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We soon learned that Portugal is one of the easiest countries in Europe for U.S. citizens to obtain residence in. And Portugal allows foreigners to access its topnotch public healthcare system at little to no cost, once they become residents. Add to this the breathtaking scenery, which includes lush, green forests...
“My husband Eric cannot stop smiling,” says Lorrie Griffith. “For the past 12 years, we’ve been talking about buying a house and moving to Panama, and finally that dream has become a reality.”
“I never imagined I’d be staying in the homes of people I didn’t know, taking care of their pets and valuables in exchange for free accommodation,” says Denny Rudin. “If someone had mentioned it to me five years ago, I would have thought they were crazy.”
“My job required me to travel the globe and it was then that I discovered the world is a big, interesting place,” says Toronto native Jim Pierson of his past life as an engineer. In the mid-90s, a chance encounter on a commuter flight from Chicago to Toronto brought Jim and his wife Helen together.
Lying on the shores of Lake Nicaragua, Granada exudes colonial charm. The ornate yellow and white cathedral is the centerpiece of the main plaza. By day, the nearby park comes alive, with local vendors selling homegrown cashews, freshly baked breads, ice-cold treats, and clothing.
When Fred and Linda Gruenert took off their military uniforms for the last time and decided to retire, they soon realized that their California lifestyle was too pricey. Linda served over 20 years in the U.S. Navy as a journalist, half active duty and half as a reservist.
As my husband Clyde approached the taxi, the driver looked surprised to hear a gringo speaking Spanish. After all, this was the tourist town of Banos, Ecuador, which attracts visitors from all over the world. The streets are lined with little shops that display signs in English offering tours of the quaint little village.
Since my husband Clyde and I retired to Panama four years ago, a typical day is anything but that. We awaken each day to the sound of birds singing, roosters crowing, and geckos’ chirping as our peaceful little neighborhood comes to life…wondering what the new day will bring