sihanoukville, I was really excited -- it seemed like the perfect place to live. Only... well, I started researching safety, and the information I found indicated that a) if you were a woman, you were in real danger, ...
It鈥檚 good that recurring questions arise in the forum from time to time. Likewise, having others express their insights are good too, e.g. the commentary about Chinese investments in Cambodia. It has always been useful to me to read the ... Read More
Any malls or universities here? by alabamaboy1959
I am planning to live in Cambodia and retire. Phnom Pehn is close by but I enjoy the beach so much I think I want to retire here. any ideas? i will be looking for a place to rent also. But a budget dweeling.
Michael, I鈥檝e spent time in Sihanoukville over several visits during the last few years and believe it will be a good alternative for you over Phnom Penh. Give it a test run! As with any location, there are upsides and downsides yet a prudent ... Read More
Best cities to live in Cambodia by Julien
Hi, It聮s not always easy to decide in which area to settle in when moving to Cambodia. According to you, what are the best cites to live in? Which regions offer most of the job opportunities, a good quality of life, an affordable cost of ...
James, you have been provided a superbly balanced presentation by Joe鈥檚 response to your inquiry. I have been to Sihanoukville many times; love it and since I am currently in DaNang may visit again very soon. In that regard, Joe鈥檚 ... Read More
New members of the Cambodia forum, introduce yourself here 聳 2016 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Cambodia forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Best of fortune to you and your beau upon making this bold move. I too am fascinated by the region, having spent most of 2015 there. Looking forward to my own return too. Be well. Layne Read More
Best cities to live in Cambodia by Julien
Hi, It聮s not always easy to decide in which area to settle in when moving to Cambodia. According to you, what are the best cites to live in? Which regions offer most of the job opportunities, a good quality of life, an affordable cost of ...
A good analysis by Joe and Phnom Penh English Tutor. Read More
New: Gatherings and events in Cambodia by Julien
Hi, Would you like to have a coffee, organize a dinner or find people for activities in Cambodia? To help you meet people and find outings in Cambodia, we launched a [b]Gatherings and Events section[/b] in Cambodia: you can now follow what聮s ...
"....organizing an event where goodwill is combined with good deeds [not money but ideas for (minuscule) improvements]" as suggested by luckysara is a theme that is appealing and seems to me to promote civic engagement by expats. If this ... Read More
Visit Sihanoukville from 1Jan -3jan 2016 by britangel
Hi guys!! I will be travelling to Sihanoukville to count down new year. I would like to get some advice since this is the first time I visit: 1. Which part of the beach I should stay? I prefer the bustle places :) 2. Is there any special events ...
Stay in the Serendipity Beach area for the most activities. Hotels/guesthouses on Serendipty Street near the pier; or Mithona Street (one block from beach) or Tola Street (two blocks from beach) would be good. Read More
Next time it could be you! by PaulaMike
I am warning people about the dangers of bag snatching around the Russian Market area. On Friday evening around 8pm whilst walking with my husband, 2 guys on a moto attempted to snatch my bag. The guy on the back grabbed it but it stayed around my ...
You'll be fine. Remain cautious, be attentive, and think safety----just as we all should do regardless of continent, region, nation or city. I like Phnom Penh The splendid adventures while there certainly exceed the less-than-splendid ... Read More
hospitals in vietnam
I had shoulder surgery and a three day stay at Viet Mec International Hospital in Hanoi during April 2015 and was very comfortable with the facility, physician and staff. I would not hesitate to return again if I needed hospital services in VN. Read More
What do you like the most in Cambodia? by Christine
Hi, Living abroad, expats discover and enjoy a new environment. What do you like the most in Cambodia? What seduced you when settling and living here? Share with us your favorite part of living in Cambodia and the reason why you enjoy ...
Thanks, Christine, for posting a topic that invites responses to very simple questions: what do we like about Cambodia and what seduced us when settling and living in Cambodia. While I am not living in Cambodia, I had an extended visit to ... Read More
Vietjet company by TiphaineL
Hi everybody May I ask for your opinion about the flight company Vietjet ? thank you :)
Any airline has the absolute power in the relationship. The consumer more frequently than not is powerless at worst; or at best, can excercise what little power is available only after much frustration and inconvenience. Knowing (and accepting) that ... Read More
Living in Cambodia and possibility to get a Retirement Visa there by schauerte
Hi, I am looking for the possibility to get a Retirement Visa for Cambodia. What are the requirements. I have a Retirement Visa in Thailand , lived here since 2002, married for 23 years to a Thai national and I am on the run for safety as I am ...
Richard, thanks for taking much time to pen one of the most thorough, insightful posts that I have encountered here on Expat. Your observations are precisely those that others who care not to spend the time and effort to perform independent research ... Read More
Recommendation for a decent hotel in Hanoi by Cloud9
Planning on staying in Hanoi for a few days while I check out the city. I don't really care much for anything fancy. Which hotel would you recommend? Preferably a low budge one under $40 a night. Thanks.
The Hanoi Merci Hotel on Ly Thai To Street was my base station twice while in Hanoi. It was very conveniently located within walking distance to Hoan Kiem Lake and the Old Quarter in one direction; and the Hanoi Opera House, The Metropole, museums ... Read More
Looking for tips/fellow traveler - North of Vietnam by solene642
Hi everyone ! At the end of my internship in Saigon (19th of August), I would like to fly to Hanoi and travel there a little bit (Sapa, Mai Ch芒u, Tam c峄慶...) for one week to see some beautiful scenery and mountains. That's why ...
My friend & I did SaPa by bus from Hanoi last April. The trip was very comfortable and pleasant. We made resevations a day in advance and extended our stay while in SaPa and changed the return date on the ticket with ease by phone. There were ... Read More
Language teaching by chococambo
To the moderators. I guess to be fair the site should not be accepting any youtube lesson here. It is kind of promoting herself for free , It is like saying yeah its free but contact me and its my business. Like you reject some of my postings.. ...
[Deleted as too needlessly snarky] Read More
Please watch my third video Khmer Lesson by Ridana
Hello all Expat, I think this will help u a little if u can say in Khmer, so have a look and and write down to your book. Lesson how to reaspond to the Tuk Tuk driver~ Here is the link, youtu.be/UqHFi-Yx-zs~ Cheers from Ridana
Your efforts are much appreciated, Ridana, and helpful too. Many thanks. Layne Read More
Khmer rudeness, or my lack of understanding by madmax888
I have a question for those of you who know more about Khmer than I do. I have had my wife's family members visit me a number of times, including having her younger brother stay with us for 9 months. After visiting, not one of them has thanked ...
MadMax888, your narrative here has likely been the most helpful to me than many, many other similar ones I have read in other forums. And equally helpful has been the varied responses by others to your scenario----those have been abundant, ... Read More
Khmer rudeness, or my lack of understanding by madmax888
I have a question for those of you who know more about Khmer than I do. I have had my wife's family members visit me a number of times, including having her younger brother stay with us for 9 months. After visiting, not one of them has thanked ...
You have created significant context for Chinese behaviors that are not well received, Bkk Tea Blog. Perhaps many will consider this Cultural Revolution Exception by giving the offender a pass, or even suggesting an alternative less offensive ... Read More
New members of the Myanmar forum, introduce yourself here by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Myanmar forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
No substantive comment, Todd, other than that my escape from the States for a SEAsia experience parallels your own in very many ways! It has been exceptional in all respects! I hope to return very, very soon after an injury from a scooter accident ... Read More
Safety in Vietnam by Christine
Hi, We would like to talk about a sensitive but important topic: do you feel safe in Vietnam? How would you define the level of safety in the country? Can you walk safely during the day and at night without any fear? Do you think there ...
I traveled from south to north from January until May 2015 and not once did I feel unsafe. However, i always remained situationally aware by default. As for social tension anywhere in the nation, i did not see it at all other than innocuous activism ... Read More
Khmer rudeness, or my lack of understanding by madmax888
I have a question for those of you who know more about Khmer than I do. I have had my wife's family members visit me a number of times, including having her younger brother stay with us for 9 months. After visiting, not one of them has thanked ...
A well written, thoughtful, insightful response by Mr. Norell about the underlying drivers of the insulting behaviors that I will read more than once while encouraging others to do so as well. I would supplement his observations by adding that my ... Read More
Khmer rudeness, or my lack of understanding by madmax888
I have a question for those of you who know more about Khmer than I do. I have had my wife's family members visit me a number of times, including having her younger brother stay with us for 9 months. After visiting, not one of them has thanked ...
Regarding the little quiz, I'll bite despite my belief that the right answer could be variable based on one's evaluation of the context. This will be fun. In the mathematical setting: 1. If one focuses on quantity as a distinguishing ... Read More
Beaches in Cambodia
You might want to consiider Otres Beach near Sihanoukville. There's great bungalos at the end of the beach overlooking the ocean. . Read More
Best city in Vietnam for expats by CanadianDude
Hello everyone, First I'd like to say this is an amazing website full of useful information. I've been reading it everyday since I discovered it. I'm looking for adventure, so I'm planning on moving to Vietnam next year. Everybody ...
Welcome! I agree with your observations about the usefulness of this site. It has been invaluable to me. I have just returned to the States, involuntarily due to an injury, but had travelled from south to north since January---train, plane and bus. ... Read More
Is Vietnam a good place for a single 60 year old woman to retire? by suefrankdahl
How safe are cities compared to other parts of the world? How easy is travel within VN? Can one get by with English and French?
It would be an absolutely fabulous place to live. I have spent much time in the nation ---from south to north---and endorse the country and its opportunities with much enthusiasm. I will be returning soon and did not want to leave. Best regards and ... Read More
current 3 month visa fee?
I am currently in Sihanoukville, Cambodia and visited the Vietnamese Consulate on Monday to apply for a 90 day multiple entry DL Visa for VietNam. The cost for a 90 day multiple entry visa was $120.00. It was approved with 24 hours and my passport ... Read More
Seriously considering relocating from the US to Vietnam - What is life by Martyonthemove
OK, so I am a 49 guy from Idaho seriously thinking about retiring to Vietnam or maybe South America, but leaning towards Vietnam. What is life really like? I have been researching Nha Trang or even Da Lat as I am used to the cooler ...
For the past 12 months, I have been traveling in or studying about SE Asia. I am now on the Cambodian leg of that exploration. My objective is similar and luckily I have been able to do the re-con. At this point, Vietnam seems to be the most ... Read More
Depart to Phu Quoc in the end of Mar 2015
Phu Quoc is the one location I neglected to address during my multi-week sojourn through Vietnam. My interest was piqued after I read a biz article about it the growth of investment appeal there. Now my visa is expiring and I'm on to Cambodia ... Read More
New members of the Cambodia forum, introduce yourself here - 1st quarter of 2015 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Cambodia forum? Don聮t know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Third visit to SE Asia during last 12 months and have been in the region on this segment since January. Making my way to Cambodia next week to judge all the hubbub myself. The objective is to decide where I shall land on a more permanent basis and ... Read More
Am I being naive..... by rlholley
Am I being naive with the thought that a TESOL, TEFL or CELTA certification is not essential to secure quality employment for one who has practiced law/litigation for 30+ years in addition to doing some adjunct work along the way. I'd prefer to ...
Thanks very much for your input. Some of my professional volunteer work has linked me with teachers in their setting and I.have been astounded to learn about the challenges they face. With the comments here and with input from others too, I ... Read More
Am I being naive..... by rlholley
Am I being naive with the thought that a TESOL, TEFL or CELTA certification is not essential to secure quality employment for one who has practiced law/litigation for 30+ years in addition to doing some adjunct work along the way. I'd prefer to ...
The name itself is so pitifully dated, I did not even consider it. If management cannot wake-up and realize it's 2015 for branding purposes, I can only imagine how drowsy the training would be. Two thumbs down based on that speculative ... Read More
Am I being naive..... by rlholley
Am I being naive with the thought that a TESOL, TEFL or CELTA certification is not essential to secure quality employment for one who has practiced law/litigation for 30+ years in addition to doing some adjunct work along the way. I'd prefer to ...
Decided to do just that Brubakertx. Tried to start one on 2 March in Hanoi but no slots were available in the class. Many thanks for your input. Read More
Am I being naive..... by rlholley
Am I being naive with the thought that a TESOL, TEFL or CELTA certification is not essential to secure quality employment for one who has practiced law/litigation for 30+ years in addition to doing some adjunct work along the way. I'd prefer to ...
Appreciate the input very much. I have emailed Marc directly. Feel like I have some small bit of traction toward the objective! Read More
Am I being naive.....
Am I being naive with the thought that a TESOL, TEFL or CELTA certification is not essential to secure quality employment for one who has practiced law/litigation for 30+ years in addition to doing some adjunct work along the way. I'd prefer to ... Read More
vietnam girlfriend by jacksamau
hi, I am wondering how to see my Vietnamese girlfriend. She works at a food place evenings. I often meet her after and during the day visit her sister on bike etc. So here is the question. I haven't even kissed her yet let alone anthing further. ...
Much delighted to read Christine's observations because they have validated the mindset I have adopted with the young lady I have befriended. I simply went into the relationship with a platonic frame of mind. It's a good thing too as she ... Read More
Lawyer-HCM: Looking for competent lawyer to write a 'nasty' letter by Rumpole of the Bailey
Hi, Ho Chi Minh members. I'm looking for a Vietnamese lawyer, who speaks at least broken English, to write a 'nasty' 'lawyers letter' to shake up my landlord. And cheap (not too expensive). If you know of or have used such a ...
Paralegal Greglb has offered sage & sound observations with which I concur. I have received the same client request countless times during my time in the USA. Generally, the client's need springs more from emotion than logic which is fine so ... Read More
Visa Extension by VietnamVenice3260
Hello gang ! Okay I am coming into country to meet a lady , and we may just tie the knot ... well it is the plan . Mother says save money , ah yes that . Well the straight and skinny is that I might become a husband and if I do marry ... HOW would ...
Be sure to let us know how it goes....and how much the price is...as many people are in the same boat....and many agents are offering three months and returning with one month. If its over/around 300USD...it's still cheaper to go to PP.15 Feb ... Read More
Visa Extension by VietnamVenice3260
Hello gang ! Okay I am coming into country to meet a lady , and we may just tie the knot ... well it is the plan . Mother says save money , ah yes that . Well the straight and skinny is that I might become a husband and if I do marry ... HOW would ...
Thank you very much, Mark. My agent here in HCMC re-assured me again this afternoon. Be well. Layne Read More
Visa Extension by VietnamVenice3260
Hello gang ! Okay I am coming into country to meet a lady , and we may just tie the knot ... well it is the plan . Mother says save money , ah yes that . Well the straight and skinny is that I might become a husband and if I do marry ... HOW would ...
Well, Yogi, thanks for this citation of authority. I may need it on Wednesday when my 30 day tourist visa extension is to be granted, per the agent. The original expired while the extension request was being processed. Sweating bullets! Read More