
Thailand Diary 02: Yesterday a Deluge, Today Summer Again
Phuket, 30 October 2026: Torrential rain gives way to sunshine. Yesterday brought work, books and a terrific band; today is for a little work, the pool and the beach.
Life is happening now.
For people in the second half of life who want to keep discovering, begin something new or make room for what matters.
At 75, I travelled alone through South America. At 76, I rode through Japan. What would you like your next chapter to be?
What helped you begin? What are you still putting off? Share your experience, an open question or your next small step. A few sentences can open a conversation.
Fresh stories, films and thoughts from Kurt Gassner.

Phuket, 30 October 2026: Torrential rain gives way to sunshine. Yesterday brought work, books and a terrific band; today is for a little work, the pool and the beach.

A new chapter after Japan: from Tokyo via Bangkok to Phuket. Anneliese and I leave the motorcycle miles behind and begin our time in Thailand.

Our last full day in Japan takes us from Hakone back to Tokyo. One more journey on the Shinkansen, and time to reflect as this special trip draws to a close.
Books and films to explore.
Japan, on two wheels at 76 — follow our travel diary.
At 75, Kurt Gassner set out alone on a 60-day journey through South America — a story about courage, curiosity and the decision to stop postponing life.
VIEW THE BOOKMore than 90 guests joined Kurt F. Gassner at the Kitzbühel Country Club for an evening about journeys, decisions and the urgent idea behind Stop • Waiting.
WATCH THE STORY
German edition: Kindle available to pre-order, released 1 November 2026; paperback 20 November 2026.
PRE-ORDER · GERMAN EDITIONSTOP • WAITING is an invitation to give what matters a place in your life — especially as you grow older and ask what you want from the years ahead.
A journey, a new beginning, a conversation or something you are ready to let go of: your next step can be small and entirely your own.
Discover places that challenge and inspire.
Stay interested in life, no matter your age.
You can start a new chapter at any time.
A stay with an author’s books. At my Trendguide Suites in Kirchberg, make room for the mountains, unhurried time and reading. Discover my books during your stay and take one title home as a gift per travel party, booked suite and stay.
I’m Kurt Gassner — author, entrepreneur, traveller and lifelong student of the mind. I have spent decades building businesses, writing books, travelling, teaching, questioning assumptions and starting again.
STOP • WAITING is not a theory for me. It is the result of a life lived with curiosity, mistakes, reinvention, risk, success, failure — and the decision not to postpone what still matters.
Life is happening now. And there is still more to discover.
One thought. One minute. One new perspective.
Short reflections on courage, ageing, freedom, curiosity and living now, spoken by Kurt Gassner.