Planning my getaway

[NorthernLight]

There is only so much I can do to make my current situation more interesting. I need more! Having considered various alternatives (including living in a boat or a van), I think my best bet is to move to Latin America.

I was to leave for Paraguay on April 1, 2020, but my flight was canceled by Covid. One reason I chose Paraguay was their very liberal visitor policy. Basically, I could stay for as long as my passport was valid (up to 10 years!). That might have changed by now. Something I'll have to check out.

Of course, most countries make you leave after 3 months (6 months in Mexico). This can complicate things.

My pension will be reduced (a lot) if I spend more than 6 months outside of Canada. I can't afford to maintain a residence in Canada and travel back and forth. So if I leave here, I'll have to really leave.

I belonged to a forum for people traveling on the cheap, but most of the members were actually quite well off. And I didn't like some of the attitudes. Unfortunately, that made me feel isolated and unsupported.

But now it's time to leave past disappointments behind, and work on a plan.

Today I was browsing some websites and blogs, confirming that there are other shoestring expats, other possibilities, perhaps other support groups.

Some people work while traveling. They are digital nomads, or they work locally. I don't want to work. But maybe I could trade English practice for a free room, something like that.

I'm looking at making a move in about 1.5 years. Maybe more, maybe less. I've always been good at jumping off the deep end, but various age considerations make me more cautious now. Not least of which: If I mess up, I'll have no place to come back to. Not a fun prospect for a broke old person.

So this diary will be a place to gather my thoughts and start the process. Thank you for reading.

 

[PamfromTx]

Best of luck to you in your future endeavors. I'm sure you'll make the right decision.

I'm not that valiant or courageous to go live in another country or another state, for that matter. I have to be near my relatives. Born in Texas and will die in Texas.

 

[Gaer]

There is only so much I can do to make my current situation more interesting. I need more! Having considered various alternatives (including living in a boat or a van), I think my best bet is to move to Latin America.

I was to leave for Paraguay on April 1, 2020, but my flight was canceled by Covid. One reason I chose Paraguay was their very liberal visitor policy. Basically, I could stay for as long as my passport was valid (up to 10 years!). That might have changed by now. Something I'll have to check out.

Of course, most countries make you leave after 3 months (6 months in Mexico). This can complicate things.

My pension will be reduced (a lot) if I spend more than 6 months outside of Canada. I can't afford to maintain a residence in Canada and travel back and forth. So if I leave here, I'll have to really leave.

I belonged to a forum for people traveling on the cheap, but most of the members were actually quite well off. And I didn't like some of the attitudes. Unfortunately, that made me feel isolated and unsupported.

But now it's time to leave past disappointments behind, and work on a plan.

Today I was browsing some websites and blogs, confirming that there are other shoestring expats, other possibilities, perhaps other support groups.

Some people work while traveling. They are digital nomads, or they work locally. I don't want to work. But maybe I could trade English practice for a free room, something like that.

I'm looking at making a move in about 1.5 years. Maybe more, maybe less. I've always been good at jumping off the deep end, but various age considerations make me more cautious now. Not least of which: If I mess up, I'll have no place to come back to. Not a fun prospect for a broke old person.

So this diary will be a place to gather my thoughts and start the process. Thank you for reading.

Wow! That's a brave move! I applaud you! You must be an amazing lady!

 

[Right Now]

A complete change of lifestyle for you! Do you have any contacts when you arrive in the new country? Someone who could help you find a place to live? All the best wishes for a fulfilling experience.

 

[Kaila]

That's fascinating, NorthernLight.
Both the actual travels full of new experiences, and the initial process beforehand, during which you explore options and make decisions, and take steps toward whatever directions you choose.
Wow. I wish you well!

 

[jujube]

Have you considered Ecuador? I would like to live in Banos for a year at least.

 

[Gary O']

If I mess up, I'll have no place to come back to. Not a fun prospect for a broke old person.

I strongly advise taking a trip
Not a one way one
Paying a visit

Lotsa upheaval in some So American countries

 

[officerripley]

Best of luck, I hope it works out for you. (We will miss you here on SF if you do go, though. )

 

[Alligatorob]

There is only so much I can do to make my current situation more interesting. I need more! Having considered various alternatives (including living in a boat or a van), I think my best bet is to move to Latin America.

Wow, an adventurous and decisive woman, I like that!

I won't say the usual things, like are you sure you know what you are doing. I think you probably do, and I think you are smart to explore it a bit here, it should help you make a decision. I am sure you will make the right one.

After reading your post I did a little research on Paraguay, it does sound like an interesting place. And maybe a good place to retire to. However I saw one place that suggests they are limiting visas for Canadians, but not for us from the US. If true that doesn't seem to make sense, but I am sure you can find out.

Looking forward to hearing from you on the research, thinking, and planning!

 

[NorthernLight]

A complete change of lifestyle for you! Do you have any contacts when you arrive in the new country? Someone who could help you find a place to live? All the best wishes for a fulfilling experience.

There are various ways of getting to know a place. For example, I could stay in a hostel for the first month and look around. Maybe find out where other foreigners hang out, and ask them. Also, now that I'm on the language exchange app, I can "meet" people in many countries. Most are very kind and helpful.

Have you considered Ecuador? I would like to live in Banos for a year at least.

I certainly have! Seems great.

I strongly advise taking a trip
Not a one way one
Paying a visit

Lotsa upheaval in some So American countries

Thank you. I can't afford a fact-finding expedition. Hence the year or more of research and planning.

Best of luck, I hope it works out for you. (We will miss you here on SF if you do go, though. )

Aw, I can still be on SF. They'll probably have Internet where I'm going.

Wow, an adventurous and decisive woman, I like that!

I won't say the usual things, like are you sure you know what you are doing. I think you probably do, and I think you are smart to explore it a bit here, it should help you make a decision. I am sure you will make the right one.

After reading your post I did a little research on Paraguay, it does sound like an interesting place. And maybe a good place to retire to. However I saw one place that suggests they are limiting visas for Canadians, but not for us from the US. If true that doesn't seem to make sense, but I am sure you can find out.

Looking forward to hearing from you on the research, thinking, and planning!

Thank you for your encouraging words. It is possible that Paraguay favors US citizens over Canadians. Different countries have different deals between them. I'll be checking it out.

Thank you, @Kaila , @Gaer , and @PamfromTx . I appreciate your support!

 

[Gary O']

Thank you. I can't afford a fact-finding expedition. Hence the year or more of research and planning.

Well, about here I'd say you can't afford not to, but...times have changed.

I've been in some jams when out of country

'Course I'd hooked up with some loud mouthed Africaners

Other times, wrong place, wrong time

I'm sure yer not the bar hopping type
You'll prolly do fine

 

[SeniorBen]

That's mighty brave of you, @NorthernLight! Good luck to you!

 

[Alligatorob]

From Wikipedia:

Despite a history of poverty and political repression, in a 2017 Positive Experience Index based on global polling data, Paraguay ranked as the "world's happiest place"
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paraguay

How's your Guarani?

 

[hollydolly]

Northernlight...I've done this.. I moved to Italy.. and then to Germany on my own. Granted I had a job and wasn't a senior.. but I just did it, and didn't even know the languages either..

At 50 I took early retirement, and my then husband and I bought a house in Spain.. He worked in the UK..long hours.. and would come out to Spain every month for a week... so I lived in the Spanish Casa.. full time, and worked and lived there, paid bills, dealt with HUGE bureaucracy, and red tape in a foreign language that I had to learn fast, not to mention Medical issues..

It's absolutely doable.. I only returned because I missed the Culture here in the UK.. the Libraries, the Museums, the theatres, ... the English language.. the ease of communication... but for the first few years it was a great place to be living.. now I just go there on Holiday...but I'm absolutely chuffed I did this in middle age, and learned so much, none less than a new language

However, if I ever got the opportunity to relocate to another country now.. at 67 years old.. I would only choose a country whose first language is English..

 

[Pepper]

If I may ask an indelicate question: how old are you?

 

[Paco Dennis]

WOW! I have met several people who have left the U.S. and moved abroad. The world is changing at a rapid pace. What IS today could be a lot different in a year. It is an exciting time to travel if you are ready for the unexpected...both finding what pleases you and disappointment and even possible danger. I am of two minds. Canada seems to be in metamorphosis, as most all countries are. One possibility is to get involved in traveling abroad where you are watching exciting adventure movies, and/or taking web vacations ( but that might make you more ready to leap ). I am curious as to why you want to leave Canada/where you are... is it depressing, boring, lonely...? I understand the love of being in other cultures, especially one's that interact with each other in real time. But then there is all the viruses appearing out of nowhere....I will be very interested in following your research and findings and decisions.

 

[Jamala]

How I love courage and adventure. NorthernLight, if you decide to go you are in for a treat! Paraguay is beautiful and I can vouch for that. Hubby and I did the South American tour which included Paraguay. Asunción is probably where expats mostly hang out (you probably know that already).
Graham Greene, the English writer born in Hertfordshire, UK, loved Asunción so much he spent a number of years there writing some of his great works.!

Sent you a PM...

 

[Mizmo]

There is only so much I can do to make my current situation more interesting. I need more! Having considered various alternatives (including living in a boat or a van), I think my best bet is to move to Latin America.

I was to leave for Paraguay on April 1, 2020, but my flight was canceled by Covid. One reason I chose Paraguay was their very liberal visitor policy. Basically, I could stay for as long as my passport was valid (up to 10 years!). That might have changed by now. Something I'll have to check out.

Of course, most countries make you leave after 3 months (6 months in Mexico). This can complicate things.

My pension will be reduced (a lot) if I spend more than 6 months outside of Canada. I can't afford to maintain a residence in Canada and travel back and forth. So if I leave here, I'll have to really leave.

I belonged to a forum for people traveling on the cheap, but most of the members were actually quite well off. And I didn't like some of the attitudes. Unfortunately, that made me feel isolated and unsupported.

But now it's time to leave past disappointments behind, and work on a plan.

Today I was browsing some websites and blogs, confirming that there are other shoestring expats, other possibilities, perhaps other support groups.

Some people work while traveling. They are digital nomads, or they work locally. I don't want to work. But maybe I could trade English practice for a free room, something like that.

I'm looking at making a move in about 1.5 years. Maybe more, maybe less. I've always been good at jumping off the deep end, but various age considerations make me more cautious now. Not least of which: If I mess up, I'll have no place to come back to. Not a fun prospect for a broke old person.

So this diary will be a place to gather my thoughts and start the process. Thank you for reading.

Have you seen this latest from the Government ....not. sure I would want to live there.

https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/paraguay

 

[Muskrat]

It sounds very very exciting! Family is what keeps me stateside…but i dream of other places. Keep us posted…

 

[RadishRose]

I don't think I could leave forever. You're very brave, North! I hope it works out for you.

 

[NorthernLight]

Well, about here I'd say you can't afford not to, but...times have changed.

I've been in some jams when out of country

'Course I'd hooked up with some loud mouthed Africaners

Other times, wrong place, wrong time

I'm sure yer not the bar hopping type
You'll prolly do fine

Thanks. I have considered going on a several-month trip and coming back. But if I did, I wouldn't be traveling ever again. Financially to do both.

Never been in a jam, except for minor ones that locals helped me out of. So far!

 

[Alligatorob]

I have considered going on a several-month trip

Had a cousin who traveled by bus and other second and third class means from Tijuana to Rio de Janeiro once. Staying and eating as cheaply as possible. She had some stories to tell.

I had to admire her sprit, at the time she was a 30 something hippie. Today she's a 70 something hippie, still likes to tell the tale, and I still enjoy listening.

Not suggesting you do the same, you just reminded me.

 

[Murrmurr]

There is only so much I can do to make my current situation more interesting. I need more! Having considered various alternatives (including living in a boat or a van), I think my best bet is to move to Latin America.

I was to leave for Paraguay on April 1, 2020, but my flight was canceled by Covid. One reason I chose Paraguay was their very liberal visitor policy. Basically, I could stay for as long as my passport was valid (up to 10 years!). That might have changed by now. Something I'll have to check out.

Of course, most countries make you leave after 3 months (6 months in Mexico). This can complicate things.

My pension will be reduced (a lot) if I spend more than 6 months outside of Canada. I can't afford to maintain a residence in Canada and travel back and forth. So if I leave here, I'll have to really leave.

I belonged to a forum for people traveling on the cheap, but most of the members were actually quite well off. And I didn't like some of the attitudes. Unfortunately, that made me feel isolated and unsupported.

But now it's time to leave past disappointments behind, and work on a plan.

Today I was browsing some websites and blogs, confirming that there are other shoestring expats, other possibilities, perhaps other support groups.

Some people work while traveling. They are digital nomads, or they work locally. I don't want to work. But maybe I could trade English practice for a free room, something like that.

I'm looking at making a move in about 1.5 years. Maybe more, maybe less. I've always been good at jumping off the deep end, but various age considerations make me more cautious now. Not least of which: If I mess up, I'll have no place to come back to. Not a fun prospect for a broke old person.

So this diary will be a place to gather my thoughts and start the process. Thank you for reading.

I lived with my cousin in Venezuela for about 4 months or so, back in the 90s. A few years ago I wanted to go back, but my cousin said "No way, Jose. It's terrible here now."

If you want to go, research really well first. A lot has changed over the past 2 - 3 decades.

Aside from travel, would you consider fostering children? Like, maybe one or two at a time? Being a foster dad improved my life 100%. My life had purpose, meaning, goals. I was inspired, and loved, and I had lots and lots of fun every single day. I've written about the downsides, and they're rough, to be sure, but I got a charge out of knowing I could rise to the system's challenges as well as I could to the challenges of having a toddler in my life.

 

[NorthernLight]

If I may ask an indelicate question: how old are you?

Seventy.

WOW! I have met several people who have left the U.S. and moved abroad. The world is changing at a rapid pace. What IS today could be a lot different in a year. It is an exciting time to travel if you are ready for the unexpected...both finding what pleases you and disappointment and even possible danger. I am of two minds. Canada seems to be in metamorphosis, as most all countries are. One possibility is to get involved in traveling abroad where you are watching exciting adventure movies, and/or taking web vacations ( but that might make you more ready to leap ). I am curious as to why you want to leave Canada/where you are... is it depressing, boring, lonely...? I understand the love of being in other cultures, especially one's that interact with each other in real time. But then there is all the viruses appearing out of nowhere....I will be very interested in following your research and findings and decisions.

Thank you for your thoughts. I don't want to travel now. I'm hoping Covid and some other things will settle down. If not, I guess that's that.

Yes, I'm bored and lonely. Hard as I try, my life in Canada is a big nothing. I'm only here by default. I have lived overseas for 9 years, and have visited other countries. I believe my life would be better elsewhere. More friendly, fun, stimulating. Also warmer and more beautiful! And cheaper.

Have you seen this latest from the Government ....not. sure I would want to live there.

https://travel.gc.ca/destinations/paraguay

I'm not married to the idea of going to Paraguay per se. Paraguay is probably off the table now. I chose it on the basis of policies and conditions at the time. Things do seem to have changed.

@Alligatorob No Guaraní, but Paraguayans speak Spanish too! And, yes, I have considered just knocking around by bus. Fly to Mexico city and ... ??? Maybe getting a bit old for that. Very tempted though.

@Murrmurr I understand. I will be doing heavy research, and basing my decision on current conditions. I am not a kid person. Hats off to you!

I'm poor, and therefore not eligible to move to any country as a resident. So i'll probably be 3 months here and 3 months there.

Or, based in one country and doing periodic "visa runs," which are not as simple as people think. Also, many countries don't like the practice, and can stop you from re-entering.

So it's all just a big ball of uncertainty right now. Hoping to make some sense of it bit by bit, and end up somewhere nice.

Thanks to everyone who has taken an interest and commented.

 

[Alligatorob]

Seventy.

Not too old, I hope anyway, same as me.

I have considered just knocking around by bus. Fly to Mexico city and ... ???

I really like your spirit. I've done the fly to Mexico city and explore thing several times, not real recently though. You have me thinking... My dozen or so words of Spanish need some practice!