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Costa Rica Looks Good to Me 8/27/2010 12:40:42 PM
Thinking of trying the Expat life? Read this. My husband and I have been asking ourselves how our country can possibly be going the direction that it is. Of course there are a lot of answers but I can't say that I like any of them. I am still big with family togetherness and simplicity of life. I don't want to bother anyone and I sure don't want them to bother me. I don't think the government should interfere with our personal lives, our religion, our businesses and our beliefs. You could put me in the uniform of our forefathers and, except for the fact that I am a woman, I would fit perfectly. I listen to Glenn Beck, Rush Limbaugh, Hannity, Bortz and others because they are sanity in this world of unsanity. I still go to church and believe that a strong belief in God in important. I have always been patriotic and loved this country. Now, I am beginning to look for alternatives to living here.
I began my search by looking through the islands in the Caribbean. I found much that was positive; weather, friendliness, ease of travel. Then I found that most of the countries were not what we Americans were shown when we visited. There is much poverty that isn't on the travel brochures. There are language barriers and it seems as if many expats live in small communes behind wrought iron fences and gates. Where is freedom? You just exchange one disappointment for another.
Last year I began to research the possibility of Belize. I love the greenery and the beautiful flowers, birds, butterflies, fish and the people are friendly and wonderful. They also speak English. They used to be owned by the British prior to becoming independant. There isn't a lot of violence in this lovely country. So why haven't I moved? Well, others have also discovered paradise and the prices are rising quickly. Today real estate is almost equal to prices here in the US. I want a little more simplicity than that.
Mexico is a definite "no go" for me. I don't care if someone GIVES me a huge hacienda. I do NOT want to live where drugs are king and rule the country. There is just too much going on in that country to suit me. I used to go over several times a year just to wander around and buy souvenirs. I even bought merchandise to sell in my gift store. But since the last time I visited, in 2000, many US tourists have disappeared from previously friendly places. Americans are robbed and attacked there every day. So, where else can we check out?
This led me to Coast Rica. I have been following the Americans and Canadians who have moved here through their websites and blogs. I subscribe to International Living (well, I have since the 60's). Costa Rica and the other small countries in Central America are the new place to be.
I can't decide whether or not to try the beaches, the mountains, the volcano, or near the capital of San Jose. There are great hospitals there and medical care is cheaper and as good as it is in America. The language may be a barrier for a while but you can learn Spanish and plenty of people speak English. You can always find an Expat to translate. Property is pretty reasonable so far. They have a stable government. I think I may give it a try. come with!
