Alan in 2017 was an average 65 year old Australian male. Self employed, a sole trader. If he didn’t work, he didn’t eat. No Super to speak of. Always looking for that break that would take the business to the next level that would lead to a comfortable retirement. We will let Alan take it from here……..
“In February of 2017 I was finally getting somewhere with my business. I’d spent a bit of money, but felt that I was on the cusp of something.
I started to get chest pains, which at first I passed off as stress (typical). Somehow sanity prevailed and I went to the doctor. After extensive testing, He said you have to go to hospital NOW. You are a time bomb.
Armed with a letter I attended the Gold Coast Hospital. After a battery of tests I was told I was to be admitted and Stented. On the day of the procedure the Doctor told me he would have to stop. I said that does not sound good. He said It is not.
A short time later I was confronted by a surgeon who told me “ He was the guy who was going to crack me open” (*SHIT*) I had been a policeman for many years and had witnessed numerous post mortems. I knew exactly what that meant (*DOUBLE SHIT*). He informed me that I had to remain in hospital whilst he rearranged his schedule. He further informed that I was a dead man walking and that without the procedure happening ASAP I would die (*TRIPPLE ….*)
After the OP I was told I had had a quadruple by – pass. With blockages of 100%. 90%. 60% and 40%, I had no right to be alive.
The impact on my business was devastating. I had run out of money and had no prospects of resurrecting my business. My environment had turned hostile with conflicts erupting on diffent fronts. I was recovering and living with my son. I had lost the energy and will to fight.
Decisions had to be made. I had previously been to Vietnam a few times and liked it. My current environment was toxic and offered a future of poverty and despair. I was on the aged pension that did not take me anywhere near my previous lifestyle.
Time to take action. I had to either make it happen or let it happen. But as Emerson once said when a decision is made the universe conspires. I was introduced to a guy that would eventually become one of the founders of PP.
He advised me to come to DANANG that is was the place for me. I told him that I had not been to DANANG. He told me to get on a plane and he would take care of the rest. I told him that I only had a buffer of two grand ( 500 of which was a gift from my brother). He told me to get on a plane. We would face each challenge as it arose. I got on a plane.
I got a cab to the hotel. He was waiting. He said your rooms on the first floor. Throw you bag in and come down and have a beer. I threw my bag in and never looked back.
That was seven years ago now. I live in a home stay and pay 90 aud a week, including power. The owners look after me like family, which was arranged by PP.
They taught me where to watch sport Where to eat. Where to get my medication. Where to get medical treatment. How to do a visa run. They put on social activities, Arrange trips etc. The advise and direction I have received has been priceless.
As I said its been seven years my buffer has grown to over ten grand (saved) I have lived like a prince all due in no small measure to the guys. They will do the same for you. All you have to do is GET ON A PLANE!”
Pensioners Paradise 