I just want to start out by saying that this blog makes me happy. I spent the last few minutes reading and also reading through the links -- this one in particular: https://internationalliving.com/the-best-places-to-retire/. We can afford to live in all of those places, and my wife is a nurse and I'm a language teachers, so it's not like we can't find jobs if we need them. Doing the homework makes it more of a reality every time I open one of these posts or links up and start reading. I'm pretty much ready for lifetime #4 -- 20 years as a kid, 20 years in the Navy, 20 years in my 2nd career -- that's 3 lifetimes. #4 is right around the corner.
I’ve been trying to buy that one way ticket for five years. I’ve researched Portugal, Spain, and France. After a cancer scare 1.5 years ago, I’m ready, but my aging parents do have a subliminal hold on me…. I have close friends retiring to Bologna, so as of 3 days ago, I think I’m riding their coat tails to Italy. Sometimes you need a community…. ;) Enjoy Porto, it’s a favorite of mine.
I'm so happy to hear you're finally taking the leap!!!! YES!!!! Italy is a dream come true for sure!!!
I also have aging parents and I'm going to address this in a future article based on the poll responses but my sister said something to me when I finally made the decision and one parental unit tried to assuage me from moving. She said, "Mom has lived her life, it's time for you to live yours." That hit me, HARD because I spent my life taking care of my parents because that's what I was raised to do. I gave up so much and didn't follow too many dreams in the past. And you know what? Mom's just fine without my physical presence! I'm not saying it's this way for everyone and their parents but it's what I needed to do for me.
I also love the idea of riding your close friend's coat tails! I did that too once and ended up in Arizona, it was a wonderful experience and I'm still very close with the friend I followed there :) She's even coming to visit me in Portugal in July!!
I haven’t lived in the States for a while, but I’m shocked at the stories of violence. I got out for other reasons—art, literature and languages—when I was 22 (1962). I’ve been in Mexico for twelve after France and Italy for forty, so I’m out of touch, but your articles are an eye opener. Frankly, I don’t see how Americans can avoid being traumatized, even if they do manage to get out. You expect a certain amount of naïveté of Americans, but the violence and rage is a very bad sign. It explains Trump, to some degree.
WOW GOOD FOR YOU!!!!! I'm so impressed that you left at age 22!!!!! I wish I'd had such foresight.
How are you finding Mexico compared to France and Italy? That's quite a change.
Thank you re: my articles, yeah it's really bad in America and the saddest (but also normal) part is that when you're entrenched in it, you don't even see it. I mean, you know it's there, but it's more in the peripheral; which is, quite frankly, CRAZY!
And yeah it does partly explain the bad man in charge atm :(
I was in Mexico City in ‘68 because I knew some people there, but they all disappeared after the student massacre, so I went to San Miguel after checking out 3 or 4 other places. It was a town with an art colony and school, and only 50k population. So I spent a year here, painting.
It’s a different town now, with better infrastructure, restaurants and of course art, but it’s 3 times bigger and a lot more expensive. We feel safe, and there are some interesting people here, from everywhere in the world.
Growing up in Texas, Mexico was always there as an option. I first came here as a 15 year old to visit a school chum, and then in my late twenties for a year. I met a French girl in a Spanish class in Mexico City and ended up in France. I had planned to stay in Mexico.
France had a lot I wanted, the art, the language and literature, the old world, the nature even, although for twenty years I was in Paris. But that’s a good place to start. It’s hard for me to be objective about France because it became my home, a home I loved and admired. French became more natural to me than English, and frankly I miss it.
But our kids and grandkids are in the States, and Mexico has its attractions too. The people are easier than the French, the culture is deep and fascinating. I still prefer French food and wine but Mexico has its culinary depth and variety. And there’s something familial and warm about the people I enjoy.
I like Latin cultures for their sense of community, and for their languages, of course. The literature is fabulous. Here in Mexico the Native peoples bring a mysticism that sheds a very non European light on things. There’s a lot to admire.
My timeline is confusing I realize, after re reading what I wrote. I should mention that after that year in France at age 22 I went back to Austin to attend art school at UT. Then to Mexico at age 28. Fortunately I spoke decent French when I met the French girl.
I find that so interesting re: growing up in Texas and feeling close to Mexico because you are close to Mexico. I had the same, growing up in California. I spent a lot of time in Baja California growing up. I loved it there!
France is amazing in a completely different way of course. And Paris is in a league of its own. My sister lived there for 20 years so I've had the opportunity to explore it a bit and now my cousin lives there.
Thank you for explaining the positive aspects of each cultures through your eyes. I agree. Where in Mexico are you?
It also makes sense wanting to be close to your kids and grandkids. I do recommend Mexico to clients looking to leave the US but not wanting to go far. A lot worry about safety but compared to the US... 😳
I'm itching to move abroad, and it isn't fear that is making us wait. It's a job that pays well (for a company that can't accommodate international remote work unless I convert from full time to contract status) and a home we will need to sell. Once we sell our condo, we'll be much more flexible. My current plan is to retire in 97 weeks (yes, I have a countdown).
Hi Arenosa, having a countdown is AMAZING! That's what I did. I used to use my calendar and count back from day 1 with day 1 being whatever I was counting down, if that makes sense.
But it sounds like you have a firm plan, set in motion!!! YES!!!!!
Wow. This is all so inspiring. My biggest hurdle is trying to figure out how to fly over with my 28-lb dog without putting him under the cabin. I’ve seen some pet airlines but they’re too expensive for my means right now. Any advice on this would be welcomed!
Hi Jessy, thank you so much for your comment!! This weekend's article is everything I know about flying with pets since I get the question daily!! Stay tuned!!!
I moved to Panama 10 years ago when I retired. Have never regretted that decision. Life is happier and easier for me in this small island town.
Do yourself a huge favor; learn and use the language.
Hi Donna Marie, that's SO AWESOME!!! I love hearing this, Panama is high on my list!!! And yes, learn the language!!!
I just want to start out by saying that this blog makes me happy. I spent the last few minutes reading and also reading through the links -- this one in particular: https://internationalliving.com/the-best-places-to-retire/. We can afford to live in all of those places, and my wife is a nurse and I'm a language teachers, so it's not like we can't find jobs if we need them. Doing the homework makes it more of a reality every time I open one of these posts or links up and start reading. I'm pretty much ready for lifetime #4 -- 20 years as a kid, 20 years in the Navy, 20 years in my 2nd career -- that's 3 lifetimes. #4 is right around the corner.
Thank you SO MUCH for your wonderful comment!!!
I love hearing that you can afford to live in all the places listed in that IL article!! 🤩
I also love the way you're breaking up your 20 year stints as different lifetimes, YES!
Helloooooo lifetime #4 🥳🥳🥳🥳🥳
I’ve been trying to buy that one way ticket for five years. I’ve researched Portugal, Spain, and France. After a cancer scare 1.5 years ago, I’m ready, but my aging parents do have a subliminal hold on me…. I have close friends retiring to Bologna, so as of 3 days ago, I think I’m riding their coat tails to Italy. Sometimes you need a community…. ;) Enjoy Porto, it’s a favorite of mine.
Hi Vanessa! Thank you so much for sharing!!
I'm so happy to hear you're finally taking the leap!!!! YES!!!! Italy is a dream come true for sure!!!
I also have aging parents and I'm going to address this in a future article based on the poll responses but my sister said something to me when I finally made the decision and one parental unit tried to assuage me from moving. She said, "Mom has lived her life, it's time for you to live yours." That hit me, HARD because I spent my life taking care of my parents because that's what I was raised to do. I gave up so much and didn't follow too many dreams in the past. And you know what? Mom's just fine without my physical presence! I'm not saying it's this way for everyone and their parents but it's what I needed to do for me.
I also love the idea of riding your close friend's coat tails! I did that too once and ended up in Arizona, it was a wonderful experience and I'm still very close with the friend I followed there :) She's even coming to visit me in Portugal in July!!
I am super excited for you!!
I haven’t lived in the States for a while, but I’m shocked at the stories of violence. I got out for other reasons—art, literature and languages—when I was 22 (1962). I’ve been in Mexico for twelve after France and Italy for forty, so I’m out of touch, but your articles are an eye opener. Frankly, I don’t see how Americans can avoid being traumatized, even if they do manage to get out. You expect a certain amount of naïveté of Americans, but the violence and rage is a very bad sign. It explains Trump, to some degree.
WOW GOOD FOR YOU!!!!! I'm so impressed that you left at age 22!!!!! I wish I'd had such foresight.
How are you finding Mexico compared to France and Italy? That's quite a change.
Thank you re: my articles, yeah it's really bad in America and the saddest (but also normal) part is that when you're entrenched in it, you don't even see it. I mean, you know it's there, but it's more in the peripheral; which is, quite frankly, CRAZY!
And yeah it does partly explain the bad man in charge atm :(
Thank you so much for your comment!!!
I was in Mexico City in ‘68 because I knew some people there, but they all disappeared after the student massacre, so I went to San Miguel after checking out 3 or 4 other places. It was a town with an art colony and school, and only 50k population. So I spent a year here, painting.
It’s a different town now, with better infrastructure, restaurants and of course art, but it’s 3 times bigger and a lot more expensive. We feel safe, and there are some interesting people here, from everywhere in the world.
Oh wow! I always talk about San Miguel!! I know someone who retired there almost 30 years ago now, so cool!!
I know it's a big expat hub too and I hear it's quite safe. I would love to go but haven't yet.
I spent some time in the Yucatan but it wasn't my favorite except for the cenotes!
In 2020 I was in PV, which I thought I'd dislike but I ended up loving.
Still... my heart is in Loreto 🥰
Growing up in Texas, Mexico was always there as an option. I first came here as a 15 year old to visit a school chum, and then in my late twenties for a year. I met a French girl in a Spanish class in Mexico City and ended up in France. I had planned to stay in Mexico.
France had a lot I wanted, the art, the language and literature, the old world, the nature even, although for twenty years I was in Paris. But that’s a good place to start. It’s hard for me to be objective about France because it became my home, a home I loved and admired. French became more natural to me than English, and frankly I miss it.
But our kids and grandkids are in the States, and Mexico has its attractions too. The people are easier than the French, the culture is deep and fascinating. I still prefer French food and wine but Mexico has its culinary depth and variety. And there’s something familial and warm about the people I enjoy.
I like Latin cultures for their sense of community, and for their languages, of course. The literature is fabulous. Here in Mexico the Native peoples bring a mysticism that sheds a very non European light on things. There’s a lot to admire.
My timeline is confusing I realize, after re reading what I wrote. I should mention that after that year in France at age 22 I went back to Austin to attend art school at UT. Then to Mexico at age 28. Fortunately I spoke decent French when I met the French girl.
Ahhh, still, moving out of the country for good at 28, is a major step and you were definitely ahead of the curve!!
Speaking French also helps and now, it sounds like you’re a polyglot with so many amazing experiences :)
I find that so interesting re: growing up in Texas and feeling close to Mexico because you are close to Mexico. I had the same, growing up in California. I spent a lot of time in Baja California growing up. I loved it there!
France is amazing in a completely different way of course. And Paris is in a league of its own. My sister lived there for 20 years so I've had the opportunity to explore it a bit and now my cousin lives there.
Thank you for explaining the positive aspects of each cultures through your eyes. I agree. Where in Mexico are you?
It also makes sense wanting to be close to your kids and grandkids. I do recommend Mexico to clients looking to leave the US but not wanting to go far. A lot worry about safety but compared to the US... 😳
Great post! I’m already leaving but it felt affirming to read this and if I wasn’t ready yet, this essay would be a great push in that direction!
YAYAAYAYYY Thank you so much Karen and I'm thrilled you're leaving and can't wait to read about your adventures!!! 🤗🤗🤗
I'm itching to move abroad, and it isn't fear that is making us wait. It's a job that pays well (for a company that can't accommodate international remote work unless I convert from full time to contract status) and a home we will need to sell. Once we sell our condo, we'll be much more flexible. My current plan is to retire in 97 weeks (yes, I have a countdown).
Hi Arenosa, having a countdown is AMAZING! That's what I did. I used to use my calendar and count back from day 1 with day 1 being whatever I was counting down, if that makes sense.
But it sounds like you have a firm plan, set in motion!!! YES!!!!!
Wow. This is all so inspiring. My biggest hurdle is trying to figure out how to fly over with my 28-lb dog without putting him under the cabin. I’ve seen some pet airlines but they’re too expensive for my means right now. Any advice on this would be welcomed!
Hi Jessy, thank you so much for your comment!! This weekend's article is everything I know about flying with pets since I get the question daily!! Stay tuned!!!