Friday, May 29, 2009

Where do you go from here?


Vacations are fabulous aren’t they? Nothing can beat relaxing on the beach enjoying the surf and sun, sitting in a hammock and watching the sunset with a margarita that should be famous.

Also, you noticed that the locals are the best people on the earth, so much better than those people you know back home, so much happier and kinder. You also thought the town seems to be taken straight out of a fairy tale, and that you can almost see yourself living there, walking those streets, enjoying that margarita day in and day out without a care in the world. You may tell yourself: This is the life isn’t it! Isn’t it?

Of course, there's no doubt, living overseas, abroad, and in another country seems wonderful when you are on a vacation. You may even think: why not buy property here and make this vacation last forever?

But then we all know that a life changing decision is never best made on a whim while on a vacation, because moving to a new country is a huge step. What you experience while on vacation might not be the reality of what life would be like if you moved there. Quite often the reality of the situation is much more... well real than you ever expected. Once the honeymoon of a new home in a sunny country has worn off, the reality of day to day life often sets in.

It's most likely that you will find that a town can change drastically depending on what season you come in. If a country has a high season, then naturally it will also have a low season. If you come from places like the US, Canada, and the UK, then your country can be summed up into one word: Convenience. You undoubtedly, had the most comfortable country in the world. What you want and need is there, easily accessible practically at all times of the day.

Other countries like mine, on the other hand can be quite the opposite. Whether you are looking at settling by the beach or inland, life tends to be set at a slower pace. Adventure is plentiful and living can be inexpensive. But you may loose a lot of the convenience that you have been accustomed to in the U.S. And not being able to find exactly what you need can be quite frustrating. It can be quite a culture shock if you do not consider what changes you will have to make in your daily life in a new environment.

Living and retiring overseas can change anybody's life, and it’s never wrong to chase your dreams... well almost never. Besides the world's too big and interesting to stay in one place. And discovering people's way of living and thinking is always exciting!

So if you can move to another country, would you?

11 comments:

amna said...

it's so true Odette, when you are on holiday, the place is a dream come true fairy tale but if you actually live there, it's totally different..it's a "Welcome to the Real World". There's a place in Mexico, my favorite spot, went there many times..it was like a paradise for me, I am a nature lover, I don't like cities, I made friends with few locals, envied their lives what it seems to be stress free and happy.But what i did not think is, they have to show that way coz part of their jobs to please the tourists.Second vacation, i went to their villages,spent my relaxing days with them away from the resort where I stayed,then I saw the reality behind my so called paradise..

Dette, if you'll ask me where do I want to move in my next life, in my retirement..I'd love to settle down back in our country have a small nipa hut either in the farm or beach where I can watch the sunset every afternoon...my dream.

Tracey said...

The grass is always greener on the other side of the fence, but it still needs cutting!
Been there, done that, never again!
Tracey x x x

bubble said...

YES! I would move to Italy if my parents were there and my health was good. I love it here but i have always loved Italy and miss my family over there!

Oh...but i wouldnt like to fly haha xxxx

ADMIN said...

I have been to several other countries, and we have stayed with family while visiting. You are so right about the slower pace! Also about not being able to find what you need or want as easily as I can in the USA. I love it here and I doubt that I would be happy long term in another country. If Hubby wanted to move to retire, I would go along with it and would hope for the best!

Odette Bautista Mikolai said...

Amna,
it's nice to hear from you again. indeed, wherever our feet leads us around the world. they will always find their way back home. none is more appealing than coming home after grueling it out there.
save whatever you can then and retire here in style....
hugs!
xoxo

Odette Bautista Mikolai said...

Tracey,
moving to another country is overwhelming, but we always seek to find a place where we can be comfortable with. sometimes it takes a while to adapt, but yes, it needs getting use to.

Amy,
Italy is beautiful, and you got family there,but none compare with being close to mom and dad. you can always go there to visit!
love you both,
xoxo

Odette Bautista Mikolai said...

Mimi,
my cousin's husband who is a newyorker, came to the Phil for the first time and fell in love with it. he insist on staying here for good, so they buught a property here and build a house. he now teaches in one of the university here.
maybe it all depends on how one feels towards a certain place, and how one foresee his life would be. it is a life altering experience, which many seek especially if life in the present country is not that appealing anymore.
have a nice weekend!
xoxo

Angry American said...

Vacation? What's that?

I've never had an official vacation. In junior high, I went to Washington DC for a few days as a school trip. I've been to my uncle's, a couple states south, for a day or two.

I also spent two months in county jail but, I sure as hell wouldn't recomend booking reservations there any time soon.

As far as convenience and luxury? I haven't had too much of that in the last 20 years. I'm used to making do with nothing much at all.

If you've ever lived in the ghetto, or a pretty busy suburb where the ghetto slime seeps in on a daily basis, then a quiet, slow paced life where your back yard is basically the ocean is a god send.

Can't wait to get there.

Joey Paul said...

My dad and step-mum are about to buy a house in France and retire there, well, not retire since Dad will still be working, but I'm not sure Rose will be sionce she's older than dad...not too sure how I feel about that just yet.

Odette Bautista Mikolai said...

AA,
Ha ha ha, a booking at the county jail? But that's a good idea as its free board and lodging!!
anyway, i know what your heart desires are and i wish you get them.
xoxo

Odette Bautista Mikolai said...

Joey,
if they move there, will you be moving with them too?
does living in France appeal to you?
i just wish you comfort wherever your star will take you.
muah! xoxo

LinkWithin

Blog Widget by LinkWithin