I could easily fill this page with the reasons why you should not move overseas. I hear them every day when I’m visiting the U.S. Here are a few of the more popular themes
“I’m too old to enjoy myself abroad now…I wish I had made the move 15 years ago.”
“The country sounds fabulous for the most part, but I don’t speak the language.”
“I love the idea of beaches, sun, and sand. But we don’t even know one person there…”
“If it were simply up to me, I’d go…but my children would never agree to it.”
Yet when I’m at home in Uruguay or Brazil, I’m constantly amazed at the number of people who—against all logic—are enjoying a fun, adventure-filled life abroad. Like my newest neighbors on the island of Itamaracá in Brazil: Carl and Pat VenderHeide.
They are both 77 years old, and they met on the Internet. Carl is originally from Michigan; Pat from New Hampshire. Both widowed, they decided to get married eight years ago.
Carl and Pat—longtime International Living readers—are adventurous by nature. They felt that living abroad would be a grand escapade in their later years, so they set about to make it happen. They considered a number of possible destinations before settling on the sunny state of Jalisco, Mexico, near Lake Chapala. With its spring-like weather year-round, it’s long been popular with U.S. retirees. Their children strongly objected to the move abroad…but Carl and Pat moved anyway.
They settled in a sleepy little Mexican village called San Antonio Tlayacapan, on the shores of Lake Chapala between the towns of Ajijic and Chapala. With its old church, town square, and cobblestone streets, it has all the earmarks of a picture-perfect retirement haven.
And, in fact, Carl and Pat lived happily there for five years. But then they decided to move on. The children heartily approved—believing that the two had come to their senses and decided to return home.
But instead, they moved to Itamaracá; a place they’d read about in the pages of IL. Their children, of course, objected. But the couple came to Brazil anyway.
Itamaracá is not for the faint of heart. It’s a large tropical island with 17,000 Portuguese-speaking Brazilians, 48 British families, about 10 Americans, and a handful of Europeans. Most of the English-speakers are here part time. You won’t find fancy stores, golf courses, malls, or highrise condos.
Yes, it’s a tropical island with year-round perfect weather, fresh seafood, and white-sand beaches…but there are plenty of more-refined places to settle down; places that offer a “cushier” lifestyle for seniors.
So Carl and Pat have every reason not to be here. They’re not young…they don’t speak Portuguese…they don’t have visas or Brazilian driver’s licenses…and their families object. Yet they’re here anyway…in the process of becoming full-time residents.
“We’re here because we’ve still got time for one more adventure,” says Pat.
And that’s the key to enjoying a life abroad: a sense of adventure.
You can make any case you want about cost of living, medical care, or inexpensive beachfront properties. But in the end, it’s your enjoyment of the adventure that will carry you along.
After all, languages can be learned, whether you’re 47 or 77…visas can be obtained one way or another…and driver’s tests can be taken. Families eventually come around and begin to appreciate the experience you’re having, as Carl and Pat’s children have.
I’ve seen it time and again: With a healthy spirit of adventure, all things are possible. Without it, just about any obstacle will be enough to keep you home.
Sidebar:
Problems Solved Easily in Brazil
Carl and Pat found their island home with the help of realtors Peter and Debbie Zorab. E-mail: DebbieZorab@yahoo.com; website: www.property-brazil.co.uk.
Carl and Pat have access to a language school right on the island…but there are plenty of other options for studying Portuguese in Brazil. Take a look at Wizard, which has language schools throughout the country. See: www.wizard.com.br.
You can drive for up to six months on your valid home license, with either a translation or an InterAmerican Driver’s License. If you’re staying longer, you’ll get your license from the traffic authority, DETRAN.
As for family objections? I’m afraid you’re on your own for this one.
