Posted on 09/15/2011 5:52:49 PM PDT by Former MSM Viewer
Costa Rica sounds awesome. Ecuador sounds exotic. Are they as good as they sound?
Costa Rica is very pretty, if you like Third World countries. I’d move to Panama City, personally. Very modern; just stay away from the ghettos. And learn to speak Spanish.
They had visited and loved the place...
...so they did...they went to Costa Rica....
...a few months later I saw her back at her job at one of the Orlando theme parks....and asked about Costa Rica....
..she didn't seem to want to talk about it.
Purely anecdotal....but these two were sure they would love the place!
I loved the ferias - smell of coffee and fantastic fruit, as you point out. I’m getting all worked up to go back for a while!
Living in a 2nd or 3rd world country has its good and bad points and isn’t for everyone, but it is good to visit in advance and to do a lot of homework.
I won’t be retiring for a few years and my only income will be SS, but it will be more than enough to live a nice life in the Phils.
Like I said, not live like a King, but more like a Prince.
Also, Phils love us “Kanos” (Americans) and many speak English, although some with a thick accent.
Yeah, it’s hot and humid there, but if you have AC and live on or near the beach, you won’t have to suffer much.
Most of these countries are dirt poor with a lot of poverty, and they think we are all rich. To them, even someone on a monthly income of less than $1,000 is rich in comparison, so if you’re a soft touch, you’ll have to learn how to say NO! and mean it.
Also watch out for scams. Every one of these countries has people that make a living scamming uninitiated Americans out of their cash.
Bottom line is to do your homework, which I’m doing now even though I probably won’t be able to leave for the Phils for another 5 years and a lot can change between now and then.
One thing for certain is that I could live on my SS income here in the US, but it would have to be in the least expensive place in the US and I would struggle financially.
Instead, I’ll go live in Paradise and actually be able to save money on a modest SS retirement.
“The only “screwy” real estate laws I’m aware of allow squatters to occupy unattended land.”
That’s a huge difference though. And one point you missed is that the “statute of limitations” is very short... Maybe 60 days? So if you don’t file a lawsuit against the squatters within 60 days, then you can’t get rid of them.
It pays to befriend the locals who will keep an eye on your property in your absence.
“Spotted Rooster”
Or you could just live in Panama.
Have you ever driven through the south side of Chicago or vast swaths of Gary, Detroit or Newark? Would you judge an entire country on these areas?
You know, I have traveled extensively in Mexico and some in South America as well. Yes, actually, I make my judgments based on observations and experiences, and I would do it again.
The government is corrupt, through and through. Are there good people in it? Yes. Is it ordered and lawful? No — and that permeates everything. Are the people very lovely? Yes, again. Does that make it safe or sanitary or lawful? No, it does not.
It’s just MY opinion, don’t forget.
You know, I have traveled extensively in Mexico and some in South America as well. Yes, actually, I make my judgments based on observations and experiences, and I would do it again.
The government is corrupt, through and through. Are there good people in it? Yes. Is it ordered and lawful? No — and that permeates everything. Are the people very lovely? Yes, again. Does that make it safe or sanitary or lawful? No, it does not.
It’s just MY opinion, don’t forget. But there has to be a reason that the citizens below the border are pouring into this country, and it is not just the welfare payments.
No.
Uraguay!
Yikes!
That’s not my experience.
Most of those “pouring” over the border are indigenous agrarians from southern Mexico displaced by NAFTA. Cheap corn and other US agricultural products are putting the mom and pop farmers out of business.
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