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Step Back in Time at the Laguna de Apoyo, NicaraguaPosted on May 16, 2013 by Jason Holland
Midway between the colonial city of Granada and Masaya, known for its craft market, is the Laguna de Apoyo, a lake set in a volcanic crater.
How to Enjoy Your Retirement On the RoadPosted on May 15, 2013 by Lynne Martin
At ages 67 and 72, we became senior nomads. We had taken stock of our lives and realized that we were happier on the road than anywhere else—and that becoming home-free would give us the flexibility we needed to experience life in other cultures. Since then, we’ve lived in nine countries, and we have no plans to stop until the wheels fall off!
Video: The Colonial Charm of León, NicaraguaPosted on May 14, 2013 by Jason Holland
León, Nicaragua, about 1 ½ hours northwest from the country’s capital, Managua, is a colonial city with a history to rival better-known Granada.
Pirate Speak, Burgers and Blues? All in a Day’s WorkPosted on May 7, 2013 by Steenie Harvey
In 19th century New Zealand, I’m sure, speaking like that, I’d have been understood. After lengthy voyages, its early immigrant settlers were undoubtedly familiar with jackspeak—sea-faring slang. Not far from Auckland, the Riverhead is a historic tavern whose walls are adorned with bizarre nautical sayings. Most of those sayings have long vanished into the vault of forgotten phrases.
A Round-the-World Trip… for Less Than $420Posted on May 6, 2013 by John Joe Worrall
Steve Kamb left his native Oregon last year on a round-the-world trip starting in Los Angeles. Over the course of the next 10 months, Steve spent time in Sydney, Singapore, Hong Kong, Dublin, Madrid, and Buenos Aires
We Sold Our House to Roam the WorldPosted on April 27, 2013 by Lynne Martin
My husband Tim and I are living proof that older people can learn plenty of new tricks. And our errors have been almost as much fun as our home runs. In 2011, we sold our comfortable California house, dumped the furniture, put our small treasures, art, and clothes in storage, and kissed our four daughters and seven grandchildren goodbye. At ages 67 and 72, respectively, we became senior nomads.
French Antiques and a Rhino ChargePosted on April 22, 2013 by John Joe Worrall
The Israeli city of Tel Aviv begins its three-day Taste of the City festival on May 1. Fine-dining establishments serve free portions and chefs line the streets offering local delicacies like malabi—a creamy pudding flavored with rose water. Saint Lucia Jazz is the most anticipated musical event in the Caribbean calendar and runs from the start of the month until May 12.
News & Notes from Around the World…Ecuador’s MarketsPosted on April 22, 2013 by International Living
Ecuador is justly famous for its markets. In the country’s guild towns you can buy handmade leather goods, high-quality instruments and silver jewelry. Each town has its farmer’s market, too, where you’ll pick up enough fresh produce to last a week for around $10.
Drinks with a View in Phnom Penh, CambodiaPosted on April 22, 2013 by Jennifer Stevens
On a palm-filled patio five stories up, overlooking the Tonlé sap River, we Americans apparently conjure up a certain cosmopolitan flair. Order an “Americano” at Le moon Terrace Bar and you get a martini-campari cocktail. (creature of habit, I opted for a G&T.)
The Pleasures of a Life Lived Slowly in Antigua, GuatemalaPosted on April 22, 2013 by Tara Tiedemann
I’m making my way down the cobblestones of Arch Street, on my way to meet friends for a glass of wine at Tabacos y Vinos. As I arrive, the bells of the 17thcentury cathedral ring in the hour. Antigua, in the Department of Sacatepéquez, Guatemala, is one of Latin America’s best-preserved colonial towns.
How to Take Your Dog to EuropePosted on April 22, 2013 by Gigi Griffis
I was talking to a sassy American woman on the cusp of retirement. She was buying my car and asked why I was selling a fairly new vehicle with such low mileage. When I told her I was going to Italy—with no plans to return—she got a dreamy, faraway look in her eyes… then looked a little sad. She would love to go to Europe, she said, but she couldn’t bear to leave her pets behind.
Feel-Good Adventure: Going Local in My Tho, VietnamPosted on April 22, 2013 by Josh Hansen
So there I was, on the back of a motorbike flying down the Vietnamese highway at nearly 80mph. On one side of me, the sun was setting over the distant jungle and vast Mekong river. On the other, farmers were clearing their rice paddies. Coming to Vietnam was one of my best decisions. Ever.
Natal: A Sun-Worshipper’s Paradise in Northeast BrazilPosted on April 22, 2013 by John Clites
From the Via Costeira (Coastal Way), I descend the dirt path to the beach. Kicking off my sneakers, I jog barefoot south toward the breakwater. The near-white sand is so soft that it squeaks under foot. Though only 8 a.m., the sun is high, announcing yet another beautiful day.
Senior Nomads: “We’re Healthier and Happier Since We Took to the Road”Posted on April 22, 2013 by Lynne Martin
My husband Tim and I are living proof that older people can learn plenty of new tricks. And our errors have been almost as much fun as our home runs. In 2011, we sold our comfortable California house, dumped the furniture, put our small treasures, art, and clothes in storage, and kissed our four daughters and seven grandchildren goodbye. At ages 67 and 72, respectively, we became senior nomads. We had taken stock of our lives and realized that we were happier on the road than anywhere else— and that becoming home-free would give us the flexibility we needed to experience life in other cultures.
A Day of Art, History and Food in Bogota, Colombia’s CapitalPosted on April 22, 2013 by Michael Evans
Before moving to small-town Colombia, I lived in Bogotá, where I indulged in the things I love most—art, history, and food. Every weekend I would set out on foot to discover the city’s restaurants, museums, and galleries. And I found them. If you’re new to Bogotá, it can be hard to find the city’s deepest treasures. After all, it’s a big place, with nearly eight million inhabitants.
Cool Berlin: Five Places to Drink, Dine, DancePosted on April 22, 2013 by Barbara Diggs
Of all the ultra-cool things about the German capital, Berlin, here’s what I think is coolest: You don’t actually have to be cool to partake of the hip scene. Sure, like anywhere, failing to have neon-blue hair or a withering stare may bar you from certain places. But generally, to experience some of the trendiest restaurants, bars, and clubs, you need only know how to find them…literally.
Caribbean and Pacific Coast Fishing in Costa RicaPosted on April 22, 2013 by Jason Holland
Fancy a few hours battling a half-ton striped marlin Hemingway style? The fish can get so big off the coast of Costa Rica that the skipper straps you into a chair to fight them. The waters of both coasts, the Pacific and Caribbean teem with legendary fish like marlin, dorado, and tarpon that, for decades, have drawn serious sport fishermen (and women) from around the world eager for record-setting catches.
IL’s Calendar of Events: “Jet Fuel” for Your Overseas PlansPosted on April 22, 2013 by International Living
Six months from now, you could be living in paradise… for much less than it costs you to stay home. In the best destinations overseas, your dollar just goes further…first-class healthcare is affordable… you can afford a housekeeper or gardener…and live better than you could back home for a fraction of what you pay now…
The Secret to Instant Upgrades, Hotel Gifts, and MorePosted on April 18, 2013 by Suchi Rudra
I love to travel…but the experiences I have tend to be a little different from the usual vacation. That’s because these days, I get special treatment wherever I go.
How I Make Money Writing OnlinePosted on April 10, 2013 by Paula Pant
I haven’t had a “real” job—you know, one of those 9-to-5 office gigs—since 2008. But I earn good money. Enough that I’m able to travel the world, save for retirement, and dine at nice restaurants without ever breaking a sweat about my bank account. You see, in 2008 I quit my office job so that I could wander through the Middle East, Asia and Australia for a few years.
Visiting the Hot Springs of Arenal, Costa RicaPosted on April 9, 2013 by Jason Holland
If you’re ever in the Arenal region of Costa Rica there is one activity you have to make time for: a dip in one of the natural hot springs. Known locally as “aguas termales,” the 90 to 110 degree Fahrenheit waters are naturally heated by volcanic activity. In fact, most of the hot springs have a great view of the Arenal volcano from the pools.
The Best Sunsets in Costa RicaPosted on April 6, 2013 by Jason Holland
In my mind, there’s nothing better than watching a sunset in a beautiful location, drink in hand. Fortunately, in my new home of Costa Rica, there’s plenty of opportunity to do just that. There’s 780 miles of Pacific coast–prime sunset-watching territory, as well as several spots inland that give you a great view.
Video: Los Chorros: A Spectacular Waterfall in Costa Rica’s Central ValleyPosted on April 4, 2013 by Jason Holland
Thanks to Costa Rica’s mountainous terrain and abundance of rivers, there are spectacular waterfalls throughout the country. In the video below, International Living Costa Rica Correspondent Jason Holland highlights a waterfall, known as Los Chorros, just outside of the village of Tacares. From the center of Tacares you’ll see large signs directing you to the waterfall, officially known as Los Chorros Parque Recreativo, which is three kilometers outside of town
Secret Beaches in IndonesiaPosted on April 3, 2013 by Keith Hockton
Surfers and divers have been coming to the Island of Sumbawa, Indonesia since the 1960s; it’s a mecca for both sports. They stay for months, returning lean, tan, and relaxed. When their friends back home ask where they’ve been, they often lie and say Bali. But this island’s days as a secret paradise are coming to an end.
The Best Things in Life Are Still Free in Montevideo, UruguayPosted on April 2, 2013 by David Hammond
Somehow, in my adult life, I developed the belief that I needed money to have a good time. However, living in Montevideo reminds me that’s just not so. Here, there are so many public spaces, celebrations, and ways to socialize… all for little or no money. In fact, the idea that the finer things in life should be available to all is so important to Uruguayans that they dedicate a whole weekend to it every spring.
A Perfect Day in Tropical Boracay, the PhilippinesPosted on March 30, 2013 by Jessica Ramesch
A 50-minute flight from the capital, Manila, the Philippine island of Boracay is a place of in-your-face beauty. There’s no waiting to get to the beach to see if the stories are true. The minute you step off the plane, you can see that the postcards don’t do it justice. The sands are as white as they say, if not whiter…a pearly glitter that stays cool under your feet.
Sun, Surf, and Sightseeing on the Riviera Maya, MexicoPosted on March 27, 2013 by Glynna Prentice
Recently some friends in the U.S. emailed me to say that they were planning a short trip to Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula. Cancun is a direct, four-hour flight from their East-Coast home, so they could be snorkeling in the Caribbean by early afternoon. That’s about as close to instant gratification as international travel gets. And it makes a three- or four-day mini-vacation very feasible.
Flying in Costa Rica: One of the Best Ways to Get AroundPosted on March 26, 2013 by Jason Holland
Costa Rica is relatively small, about the size of Vermont and New Hampshire put together.But although much of the country is crisscrossed by a modern highway system, travel from one end to another can be time-consuming, especially to certain out-of-the-way areas, because of windy mountain roadways and unpaved secondary roads.
Transportation in Costa Rica: Getting Around the CountryPosted on March 26, 2013 by Jason Holland
Costa Rica is a relatively small country–about the size of New Hampshire and Vermont put together. And that means getting around is easy and inexpensive, and you have a variety of options. For trips to nearby towns and from outlying areas into town, there are regular bus routes, as many Costa Ricans don’t have cars.
Balloons, Bangkok and Burning “Bööggs”Posted on March 25, 2013 by John Joe Worrall
On April 1 only a fool would miss the feast on offer at Le Pince d’Or Crab Festival in Martinique, an island in the eastern Caribbean. In the capital of Fort-de-France, riverfront restaurants each set up a stall to sell matoutou (a spicy crab stew), as chefs compete to make the best bowl.
News from Around the World…The World’s Best Health CarePosted on March 25, 2013 by International Living
Thousands of Americans have already moved south to enjoy the pleasures of an affordable retirement. In countries all over Latin America—and Europe and Asia, too—they have found good, low-cost health care. Just take one of the world’s most popular retirement hotspots—Cuenca, Ecuador.
Three Secret Grand Galleries of RomePosted on March 25, 2013 by Valerie Fortney Schneider
Rome is packed with art, but while most visitors queue to visit the Borghese Gallery or the Vatican museums, there are spectacular collections you can have all to yourself. The grand palaces of Rome’s noble families were built—and decorated—during the Renaissance.
Enjoy the Secret Beach Life of Costa Rica’s Caribbean CoastPosted on March 25, 2013 by Jason Holland
Sunlight filters through swaying palm fronds. My feet are in the sand, I have an ice-cold Pilsen beer in hand, and I’m savoring my lunch: a heaped plate of rice, beans, plantains, and chicken that cost just $6. Coconut milk and a secret blend of spices are commonly used in Caribbean cooking and it’s delicious.
Malaysia’s Most Romantic Hill StationPosted on March 25, 2013 by Keith Hockton
At the height of the British Empire, the colonials in Malaysia used to visit hill stations to escape the lowlands heat. In this lush highlands the men ambled about in tweeds, canes in hand, carrying shotguns in case of a tiger attack. Women wore long skirts and carried parasols to hide from the sun.
Travel Where Surfers Arrive by the VW-Beetle LoadPosted on March 25, 2013 by Keith Hockton
In the middle of the Lesser Sunda Islands, in the Flores Sea, lies the island of Sumbawa. It’s a magical island, beautiful, traditional, and one of Indonesia’s best preserved. And the warm, turquoise waters surrounding it are a relaxing 90 F.
Dirndls, Sausages, Superstition: Germany’s Black ForestPosted on March 25, 2013 by Steenie Harvey
Cheery waitresses in dirndl frocks. Wooden chairs with carved-out hearts. Walls of glassy-eyed hunting trophies, a stuffed bear included. If seeking a traditional Black-Forest restaurant, seek no farther. But now I almost regret finding the Jägerstüble, a wood-panelled inn under the Marktplatz arcades in Freudenstadt—home to Germany’s largest market square and a werewolf legend.
IL’s Calendar of Events: “Jet Fuel” for Your Overseas PlansPosted on March 25, 2013 by International Living
Six months from now, you could be living in paradise… for much less than it costs you to stay home. In the best destinations overseas, your dollar just goes further…first-class healthcare is affordable… you can afford a housekeeper or gardener…and live better than you could back home for a fraction of what you pay now…
Video: A Bird’s Eye View of Colonial Buildings in Granada, NicaraguaPosted on March 22, 2013 by Jason Holland
Founded in 1524, Granada, Nicaragua is a historic city with homes and other buildings hundreds of years old. Colonial homes are known for their red tile roofs and interior courtyards with gardens, fountains, and sometimes even swimming pools.
Could This Really Be The Perfect Job?Posted on March 21, 2013 by Steenie Harvey
New Zealand is one of the most scenically gorgeous countries on earth. For most people, it’s either the trip of a lifetime or a destination to only dream about. Not for me. I went there for the second time last November. A long way to go—but it’s not too bad when you can break the journey. This time around, I chose to stop off in Hong Kong—and of course I had to take in the harbor light show…
Enjoying the Freedom of a New Life at SeaPosted on March 19, 2013 by Jason Holland
Mark and Amélie had seen many people save a lifetime to spend their retirement sailing the world, only to have illness or some other unexpected setback stop them before they even left port. “We made a decision to leave with an excess of time—not money,” says Mark. Heading south, they sailed the west coast of Mexico for three years, including a year-and-a-half in Mazatlán.
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You treated everyone like we were special and shared info and offered encouragement and support for us. Like the challenge of moving into International opportunities. We almost bought property at Villcabamba and have plans to return and spend more time there soon, so the conference was certainly a success for us. Thank you IL!
