I still haven't heard from you on whether you got the money Sweetie. Let me know because it is hanging out there. If you have problems with your internet on the phone, please quickly check in an internet shop if you get this message. The confirmation is 016-831-8146 in the am't of $200 USD.
So. My new place is small, a bit bigger than the room I had at Huay Kaew Residence. The ceiling is slanted with the roof (it's on the top floor of three stories) and goes from about 2.2 meters high at the low end to nearly 3 meters at the higher end, so it has more overhead room than in Chiangmai. About 40% of the floor is large, marble-like tiles for the kitchen area and 60% of the rest is beautiful wood planks with dowels used to secure the flooring instead of nails On the wooden floor area is located a queen size bed and frame with a newer, good mattress and a two person, sofa. The apartment size is made up from floor length versus floor width, so it's one long and narrow room with a slanted ceiling.
Everything is new. Plenty of storage in a large wardrobe area that runs from the floor to the top of the highest point in the ceiling, with drawer and clothes rods with even a section in which I can place tall, thin, things, like brooms and mops to they'll be out of sight. There are large enough storage sections in the big wardrobe where I can even store my drum and large suitcase (that I could put under the bed even). The wood of the wardrobe is a natural stained redwood (like a mahoney or rosewood veneer) and matches the kitchen cabinets.
Again, everything is new. I have a four burner counter-top induction cooking area with hood over the stove (they supplied quality pans to cook on the induction stove) and strong exhaust fan, stainless steel sink, and all the counter tops are granite that includes a backwash extending all with way to the bottom of the upper cabinets also of granite. There is a built in granite snack bar that forms an 'L' at one end of the counter sufficient to serve two or three people (though I have only two elevated chairs with backs for the dining counter). This is more than sufficient for my eating area and will save on getting a small dining table and chairs that would only take up space. There is not a lot of extra space. A new micro wave is provided.
They've supplied some basic dishes and utensils (I'll have to add some). A very large refrigerator (new) was in the kitchen and I was asked if I wanted a smaller one to reduce the taking of floor space and I said yes. I stated that I've found the bigger the refrigerator, the more food you'll store in it which means likely far more food will be wasted. So, for me smaller is better.
Get this, since the whole apartment is part of a total rehabilitation of the building, the new electric is wired 220 volt so I can further add any appliance and the electric will accommodate it. Plus, there is a hot water on demand heating system that provided not only hot water for the nicely tiled shower area enclosed by sliding glass doors in a fully tiled bathroom, but, I have hot running water available for the sinks, the first time I've had that in four years since living in the states.
At the bedroom end of the apartment is a window about 2 meters x 2.5 meters with a section that opens out wide to let good airflow into the place. There is a passive exhaust located in the bathroom so there's an airflow that brings a new supply of fresh air. I have nice blinds with screen panels for the open window area to keep out flies etc. The window looks out on to a large porch area that I share with the owner's daughter and family. A standing view reveals mountain ridges backgrounding portions of the city. A seated view just shows sky. The breeze from the prevailing winds rushes across the porch area on the roof and helps with the airflow in the room. There's some traffic noise below, but, it's just background as traffic just drives through (not stop signs or lights) during the busy part of the day and being a couple of stories above cuts way down on the noise.
Even the mattress is good quality and the two pillow they supplied are memory foam. Two bed comforters are supplied, warm and good quality so I only need one to go with the tan blanket I use that reminds me of the Thai woman.
I'll have to buy a small set-up for a work station for my computer, possibly a couple of small tables to accommodate bedside and sitting area needs and a couple of small, thin and tall shelves. Except for some kitchen items, there are the only things that will be needed. On the porch, it would nice to have some room panels out to provide my own private area on the porch and maybe a chair and table. I also get some plants.
My other place is a total slum compared to this place. The old place is very unhealthy with dangerous level of mold and mildew permeating everything. It's always cold and the on the bottom level, the floor is stone and below the ground surface and constantly radiates cold. I'm lucky to get out of that place.
I found this new apartment from the gym owner where I workout. His father owns the building where the gym is located and is a general contractor doing the complete renovation of the building. Family members live in the building which means it will be safer. Being on an upper floor also makes it safe. So, even though I have to climb some stairs, the whole setup will be much more accommodating to my health.
In the next couple of days I'll write again about my health. I saw the doctor yesterday and brought him the xrays for interpretation. Not good at all. I am a candidate for knee replacement surgery. Good news, he has started and aggressive treatment that will help postpone surgery that I'll tell you about when I write again.
Love