I'm on the move

A change of focus

One of the reasons I called this blog, I'm Just Sayin, is because I didn't want to box myself in by specifying a particular topic. Sometimes I'm following the elections, popular Tv, or even UFOs. You just never know. But one thing is certain, I'm evolving and changing and this blog, being a reflection of me, has got to change too.

One topic that has been a constant theme, are my travels. I LOVE to travel! I'm a Baby boomer (we are the healthiest retirement generation ever) and I am currently looking forward to retiring in a few years. I'm also looking forward to winding down from the every day rat race of corporate America, however, living on a fixed income while still enjoying a good quality of life is going to present some problems if I choose to remain in this high priced location they call the San Francisco Bay Area!

My original plan was to make a move to my favorite city, Paris. Paris is a great city but through my research I've learned that unfortunately, it is not going to be a practical option.  It is difficult for non-Europeans to get a residency permit; there are lengthy bureaucratic procedures to establish a business; strict financial and professional requirements for the self-employed and entrepreneurs; plus a high cost of living for retirees on a pension in U.S. dollars.

Now, of course I realize that I could just choose to live in some cheaper U.S. city, but that's not the way I want to spend my retirement years. That would be way too easy and way too boring! So sticking with my plan to relocate outside of the U.S I am embarking on a new journey. A journey to find the perfect spot for retirement!

To start the process, here are the cities that made our short list. I've already researched them through various reliable sources (including AARP) and determined that they are suitable for relocation for retirees. 

So, here they are - In no particular order

Ecuador (Cuenca, Quito, Puerto Cayo, Salinas)

Costa Rica (Various) 11/22/13 review

Argentina (Buenos Aires) 11/6/13 read my review 

Colombia (Cartagena)

Nicaragua (Granada, San Juan del Sur)

Thailand (Chaing-Mai)

Panama (Panama City)

I've already crossed off The U.S Virgin Islands, Barbados and the Caribbean. I'll tell you how I eliminated them in a later post.

There are an estimated 6 - 7 million Americans living overseas in160 countries! 

Hope you'll follow along as I blog my way to finding a new home abroad. 
Remember, half the fun will be visiting the cities that make our final, final cut. 

I'm Just Sayin!