I don't like to blog about other blogs or other websites for that matter. However there is one particular website/social network out there that really deserves a plug. Please forgive me, this once.
My personal blog was set up to keep my friends and family up to date with my antics but more and more I see people worldwide taking a look. Then recently I was approached by Chicky Net, the social network for (expat) women living in Thailand and asked if I would do an interview for them to publish on their site. I had no problem with this. Further, I was happy to help the growth of what I see as a very useful tool for women thinking of moving to Thailand or already living in Thailand.
I'll be honest. When I first moved to Phuket, I was not a huge fan. I worried, have i done the right thing? That was easily answered with, well, if you've screwed up just get on the next plane home! But worse, you are without family (although my boyfriend did move across to Phuket with me and my family at the time had enough issues so a break was most welcome). You are without friends (but you meet people very easily in Thailand with everybody seemingly so friendly). And finally, it all seems so terribly untidy after the relatively civilised and ordered life of the UK. I know some of you will think me mad for referring to life in the UK, or indeed most places in the Western World as civilised and ordered but seriously, come to Phuket... exposed electrical wires lining the streets, shops and restaurants with only 3 walls and no doors... I could go on! Strangely, men appear to seamlessly adapt to this untidy lifestyle but we girls I believe experience something different. We are less comfortable with not speaking the language of the country we are in, and we are further distrubed by having abandoned the familiarities we once took for granted.
This is where Chicky Net steps in.
Simply put Chicky Net is a social network that only accepts women into its arena - no fakes or phonies allowed (much to the frustrations of many men living in Thailand!). There is a useful classified section where I personally have sold items from our house within minutes of posting. This is much to Mik's complete amazement - he says it is witchcraft! Ha! There are also groups that you can join by your own nationality or interests, for example Sporty Chickies for those wanting to meet up with a few girls to play tennis or badminton or whatever else might be suggested. There is a forum where you can post questions about life in Thailand and you can get decent replies from other women in Thailand that have experienced/are experiencing similar issues. We even share recipe ideas! You name it - help with your Thai visa questions, need a house to rent, have a house to rent, found yourself with too many unwanted pets, want to meet new people, want to find and try new restaurants, want some advice on health or insurance or where to get a good leg wax(!)... It is all on Chicky Net!
I'll admit that I rarely have the time to attend the Chicky Net social events that I see posted to the network regularly but for women who feel lost in Thailand, this network can only be a great thing! For me, Chicky Net is a most welcome and useful tool for women in Thailand. Everything is that bit more accessible, that bit easier and I can only imagine, that bit more fun for those who have the time to be more heavily involved.
That is it. I have said my piece. There was no Chicky Net when I first arrived to Phuket almost nine years ago but I am happy that it is there for Thailand's (expat) women now.
Stay posted because I am off to Udonthani on Tuesday to celebrate James and Ning's 2nd wedding anniversary. You can see how much fun we had last time when we attended the wedding by reading my previous blog post "Wedding Thai Style - am I married? " . This post also goes further to explain why I am currently pondering, is this MY 2nd year wedding anniversary too?!
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