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a number-one best-selling author, success and book coach, and speaker on a mission to help leaders use the power of writing to uncover their unique stories so they can scale their impact.

I'm Stacy Ennis,

Hello there!

Thailand so far

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I'm a number-one best-selling author, success and book coach, and speaker on a mission to help leaders use the power of writing to uncover their unique stories so they can scale their impact.

Hi, I'm Stacy

 

The tribe: 2 adults, 2 kids, 2 cats

On July 12, we set out for our first international move as a family. Along with our tribe, we checked nine bags and carried on two, plus the running stroller and two cats.

Not only was this our first time moving overseas, it was our first time traveling overseas as a family of six (the cats are family too!). The longest flight we’d ever taken was about six hours, so we knew twenty-four hours of travel was going to be tough—especially the second flight, which was eleven-and-a-half hours.

We arrived in Phuket, Thailand, on July 13, after a slight delay in Seoul, South Korea. My husband and I were bleary eyed and our kids and cats were understandably exhausted.

My husband and daughter asleep on the plane

Upon arrival, we met our driver, who took us to the Airbnb we’d rented for the month.

Our first week revolved around overcoming jet lag and finding food. We explored the beach nearby—an unswimmable stretch of sand that is nonetheless breathtaking.

My husband and daughter exploring Surin beach

The week was full of exploration and learning. We convinced our five year old to try pad thai, which she loved. We learned to say “no sugar” whenever we order coffee or a smoothie; ate fresh coconut, mango, dragon fruit, and pineapple; wandered helplessly around Tesco Lotus, the local grocery store; ate at a beachside restaurant while wild pigs roamed nearby; set up our phones with help from new friends; ate delicious Indian food; visited Central, the big mall here; and swam in the ocean.

Enjoying her first fresh coconut

 

He loved it!

We also drove up a winding road to Big Buddha, a stunning buddhist temple atop a hill.

 

My son, in awe

 

Looking up at Big Buddha

 

Signing the guest book at Big Buddha

We are still in the Airbnb—a two-bedroom place we found for a good price since it’s low season here in Thailand. Unfortunately, it’s 45 minutes from the school we chose, which means lots of driving back and forth between Surin, where we’re staying, and where we’re moving. I love Surin—I wish we could live here, but it’s too far from Lily’s school. Along with a peaceful island vibe, I have a favorite fruit vendor and coffee shop, where I work nearly every day since I don’t have a home office set up yet.

Our local fruit vendor’s set up

 

The coffee shop that has become my work home

 

This is our third time moving to a developing country: Dominican Republic in 2009, Vietnam in 2010, and now Thailand. But in the past, it was just my husband and me. No kids, no cats. Two bags. No one to be responsible for or worry about.

I knew it would be harder this time. I expected it. But I’ll tell you straight up: I am exhausted. We have several things to nail down before we feel like we finally live here, including our home, our daughter’s school, and a long term car rental. Once those are done, we can really start to get to know this country.

But in spite of the exhaustion, I am invigorated. We’ve already made friends, had incredible adventures, and eaten great food. I’ve regained that feeling of daily intrigue: that sense of out-of-place-ness that gives me a thrill. I am most at home when I am out of place. There is something special about knowing no one and nothing, of figuring things out for yourself—or, more accurately, with a lot of help from kind strangers.

I think we’re going to love it here. This island will feel like home before we know it.

Comments +

  1. Jeri Walker says:

    When you eat bowl after bowl of delicious noodles think of me and how jealous I am 😉

  2. Cathy Valenti says:

    What an epic adventure – I love your photos and updates. It looks like a lovely place.

  3. Betsy Wills says:

    I’m already ready to visit!!! Can’t wait for your next post. Ordering some coconut water now …

  4. Laurie Gough says:

    In my travel writing workshops I sometimes tell people that scientists have studied brain activity of humans doing various activities. Not surprisingly they’ve found that the lowest level of brain activity occurs when people are watching TV. The highest level of brain activity occurs when people are wandering around a new city, trying to make sense of their surroundings. All kinds of neurons are firing as the brain makes millions of new connections every second. Your brain is growing as you explore. It sounds like this is happening to you, Stacy! And by the way, your kids are so beautiful! I’m sure you’ll get your bearings soon. Keep writing!

    • Stacy Ennis says:

      I just love this, Laurie. That research sounds right to me. It’s interesting how invigorated and exhausted I feel after exploring a new place. I’m sure you’ve had that same experience many times!

      And thanks for the sweet comment about my kids. I sure love them. 🙂

  5. Amanda Turner says:

    So awesome, Stacy! Keep it coming!

  6. Donna Cook says:

    What a fantastic experience you’ve hard so far! I love how you said you are most at home when you are out of place. That sums up the spirit of adventure so nicely. I’m looking forward to hearing more about your journey. Hugs. 🙂

    • Stacy Ennis says:

      Thanks for this comment, Donna. I love hearing from you! It’s been interesting being abroad with a new level of awareness. When I was younger, it was all new, and I didn’t dig deep into why I loved being overseas. I am learning that a sense of adventure is cultivated, because it is taking me some time to return to my old traveler self. Hugs right back.

  7. Kim Foster says:

    I love the pictures! Combined with your writing, you bring us a little closer to Thailand and your family.

  8. lonnie ennis says:

    thanks for the pics love you guys gp/ggp

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