Expat Life
Unless you’ve been living in a cave somewhere in the world, you’re more than aware of the daily headlines here in the US. And, by daily headlines I mean the never-ending O.M.G. when will it end presidential election.
Honestly, I think the US needs its own version of a referendum making it absolutely mandatory that a presidential campaign begin in January and end with the election in November. Ten months is more than sufficient. Six months would be even better. Aren’t we closing in on two years?! Am I the only one counting the days?
Five Good Reasons
There’s a lot to be said about life in the US. And, there’s a lot to be said about seeing what’s on the other side of the border, or ocean. Retirement is that time in life when options abound. There is a certain sense of freedom and more and more baby boomers are choosing life outside of the US. Investopedia offers 5 reasons as to why Americans are choosing to retire abroad.
- Blue skies and perpetual warm weather
- Cheap living expenses
- Perks and more perks
- The adventure of a different culture
- Because they can
Do any of these 5 reasons resonate with you? Personally, I’m in love with reason #5.
The Expat Life
So, raise your hand if you’ve given thought to packing it in and redefining retirement by living an expat life. It’s an enticing thought; getting away from it all and trying something new. There is the train of thought out there on social media that Canada is looking pretty good, although many believe Mexico would offer a warmer climate and cheaper cost of living. And, lest you think you’re alone in your expat thoughts…
- According to the latest figures from the U.S. Social Security Administration, U.S. retirees overseas received more than $3 billion in Social Security benefit payments in 2013—an increase of $160 million year-on-year, when compared to 2012. International Living
Comfort Zones
Yes, there is a lot to be said for living in the US despite the daily headlines. But, there is also a lot to be said for taking the opportunity to try something new, to stretch ourselves out of our comfort zones. It’s something I’ve been working on the past few years and while at times it has scared the hell out of me, I most definitely learn from each of those out of the box experiences.
We’ve had the expat conversation many times and truthfully, we’re quite serious in our contemplation of where we would live if we decide to change it up and live as expats. Our first and second choices were mutually agreed upon no brainers. Choice number 3 started out as a mixed opinion but was quickly agreed upon when the mention of one particular country came in to the conversation.
Our Top 3 Choices
#1 Our instantly agreed upon second choice was Porto. After walking the Camino across Spain we booked two tickets via train to Porto where we spent 5 days. Not nearly enough days in the big picture, but enough for us to fall hard for the city. The fact that I’m half Portuguese definitely played in to our decision to visit Porto and the city gave me a glimpse into my heritage. The vibe of the city is upbeat, the beautiful culture of color and tiles, and the people. The people are wonderful. The Douro River is the ideal scenic back drop for the city, and let’s not forget the port cellars. Life in Porto, would be a sweet life.
Aix en Provence
#2 Hands down, no second thoughts, we would move to Aix en Provence in a heartbeat. We’re both madly in love with the south of France and there is just something about Aix that tugs at us. The culture of the city is so alive with sidewalk cafes, fountains on every cobblestone street and fabulous open air markets. Of course living in the heart of Aix is not inexpensive. But if we couldn’t live in the heart of the city why bother? So, if even for just 1/3 of the year, life in Aix would be sweet.
Leon
#3 My first third choice was Prague and although Abi loved the city as well, he wasn’t sure about living in Prague. His vote was for Spain. And, as soon as he said the word, Spain, we both knew our 3rd choice would be Leon. If you followed our Camino de Santiago journey you know that we unexpectedly spent 4 nights in Leon so my feet could heal from the dreaded outbreak of blisters. I could have done without the blisters, but they took us to Leon and for that we are more than grateful. Leon has a cosmopolitan vibe that bridges the historical with the modern. Life in Leon would be a sweet life.
A Based Life
And when I say, life in Aix, or Porto or Leon, I’m talking about a life that finds us based in each city for a few months of the year; a base to hang our packs and explore not only the city, but what lies beyond. It is so easy to travel around Europe via bus or train; so easy to hop over to another country for a few days. And, because one can rent a base apartment and still travel for less than the cost of a home mortgage in the US, it’s a theoretically affordable lifestyle. Dividing the year between 3 base cities would be a sweet life.
Counting the Days
It’s something to think about, isn’t it; counting the days until retirement and taking that leap of faith? Or, are you sticking with Dorothy and her wise words, “There’s no place like home.” But then again, home is where the heart is.
Instagram Feed
I just came across your blog & I’m so glad I did! Thank you for all the inspiration! The Pacific Northwest is home at the moment but I grew up in England. I love to travel & I think it’s so important, especially at this moment in history – so often we judge countries based on their government and politics whereas traveling/living in those places only serves to underscore our shared humanity. Basic needs are the same the world over – food on the table, a shelter to call our own, the ability to live a life of dignity, our children to be happy……We’re all in it together!! Anyway, I look forward to following your adventures.
sheiladearden recently posted…Mt. Adams: How To Bobsled Without A Bobsled.
Hello Sheila, thanks so much for leaving such a nice comment. I’m glad you found us! It is in fact a shame that so many do judge a population based on their government. One of the greatest benefits of travel is discovering the good in people all over the world, and definitely, don’t judge a book by the cover!
Oh yes, I think of being an expat. If I ever get to retire. South Africa calls my spirit. Yet instead of one place I’d still want to be mobile. I like, home is where I park it. Having not been to Europe I enjoy seeing it through your eyes. Getting itchy feet?
Gaelyn recently posted…Forest bathing on the Widforss Trail Grand Canyon
My feet always itch, Gaelyn, just sometimes more than usual. 🙂 You’ve got a great set up with your wheelestate! I’m glad you enjoy reading our posts from the other side of the pond, Europe does have a lot to offer those of us with itchy feet.
Wait a minute. Didn’t you more or less just buy and renovate a house in the US??
My husband (Mr/Dr Excitement) was able to do a 3 month sabbatical in Hawaii (Honolulu) in 2014, and that was fun, especially because we were able to sublet out our Philly apartment. Obviously, Hawaii is a US state (despite what one of our presidential candidates may believe), but it certainly was a different vibe than Philly—in the winter. Also, while we were in that part of the world (or close to it, anyway), we decided to tack on a month of travel in southeast Asia. I missed the dog and felt guilty about leaving my mother, but I’m certainly glad we seized the opportunity when it presented itself. We have a child who has declared himself a digital nomad/expat. He likes to settle down in places for 1-3 months though. We get to travel a good bit because of Mr. E’s job (medical research), but I wouldn’t mind living in another country for an extended period.
A girl can dream and houses can be rented, right?! 😉 Abi and I were married in Honolulu and lived just outside the city for 1 year. Hawaii does leave one with the sense of no longer being in the US.
I like # 5 also Patti – Because they can! As you’ve said, and we’ve found out, life abroad is very doable and infinitely richer than remaining in our home country (and one of us would have to work if we moved back to the US to afford the home and health insurance!) I was intrigued by your final choices as they’re all in roughly the same region of Europe and, obviously beautiful cities. We’ve yet to make it to Porto (high on our list of travels in Portugal) and now I’m adding Leon, Spain and Aix en Provence, France to our priorities. And, what’s really great is that you could rotate among the 3 (of more!) home bases until you decide where to put down some roots! P.S. Make sure check out the residence visa in PT – not too many hoops and you can travel around the EU to your heart’s content!
Thanks for the tips, Anita! We’re not quite ready to jump, but the desire is there. I promise you will love, love, love Porto! And, I feel safe saying the same for Leon and Aix, both fantastic cities.
All nice places Patti. Forget Canada (being Canadian); expensive and winters are never ending. Yes, I would retire in Mexico (as my mom has). Funny the ideas a lot of Americans have about Mexico, doesn’t go much further than the border areas…
Having travelled full-time now for 2 years we’re toying with the idea of having a base somewhere. Most attractive to this point is Croatia. But the problem being North American is the paperwork involved being non-EU. You can manage getting temporary extensions past the mandatory 90 day Visa but you’ll never get permanent residency unless you want to open up a company or invest in real estate, something we don’t want to do. If we settle somewhere it’s with the intention of investing in the future, not just being temporary guests. So that can be a bit of a complicating factor.
Frank (bbqboy)
Frank recently posted…Things to See and Do in Mexico City (Part 2) â And why Teotihuacan was a massive disappointment
Very valid points, Frank, that you for sharing. From what I’ve researched the question of “where” is the big ticket as I understand some countries are not as strict with the paperwork as others. I’m betting Lissette is voting for Croatia! 🙂
I like the idea of renting a property for few months, explore and imerse yourself into the local culture. Portugal would be easy for me since I speak the language, but I would love to live in Italy for few months and learn to speak Italian, my grandfather was from Bologna, so I think the North of Italy would be great. I am counting the days to financial independence and I hope it will be in 2017. Fingers crossed
Gilda Baxter recently posted…Sensational Seychelles
Oh! Nice that you speak Portuguese, Gilda. My mother didn’t grow up hearing/speaking the language so I never learned. I hope 2017 is your year of defining your retirement!
Porto…fabulous. Love the whole area.
Aix. I am visiting this fall. Will let you know. I think living outside the city would be nice.
Spain, yes. Sevilla being a favorite, but would do almost anywhere there. Love Spain.
Canada. Nice for the summers, but too cold for creaky people.
Nix to Mexico.
Norway is reaaaaalllllly pretty. But again, only summers.
I know you. You will fall madly in love with Aix en Provence.