One of my husband’s favourite activities lately has been reading about living abroad. Although we like to spend a few months each winter in a warmer climate and have focused on Mexico, Helmuth has been reading our monthly International Living Magazine subscription to get new ideas.
“Maybe we could buy a place in France,” he muses. “Cousin Gunther, who lives in Germany could be a partner. We could do it together. He and his family could use it when we aren’t there. It’s a closer drive for them.”
My grandfather and great grandfather both came from France, and I feel deep ties to that country. But to buy in a place I have only been to once at age eight doesn’t feel comfortable. I can only say a few phrases in French, so I would be lost!
Another time, Helmuth came across an article about the Iberian Peninsula. We loved both Spain and Portugal when we visited a few years ago. I overheard him on the phone talking to friends who once lived just outside of Lisbon, and two others who often spend a couple of months in a little village on Costa del Sol.
Sure, I want to visit for a month or so, but I don’t want to buy real estate. I’m done with cottages at the lake and if I can’t get there by jumping in the car and driving for a few hours, it’s not on my bucket list.
“Do you own your own place there?” I hear him ask. “No? Oh, so you rent?” And then to the friend who lived in the Algarve region of Portugal for several years, Helmuth asks more questions. The friend lived in a rental apartment that, according to either local law or tradition, stays at the same rental rate until the family moves out and new people take over. If we were to rent, because we are new, it would be at today’s prices. Still good, but nowhere near his family rate.
Now Helmuth is looking at Ecuador. Another friend spent a winter there a few years back. She suggests that of the Latin and South American countries she has visited, this would be her recommendation for us. Prices are good, people are friendly, and experiences are positive for a longer stay.
We do have a booking for Mexico this coming winter. Will we feel comfortable travelling by next December? My hubby is optimistic.
Wherever Helmuth chooses, one question remains: How’s the WIFI? If I can stay connected and continue writing, I would probably enjoy the experience.
Dreaming is good. I want to travel again, and I want it to be safe. My husband has lived on three different continents throughout his life; I have lived only in BC. Our comfort levels are different. I’m looking forward to new adventures, and if living abroad for a time is among them, I will take you along, dear reader. For now, the destination is undecided.
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Laurie Mueller, M.Ed is retired and living in Victoria with her husband, Helmuth. She recently published The Ultimate Guide on What to Do When Someone You Love Dies, available on Amazon. More about Laurie can be found at www.lauriemconsulting.com or on Facebook.