I won't bother asking any more questions on here. Thanks to the majority of posters who offered good advice. Otherwise, it's easy to see why some farangs become expats.

@Paul ******

It was kind of a joke, mate, but you're not the kind of smart guy who would intuitively understand that.

@Paul ******

Wow, aren't you just the big man on here!

@Ric *******

Or they worked and I got a far less harsh dose of covid than would otherwise have been the case. What do I care about taking vaccines? Nothing. Doesn't cost me money and hopefully gives protection. My mother contracted polio in the days before a vaccine and spent her entire life paralysed and confined to a wheelchair. I am sure she would have been very grateful had a vaccine existed prrior to catching the virus at 18.

@Ric *******

Depends on your experience and when and where you get it. I had it recently and found it debilitating for 3 days and I took weeks to fully recover. I've had 5 vaccines, the last 3 weeks before getting covid. I caught it at a standing only concert and could as easily catch it on a plane. There is no harm in being prepared for difficult situations.

I have all bases covered, I believe. I have good insurance this time. At least I hope I do. Ridiculously expensive. I got motor bike cover (pillion) and will have a helmet. I've never cared about insurance before reading the online stories. I don't fancy myself on a Go Fund Me poster.

@Jay ********

I have been firing on all cylinders for a while.

@Jay ********

Thanks but I think I have sorted this in my head now. Even if I appear to have 'reacted defensively' to posts, you've all told me what I need to do and know. Much appreciated.

@John *********

Of course, I don't need to tell them when I go for the extension. Just smile a lot beneath the mask and try to seem healthy!

@Darren ******

I am not worried about getting struck down with covid - just the timing of it. If I was that concerned I wouldn't have bought the ticket etc.