LIVING OVERSEAS: THE ROAD NOT-SO-LESS TRAVELED

Here we are in South America, and everywhere we look we find other like-minded foreign retirees sharing the so called “ex-pat” experience. No longer is this a unique road to travel.  There’s an incredible amount of condo construction going on in this city, and it’s not surprising to learn that a good part of it is in direct response to our constant influx (invasion?)

The decision to move away from your friends, family and native country is definitely a pretty hefty one. And yet we’ve found, both here and in Costa Rica, that making new friends is usually the least of the challenges. It’s funny, because meeting new people in adulthood isn’t always easy in the States or Canada unless, perhaps, you live in an active retirement community. That’s kind of how it turns out here. Expats tend find each other, ultimately creating their own community of kindred spirits.

It’s definitely been easy to strike up new friendships here in Cuenca. “Gringo Nights” are set up in a handful of local restaurants and bars. Or, you could be invited to one of the many personal parties and get-togethers that go on. It’s not at all unusual to run into the same people over again at various functions, which can help to solidify new connections if you so choose. Jeff and I have met an amazing number of new people just walking down the street. We “Gringos” (a moniker used to refer mostly to North Americans) tend to stand out even to each other, and that can lead to fun new conversations, and sometimes great friendships. In other words, as an expat, you can be as social as you choose to be. That’s a good feeling. 

So who are we Crazies? What do we have in common? A few thoughts...

The Expat Personality

People choose to live abroad for a variety of reasons. For some it’s to seek out a new adventure, for others a financial decision, and still for others even a political decision. For Jeff and I, we can safely say that it was for all three. Still, whatever the case may be, generally those expats are risk-takers to a certain extent. Not necessarily jumping-out-of-airplane risk takers, but definitely people willing to try new things without the guarantee of success. In other words, if change is a threatening word, flying off to live in a new country probably isn’t a good idea for you.

Life abroad goes especially well for those who don’t need to have things their own way. Most foreign countries do not typically provide the Burger King lifestyle we’re used to in North America. You can scream and shout all you want, but it will only get you the sad, chastising dirty looks you’d so richly deserve. Most importantly, YOUR WAY is very often not THEIR WAY, and that needs to be expected ~ and respected. The best part of that, though, is that THEIR WAY often provides a wonderful new treat or perspective.

A Great Support System

“How we came to be here” stories are great for sharing the joys and frustrations of our unique, and yet common, adventures. It’s also not always easy adapting to life in another country. We learn great tips of where to go for what from each other, and how to get things done. And if you need to learn the language, it makes it SO much easier when you have company.

Our expectations for real estate and housing tend to be similar, too, so we often end up living fairly close to one another in the same areas. Again, a nice little web of support can be a boon. 

All in all, though, this not-so-less-traveled road is going to be what any path is - what you make of it. It’s nice, though, to know you probably won’t have any trouble finding kindred spirits along the way.

Have you, or would you, ever consider living in another country? Where and Why? Tell us about it! (And if not, share a comment anyway!)