Discussions in the Abaco home about going Ex-Pat.
I am curious if any others here are in a similar phase. Over the years I have enjoyed learning about other countries just to have that knowledge of their pros/cons should I ever need to leave with the fam. Lately, given recent developments beyond our control, my wife and I are actually regularly discussing different places. I have spent some time in Vancouver B.C. for example, but it's too expensive now. Looking south.
Anybody else in this phase? Feel free to share notes, if so. I work with a gentleman from Ecuador and he will probably return there upon retirement (soon). He loves it. I enjoyed a long-running series of podcasts on Chile until they recently ended. Even had a letter I wrote to the host read in his show about a year ago (that was interesting).
Anybody else in this phase? Feel free to share notes, if so. I work with a gentleman from Ecuador and he will probably return there upon retirement (soon). He loves it. I enjoyed a long-running series of podcasts on Chile until they recently ended. Even had a letter I wrote to the host read in his show about a year ago (that was interesting).
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The other thing with Italy, for us - while it is part of the European Socialist Market, it's probably one of the few where you have somewhat of a free hand, and can make money if you work hard and can negotiate their system. As an expat there, it's not easy to start a business, but (and this is important) you are successful to be able to employ Italians in your business, they tend to be somewhere between "We see nothing" to grudging approval and respect. Additionally - they've been considering dumping the Euro for years - they never liked being on it in the first place - and when they go back to the Lira, their economy will improve.
Also of note - it's probably one of the few EU countries where firearm ownership - while restricted - has a very low bar to cross. Hunting is considered a national right, especially in the rural parts of the country. And the road to Italian Citizenship is a pretty straightforward (if lengthy) process.
One of you mentioned Ecuador. It's number 1 on the list. They claim a couple can live comfortably on about $1500 per month! Colombia (who'd a thunk it?), Panama, and Mexico are at 2, 3, & 4. Portugal, Spain, and Malta are the top three in Europe with Thailand in the top ten in Asia. Pretty interesting report, especially the information about available healthcare resources and low costs!
I've read about the history of New Zealand... a country that almost went socialist, and pulled back from the edge to a free enterprise society. Sounds good to me, as we are heading beyond the point of no return in that regard...
This is the problem with foreign purchase. We are the immigrant, illegal or otherwise. And, we fall prey to the local rules and changes.
An added piece of information: In Belize firearms are permitted. Meaning by permit only, one, no larger than 22LR, with permission of the government. For me, this is not acceptable.
I am too old to think that I can do anything about this mess and would not care about the politics of a foreign land as long as I could maintain a low enough profile not to get their attention. I would be gone but my wife can't stand to leave the kids and grand kids so we wait.
My choice is Italy not because of their government but in spite of it. Generally, they are so incompetent at governance that everyone ignores them. The people are great, the climate good and the food, scenery and wine magnificent. I like the final scene in Godfather III when an ancient Michael Corleone is sitting out in the sun wrapped in a blanket with his scraggly dog then slumps and falls over. perfect way to go!
Going ex-pat as a single man isn't quite as inviting.
I only visited Abaco once for a few days 30 years ago. I was a very laid-back evironment. Diving was decent there. Priobably safer to choose Honduras Bay Islands or ABC islands for lower hurricane risks. Many Australians have cisterns for water, too.
Please tell us about your experiences at Abaco. Some have the perception that it would not be a particularly good place for the Gulch.
Yes. Going Galt, to some degree. I would want to keep working.
We settled on Wyoming.
Initially Cheyenne, possibly more remote in the coming years.