International Living Postcards–your daily escape
Wednesday, February 18, 2004
Officially, they don’t exist. They rarely advertise; you won’t find them listed in any Yellow Pages. Your local tourist office or embassy has never heard of them.
But in every city of every country in the world that can boast an expat population of even a handful, you’ll find them–if you know where to look. And making contact with them is one of the most important things you can do as you work to arrange your new life in paradise.
I’m talking about the places where expats gather–to swap stories, recommendations, ideas…or just to chat.
In Granada, it’s breakfast time at the Nica Buffet on Calle Morazan. In Paris, it’s the monthly Après Midi at (usually) La Pierre du Marais on rue des Archives. In Panama City, it’s the regular Monday Night Open House at Greg’s house in La Cresta…in Merida, it’s the Merida English Library. (All contact details below.)
Being successful in your attempt to settle in to your chosen overseas haven could depend largely on your ability to make contact with these groups. It’s the easiest way we know to meet as many expats already living in the country as possible.
If you haven’t reached the traveling part of your research…if you’re still in the early planning stage…we have an alternative to suggest: the online IL Bulletin Board.
Destinations discussed in the past few weeks have included Austria, the Virgin Islands, Italy, Tasmania, the Dominican Republic, Chile, India, France, Nicaragua, Panama, Mexico, Belize, Costa Rica, and Croatia.
Topics broached have included job searches from Panama to China…home exchanges offered and travel companions sought…tips for a romantic wedding anniversary…opinions on the best skiing in Chile and the worst bureaucracy in France…a recommended architect in Paris and advice for building a home in Nicaragua…shot-in-the-dark queries on everything from nude beaches to commercial banks.
One reader is trying to trace her family roots in Europe. No replies yet, but I’m hopeful for her.
You can join in the fun here: http://www.agora-inc.com/forums/index.cfm?cfapp=15
Kathleen Peddicord
Publisher, International Living
