Retired at 82 in Vietnam: The Truth About Living on $650 a Month

So, that's about 650, uh the US dollars. So, that's about 650, uh the US dollars. I mean, that's all that I need. I mean, that's all that I need. I mean, that's all that I need. >> You're born in New Zealand. >> You're born in New Zealand. >> You're born in New Zealand. >> And you left when 1973, 50 odd years. I >> And you left when 1973, 50 odd years. I >> And you left when 1973, 50 odd years. I make it a little game I play. I try to make it a little game I play. I try to make it a little game I play. I try to get the guy to smile, and you know, and get the guy to smile, and you know, and get the guy to smile, and you know, and they smile back and their faces just they smile back and their faces just they smile back and their faces just change because they're expecting, they change because they're expecting, they change because they're expecting, they see a foreigner always going to be see a foreigner always going to be see a foreigner always going to be grumpy. It's It's a question of grumpy. It's It's a question of grumpy. It's It's a question of attitude. You know, if you attitude. You know, if you attitude. You know, if you if you come to a place thinking that if you come to a place thinking that if you come to a place thinking that you're expecting and acting as if this you're expecting and acting as if this you're expecting and acting as if this place is inferior to what you're come place is inferior to what you're come place is inferior to what you're come from, you know, you're going to have from, you know, you're going to have from, you know, you're going to have you're going to miss out on on the good you're going to miss out on on the good you're going to miss out on on the good things things things >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> traveling. >> traveling. >> traveling. >> So, So, David, uh welcome back to the >> So, So, David, uh welcome back to the >> So, So, David, uh welcome back to the channel. channel. channel. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Great to be back. >> Great to be back. >> Great to be back. It's been a year. How have you been? It's been a year. How have you been? It's been a year. How have you been? >> Good. Good. It's um it If I can perhaps >> Good. Good. It's um it If I can perhaps >> Good. Good. It's um it If I can perhaps give a an outcry for your channel, I'd give a an outcry for your channel, I'd give a an outcry for your channel, I'd two people have uh approached me in LA two people have uh approached me in LA two people have uh approached me in LA that saying, "Am I the guy who'd who'd that saying, "Am I the guy who'd who'd that saying, "Am I the guy who'd who'd send them Vagabrothers videos?" send them Vagabrothers videos?" send them Vagabrothers videos?" So, so, yeah, I I understand you do get So, so, yeah, I I understand you do get So, so, yeah, I I understand you do get a lot of reach. a lot of reach. a lot of reach. >> Yeah. Well, thank you. You're born in uh >> Yeah. Well, thank you. You're born in uh >> Yeah. Well, thank you. You're born in uh New Zealand. New Zealand. New Zealand. >> Yeah. And you left when in 19 1973.

>> Yeah. And you left when in 19 1973. >> Yeah. And you left when in 19 1973. >> And so, you've been living outside of >> And so, you've been living outside of >> And so, you've been living outside of New Zealand in different parts of the New Zealand in different parts of the New Zealand in different parts of the world for world for world for >> Whatever. The last 50 odd years, yeah. >> Whatever. The last 50 odd years, yeah. >> Whatever. The last 50 odd years, yeah. >> 53 years or whatever it is now. >> 53 years or whatever it is now. >> 53 years or whatever it is now. >> Whatever it is, yeah. Yeah. Um yeah, I >> Whatever it is, yeah. Yeah. Um yeah, I >> Whatever it is, yeah. Yeah. Um yeah, I mean, I I probably haven't spent more mean, I I probably haven't spent more mean, I I probably haven't spent more than 3 months in New Zealand since I than 3 months in New Zealand since I than 3 months in New Zealand since I left. left. left. >> Oh, wow. >> Oh, wow. >> Oh, wow. >> Just on for no reason. That's not >> Just on for no reason. That's not >> Just on for no reason. That's not anti-New Zealand. I just anti-New Zealand. I just anti-New Zealand. I just love the life that I've spent most of my love the life that I've spent most of my love the life that I've spent most of my life in Asia and life in Asia and life in Asia and and I just love it here. and I just love it here. and I just love it here. >> Yeah. And if you were to >> Yeah. And if you were to >> Yeah. And if you were to say most of Where have you spent most of say most of Where have you spent most of say most of Where have you spent most of that time? that time? that time? >> Uh Hong Kong. About 33 years of that was >> Uh Hong Kong. About 33 years of that was >> Uh Hong Kong. About 33 years of that was in Hong Kong, working in Hong Kong and in Hong Kong, working in Hong Kong and in Hong Kong, working in Hong Kong and China. China. China. That was a That was an absolutely That was a That was an absolutely That was a That was an absolutely fascinating experience cuz when I first fascinating experience cuz when I first fascinating experience cuz when I first went into China, uh it was about 1980 8, went into China, uh it was about 1980 8, went into China, uh it was about 1980 8, '89. Uh it was a really primitive '89. Uh it was a really primitive '89. Uh it was a really primitive country. I remember going up to a a country. I remember going up to a a country. I remember going up to a a factory site we were working at, and factory site we were working at, and factory site we were working at, and they had a mass of people preparing a they had a mass of people preparing a they had a mass of people preparing a new road and the only mechanical device new road and the only mechanical device new road and the only mechanical device they had was a wheelbarrow. Uh and and a they had was a wheelbarrow. Uh and and a they had was a wheelbarrow. Uh and and a lot of people in front of a lot of women lot of people in front of a lot of women lot of people in front of a lot of women both shingled and stuff. So and if you both shingled and stuff. So and if you both shingled and stuff. So and if you compare that to what's happened now, compare that to what's happened now, compare that to what's happened now, I've never seen any country develop from I've never seen any country develop from I've never seen any country develop from where it was to where China is now so where it was to where China is now so where it was to where China is now so quickly. It's just that and to be a part quickly. It's just that and to be a part quickly. It's just that and to be a part of that in a tiny way was a probably the of that in a tiny way was a probably the of that in a tiny way was a probably the most life-changing experience for me to most life-changing experience for me to most life-changing experience for me to actually witness it all and the actual actually witness it all and the actual actually witness it all and the actual those years.

those years. those years. >> Yeah, that's amazing. You're retired now >> Yeah, that's amazing. You're retired now >> Yeah, that's amazing. You're retired now though, yeah? And you spend most of your though, yeah? And you spend most of your though, yeah? And you spend most of your time where do you spend time where do you spend time where do you spend >> I I travel around >> I I travel around >> I I travel around Asia and you know, I've still got lots Asia and you know, I've still got lots Asia and you know, I've still got lots of ties to Hong Kong clubs etc. Many of ties to Hong Kong clubs etc. Many of ties to Hong Kong clubs etc. Many friends there. Same with Thailand. Um so friends there. Same with Thailand. Um so friends there. Same with Thailand. Um so but Vietnam is where I I like coming but Vietnam is where I I like coming but Vietnam is where I I like coming back to on on a regular basis. back to on on a regular basis. back to on on a regular basis. >> So would you call it your favorite? >> So would you call it your favorite? >> So would you call it your favorite? >> For this time of my life, yes, without >> For this time of my life, yes, without >> For this time of my life, yes, without question. Um you know, I'm I'm now 82, question. Um you know, I'm I'm now 82, question. Um you know, I'm I'm now 82, so I so I so I I don't wish to party as much as you I don't wish to party as much as you I don't wish to party as much as you personally as I used to. Um and I'm not personally as I used to. Um and I'm not personally as I used to. Um and I'm not sure I would have sure I would have sure I would have want to have been here when I was 50, want to have been here when I was 50, want to have been here when I was 50, but I mean there are great facilities, but I mean there are great facilities, but I mean there are great facilities, golf etc. is all over the place and at golf etc. is all over the place and at golf etc. is all over the place and at reasonable prices. reasonable prices. reasonable prices. Um but but for me, I I just I love Um but but for me, I I just I love Um but but for me, I I just I love walking and and Da Lat where I am now is walking and and Da Lat where I am now is walking and and Da Lat where I am now is a great walking town. Really good cost a great walking town. Really good cost a great walking town. Really good cost of living element to people of living element to people of living element to people Uh the the weather in Da Lat of course Uh the the weather in Da Lat of course Uh the the weather in Da Lat of course is temperate all year round, so it's is temperate all year round, so it's is temperate all year round, so it's to me is a key issue. And and the people to me is a key issue. And and the people to me is a key issue. And and the people are just so accepting given the history are just so accepting given the history are just so accepting given the history with I you know, foreign powers.

with I you know, foreign powers. with I you know, foreign powers. >> So right right. >> So right right. >> So right right. 2 300 years. 2 300 years. 2 300 years. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> Sure. >> Or in fact >> Or in fact >> Or in fact throughout their history they've they've throughout their history they've they've throughout their history they've they've had So had So had So um um um it's really a just a wonderful place to it's really a just a wonderful place to it's really a just a wonderful place to be be be seeing my twilight years as it were. seeing my twilight years as it were. seeing my twilight years as it were. And long may they And long may they And long may they >> And you mentioned that Da Lat's one of >> And you mentioned that Da Lat's one of >> And you mentioned that Da Lat's one of your favorites. Where are we sitting your favorites. Where are we sitting your favorites. Where are we sitting now? now? now? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Um what is it about Da Lat that's >> Um what is it about Da Lat that's >> Um what is it about Da Lat that's different than other parts of Vietnam? different than other parts of Vietnam? different than other parts of Vietnam? >> Well, climate is the number one issue. >> Well, climate is the number one issue. >> Well, climate is the number one issue. Without question, we're at 1,500 m. So, Without question, we're at 1,500 m. So, Without question, we're at 1,500 m. So, it's a temperate climate. Humidity it's a temperate climate. Humidity it's a temperate climate. Humidity Yeah, today is supposed to be a humid Yeah, today is supposed to be a humid Yeah, today is supposed to be a humid day according to the forecast this day according to the forecast this day according to the forecast this morning, but it's it's it's not to me morning, but it's it's it's not to me morning, but it's it's it's not to me it's having lived through 30-odd Hong it's having lived through 30-odd Hong it's having lived through 30-odd Hong Kong summers, this is not humid. I mean, Kong summers, this is not humid. I mean, Kong summers, this is not humid. I mean, it's just extremely pleasant. And that's it's just extremely pleasant. And that's it's just extremely pleasant. And that's the main one the difference. Although, the main one the difference. Although, the main one the difference. Although, you know, Da Lat is a town of about you know, Da Lat is a town of about you know, Da Lat is a town of about 200,000 people 200,000 people 200,000 people um as opposed to Saigon, which I don't um as opposed to Saigon, which I don't um as opposed to Saigon, which I don't know know know 50 20 million people. I I don't know, 50 20 million people. I I don't know, 50 20 million people. I I don't know, but it's it's in the millions. And so, but it's it's in the millions. And so, but it's it's in the millions. And so, it's a quieter pace of life. And again, it's a quieter pace of life. And again, it's a quieter pace of life. And again, if I was working or younger, maybe I'd if I was working or younger, maybe I'd if I was working or younger, maybe I'd want of Saigon, but I get all the want of Saigon, but I get all the want of Saigon, but I get all the excitement I want here at home now.

excitement I want here at home now. excitement I want here at home now. You know, it's just an You know, it's just an You know, it's just an it's just an idyllic. Da Lat is not the it's just an idyllic. Da Lat is not the it's just an idyllic. Da Lat is not the only only only hill town the only elevated town that I hill town the only elevated town that I hill town the only elevated town that I think it's pretty clear that most of the think it's pretty clear that most of the think it's pretty clear that most of the population lives down there the coastal population lives down there the coastal population lives down there the coastal region. region. region. >> Yeah, along the beach. Yeah, a lot of a >> Yeah, along the beach. Yeah, a lot of a >> Yeah, along the beach. Yeah, a lot of a lot of towns are at beach level and this lot of towns are at beach level and this lot of towns are at beach level and this one's like you said up in the mountains. one's like you said up in the mountains. one's like you said up in the mountains. Nice rolling hills here and green, isn't Nice rolling hills here and green, isn't Nice rolling hills here and green, isn't >> Oh, it's unbelievable. I mean, you can >> Oh, it's unbelievable. I mean, you can >> Oh, it's unbelievable. I mean, you can you can I can walk to coffee shops here you can I can walk to coffee shops here you can I can walk to coffee shops here and look over, you know, within you and look over, you know, within you and look over, you know, within you know, know, know, 30 40 minutes and overlook see in 30 40 minutes and overlook see in 30 40 minutes and overlook see in certain distance only pine trees or only certain distance only pine trees or only certain distance only pine trees or only forestry. I mean, it's an unbelievable forestry. I mean, it's an unbelievable forestry. I mean, it's an unbelievable sight. sight. sight. And quite peaceful and then And quite peaceful and then And quite peaceful and then I don't know if warming, you know, it's I don't know if warming, you know, it's I don't know if warming, you know, it's just wonderful. just wonderful. just wonderful. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. And you you mentioned the the people And you you mentioned the the people And you you mentioned the the people here. How do they compare to other parts here. How do they compare to other parts here. How do they compare to other parts of Asia? Would you How would you of Asia? Would you How would you of Asia? Would you How would you characterize it? characterize it? characterize it? >> Well, and I think most Asian people are >> Well, and I think most Asian people are >> Well, and I think most Asian people are receptive to foreigners. I said I see receptive to foreigners. I said I see receptive to foreigners. I said I see them as as bringing them as as bringing them as as bringing money and then if you just treat them money and then if you just treat them money and then if you just treat them with the respect that anyone deserves, with the respect that anyone deserves, with the respect that anyone deserves, they they really respond.

they they really respond. they they really respond. And what I found with the Vietnamese is And what I found with the Vietnamese is And what I found with the Vietnamese is they're not just friendly, they're kind. they're not just friendly, they're kind. they're not just friendly, they're kind. I mean it it it really a week doesn't go I mean it it it really a week doesn't go I mean it it it really a week doesn't go by when I get another example. It's by when I get another example. It's by when I get another example. It's still a different now because I'm I come still a different now because I'm I come still a different now because I'm I come here quite often and so people here quite often and so people here quite often and so people know me. Yeah, I said careful then. know me. Yeah, I said careful then. know me. Yeah, I said careful then. And um but uh but then there's there's And um but uh but then there's there's And um but uh but then there's there's there's there's more than just there's there's more than just there's there's more than just acceptance. They they're happy to and acceptance. They they're happy to and acceptance. They they're happy to and they'll they'll stop and talk to you. they'll they'll stop and talk to you. they'll they'll stop and talk to you. You know, they're fascinating. Yeah. You know, they're fascinating. Yeah. You know, they're fascinating. Yeah. It's lovely today. It's lovely today. It's lovely today. >> How did you come to Da Lat when you >> How did you come to Da Lat when you >> How did you come to Da Lat when you first came? Or what was what brought you first came? Or what was what brought you first came? Or what was what brought you here? here? here? >> Well, I I'd been through Da Lat Nam a >> Well, I I'd been through Da Lat Nam a >> Well, I I'd been through Da Lat Nam a few times when I working mainly on golf few times when I working mainly on golf few times when I working mainly on golf tours and and that sort of thing. And on tours and and that sort of thing. And on tours and and that sort of thing. And on one of those we came to Da Lat. So, I one of those we came to Da Lat. So, I one of those we came to Da Lat. So, I was aware of this, but I we wouldn't was aware of this, but I we wouldn't was aware of this, but I we wouldn't have spent more than 48 hours here. But have spent more than 48 hours here. But have spent more than 48 hours here. But I was aware of it and of the topog- the I was aware of it and of the topog- the I was aware of it and of the topog- the basic topography, the the golf course basic topography, the the golf course basic topography, the the golf course above the lake and the lake's the above the lake and the lake's the above the lake and the lake's the central feature of Da Lat. Um and then I central feature of Da Lat. Um and then I central feature of Da Lat. Um and then I started looking around as a place to to started looking around as a place to to started looking around as a place to to retire in. And you know, weather and retire in. And you know, weather and retire in. And you know, weather and climate is one of the key issues and climate is one of the key issues and climate is one of the key issues and that's what really made Da Lat that's what really made Da Lat that's what really made Da Lat flick up so I actually came here um flick up so I actually came here um flick up so I actually came here um three times just on checking three times just on checking three times just on checking issues out issues out issues out uh on to see whether I would like it.

uh on to see whether I would like it. uh on to see whether I would like it. And you know, and I'd spend a week, 10 And you know, and I'd spend a week, 10 And you know, and I'd spend a week, 10 days here days here days here uh each time and uh and I firmed up all uh each time and uh and I firmed up all uh each time and uh and I firmed up all the issues, the the issues, the the issues, the you know, there was a there's there's you know, there was a there's there's you know, there was a there's there's what the food issues um and yeah, that what the food issues um and yeah, that what the food issues um and yeah, that was great. The supermarkets, yeah, was great. The supermarkets, yeah, was great. The supermarkets, yeah, that's great. Um got a feel for the cost that's great. Um got a feel for the cost that's great. Um got a feel for the cost of living, that was great. Uh and I find of living, that was great. Uh and I find of living, that was great. Uh and I find was confirmed, that was great. And and was confirmed, that was great. And and was confirmed, that was great. And and the people, you know, it's just I would the people, you know, it's just I would the people, you know, it's just I would sort of it was sort of almost getting sort of it was sort of almost getting sort of it was sort of almost getting adopted by the people. adopted by the people. adopted by the people. And they knew I was a visitor and And they knew I was a visitor and And they knew I was a visitor and thinking that I was coming back thinking that I was coming back thinking that I was coming back >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> to to on a regular basis, they had had >> to to on a regular basis, they had had >> to to on a regular basis, they had had yeah, oh, maybe try this and you want to yeah, oh, maybe try this and you want to yeah, oh, maybe try this and you want to try that again. try that again. try that again. So so you had that you know, and I have So so you had that you know, and I have So so you had that you know, and I have I I cannot think I I cannot think I I cannot think of one occasion when I've regretted of one occasion when I've regretted of one occasion when I've regretted making this a regular spot for me. making this a regular spot for me. making this a regular spot for me. >> So, when you come for a month or two, >> So, when you come for a month or two, >> So, when you come for a month or two, what is a typical month for you? What what is a typical month for you? What what is a typical month for you? What does it cost? does it cost? does it cost? >> Well, the um >> Well, the um >> Well, the um the um the um the um What currencies can we What currency What currencies can we What currency What currencies can we What currency would you like it in? would you like it in? would you like it in? >> Uh USD. >> Uh USD. >> Uh USD. >> Okay, US dollars.

>> Okay, US dollars. >> Okay, US dollars. It's It's It's the accommodation normally cost me about the accommodation normally cost me about the accommodation normally cost me about $400 a month. Now, I could probably get $400 a month. Now, I could probably get $400 a month. Now, I could probably get it cheaper if I was it cheaper if I was it cheaper if I was here and be here. here and be here. here and be here. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> But I This is really comfortable, so a >> But I This is really comfortable, so a >> But I This is really comfortable, so a bedroom bedroom bedroom apartment apartment apartment >> kitchen and everything? >> kitchen and everything? >> kitchen and everything? >> With a kitchen, >> With a kitchen, >> With a kitchen, a bathroom, separate bathroom, separate a bathroom, separate bathroom, separate a bathroom, separate bathroom, separate bedroom. bedroom. bedroom. >> Very nice. >> Very nice. >> Very nice. >> And fully furnished. Through that price >> And fully furnished. Through that price >> And fully furnished. Through that price includes Wi-Fi, power, water, includes Wi-Fi, power, water, includes Wi-Fi, power, water, everything. I mean, I pay I pay the the everything. I mean, I pay I pay the the everything. I mean, I pay I pay the the >> Electric too? AC? >> Electric too? AC? >> Electric too? AC? >> Everything. >> Everything. >> Everything. Yes, it's got a The bedroom has a both a Yes, it's got a The bedroom has a both a Yes, it's got a The bedroom has a both a air con and a heater. Oh, wow. And it air con and a heater. Oh, wow. And it air con and a heater. Oh, wow. And it you know, it's just a reverse cycle. you know, it's just a reverse cycle. you know, it's just a reverse cycle. >> Oh, yeah. >> Oh, yeah. >> Oh, yeah. >> And which works well. And it actually is >> And which works well. And it actually is >> And which works well. And it actually is interestingly in the first two years interestingly in the first two years interestingly in the first two years that I was coming there, that I was coming there, that I was coming there, um um um I didn't use it at all. So much so that I didn't use it at all. So much so that I didn't use it at all. So much so that I asked the landlady, I asked the landlady, I asked the landlady, "Should I use Just just just for "Should I use Just just just for "Should I use Just just just for maintenance?" Just maintenance?" Just maintenance?" Just But I know I'm you know, global warming But I know I'm you know, global warming But I know I'm you know, global warming is even affecting Da Lat, so I now use is even affecting Da Lat, so I now use is even affecting Da Lat, so I now use it. So, it. So, it. So, just leave it the cool just leave it the cool just leave it the cool but be a site. It's everything that I but be a site. It's everything that I but be a site. It's everything that I need is there. And and the the $400 need is there. And and the the $400 need is there. And and the the $400 covers everything.

covers everything. covers everything. You know, I I mean, literally even You know, I I mean, literally even You know, I I mean, literally even including maintenance and you know, including maintenance and you know, including maintenance and you know, >> She's great on that. >> She's great on that. >> She's great on that. >> And then groceries >> And then groceries >> And then groceries that's about that's about that's about It's about It's about It's about I budget about 6 million dong I budget about 6 million dong I budget about 6 million dong for food and clothing and whatever. Boy, for food and clothing and whatever. Boy, for food and clothing and whatever. Boy, whatever that is, 6 million dong. whatever that is, 6 million dong. whatever that is, 6 million dong. >> 240 bucks. >> 240 bucks. >> 240 bucks. >> Yeah, about Okay, 240 >> Yeah, about Okay, 240 >> Yeah, about Okay, 240 dollars. So, so that's about 650 dollars. So, so that's about 650 dollars. So, so that's about 650 US dollars. I mean, that's all that I US dollars. I mean, that's all that I US dollars. I mean, that's all that I need. You know, I eat well. need. You know, I eat well. need. You know, I eat well. Da Lat is the market garden one of the Da Lat is the market garden one of the Da Lat is the market garden one of the market's gardens of Vietnam. So, food market's gardens of Vietnam. So, food market's gardens of Vietnam. So, food and veg is is largely grown here. There and veg is is largely grown here. There and veg is is largely grown here. There are are are imported stuff, but food and veg odds imported stuff, but food and veg odds imported stuff, but food and veg odds grown here, so it's cheap, fresh, all grown here, so it's cheap, fresh, all grown here, so it's cheap, fresh, all um um um chicken, pork, and beef, you know, is chicken, pork, and beef, you know, is chicken, pork, and beef, you know, is even beef's perhaps not something you'd even beef's perhaps not something you'd even beef's perhaps not something you'd want to use for the steaks from, but uh want to use for the steaks from, but uh want to use for the steaks from, but uh it's all right in stews and casseroles, it's all right in stews and casseroles, it's all right in stews and casseroles, it's uh it's fine. And then of course it's uh it's fine. And then of course it's uh it's fine. And then of course there's the local food, which is there's the local food, which is there's the local food, which is you know, it's so different, but but a you know, it's so different, but but a you know, it's so different, but but a delight. And the and I mean it's almost delight. And the and I mean it's almost delight. And the and I mean it's almost cheaper to eat out than to eat in.

cheaper to eat out than to eat in. cheaper to eat out than to eat in. Buffet. And Buffet. And Buffet. And >> Yeah. And so that covers restaurants and >> Yeah. And so that covers restaurants and >> Yeah. And so that covers restaurants and home groceries? home groceries? home groceries? >> Yeah, yes. I mean I um I I got I arrived >> Yeah, yes. I mean I um I I got I arrived >> Yeah, yes. I mean I um I I got I arrived just before COVID struck, and now I was just before COVID struck, and now I was just before COVID struck, and now I was I was actually here for 2 years over the I was actually here for 2 years over the I was actually here for 2 years over the COVID period. The government the COVID period. The government the COVID period. The government the government was very kind and allowed government was very kind and allowed government was very kind and allowed people who were here people who were here people who were here >> And allowed them to stay. >> And allowed them to stay. >> And allowed them to stay. >> to stay. To stay. And they just kept >> to stay. To stay. And they just kept >> to stay. To stay. And they just kept renewing our visas. renewing our visas. renewing our visas. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> And I that at that time a lot of the >> And I that at that time a lot of the >> And I that at that time a lot of the restaurants were closed, so I got out of restaurants were closed, so I got out of restaurants were closed, so I got out of the habit of going out. I got used to the habit of going out. I got used to the habit of going out. I got used to actually cooking my own meals, so I've actually cooking my own meals, so I've actually cooking my own meals, so I've actually I haven't really shaken myself actually I haven't really shaken myself actually I haven't really shaken myself free of that, and I that's something I free of that, and I that's something I free of that, and I that's something I keep telling myself, and this will serve keep telling myself, and this will serve keep telling myself, and this will serve to remind me I I love the Vietnamese to remind me I I love the Vietnamese to remind me I I love the Vietnamese food, and if I go out with Vietnamese food, and if I go out with Vietnamese food, and if I go out with Vietnamese people and and they choose, it's great. people and and they choose, it's great. people and and they choose, it's great. I haven't had a a bad or a I haven't had a a bad or a I haven't had a a bad or a meal that I didn't like ever. But but I meal that I didn't like ever. But but I meal that I didn't like ever. But but I just at this stage don't know enough just at this stage don't know enough just at this stage don't know enough about it, and about it, and about it, and I guess I've been too self-absorbed to I guess I've been too self-absorbed to I guess I've been too self-absorbed to get out and try, but and everyone tells get out and try, but and everyone tells get out and try, but and everyone tells me the food is excellent in Vietnam, as me the food is excellent in Vietnam, as me the food is excellent in Vietnam, as it is throughout Asia. But uh it is throughout Asia. But uh it is throughout Asia. But uh but they've got their special quirks but they've got their special quirks but they've got their special quirks here, and it's it's great. And it's what here, and it's it's great. And it's what here, and it's it's great. And it's what You know what surprised me? It's you can You know what surprised me? It's you can You know what surprised me? It's you can have a meal and think have a meal and think have a meal and think um quite there's not much food on that um quite there's not much food on that um quite there's not much food on that plate, and then you eat it, plate, and then you eat it, plate, and then you eat it, and you ain't and you ain't and you ain't ain't full.

ain't full. ain't full. >> No, no. >> No, no. >> No, no. >> So, it works, you know, it's it's great. >> So, it works, you know, it's it's great. >> So, it works, you know, it's it's great. And yes, it would probably be it could And yes, it would probably be it could And yes, it would probably be it could well be cheaper for me to to eat out, so well be cheaper for me to to eat out, so well be cheaper for me to to eat out, so you know, obviously if I eat out, I you know, obviously if I eat out, I you know, obviously if I eat out, I don't need to eat at home. Right. And I don't need to eat at home. Right. And I don't need to eat at home. Right. And I feel full. feel full. feel full. >> So, that's mostly eating at home. So, >> So, that's mostly eating at home. So, >> So, that's mostly eating at home. So, you like to cook? you like to cook? you like to cook? >> Yeah, well, I'm >> Yeah, well, I'm >> Yeah, well, I'm I I don't mind cooking. I'm not saying I I don't mind cooking. I'm not saying I I don't mind cooking. I'm not saying I'm an ever I'm not a foodie that I'm an ever I'm not a foodie that I'm an ever I'm not a foodie that I like decent food and it's easy. And I like decent food and it's easy. And I like decent food and it's easy. And things like chicken breasts are so things like chicken breasts are so things like chicken breasts are so cheap. cheap. cheap. And it's easy to make a you know, a And it's easy to make a you know, a And it's easy to make a you know, a chicken breast with with some vegetables chicken breast with with some vegetables chicken breast with with some vegetables in her video. So, it's it's it's in her video. So, it's it's it's in her video. So, it's it's it's >> And so, if you do go out for Vietnamese >> And so, if you do go out for Vietnamese >> And so, if you do go out for Vietnamese food, food, food, what what is a dish cost in a restaurant what what is a dish cost in a restaurant what what is a dish cost in a restaurant a local? a local? a local? >> Well, I mean, it it it's it's whatever >> Well, I mean, it it it's it's whatever >> Well, I mean, it it it's it's whatever you want to pay that you want to pay that you want to pay that obviously is a the range. But, your obviously is a the range. But, your obviously is a the range. But, your starting point um would be 40 I mean, we starting point um would be 40 I mean, we starting point um would be 40 I mean, we can see it advertised and as you walk can see it advertised and as you walk can see it advertised and as you walk past shops in in Vietnamese past shops in in Vietnamese past shops in in Vietnamese I've been to the local clientele. 40 to I've been to the local clientele. 40 to I've been to the local clientele. 40 to 50,000 dong a meal. 50,000 dong a meal. 50,000 dong a meal. >> Yeah, yeah. >> Yeah, yeah. >> Yeah, yeah. >> You'll be full from that. I mean, you >> You'll be full from that. I mean, you >> You'll be full from that. I mean, you know, and and maybe you have a little know, and and maybe you have a little know, and and maybe you have a little bit extra here and there and that's bit extra here and there and that's bit extra here and there and that's more but but 50,000 dong you can easily more but but 50,000 dong you can easily more but but 50,000 dong you can easily eat to eat to eat to your satisfaction. And yeah, there are your satisfaction. And yeah, there are your satisfaction. And yeah, there are also all degrees of higher than that.

also all degrees of higher than that. also all degrees of higher than that. >> Oh, sure though they go out for steak or >> Oh, sure though they go out for steak or >> Oh, sure though they go out for steak or a burger. a burger. a burger. >> Yeah, or even >> Yeah, or even >> Yeah, or even more higher quality. It's not so much more higher quality. It's not so much more higher quality. It's not so much the food, it's the surround. the food, it's the surround. the food, it's the surround. >> Oh, right. Right. The atmosphere. >> Oh, right. Right. The atmosphere. >> Oh, right. Right. The atmosphere. >> of of the place. And I mean, I there's a >> of of the place. And I mean, I there's a >> of of the place. And I mean, I there's a so-called I won't name it because I so-called I won't name it because I so-called I won't name it because I don't want to be accused of whatever but don't want to be accused of whatever but don't want to be accused of whatever but one of these supposedly elite one of these supposedly elite one of these supposedly elite hotels here and uh hotels here and uh hotels here and uh um I had one meal there when some um I had one meal there when some um I had one meal there when some friends were in town. I was exuberant, friends were in town. I was exuberant, friends were in town. I was exuberant, you know. But, it's got out because it you know. But, it's got out because it you know. But, it's got out because it was so exuberant and in some other place was so exuberant and in some other place was so exuberant and in some other place in in in that area. in in in that area. in in in that area. >> So expensive. >> So expensive. >> So expensive. >> Yeah, yeah. I mean, for and not for >> Yeah, yeah. I mean, for and not for >> Yeah, yeah. I mean, for and not for particularly good meal, you know. particularly good meal, you know. particularly good meal, you know. >> Yeah, there isn't always a relationship >> Yeah, there isn't always a relationship >> Yeah, there isn't always a relationship between cost and quality when you when between cost and quality when you when between cost and quality when you when you start eating what I call expat or you start eating what I call expat or you start eating what I call expat or tourist food. Yeah. Um it's Yeah, that's tourist food. Yeah. Um it's Yeah, that's tourist food. Yeah. Um it's Yeah, that's a great observation. Um and so, um what a great observation. Um and so, um what a great observation. Um and so, um what about safety? Do you feel safe here in about safety? Do you feel safe here in about safety? Do you feel safe here in Vietnam? Vietnam? Vietnam? >> Um you know, I >> Um you know, I >> Um you know, I you know, I had I don't know about you you know, I had I don't know about you you know, I had I don't know about you know, it's best part of 50 years in Asia know, it's best part of 50 years in Asia know, it's best part of 50 years in Asia and I've never really ever felt um and I've never really ever felt um and I've never really ever felt um threatened in any way and then in the threatened in any way and then in the threatened in any way and then in the early days I was doing a job where I was early days I was doing a job where I was early days I was doing a job where I was sort of a policing job in many senses, sort of a policing job in many senses, sort of a policing job in many senses, but even there I got a couple of but even there I got a couple of but even there I got a couple of warnings, but but in Vietnam uh warnings, but but in Vietnam uh warnings, but but in Vietnam uh I have never ever felt I have never ever felt I have never ever felt remotely threatened or ever.

remotely threatened or ever. remotely threatened or ever. Um Um Um or that having said that, I um I don't or that having said that, I um I don't or that having said that, I um I don't want to give the impression that Asia is want to give the impression that Asia is want to give the impression that Asia is a dangerous place and the fact is I've a dangerous place and the fact is I've a dangerous place and the fact is I've spent time and I've spent time and I've spent time and I've I've spent a lot of time in all many of I've spent a lot of time in all many of I've spent a lot of time in all many of the countries of Asia cuz I've had the countries of Asia cuz I've had the countries of Asia cuz I've had regional jobs. regional jobs. regional jobs. The The threats can be over I mean, if The The threats can be over I mean, if The The threats can be over I mean, if you're if you go out and get drunk and you're if you go out and get drunk and you're if you go out and get drunk and late at night, yes, you're going to find late at night, yes, you're going to find late at night, yes, you're going to find trouble anywhere. But if you're the trouble anywhere. But if you're the trouble anywhere. But if you're the normal visitor, um normal visitor, um normal visitor, um throughout Asia, I I I can't think throughout Asia, I I I can't think throughout Asia, I I I can't think anywhere they they really you have to anywhere they they really you have to anywhere they they really you have to look for troubles. look for troubles. look for troubles. >> Have you had a chance to use health care >> Have you had a chance to use health care >> Have you had a chance to use health care in Vietnam or other parts? in Vietnam or other parts? in Vietnam or other parts? >> Um um >> Um um >> Um um very little um except um very little um except um very little um except um I'll give you a couple of them just cuz I'll give you a couple of them just cuz I'll give you a couple of them just cuz it will give you an idea of costs. Um it will give you an idea of costs. Um it will give you an idea of costs. Um during COVID, I I used to do my medicals during COVID, I I used to do my medicals during COVID, I I used to do my medicals in Thailand in Bangkok and I had a in Thailand in Bangkok and I had a in Thailand in Bangkok and I had a Samitivej Hospital and I used to go Samitivej Hospital and I used to go Samitivej Hospital and I used to go there on a regular basis. So, they had there on a regular basis. So, they had there on a regular basis. So, they had all my records, but during COVID, this all my records, but during COVID, this all my records, but during COVID, this wasn't possible. So, I went to wasn't possible. So, I went to wasn't possible. So, I went to um a private hospital here cuz I wanted um a private hospital here cuz I wanted um a private hospital here cuz I wanted to get a cholesterol to get a cholesterol to get a cholesterol uh and a uh and a uh and a PSA test.

PSA test. PSA test. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> They're the two things I was concerned >> They're the two things I was concerned >> They're the two things I was concerned about. about. about. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And that cost just under just under a >> And that cost just under just under a >> And that cost just under just under a million dong. million dong. million dong. I mean, and and it was all done I mean, and and it was all done I mean, and and it was all done efficiently, clinically, health centered efficiently, clinically, health centered efficiently, clinically, health centered and it took about and it took about and it took about 40 minutes and then I'd say an hour up 40 minutes and then I'd say an hour up 40 minutes and then I'd say an hour up up I had a quick chat with the doctor up I had a quick chat with the doctor up I had a quick chat with the doctor about the results. about the results. about the results. >> So so that included 40 bucks for the >> So so that included 40 bucks for the >> So so that included 40 bucks for the doctor and the testing. doctor and the testing. doctor and the testing. >> Everything all up. >> Everything all up. >> Everything all up. >> Yeah, and and in one day you had your >> Yeah, and and in one day you had your >> Yeah, and and in one day you had your answer. answer. answer. >> Uh within 1 hour. >> Uh within 1 hour. >> Uh within 1 hour. >> 1 hour? >> 1 hour? >> 1 hour? >> 1 hour from the time they stuck the >> 1 hour from the time they stuck the >> 1 hour from the time they stuck the needle in and took the blood sample and needle in and took the blood sample and needle in and took the blood sample and then did the test and that took about 40 then did the test and that took about 40 then did the test and that took about 40 minutes. They came back gave me results minutes. They came back gave me results minutes. They came back gave me results so the doctor and we went through the so the doctor and we went through the so the doctor and we went through the results are good so results are good so results are good so >> And is that insurance deductible or is >> And is that insurance deductible or is >> And is that insurance deductible or is that just cash you're paying? that just cash you're paying? that just cash you're paying? >> I just paid cash. I don't have I don't >> I just paid cash. I don't have I don't >> I just paid cash. I don't have I don't have any medical insurance. have any medical insurance. have any medical insurance. That that a million dong I mean for the That that a million dong I mean for the That that a million dong I mean for the peace of mind. peace of mind. peace of mind. >> 40 bucks. >> 40 bucks. >> 40 bucks. >> And yeah, I mean it's just >> And yeah, I mean it's just >> And yeah, I mean it's just another thing is is is dental care. I've another thing is is is dental care. I've another thing is is is dental care. I've had a had a had a couple of issues here with teeth being couple of issues here with teeth being couple of issues here with teeth being removed etc. Whatever and I've got one removed etc. Whatever and I've got one removed etc. Whatever and I've got one coming up. And this perhaps is a good coming up. And this perhaps is a good coming up. And this perhaps is a good example. I've got a tooth that needs example. I've got a tooth that needs example. I've got a tooth that needs What do I call it? It's something like a What do I call it? It's something like a What do I call it? It's something like a Spanish Inquisition. Root canal. Yeah.

Spanish Inquisition. Root canal. Yeah. Spanish Inquisition. Root canal. Yeah. And this kind of cost about four and a And this kind of cost about four and a And this kind of cost about four and a half million dong. half million dong. half million dong. Uh And this is the dentist who I've used Uh And this is the dentist who I've used Uh And this is the dentist who I've used now half a dozen times and I have now half a dozen times and I have now half a dozen times and I have absolute faith in absolute faith in absolute faith in young guy. young guy. young guy. Uh Uh Uh he's young about in his 30s. Um The equipment looks ultra modern and his The equipment looks ultra modern and his and his surgery all the all the and his surgery all the all the and his surgery all the all the protocols on hygiene etc. seem to be protocols on hygiene etc. seem to be protocols on hygiene etc. seem to be observed. And then I've as I mean using observed. And then I've as I mean using observed. And then I've as I mean using him I mean I I save up my dental issues him I mean I I save up my dental issues him I mean I I save up my dental issues for him if I'm if I'm not in doubt at for him if I'm if I'm not in doubt at for him if I'm if I'm not in doubt at the time. the time. the time. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> However >> However >> However >> And so that's the root canal and the >> And so that's the root canal and the >> And so that's the root canal and the crown everything. crown everything. crown everything. >> That's that's the whole >> That's that's the whole >> That's that's the whole >> For 4.5 what's that for? >> For 4.5 what's that for? >> For 4.5 what's that for? 160 bucks? 160 bucks? 160 bucks? >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Well, 170 bucks even. >> Well, 170 bucks even. >> Well, 170 bucks even. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. >> For a crown and and a root canal. >> For a crown and and a root canal. >> For a crown and and a root canal. >> Yeah. Oh yeah, that's >> Yeah. Oh yeah, that's >> Yeah. Oh yeah, that's it's unbelievable. I mean I it's it it's unbelievable. I mean I it's it it's unbelievable. I mean I it's it really is. And I it's not a question. I really is. And I it's not a question. I really is. And I it's not a question. I mean you you go back for a checkup mean you you go back for a checkup mean you you go back for a checkup they'll come and see me in a couple of they'll come and see me in a couple of they'll come and see me in a couple of weeks just to make sure it's all weeks just to make sure it's all weeks just to make sure it's all >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> Yeah. Yeah. Yeah. >> And and you so you think oh that's fair >> And and you so you think oh that's fair >> And and you so you think oh that's fair enough Makes sense. So, you go and see enough Makes sense. So, you go and see enough Makes sense. So, you go and see him and he has a check and takes a look him and he has a check and takes a look him and he has a check and takes a look at at at You go and say how much of that No, You go and say how much of that No, You go and say how much of that No, that's That's nothing.

that's That's nothing. that's That's nothing. >> That's included. >> That's included. >> That's included. >> That's you know, we just wanted to check >> That's you know, we just wanted to check >> That's you know, we just wanted to check out. out. out. >> Make sure our work is good. >> Make sure our work is good. >> Make sure our work is good. >> And you know, but where would you get >> And you know, but where would you get >> And you know, but where would you get that in the West? that in the West? that in the West? >> Have you done Have you done any dating >> Have you done Have you done any dating >> Have you done Have you done any dating here in Vietnam or here in Vietnam or here in Vietnam or >> I've I've been single all my life and >> I've I've been single all my life and >> I've I've been single all my life and and I I've grown used to living on my and I I've grown used to living on my and I I've grown used to living on my own and I'm not sure own and I'm not sure own and I'm not sure at this stage in my life I want to take at this stage in my life I want to take at this stage in my life I want to take on a on a on a a partner because I've got so used to a partner because I've got so used to a partner because I've got so used to living on my own. However, I have to say living on my own. However, I have to say living on my own. However, I have to say that I find the that I find the that I find the Vietnamese ladies a very attractive Vietnamese ladies a very attractive Vietnamese ladies a very attractive bunch. So, bunch. So, bunch. So, and you know, I I'm out and I I have a and you know, I I'm out and I I have a and you know, I I'm out and I I have a few friends and few friends and few friends and uh uh uh If I was going to make a commitment, I'd If I was going to make a commitment, I'd If I was going to make a commitment, I'd happily make one with one or I mean they happily make one with one or I mean they happily make one with one or I mean they They're just warm people. They're just warm people. They're just warm people. >> I keep a Vietnam number, right? And I >> I keep a Vietnam number, right? And I >> I keep a Vietnam number, right? And I you know, I would I'd you know, I would I'd you know, I would I'd >> be hard-pressed >> be hard-pressed >> be hard-pressed to spend to spend to spend 100,000 dong. In fact, I don't spend 100,000 dong. In fact, I don't spend 100,000 dong. In fact, I don't spend 100,000 dong would last me 100,000 dong would last me 100,000 dong would last me you know, 2 months easy.

you know, 2 months easy. you know, 2 months easy. >> So, it's $4 or less per month for your >> So, it's $4 or less per month for your >> So, it's $4 or less per month for your SIM card and your phone and data and all SIM card and your phone and data and all SIM card and your phone and data and all that. that. that. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Yes. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> Wow. >> It is Wi-Fi is so universally >> It is Wi-Fi is so universally >> It is Wi-Fi is so universally available available available and I'm talking specifically Da Lat and and I'm talking specifically Da Lat and and I'm talking specifically Da Lat and Saigon, which are the two parts I know Saigon, which are the two parts I know Saigon, which are the two parts I know best. But and you can go into a you best. But and you can go into a you best. But and you can go into a you know, either restaurant or coffee shop know, either restaurant or coffee shop know, either restaurant or coffee shop or whatever and spend hours there. Yeah. or whatever and spend hours there. Yeah. or whatever and spend hours there. Yeah. Buy one cup of coffee and they're happy Buy one cup of coffee and they're happy Buy one cup of coffee and they're happy for you to sit there with quality Wi-Fi. for you to sit there with quality Wi-Fi. for you to sit there with quality Wi-Fi. >> Um >> Um >> Um >> And and you know, and I mean, that's a >> And and you know, and I mean, that's a >> And and you know, and I mean, that's a These days, that's a big part of life. These days, that's a big part of life. These days, that's a big part of life. >> Did you have like a dream as as a child >> Did you have like a dream as as a child >> Did you have like a dream as as a child that you wanted to travel the world or that you wanted to travel the world or that you wanted to travel the world or how did all that happen? how did all that happen? how did all that happen? >> Well, >> Well, >> Well, it's interesting. I mean, in New it's interesting. I mean, in New it's interesting. I mean, in New Zealand, they Zealand, they Zealand, they I mean, when I grew up, it was really I mean, when I grew up, it was really I mean, when I grew up, it was really what what what it was pre-TV. it was pre-TV. it was pre-TV. The bottom of the world. You read about The bottom of the world. You read about The bottom of the world. You read about the news on in in newspapers which were the news on in in newspapers which were the news on in in newspapers which were the international one would be at least the international one would be at least the international one would be at least a week old or the radio. Yeah. a week old or the radio. Yeah. a week old or the radio. Yeah. But, you know, as we then TV came in But, you know, as we then TV came in But, you know, as we then TV came in while I was there and so we started while I was there and so we started while I was there and so we started shooting right in. And New Zealanders shooting right in. And New Zealanders shooting right in. And New Zealanders tended to be inquiring about where to tended to be inquiring about where to tended to be inquiring about where to go. So, it was common for most go. So, it was common for most go. So, it was common for most youngsters to to head off overseas. So, youngsters to to head off overseas. So, youngsters to to head off overseas. So, that was that was part I I was going to that was that was part I I was going to that was that was part I I was going to do the same with some friends but then do the same with some friends but then do the same with some friends but then they I got a job offer in Hong Kong they I got a job offer in Hong Kong they I got a job offer in Hong Kong which came out of the blue. And that was which came out of the blue. And that was which came out of the blue. And that was really only the job offer was really only the job offer was really only the job offer was specifically to do a specific job for 6 specifically to do a specific job for 6 specifically to do a specific job for 6 months to a year.

months to a year. months to a year. But, I'd been there in Hong Kong and But, I'd been there in Hong Kong and But, I'd been there in Hong Kong and this is 1973 for 24 hours and I realized this is 1973 for 24 hours and I realized this is 1973 for 24 hours and I realized this was the place for me. Now, I just this was the place for me. Now, I just this was the place for me. Now, I just loved it. So, I have never ever had a loved it. So, I have never ever had a loved it. So, I have never ever had a feel to leave Asia. feel to leave Asia. feel to leave Asia. And when I came to retirement, I mean, And when I came to retirement, I mean, And when I came to retirement, I mean, the question was not the question was not the question was not where do I go but what part of Asia do I where do I go but what part of Asia do I where do I go but what part of Asia do I go to? go to? go to? >> Yeah, yeah. >> Yeah, yeah. >> Yeah, yeah. >> And I I mean, and I that's probably >> And I I mean, and I that's probably >> And I I mean, and I that's probably relevant to what we're talking about relevant to what we're talking about relevant to what we're talking about because I mean, I accept that Asia may because I mean, I accept that Asia may because I mean, I accept that Asia may not necessarily be everybody's cup of not necessarily be everybody's cup of not necessarily be everybody's cup of tea. tea. tea. >> Right. >> Right. >> Right. >> But, it's mine. >> But, it's mine. >> But, it's mine. >> If you were to characterize that, what >> If you were to characterize that, what >> If you were to characterize that, what is it about Asia that's different? is it about Asia that's different? is it about Asia that's different? >> In America, if you're in a business deal >> In America, if you're in a business deal >> In America, if you're in a business deal and some partner sort of falls by the and some partner sort of falls by the and some partner sort of falls by the wayside, you'll sue. And boy, we'll we wayside, you'll sue. And boy, we'll we wayside, you'll sue. And boy, we'll we sue that guy in broad daylight. sue that guy in broad daylight. sue that guy in broad daylight. In Asia, though, so let's you know, we In Asia, though, so let's you know, we In Asia, though, so let's you know, we want to get this building built or this want to get this building built or this want to get this building built or this project finished. So, project finished. So, project finished. So, okay, he's let us down. What do we need okay, he's let us down. What do we need okay, he's let us down. What do we need to do to get this finished? to do to get this finished? to do to get this finished? >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> And they'll work together to get it >> And they'll work together to get it >> And they'll work together to get it finished because that's the objective. finished because that's the objective. finished because that's the objective. Now, they'll probably want to deal with Now, they'll probably want to deal with Now, they'll probably want to deal with that guy again. But, there's no time that guy again. But, there's no time that guy again. But, there's no time wasted on wasted on wasted on on vendettas. It's just let's get the on vendettas. It's just let's get the on vendettas. It's just let's get the job done. And that's why, you know, when job done. And that's why, you know, when job done. And that's why, you know, when I look at the 50 odd years I've spent in I look at the 50 odd years I've spent in I look at the 50 odd years I've spent in Asia, I've seen so much progress in so Asia, I've seen so much progress in so Asia, I've seen so much progress in so many countries. In fact, in many countries. In fact, in many countries. In fact, in in in the countries I've visited, every in in the countries I've visited, every in in the countries I've visited, every country just about country just about country just about because they've because they've because they've want to get things done and they just want to get things done and they just want to get things done and they just focus on the issues of getting them focus on the issues of getting them focus on the issues of getting them done. You know, I just I'm happy the way done. You know, I just I'm happy the way done. You know, I just I'm happy the way they run their lives and I feel they run their lives and I feel they run their lives and I feel comfortable doing it the same way.

comfortable doing it the same way. comfortable doing it the same way. >> Do you think it's because they're >> Do you think it's because they're >> Do you think it's because they're they're focused on the objective rather they're focused on the objective rather they're focused on the objective rather than deciding who's right and than deciding who's right and than deciding who's right and >> Oh, yeah, absolutely. >> Oh, yeah, absolutely. >> Oh, yeah, absolutely. >> It's all objective focused. When people >> It's all objective focused. When people >> It's all objective focused. When people come to Asia from the Western country, come to Asia from the Western country, come to Asia from the Western country, they often have this attitude like they often have this attitude like they often have this attitude like they're teaching the locals about, you they're teaching the locals about, you they're teaching the locals about, you know, the more modern world or you know, know, the more modern world or you know, know, the more modern world or you know, this or that. What what sort of advice this or that. What what sort of advice this or that. What what sort of advice do you have for people that are coming do you have for people that are coming do you have for people that are coming to Asia that that can maybe they don't to Asia that that can maybe they don't to Asia that that can maybe they don't need to come with that need to come with that need to come with that >> Well, let me tell you give you this >> Well, let me tell you give you this >> Well, let me tell you give you this incident, which I think maybe addresses incident, which I think maybe addresses incident, which I think maybe addresses your question. I was in Phnom Penh or your question. I was in Phnom Penh or your question. I was in Phnom Penh or two or three years ago and I was just two or three years ago and I was just two or three years ago and I was just for a for a week. Staying in a hotel and for a for a week. Staying in a hotel and for a for a week. Staying in a hotel and they they the room wasn't very they they the room wasn't very they they the room wasn't very comfortable for me for for working on my comfortable for me for for working on my comfortable for me for for working on my laptop. So, they had a their breakfast laptop. So, they had a their breakfast laptop. So, they had a their breakfast facility facility facility on the roof and it was sort of covered on the roof and it was sort of covered on the roof and it was sort of covered but but open to the air and you know, but but open to the air and you know, but but open to the air and you know, right on the on the Mekong River. So, I right on the on the Mekong River. So, I right on the on the Mekong River. So, I threw it out. threw it out. threw it out. >> Exactly. >> Exactly. >> Exactly. >> And the service, as you would expect, >> And the service, as you would expect, >> And the service, as you would expect, was immaculate. was immaculate. was immaculate. I'll be up there for a few days and so I'll be up there for a few days and so I'll be up there for a few days and so I'd go up there and take my laptop and I'd go up there and take my laptop and I'd go up there and take my laptop and you know, you know, you know, always give a smile to the girls and you always give a smile to the girls and you always give a smile to the girls and you know, hey, what if I was there for an know, hey, what if I was there for an know, hey, what if I was there for an hour or so, they'd just bring me over hour or so, they'd just bring me over hour or so, they'd just bring me over another coffee.

another coffee. another coffee. >> Yeah, yeah. >> Yeah, yeah. >> Yeah, yeah. >> Not asked for and no charge, just no >> Not asked for and no charge, just no >> Not asked for and no charge, just no cost. At the cost. At the cost. At the At the same time, there was this I I At the same time, there was this I I At the same time, there was this I I think he was a Judging by his accent, think he was a Judging by his accent, think he was a Judging by his accent, this English guy. this English guy. this English guy. And he also came up about the times I And he also came up about the times I And he also came up about the times I did. did. did. Uh sitting on his own and with a laptop Uh sitting on his own and with a laptop Uh sitting on his own and with a laptop or an an iPad or something. And his or an an iPad or something. And his or an an iPad or something. And his attitude was I mean, it was it was attitude was I mean, it was it was attitude was I mean, it was it was polite, it wasn't rude. But it was I'm polite, it wasn't rude. But it was I'm polite, it wasn't rude. But it was I'm the guest and you're the servant. the guest and you're the servant. the guest and you're the servant. And and and and I say I'm I'm not And and and and I say I'm I'm not And and and and I say I'm I'm not suggesting he was giving offense at all, suggesting he was giving offense at all, suggesting he was giving offense at all, but but but if you can if you can if you can elucidate out of that the attitude. I elucidate out of that the attitude. I elucidate out of that the attitude. I mean, I was there and people were trying mean, I was there and people were trying mean, I was there and people were trying to be helpful and to be helpful and to be helpful and and you know, why not why not let them and you know, why not why not let them and you know, why not why not let them know you appreciate them. This is a know you appreciate them. This is a know you appreciate them. This is a certainly the education system in New certainly the education system in New certainly the education system in New Zealand Zealand Zealand and when I was growing up and when I was growing up and when I was growing up and that and that and that you know, the the British cast the you know, the the British cast the you know, the the British cast the civilizing net around the world. Well, civilizing net around the world. Well, civilizing net around the world. Well, it's crap, you know, I mean they it's crap, you know, I mean they it's crap, you know, I mean they the the the they weren't the worst. I remember I had they weren't the worst. I remember I had they weren't the worst. I remember I had a bit of a chip on my shoulder about a bit of a chip on my shoulder about a bit of a chip on my shoulder about colonialism and then I went to Macau.

colonialism and then I went to Macau. colonialism and then I went to Macau. This is in the 1970s. This is in the 1970s. This is in the 1970s. >> Which is across from Hong Kong. >> Which is across from Hong Kong. >> Which is across from Hong Kong. >> Which is sorry, it's a Portuguese colony >> Which is sorry, it's a Portuguese colony >> Which is sorry, it's a Portuguese colony just just just >> Yeah, across the Pearl River from Hong >> Yeah, across the Pearl River from Hong >> Yeah, across the Pearl River from Hong Kong. Kong. Kong. >> And I realized how badly you could run a >> And I realized how badly you could run a >> And I realized how badly you could run a colonies. colonies. colonies. So I I sort of and not about not about So I I sort of and not about not about So I I sort of and not about not about my view. So it's it's a question of my view. So it's it's a question of my view. So it's it's a question of attitude. You know, if you attitude. You know, if you attitude. You know, if you if you come to a place thinking that if you come to a place thinking that if you come to a place thinking that you're expecting and acting as if this you're expecting and acting as if this you're expecting and acting as if this place is inferior to what you'll come place is inferior to what you'll come place is inferior to what you'll come from. from. from. You know, you're going to have you're You know, you're going to have you're You know, you're going to have you're going to miss out on on the good things. going to miss out on on the good things. going to miss out on on the good things. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> Yeah. >> You know, one of the greatest age to >> You know, one of the greatest age to >> You know, one of the greatest age to getting on and and any new society is getting on and and any new society is getting on and and any new society is smiling. I make it a little game I play. smiling. I make it a little game I play. smiling. I make it a little game I play. I try to get the guy to smile and you I try to get the guy to smile and you I try to get the guy to smile and you know, and they smile and that's cool. know, and they smile and that's cool. know, and they smile and that's cool. Their faces just change because they're Their faces just change because they're Their faces just change because they're expecting and they see a foreigner expecting and they see a foreigner expecting and they see a foreigner always going to be grumpy. always going to be grumpy. always going to be grumpy. >> Well, it's it's so nice seeing you >> Well, it's it's so nice seeing you >> Well, it's it's so nice seeing you again, David. Thanks so much for meeting again, David. Thanks so much for meeting again, David. Thanks so much for meeting with us and telling your story. Bye-bye, with us and telling your story. Bye-bye, with us and telling your story. Bye-bye, everyone. everyone. everyone. >> Interviewing people that have retired >> Interviewing people that have retired >> Interviewing people that have retired overseas all over the world has been the overseas all over the world has been the overseas all over the world has been the joy of my life.

joy of my life. joy of my life. You'd like to watch a playlist of people You'd like to watch a playlist of people You'd like to watch a playlist of people who have retired all over the world, who have retired all over the world, who have retired all over the world, scroll through this playlist over here. scroll through this playlist over here. scroll through this playlist over here. If you'd like to know all of our If you'd like to know all of our If you'd like to know all of our favorite places to live in Vietnam, favorite places to live in Vietnam, favorite places to live in Vietnam, scroll through this playlist over here. scroll through this playlist over here. scroll through this playlist over here. >> [music]