BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?

Subject: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: Gulliver
Date: 14 Feb 07 - 08:24 PM

I'll be selling my house in Dublin later this year and am thinking of going abroad for a while
for a change of scene and to complete some writing projects. I'm looking for a goodish climate (love sun, don't like snow),
some kind of a drinking establishment/cafe nearby to chill out, a bit of music in the vicinity
(love all kinds, but play acoustic folk/trad), friendly people. The cost of living and property shouldn't be too high--I'll be on a budget.
My long-term intention is that if I like the place I could retire there.

I've lived abroad before and speak several European languages.

Any suggestions for a nice place to try out?

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: Bill D
Date: 14 Feb 07 - 08:34 PM

Australia sounds like your best bet

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: Rapparee
Date: 14 Feb 07 - 09:06 PM

Canada. Western Canada.

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: mg
Date: 14 Feb 07 - 09:07 PM

Mexico. mg

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: Gulliver
Date: 14 Feb 07 - 09:26 PM

Thanks for these suggestions.

Australia: I've been watching a BBC series on Brits moving to
Australia and most of them were impressed enough to move there.
No doubt it would be cheaper to live there than here or the UK. Certainly
on my list of options, though I'd probably have problems
getting a work permit if I decided to stay there for a longer time.

Canada: know absolutely nothing about the country. I always imagined it as being cold.
Any particular towns, cities?

Mexico: I didn't expect this. Again, know very little of the country.
I could probably bluff my way in Spanish. I'd imagine it would be cheap. Any particular part?

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: Alba
Date: 14 Feb 07 - 09:37 PM

I can think of a load of places...but...I like snow!!!
Happy Travels Gulliver:). May you find your little piece of Nervana on the planet.
Jude

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: number 6
Date: 14 Feb 07 - 09:40 PM

Canada. Eastern Canada (the maritimes)

biLL
(a Canadian who lives in Eastern Canada)

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: mg
Date: 14 Feb 07 - 09:59 PM

Eastern maritimes are great..Newfoundland is magnificent..but the bit about cold and snow would make it less desirable in winter...

I can't recommend where in Mexico..do you like silversmithing? My ex roommate was going to a place in the hills to learn the trade..I think I would go to the inland mountain regions..and I would absolutely never set foot in Mexico City for fear of an earthquake.

I believe it is still pretty cheap there and you can get by with basic Spanish and there are lots of English-speaking communities. I hope to spend some time in retirmenet there.

Also, the southern US is fascinating..New Mexico, although it does get cold. Alabama is beautiful and mysterious..again it can get cold in the north.

mg

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: GUEST,Chongo Chimp
Date: 14 Feb 07 - 10:06 PM

Matter of fact, I think about broads a lot. I got one on my mind right now. Angie, the slinky redheaded waitress over at the Metropolis. She turns a nice ankle, no doubt about it. That reminds me, I could use a drink. Well, see ya later, I guess.

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 14 Feb 07 - 10:33 PM

Well, one option would be to go wherever your favorite Mudcatter invites you to stay till you're settled.

~S~

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: Gulliver
Date: 14 Feb 07 - 11:00 PM

mg, I'll have to look into the Canadian climate--I suffer somewhat
from the SAD syndrome, which is one reason I want to be out of Ireland in the Winter.
I agree with you about Southern US, though I've only been to Texas (great!), Tennessee and Georgia,
as well as California. I don't think that I'd be able to settle permanently there, though, because of immigration restrictions
(unless I married a US citizen, I suppose--where's that favourite Mudcatter that WYSIWYG mentioned?)

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: wysiwyg
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 12:03 AM

Well, you see, you'll have to decide who that is, and then start working on it.

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: michaelr
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 12:18 AM

Jaysus, I was going to suggest Ireland. Which is where I'd love to live, if I had the chance. But here I am, stuck in California... :-(

Cheers,
Michael

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: Amos
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 12:48 AM

Italy, or southern France, or SPain or Portugal.

A

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: Blindlemonsteve
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 01:41 AM

Valencia, Spain. Lots of small cafes, lots of local live music, the fallas every March, great beaches nearby, beautiful architecture, great culture, good climate.. Good prices for property, although they are rising fast, easy links to the U.K,,,, need i say any more.

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: GUEST,ozchick
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 01:41 AM

Definitely Australia!!! - no SAD here..........

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: Captain Ginger
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 03:12 AM

I'll second Italy - either Florence or one of the small towns within a bus ride of the city. Agreeable climate (though winters can be pretty cold), fantastic people, good food and wine and culturally probably scoring higher than the US, Canada or Australia combined.
And the politics are such that you'll never be bored.

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: polaitaly
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 04:02 AM

Yes, many things can be said on Italy's politics but NOT that it's boring.....
paola

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: Zany Mouse
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 04:10 AM

I would head to France. I think one of the main reasons would be that I could get back to England cheaply and easily for festivals and to keep up with my pals.

But I would say that - I'm buying a cottage in France!

Rhiannon

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: jacqui.c
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 07:12 AM

I'd go for Northern Italy as well - Tuscany is beautiful but if you get down to Umbria it's a bit less touristy still.

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: GUEST,Terry K
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 07:27 AM

Northern Italy. But keep away from Florence, except for the shoe shops. Yes, Umbria's nice too.

Then again, I do have a vested interest in a certain lake. It was my compromise on not being able to have a place in Australia AND stay married.

If I was on my own it would definitely be Australia.

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: Grab
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 08:45 AM

Cambridge UK is nice, but in no way cheap!

Greece is good, but I wouldn't want to live there - far too much corruption. For that matter, all the Mediterranean countries have serious corruption problems - certainly more than any Brit would imagine anyone could get away with. (Don't know what Ireland's like for that.) Of them all, France is probably least corrupt. If you can put up with that, then fine, otherwise northern/central Europe might be a better bet, although then you're into snow country.

Graham.

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: Gulliver
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 08:46 AM

Thanks again!

Italy: I lived in and around Naples and Pozzuoli for 3 years (worked for Olivetti). Enjoyed the experience because I'm interested in history and learned Italian. But Naples is a rough city and Winter, though short, is pretty depressing (no pubs! only politics!). Places like Ischia or Amalfi Coast are better, but they're financially way out of my league!

I love Tuscany and Piedmont, but thought it might be too expensive as so many people (especially Continentals) are going there, and cold in Winter. Might look into this again.

Spain: Is looking more and more interesting, especially in the South. Weather is ideal, historically interesting, lots of English-speaking communities (something I missed in other countries I've lived in, though I'm good at languages), maybe the chance of playing a bit of music in bars/cafes (lots of Irish folkies go there to play for a few months at a time).

France: I've lived in Paris and speak French but for some reason the country never appealed to me, just something about the people or the lifestyle, maybe lacking in approachability, dunno exactly.

Ireland (since Michaelr mentioned it): Not thinking of severing links completely, but the weather really gets me down during the Winter months (what don't you like about California, Michael?).

Wherever I end up, I'd like to have opportunities to meet up with people for a chat/meal/drink/BBQ/session/whatever, and/or friendly locals--I'll (probably) be on my own and don't want to feel isolated...

Whew...so much to think about!

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: Midchuck
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 08:58 AM

If you don't like snow, I'm not about to suggest Vermont today, of all days. There isn't much to see out there but snow today. On the other hand, we've probably had 7/8 of the snow we've had all winter in the last 36 hours.

Who was it said "If I owned Hell and Texas, I'd live in Hell and rent out Texas?"

Peter.

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: Michael from Manitoba
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 11:16 AM

Gulliver
Australia, Spain and Utaly are all nice pleaces, but maybe it's time to think outside the box. According to the Iraq Tourist Office, once the present 'disturbances' are over (prob about when you sell your house), the country will welcome visitors. Just think, dry climate, lots of sun (or should that read Sunni?) and a rich history. Good oude players too. If that's not to your liking, how about Burma? Hot and humid if you like that, government assured law and order, central location for other places in SE Asia. Then, again, there's the wonderful, climate of Zimbabwe - don't let the 1600% inflation bother you, the exchange rates are good.
I'd invite you to Manitoba but you don't like the cold. Too bad because we have brilliant sunshine on the prairies summer and winter, clean air, not much rain, we send most of the snow down to the States and just keep enough for winter activities. We are free of hurricaines, earthquakes, avalanches and rarely if ever get tsunamis.

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: Gulliver
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 02:29 PM

Don't think I haven't thought of these places, Michael! I travelled through Iran
and Afghanistan (among other countries, but not Irak as I didn't have a visa) in the 70's
and was very impressed with Afghanistan. Got on very well with the Tajiks, Baluchis and Pathans
there and have always wanted to return, but not feasable at the moment.
And my ex has returned to Somalia, so I have a standing invite to Mogadishu, but again, a bit dodgy.
I've often said I wouldn't mind converting to Islam if I went, but getting realistic these days...

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: Georgiansilver
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 06:28 PM

If you want somewhere with very cheap property and an extremely low cost of living...Bulgaria.

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: The Fooles Troupe
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 06:52 PM

Visit the Old Country.

"What Old Country?"

"Any Old Country!"



(Apologies to Spike Milligan!)

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: GUEST,sorted
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 07:19 PM

Morrocco - the current golden boy for investment, attracting lots of English speakers, only 3 and a half hour flight to UK, budget airlines opening routes, easy ferry from Spain, beautiful country, beautiful people, wonderful traditional music and great food, low cost of living, improving infrastructure and dirt cheap coastal properties.

Greek islands - the smaller ones only do direct flights in season but ferries to the mainland all year and you can fly from Athens, still cheap{ish) comparatively, slower way of life, excellent people, food, property booming, fabulous music, the more eastern islands have year long sunshine, and it may get a bit cooler in November but hey you need the energy to shake the olives off the trees.Enough english speaking professionals to make house buying a breeze, well established ex pat situation. If you want to drive back to Uk it's only 2000 miles and the journey is a holiday in itself.

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: jimmyt
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 08:48 PM

I would consider Istria, a peninsula of Croatia. Still quite affordable, most folks speak English, lots of great people and places to die for! I was intrigued by some of the tiny hill villages such as Roc and Hum which has only 13 full-time residents but a great Taverna. all in all, Istria is coastal Italy at half price

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: GUEST,( - : xTx : - )
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 09:02 PM

Yeah, Texas is nice. Land prices can be good, depending on how much you want, where you want it. Main problem now is that we're hated because the world thinks GW Bush is from Texas. He was born in Connecticut and his family has a "compound" in Kennebunkport, Maine, yet people think he's from Texas. Ain't so, people.

Lots of types of terrain here, lots of music, not much cold weather. Not much corruption or bribery either, unless you want to mail me some cash. I'll, uh...show you the secret handshake or something. Buy a ranch and bring some of those Irish thoroughbreds over here. Can't have enough horses. Good luck.

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: GUEST,John Gray in Oz
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 09:35 PM

Ok, dreams aside, let's look at the economics. The average Australian
cannot afford the house/land package anymore. Thirty years we had the highest home buying / ownership rates in the Western world. Now we are well down the list.
The current median house land package is valued at 6.9 times the average median salary.
In the USA it is only 3.6 times. Canada, England, New Zealand, and most European countries are around 4 times.
So, a plumber, or folk singer, is paying nearly twice the price
that his American equivalents do.
Permanent residency in caravan parks is sky-rocketing.

So, if your're wealthy by all means come, if not, then I suggest Outer Mongolia.

JG / FME

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: Grab
Date: 16 Feb 07 - 06:53 AM

General Sherman, wasn't it?

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 16 Feb 07 - 07:16 AM

If you're looking at Spain, we visited a village near Barcelona, called Matadepera. Lovely village, beautiful setting, 20 years ago the residents were all as mad as a box of frogs. Language is Catalan rather than Spanish, but they mostly spoke reasonable English.

You have the advantage of being away from the touristy bit, but near enough to Barcelona that you can commute for a job or a day trip.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: Scrump
Date: 16 Feb 07 - 08:35 AM

(Apologies to Spike Milligan!)

He just told me to pass on the message that there's no need to apologise, as he's dead :D

(I recognised the lines from a Goon show featuring guest Colonel Chinstrap of ITMA - The Shifting Sands)

Wherever you go, I wouldn't recommend coming to England. Too bloody expensive :-(

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: Marion
Date: 16 Feb 07 - 11:21 AM

Canada. Central Canada.

(Though to be honest, the one area that doesn't get much snow - Vancouver - is notorious for rain. There are several nice people in Canada, but you really shouldn't pick us for our weather.)

Marion

Subject: RE: BS: Thinking of Going Abroad--ideas where?
From: Gulliver
Date: 16 Feb 07 - 05:36 PM

Thanks all! Spain is looking good at the moment, for reasons mentioned above but also because it isn't too far for friends to come visit (and also perhaps because it would be a new adventure--I've never lived there before, in contrast to France and Italy).

The problem with Australia and some other possible places where I have contacts (US, South Africa, Brazil, etc) is that they are just that little bit too far for friends to travel to. A good friend of mine moved to South Africa 10 years ago hoping that she'd get lots of visitors but that didn't happen and she ended up feeling very lonely. I've been down that road before and want to avoid it, in making this long-term decision.