Why I Chose to Live in Asia

Summary

In this reflective video, Niki shares his journey of living abroad for the past decade, with a focus on his experiences in Asia. He discusses the benefits of life in Asia, such as affordability, safety, the natural environment, and the chaotic yet exciting energy of cities. Niki explores the cultural and personal reasons behind his decision to live in Asia, from the warmth of the people to the unique experiences he encounters daily. He also touches on mental health and therapy, highlighting the importance of prioritizing well-being while embracing the vibrant, dynamic lifestyle of Southeast Asia.

Takeaways

• 😀 The speaker's first independent trip was 10 years ago, marking a journey of self-discovery and living abroad, primarily in Asia.
• 🌍 The speaker has lived in Asia for most of the past decade, despite being often asked why they chose Asia over Europe or the USA.
• 💰 Living in Asia is generally affordable, allowing the speaker to stretch their budget further compared to living in Europe or the USA.
• 🌿 The speaker enjoys the natural environment in Asia, appreciating the lush nature around them after leaving Russia.
• 🧠 Therapy has been a valuable tool for the speaker, helping them work through their experiences, including burnout and frustrations from making videos.
• ⚡ The chaotic yet energetic atmosphere in cities like Vietnam is something the speaker enjoys, offering a sense of unpredictability and fun.
• 🍲 Food in Vietnam and other parts of Asia is diverse and affordable, with the speaker enjoying local meals like Bánh Mì and Bò Kho.
• 🌧️ The affordability of living in Southeast Asia allows the speaker to save money and travel to more expensive destinations while maintaining an enjoyable lifestyle.
• 💼 The speaker’s online work allows them to live comfortably in Vietnam, with their monthly expenses ranging between $800 and $1,200.
• 🔒 Safety is a key benefit of living in Asia, with the speaker feeling safer in many Asian countries compared to Russia, Europe, or the USA, especially when walking around at night.

Q & A

Why did the speaker decide to live in Asia instead of Europe or the United States?

The speaker enjoys the lower cost of living, the friendly nature of people, and the abundance of natural surroundings. These factors, along with the opportunity to experience a slower-paced life, make Asia an appealing choice for the speaker.

How has living in Vietnam impacted the speaker's mental health?

Living in Vietnam has allowed the speaker to slow down and find greater peace of mind. They mentioned feeling happier in their recent videos and even consulted a therapist to help process their experiences, including their time in Russia.

What role did therapy play in the speaker's experience of living abroad?

Therapy helped the speaker reflect on their experiences, particularly regarding their time in Russia and the challenges of making videos. It became an essential tool for improving their mental well-being during their time in Asia.

Why does the speaker enjoy the chaotic nature of life in Asia?

The speaker enjoys the unpredictability and lively chaos of daily life in Asia, finding it to be amusing and full of unexpected experiences. This chaos adds a sense of excitement and adventure to their day-to-day routine.

How does the speaker navigate the challenges of crossing streets in Asia?

The speaker highlights the lack of order in street traffic and mentions that zebra crossings are often ignored. However, they have adapted by crossing with confidence and embracing the lively, sometimes chaotic nature of street life in Vietnam.

What is the affordability of living in Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries?

Living in Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries is very affordable. The speaker notes that they spend significantly less than they would in Europe or the U.S., and their monthly budget typically ranges between $800 and $1,200, making it easier to save and enjoy a comfortable lifestyle.

How does the speaker feel about the safety in Vietnam compared to other countries?

The speaker feels much safer in Vietnam compared to countries like Russia or parts of Europe. They appreciate the low crime rate, which allows them to walk around freely, even at night, without worrying about their personal safety or belongings.

What are the challenges of obtaining citizenship in Asia?

In most Asian countries, it is very difficult, if not impossible, for foreigners to gain citizenship. Unlike in Europe or America, where it’s possible to eventually become a citizen after a certain period of residence, Asian countries do not offer the same opportunities for naturalization.

Why did the speaker choose Vietnam over other Asian countries?

The speaker was particularly drawn to Vietnam because of the city of Dalat, which they find beautiful and with a climate that suits them. They also met many wonderful people there, which influenced their decision to stay longer.

What is the speaker's typical work setup while living in Vietnam?

The speaker works primarily by creating content on YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok. They also take on sponsorships, such as the one from BetterHelp, and have a community of supporters on platforms like Patreon and YouTube memberships.