ER overseas

[wildcat]

Actually looking at some jobs in Australia when I finish school

[OldAgePensioner]

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[Dawg54]

Originally Posted by OldAgePensioner

Wildcat,
It's a good first overseas experience because the language is "nearly" the same.* The Aussies say* "we work to live" peopleand "you guys live to work".* Can't say enough good things to say about the people there.

Got any good tips on reasonable accomodations there? I've always wanted to visit Australia and just might treat myself to a 3-4 week visit when I retire.*

[OldAgePensioner]

nm

[Dawg54]

Originally Posted by OldAgePensioner

DOG,
In Sydney, stay at the YWCA.* Seriously.* It is basic, cheap, clean, secure, and has great rates.* It is also right in the city centre.

In Australia, the backpacker hotels are super for all ages, and the interaction with other travelers is what makes the stay so fun.

Let me know where you plan to visit.* All the cities are pretty cool, usually near the ocean and on a large river.*

If you want a bit more upscale place to stay in Sydney, choose a hotel in the "Rocks" area.* Nice area.

Learn a few Aussie phrases:
Good-on-ya mate - it said in a low tone and means "way to go"
Fair dinkum - a questioning sound and means "for real"
Cheers mate - basically thanks and the mate is pronounced "Maight"

G'day mate is kinda passe these days.

Will Aussies laugh at my southern drawl?

[OldAgePensioner]

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[pbrane]

I love this topic. I've been thinking about retiring early and moving overseas since I was in college over 20 years ago. But for whatever reason, I'm still in the states. I think I'm getting a little set in my ways and used to quiet, crime-free living in a small town in the Midwest. But then there's the boredom and the cold winters and high taxes... So I still am researching Panama, Brasil (I agree that Floripa looks interesting, but the $100 visa fee for Brasil kinda put me off), Thailand, Fiji, etc etc. One of the things that I don't think I could get used is the noise that one often finds in a cheaper developing country's culture: roosters and dogs and stereos blasting and fireworks in much of latin america.. Maybe I could just build a sound-proof house. Or live in the sticks somewhere. I guess I'm trying to say that there are definitely trade-offs, no free lunch blah blah..

[Sheryl]

Great thread - enough to motivate me to delurk.* *Doug, I really enjoy your writing and your take on things.* Probably because I agree with it.*

At this point in my planning process I think I would enjoy spending 4-6 mos. in Central America, but I'm not ready to give up my "home base" here.* I enjoy the connections I have in the community, but not the winters.* By the time I ER, will have a paid for house so I don't see a problem keeping it - I would probaby find a house-sitter to make it look occupied and take care of the yard.* Also all my neighbors know each other well, so I would have a comfort level with leaving for an extended period.

But I do need to spend more time down south before I make any long term commitments.* It definitely is a different way of life.* I've become very interested in Honduras, and have some good contacts with folks living down there from my last trip.* I'll be going again in September, but only for a short time.* *I can imagine that it would be totally different to spend "full time" there.* Between getting a scuba dive master certificate and studying in the spanish school I think I could keep occupied, and still enjoy some down time.

Here's the house I saw while there which I'd love to buy!* (Mango house)

http://www.rainbowbrokerage.com/utila_listings.htm

[wildcat]

One of the things that I don't think I could get used is the noise that one often finds in a cheaper developing country's culture: roosters and dogs and stereos blasting and fireworks in much of latin america.. Maybe I could just build a sound-proof house. Or live in the sticks somewhere. I guess I'm trying to say that there are definitely trade-offs, no free lunch blah blah

For me it is good to get out of the comfort zone.* Makes me realize how good we have it here.* It is also interesting to see how little people have in other countries but they are in many cases very happy people (probably don't worry or care about 3/4 of the crap we care/worry about).

I still say (not even close to retirement mind you) it would be neat to sell the big house you are in, pocket the money and spend 2 years living abroad.* Come back to the US when you need a break and stay with family/friends.* After 2 yrs. maybe look at establishing a new, low cost home base.* * *

Wildcat,
It's a good first overseas experience because the language is "nearly" the same.* The Aussies say* "we work to live" peopleand "you guys live to work".* Can't say enough good things to say about the people there

*

Yeah exactly my thoughts.* It would be a great experience.* Trying to find some sort of way to apply for jobs there and be taken seriously.*

Here's the house I saw while there which I'd love to buy! (Mango house)

Sheryl - awesome house!

[pbrane]

Sheryl:

Quite a coincidence... I was just on that website for the Bay Islands yesterday looking at "Mango House." Utila and Guanaja are still on my list. Roatan is probably a little too expensive for my taste. But land is much cheaper on the mainland or in Panama. I'm actually looking for something like an "eco-community" where I know everyone and we take care of each-others' properties when absent.

Regarding Australia and New Zealand, I'd love to retire in either place, but they won't let me in. I've taken the point test a few times and I guess I'm too old (49). They probably are trying to protect their medical system. I'd have to find someone to marry me..but who'd want a blue-haired cLoWn?

[wildcat]

Quite a coincidence... I was just on that website for the Bay Islands yesterday looking at "Mango House.

Uh oh bidding war. Real estate craze has spread to the far reaching areas.

[OldAgePensioner]

wildcat,
Learn networks and apply to US military bases overseas. Actually they will recruit you.* And you will live all over the world.* At there expense.* Embassies all over the world will want you as a liason officer.

It's a great life.* Friend of mine worked in the Bangkok embassy and he still raves about it.

[Nords]

Originally Posted by Sheryl

Here's the house I saw while there which I'd love to buy!* (Mango house)

Speaking as a mango-tree owner, it looks like the mango is right over the house. First thing I'd buy after closing is a chainsaw.

I've also learned to be a little leery of homes that have A/C with jalousie windows & open-beam ceilings (no insulation)...

[cute fuzzy bunny]

I'll bet they do when you say 'fair dinkum'.

[Sheryl]

Originally Posted by pbrane

Sheryl: Quite a coincidence... I was just on that website for the Bay Islands yesterday looking at "Mango House."*

That is a coincidence.* I thought Utila was relatively undiscovered, yet.* *Have you been there?* *I stayed at the Mango Inn, and admired the nearby house, but didn't know it was for sale.* It is a short walk from town and the waterfront, but that may be a good thing in the long run.*

I'm planning another trip to Honduras in September, and I'm torn about going back to Utila or checking out Roatan.* I think like pbrane said it's a little more expensive - and to my tastes maybe too touristy.*

As far as the mainland - I'm not sure.* The beaches in Trujillo are beautiful but it's a pretty small town.* Nice people, though.* There is a very cool resort that I think is for sale in Trujillo called Villa Brinkley.* *You could develop your "intentional community" there.

I was told by some that the beaches in La Cieba are considered too polluted to swim near town, but then others say that's changing.* There is a significant ex-pat community there if that's your thing.* *

[pbrane]

Hi:

I havn't been to the Bay Islands, but have been reading about them for years and some friends went there a few times and seem to like it --but just for vacations. Utila sounds good and land is still reasonable, I think. The thing about Panama is that land is still cheap and they have nice retirement incentives. They're also out of the hurricane belt, which has become a factor for me since experiencing my first one in Florida about 3 years ago..

[jefipius]

[...* So I still am researching Panama, Brasil (I agree that Floripa looks interesting, but the $100 visa fee for Brasil kinda put me off)

The price is a bit steep, but Brazil does it only out of reciprocity (i.e. that's what Brazilians get charged for US Visas). That being said, the visa is good for multiple entries over 5 years, so it takes a bit of the sting out of it.

[pbrane]

I think it would be ideal to do 6 months here (for me its central Wisconsin) and 6 months "there." I'm not sure if I can swing it financially. The only way for me would be to have a project (like building or remodeling a house) in each or at least one location going every few years. Or maybe start a little resort or have a rental property etc.

Regarding Brasil (from the other string), where are you headed? I spent a month in Rio with a side trip to Ouro Preto back in 1980. I'll never forget Rio... But the lengua is an issue with me. I've had like 6 semesters of spanish and can barely speak it, so Portuguese might be a problem for this clown's brain.

Does your wife have a sister? ....hey hey HEY!

[jefipius]

Originally Posted by pbrane

I think it would be ideal to do 6 months here (for me its central Wisconsin) and 6 months "there."* I'm not sure if I can swing it financially. The only way for me would be to have a project (like building or remodeling a house) in each or at least one location going every few years. Or maybe start a little resort or have a rental property etc.*

Hmmm... Real estate/Landlording* is very different there. On the bright side, 'Handyman' type labor is very cheap. On the not so bright side, things that we take for granted here (title insurance, mortgages, etc) either don't exist or are very uncommon there and tenancy laws are pretty strong. My FIL has some rental property and it seems to be a pain.
Since the exchage is still pretty good, what we'd like to do is buy (for cash) an apartment in a high rise. It would be safer to leave something like this unoccupied, since the building is secure. The fees and taxes are very cheap.

Originally Posted by pbrane

Regarding Brasil (from the other string), where are you headed? I spent a month in Rio with a side trip to Ouro Preto back in 1980. I'll never forget Rio...* But the lengua is an issue with me. I've had like 6 semesters of spanish and can barely speak it, so Portuguese might be a problem for this clown's brain.

My In-laws are in Sao Paulo state - We'd probably head there (near the beach?). I guess I'm pretty lucky in that my gringo Portuguese came pretty easily, so I can make myself understood and understand, but it does take a lot of effort!

Originally Posted by pbrane

Does your wife have a sister?* *....hey hey HEY!

She's got a brother - but he's got a girlfriend, sorry*