Renovation Triumph
As noted in “My ‘10s Journey” under “Bigger Move – Bigger House,” we timed it perfectly—moving into our 300m² La Charité-sur-Loire home just before France’s 2020 lockdown. With all materials ready, nothing stopped us from diving into this major renovation. I sketched plans and measured every exterior door and window for double-glazed replacements. Together with a stunning wooden garage door, also double-glazed, all was installed by the reliable MENUISERIE PINO in La Charité-sur-Loire. Agnes and I tackled the first-floor living area and three attic bedrooms, a full home overhaul. Then came the ground-floor atelier/studio/garage. Bought from its original owner (a 1970s plumbing company), that space was their workshop and garage. We transformed it into a spectacular 100 m2 atelier.
Pandemic Struggles
The pandemic’s lockdowns, 1.5-meter rules, mask mandates, and restricted dining caused catastrophic economic misery. Agnes’ boutique barely earned, and many businesses didn’t survive. Financially, it was tough—I’d retired from freelance building, and our island house took months to sell. Phew, finally some breathing room! Renovating kept us sane; each day’s creation—be it a wall or a door—sparked joy for mind and body. Agnes and I thrived on that, together.
Polarized Times
The pandemic hit us hard. It polarized people—pro versus anti—and tensions ran high. Friendships crumbled, and though things later calmed, the divide lingers. Since my 2008 money quest, I’ve grown critical of governments and unelected organizations like WHO, WEF, NATO, UN, EU, Bilderberg, and Silicon Valley tech giants. Their secretive collaborations and wealth accumulation, clear in annual reports, raise red flags. Criticism of Big Pharma is surging—follow the money, think for yourself, and question their motives.
Crypto Portrait Payoff
Post-renovation, our home was stunning. I returned to portrait painting, taking commissions in our luxurious 100m² atelier. Agnes taught workshops, and we hosted lively dinner parties and friend-filled gatherings—space galore!
Painting Charles Hoskinson’s portrait en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charles_Hoskinson was a wild ride. As a fan of Bitcoin and specifically Cardano with the ADA coin, I was impressed by Charles’ whiteboard presentation from 2017.
It screamed future-of-money vibes. A striking photo of him inspired me to paint his portrait. I contacted him, got his blessing—“Go for it, and if it’s my style, I’ll buy it”—and painted it. Shipped to his Colorado ranch, see his reaction in the video below. The painting now hangs prominently at the entrance hall Hoskinson Hospital, Charles founded with his doctor father and brother. See photo below.
On the 16th of January 2021 Charles showed this painting to the Cardano community at the end of one of his famous AMA videos. I was touched by the way he had put me in the spotlights. (He calls me Albert cause that’s my original given name at birth, most people know me as Bas)
More info about that painting: https://basvangaalen.com/portrait-of-charles-hoskinson/
Chasing Freedom in Thailand
After a few blissful years in our 300m² home, my freedom itch returned. Global events gnawed at me, so we decided to sell and rent instead. Selling freed us—cash in hand, ready to move anytime. Freedom restored! To dodge winter blues, we headed to Thailand, eyeing a semi-permanent winter spot. Chiang Rai, in the north, was our first stop—perfect winter weather, no mass tourism. Two weeks there felt right: safe, friendly people, amazing food, low prices, relaxed vibes.
Chiang Mai and Laos Adventures
Next, a 3-hour taxi to Chiang Mai, a 1.2-million-strong city packed with digital nomads and retirees. Our quiet guesthouse, minutes from the center, was great, but the traffic was intense. Stellar restaurants abounded—Thailand’s a global food champ. We loved the North Gate Jazz Co-Op Café-Bar, where Agnes sang at “Open Mic” nights, drawing a fun mix of global faces. But Chiang Mai’s tourist overload ruled it out as our winter base.
From Chiang Mai, we flew via Bangkok to Luang Prabang, Laos, hyped by friends and online buzz. The French-influenced city charmed at first—green, elegant buildings. But after a month in four guesthouses, we noticed a divide: Chinese-owned businesses dominated, creating tension with locals. It didn’t feel right for our winters.
Chiang Rai Calling
Chiang Rai won, hands down. Back from Luang Prabang, locals welcomed us warmly—restaurant staff even recognized us! We stayed a week with Gam, a guesthouse worker turned friend, who pointed us to her own guesthouse. She guided us to a perfect apartment, 10 minutes walk from Chiang Rai’s center. A month there was amazing, craving more. Gam’s now a dear friend.
Read more about ‘Chiang Rai Calling‘ and Why it’s our Winter Home. https://mytimewander.com/live-updates-life-in-chiang-rai/
