The recent Gen Z movement in Nepal made me pause – not because I’m chasing trends (I had to Google what Gen Z even meant), but because it stirred something deeper. Born in 1962 and raised in Holland, my childhood was a world apart from today’s hyper-connected, algorithm-driven reality.
Growing Up in the Analog Era
We didn’t have internet. No Google Maps. No mobile phone unless you count my first one, which came with a shoulder strap for the battery and lost signal in tunnels. Social media? That was called “talking to your neighbor.”
I remember:
– The first VHS recorder in my friend’s house.
– My dad’s quadrophonic sound system and 8-track player.
– The Rubik’s Cube (annoying), Monopoly (timeless), and the Sony Walkman (revolutionary).
– Color TV was a sensation—though we only had two or three channels.
– Photos came in rolls of 24 or 36. You waited days to see if you blinked.
Flying was different too. You chose “non-smoking,” but if you fancied a cigarette, you’d stroll behind the curtain to the smoking section and return, hoping your clothes didn’t betray you.
When Music and Sports Were Real
Music was tribal. You were either into Deep Purple or Saturday Night Fever. Not much in between. CDs arrived like luxury items—expensive, fragile, and magical.
Boxing was raw. Joe Frazier vs. Muhammad Ali had us waking at 2 AM to catch the match. No Jake Pauls. Just grit and glory.
Football? It was about talent, not million-dollar endorsements. Players played because they were good—not because they had brand deals.
Gen Z and the Digital Shift
Now, a social media outage causes chaos. Political extremes gain traction. And the world feels like it’s spinning faster than ever.
Gen Z lives in a digital ecosystem we couldn’t have imagined. They’re socially conscious, tech-savvy, and emotionally expressive. But they also face pressures we never knew—constant comparison, digital burnout, and a world that never switches off.
My Life in Thailand: Real Estate, Rhythm, and Resilience
I’ve lived in Thailand nearly 30 years. And honestly? It might be the best place to be, watching the tension unfold across Berlin, Frankfurt, London, Paris…
For the past 23 years, I’ve been selling real estate in Pattaya—and still walk into the office with a smile, six days a week. (Isn’t Europe down to four-day workweeks now? Haha.)
At Town & Country Property, we’ve built more than homes—we’ve built trust, lifestyle, and legacy. From tropical villas to investment condos, we help clients find not just a property, but a place to belong.
Whether you’re an expat searching for a luxury villa in Thailand, a retiree seeking peace in Pattaya, or an investor exploring the Thai property market, we’re here to guide you with integrity and insight.
Final Thought: Time Moves, Values Stay
Whether you’re Gen Z, Gen X, or just Gen “I-need-a-break,” one thing remains true: freedom, connection, and purpose matter more than ever.
So, here’s to the analog kids who became digital leaders. The Walkman generation is now navigating Wi-Fi villas. And to the timeless joy of doing what you love—even if it’s six days a week.
About the Author
KC Cuijpers is the Founder & CEO of Town & Country Property, a leading real estate agency in Pattaya, Thailand. Since relocating from Holland in 1997, KC has proudly called Pattaya home—not for business at first, but for the bold, unforgettable flavors of Thai cuisine. That passion led him to open SAMSARA Pub & Grill, a fusion hotspot on Beach Road that blended East and West long before it was trendy.
KC’s journey from restaurateur to real estate leader has been anything but conventional. With over two decades of hands-on experience in the Pattaya property market, he’s helped thousands of expats navigate the realities of living in Thailand—not through glossy brochures, but through real life. Whether it’s sourcing a luxury villa, decoding local market dynamics, or recommending the best bowl of tom yum, KC brings wit, warmth, and wisdom to every conversation.
