I lived in the USA for 10+ years.
People often ask me what I am missing from the USA?
The answer is nothing.
Rural Isaan is where I was born and brought up, the culture, the food, the people, etc.
It is where I feel I belong, so I am very happy to be home.
My American husband on the other hand?
He has learned how to adapt to living in Isaan better than most.
The things he misses, he finds replacements.
I would say for him, food mostly. Certain foods he liked to eat that we cannot find or get here in Isaan.
But once again, he has learned to find replacements that he does like here.
He did mention over-consumption, where in the USA people have access to all kinds of foods that are not healthy or good for you.
When there are no western fast food restaurants or stores around, you have a choice of healthy alternatives.
He can’t change the way it is here, just have to learn to eat what is available.
You have to adapt and live like a local, until you have a chance to make a trip to a big city in Thailand that offers more western food choices.
Other than that, he doesn’t miss anything.
Quite a peaceful and relaxing life for us both.
We feel very fortunate to be living here.