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- Alt_Newsletter #0009 | June
Alt_Newsletter #0009 | June
One of my favorite events of the year is at the end of this month, and to make it even more exciting I am invited to speak there again this year 🎤
 | It’s Bansko Nomadfest - if you don’t know it - and it’s is one of the most established nomad events on the calendar. It’s a great excuse to head to Europe, but also meet a lot of the Alt_Fam who congregate there too. If you’re in town, please let me know! I’m just in the process of preparing my talk, and it’s a personal one. Alt_ only exists because I learned how to really connect to people, and there a few standout stories from around that time that explain this well. Some of those stories will be the cornerstone of what the audience hear and I hope they resonate with those hoping to find more connection. |
I’ll be sure to fill you in next month with how it went, and share some stories from being in Bansko with some of you!
John
P.S. Jazmine and I will be holding an Alt_Fam reunion during the week, so watch your inboxes!
In today’s Alt_Newsletter:
Have you joined Alt_Circle yet?
Meet the new Alt_PingRiver Community Manager!! 🎉
Dumplings and Pop Chicken were a hit on Taiwan night 🇹🇼
What to do in Chiang Mai in June
Spilling The Beans
👩🎓 We are hosting a series of groups of students, graduates, and future interns over the summer months. If you see them around, say hi and offer them some inspiration for their future journeys!
📅 There’s significant talk of an entrepreneur cohort at Alt_ in September, with participants congregating from many of our global partnerships. Watch for the next newsletter to apply to join a month of collaborating and achieving!
✈️ It’s very possible you’ll see a post or two of John jetting off to Taiwan with some government officials…and no, he’s not in trouble. At least not yet! Closer connections with the Taiwan Digital Nomad Association are in the pipeline!!
What happened at Alt_ in May
   | Taiwan Night!!!KK from Taiwan Digital Fest entertained us on Friday night, and gave away some free stays in Taipei during the upcoming Digital Fest. Digital nomads from across the city joined for dumplings, pop chicken and bubble tea, and made lots of new friends too! Thanks to TDNA for sponsoring the night! 🙏 Sleep Masterclass 💤Jason is usually seen holding the breathwork and ice bath meetups, but he’s got 10 years of helping people with their sleep in the bank too. The 20 people who attended would’ve gotten a great night’s sleep after this one for sure! Cupping with Bella GooseZak fills the house every time he puts on a workshop. Coffee is obviously popular in Chiang Mai these days, but Bella Goose have built up a big reputation throughout the city before they even set up at the Alt_ sites. Locals and nomads alike attend Zak’s cupping experiences, which makes for a colorful mix of people! |
Alt_Projects
Alt_Circle is here, giving a little back to you!
We’ve been planning this for some time, but we wanted to get it right. You might not realise it, but we get a LOT from our residents, and if there’s one thing we always wanted to do better it’s to recognise that in an Alt_ way.
So, we’ve made it simple for you. All you need to do to join Alt_Circle is stay at either Alt_ location a minimum of two times. We’ll add you to the program automatically, so the only things you’ll need to do to get your perks are:
Share the referral code you’ll get from us when you check in for your second stay (along with the elusive Alt_ t-shirt!)
Sit back and watch as you move up the tiers every time a friend books in!
There are 3 tiers; Alt_Buddy, Alt_Bestie, and Alt_Royalty. Each have their own level of perks depending on the love they share with their network!
Alt_Community Stories
From Alt_ resident to Community Manager
On Friday we got to announce the new Community Manager for Alt_PingRiver at the Taiwan Digital Nomad night…on what was her first official day!
 | Samanta gave us a little insight on the night into what got her to Alt_, why she put her name forward, and what she’s looking forward to the most: Are you a long time nomad? Anywhere that has stood out to you? |
When you arrived in Chiang Mai what made you pick Alt_ChiangMai?
Actually, the social media. It stood out from others because they had content made by other residents instead of just promotional content. I’m travelling with my friend Georgie and we saw this video of John jumping around and talking, and his energy is really fun. Plus it included breakfast!!
And now you’re the Community Manager at Alt_PingRiver!
I stayed for five weeks when I got here, but when I moved out I realised how much I’m missing it. I had got used to the people, the vibes, and just having a more coordinated way of exploring the city. I wanted to find a way to move back to Alt_ and saw this and thought, this is great!
What are you looking forward to the most in the role?
Firstly, I felt there was an opportunity for me to do things that I would really like to do. It’s a broad position in a way so I can have fun with it. Mostly I can’t wait to meet more people. I’m at the stage of life where I am looking for inspiration from other people.
So what can residents expect with you as their community manager?
I want to do some activities that are connecting the foreigners with the local culture and the locals. I think - especially among Westerners - is you come as a consumer instead of recognising that you are a guest here. I really want to explore responsible digital nomadding, and see how that can be integrated.
You’ve been in the city a little while - where are some hidden spots you might take people?
I really like the vibe at Free Bird Cafe in Nimman, but also Vegan Society in the OId Town. Cru 2nd Floor Wine Bar near Alt_ChiangMai is a place I love that they are trying so hard to bring the wine culture, but still has a Thai feel. It’s a great date spot.
Anything that you’re into that someone can spark a conversation with you?
I think The Handmaids Tale is the pinnacle of modern day television. The cinematography is incredible, and has an important political message.
And finally, what’s your favorite thing about Alt_?
Well, my first thought is the mentality behind the brand is something I strongly resonate with, but more practically - the coffee! That fact you have Bella Goose Coffee right here, and you can add the mushroom enhancer, is amazing.
Say hi to Samanta when you see her around Alt_PingRiver, and definitely look out for the events she’ll be planning at Alt_ and around Chiang Mai!
If you have an Alt_ story to tell, or want to appear here and share your thing with the community, fill in this form.
Get involved at Alt_
June is one of our favorite months to be in Chiang Mai, and we’ve got plenty to do to keep you out of the heat of Chiang Mai:
The Dungeons & Dragons afternoons have become a fixture thanks to the host, Joannah Stewart (who is a pro GM btw!). This Saturday’s game is Hold Back The Dead and is open to any level of player. Reserve your spot here.
Also back this Saturday is Zach with Around The World in a Cup. Exploring coffee from far flung places, tasting some of it…oh, and get a discount coupon for your next visit! Register here.
Alt_Adventures goes cultural this month with the Lanna History Tour on 14 June. From ancient temple ruins to the two most significant standing temples in Chiang Mai - with a traditional Lanna-style lunch in between! Sign up here.
Keep an eye on our Instagram and the next edition of the newsletter for information on a Baltic Midsummer party later this month. Think handmade flower crowns, traditional dancing and food, and beer by the fireside…
The recurring yoga, breathwork and ice baths sessions - as well as all other events held at the Alt_ site - can be found and booked here.
Alt_Recommends
This edition’s Alt_Recommends comes after a group discussion at Tea Time in Alt_ChiangMai last week. Shoutout to Lizzie, Han, Sky (not Sly!!), Julian, Luke and our very own Gee for offering up what they recommend to do, read or listen to:
Books Stillness Speaks; Eckhart Tolle (it isn’t the first time, nor will it be the last we hear his books being recommended!).
The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F**k; Mark Manson
Podcast The Silt Verses - “they are long, but amazing dramas that I couldn’t stop listening to once I’d started!” Luke
YouTube/Podcast Andrew Bustamante interview on Diary of a CEO - “this guy was in the CIA and shares all these amazing tips and tricks anyone can use.” Lizzie
In Chiang Mai Pimtofu. A short walk from Alt_Chiang Mai. Try the fries that aren’t fries. They are awesome.
Chiang Mai Public Park is a little out of town, but join locals picnicking, walking, or just hanging out at the weekend. This is Gee’s spot to visit at the weekend.
If you’ve any recommendations other Alt_Fam people might benefit from, drop what you’ve got here.
What’s going on in Chiang Mai this month
Shopping, health, and culture make up just some of the events going on in the city this month. For a full list check out our Instagram!
We’ll be back with our mid-month mini-issue in a couple of weeks. There’ll be updates on how the events have gone, more news on some big Alt_ plans, and what’s in store later in the month as Chiang Mai’s digital nomad population builds again!
John and the Alt_ team.