The Notorious Over Packer - Travel Relocation Abroad

The over packer's motto:

“I’ll take it.... just in case” 

GUILTY as charged!

I have travelled near and far and no matter where I go, I end up packing too many clothes. I really have the best of intentions because my desire has always been to take "only what I need".  However, even though I bought a fancy luggage scale - in the end I always have at least 2 suitcases full of clothing and have even found myself re-shuffling clothing from one bag to another at the airline check in counter - which is sort of embarassing, I might add -- especially since a good majority of those clothes I never end up wearing. It's a very stressful way to travel!

My packing process has not served me well in the past and for 2015 and beyond I have vowed to change my overpacking ways and travel lighter -- using only a carry on.  (all bets are off when relocating to a new country)

Here's why

You can save yourself some money!
The U.S. airline industry has made about $3.4 billion a year in baggage fees since most airlines started charging for checked bags in 2008. On one trip returning from Barcelona I added a 3rd bag and it cost me over $200! 

The BF says he wil not repeat the luggage debacle we experienced in France when he had to carry our 4 over stuffed suitcases up and down several flights of stairs (no elevator) in one of the train stations in France. All annoucements were in french and they kept switching the departure gate (we think). That was in 2010 and he brought it up again last week. Seems he will NEVER forgive me for that one - although I swear to you "it was not my fault!"

But beyond that, what is really driving this decision is our upcoming trip to Costa Rica because we will primarily be using various forms of public transportation. There will be 5 of us and we will each be repsonsible for our own luggage (meaning the BF won't be carrying my bag). Plus I am pretty nervous about letting my luggage out from under my watchful eye on the buses  -- as I have heard horror stories about luggage and personal items being taken in Cost Rica.  So, it's one bag for me. I might even let the bag have the seat  on the bus and I will stand! :)

Here are some of my tips 

AND.......Don't Forget

Be ready to go through screening and remove electronics and liquids and gels for inspection. If you can, place these items separately in the zipper portion in the front of your suitcase.

Use dryer sheets. Put one in each suitcase. Keeps it smelling nice!  Plus, reminds you of home if you are prone to homesickness. 

PACK YOUR UNDERWEAR LAST

Underwear is tiny.  It doesn’t need it’s own dedicated corner in your suitcase.  It doesn’t even need to be folded.  This might seem a bit haphazard but once you’re done packing you can literally just stuff your underwear into the gaps between your clothes.  Saving a bit of space sometimes really is that simple.

Last but not least

"i don't think you need to bring this"

After you've finished packing and repacking, have an impartial friend or family member go through what you've packed and give you their honest opinion of what you are taking.
Remove the unnecessary pieces.  Zip your bag and Enjoy your trip!

Costa Rica Here We Come!

The delicious taste of Watermelon, with or without the booze! - Relocation Costa Rica

I was walking through our local Whole Foods market the other day and I began to wonder about all the different kinds of fruit available in Costa Rica.  I knew there would be many new ones to try but I wondered about the availability of my favorites,  the watermelon. 
It's my go to fruit during the hot summer season. 

The Spanish word for watermelon is Sandia and the Spanish word Melon is a cantaloupe.

Costa Rican watermelons, cultivated primarily on the Central Pacific and in Guanacaste have been selling well in European and North American markets,

There is nothing more refreshing than an ice cold cocktail and this Costa Rican Watermelon Mojito will fill the bill in popsicle form. Quick to make and definitely fun to eat.

Recipe Read more

According to a recent report, the countries of Holland, Germany, Italy, Belgium, Nicaragua, Puerto Rico, Ireland, Poland and the United States are some of the nations that import Costa Rican watermelons.

Even though Tico watermelons only make up 2.1 percent of the total U.S. watermelon market, that portion still accounts for 10.3 million kilos worth approximately $2.7 million, the ministerio said.

Holland has become the fruit's primary destination. Costa Rica shipped more than 14.2 million kilos there.

ingredients:

3/4 cup frozen coconut meat, slightly thawed

1/2 cup full-fat canned coconut milk

1/2 teaspoon coconut extract

1 1/2 cups frozen watermelon chunks

1/4 cup coconut water

2 tablespoons honey

salty lime sugar

1 tablespoons sugar

1 teaspoon flaked sea salt

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the zest of one lime

In total, Costa Rica has exported more than 37,756 tons of watermelon worth $7,417,051 in the months between January and May of this year, the ministerio said. That's a 22 percent increase from last year.

Eat it, or drink it, either way it's very refreshing fruit and good for you as well.

Consuming fruits and vegetables of all kinds has long been associated with a reduced risk of many lifestyle-related health conditions. Many studies have suggested that increasing consumption of plant foods like watermelon decreases the risk of obesity and overall mortality, diabetes, heart disease and promotes a healthy complexion and hair, increased energy, overall lower weight.

Boomer Retirement Abroad - Paris - (TWB) Traveling While Black

My dream has alway been to live in Paris! I hear so many wonderful things about the city and when I am there, wow....I'm in heaven. But, when I'm there I am a visitor, a tourist, living in a fabulous rented apartment in Saint Germain for 10 days. Shopping in all the trendy boutiques, eating at the finest restaurants, sightseeing and staying out late and sleeping in. I don't speak the language that well, but good enough to get by for 10 days.

But, what do people who live in Paris really think about life in Paris?

I happened to be over on a blog I follow, called Imported Chocolate. Jennifer, the owner/blogger, travels quite a bit and I have communicated with her on a number of occasions about living in Buenos Aires. She provides really honest and informative feedback and the one BIG plus for me about talking to Jennifer, is, that she is also a black woman. Unfortunately, we do not yet live in a color blind society so if you are TWB (traveling while black) its good to understand the 411 in the places that you visit.

Anyway Jennifer recently posted 2 excellent interviews.I found them both très intéressant

"I decided to do something different this time around. I am doing Hot Chocolate with a Local from two different point of views this month. Today, it’s Paris from the point of view of a black woman, born and raised in Paris. Tomorrow, it will be Paris from an African-American woman’s perspective. I hope you enjoy!"

Read the 1st interview here

Boomer Retirement Abroad - I will not be retiring in Saudi Arabia

Since I've been making my plans  to escape  from the U.S, oops I mean relocate, I've been following a lot of expat blogs.  I have even contacted some of the bloggers.

One of the blogs I follow is Black Chick on Tour. I have not contacted her (yet) but find her posts and her videos to be very funny and always informative.

Now, under NO circumstances do I plan to move to Saudi Arabia, but I thought it was very interesting to hear about her experiences as an expat in Saudi Arabia and I especially enjoyed her change of attitude regarding the abaya.

You know, I never really gave it much thought that there was any diversity in choosing one of these garnents. (c'mon and you didn't either) I figured they were just black garments that the women wrapped up in.

Right?

Wrong!

Just goes to show you - women are women, everywhere!

Here are a couple of things you might want to know if you plan to go to Saudi Arabia

What is an abaya anyway?

The abaya sometimes also called an aba, is a simple, loose over-garment, essentially a robe-like dress, worn by some women in parts of the Muslim world including in North Africa and the Arabian Peninsula.

 Traditional abayat are black and may be either a large square of fabric draped from the shoulders or head or a long caftan. The abaya covers the whole body except the face, feet, and hands. It can be worn with the niqāb, a face veil covering all but the eyes. Some women choose to wear long black gloves, so their hands are covered as well.

Abayat are known by various names but serve the same purpose, which is to cover. Contemporary models are usually caftans, cut from light, flowing fabrics like crepe, georgette, and chiffon. Other known abaya styles are front open and front closed abaya. Styles differ from region to region: some abayat have embroidery on black fabric while others are brightly coloured and have different forms of artwork across them.

What is the difference between an abaya and a burka?

A burka and abaya are different. Both are undergarments worn by Muslim women to maintain modesty in public.

A burka is a head to toe covering worn by women. Their face is concealed by fabric that you can not see into but they can see out of. This style of Islamic dress is common in Afghanistan. They can come in different colors but black and blue (afgani) are the most common.

An Abaya is a body cover, often black in color (especially in the Gulf Region), that covers a women from neck to toe. There are many different styles of abayas, and they usually are paired with a matching shayla (oblong) style hijabs.

Check out Terri as she chooses her new abaya

Boomer Retirement Abroad - Moving to Buenos Aires, My Review

Buenos Aires made our short list of retirement locations.

Initially, I was very excited about the prospect of retiring in Buenos Aires.  All the dots seemed to line up. I knew it was one place where I could continue my same standard of living while also enjoying access to almost all of the pleasures of home. At a glance it appeared to be an obvious choice (especially given my desire to retire in my FAVORITE city, Paris). But, as I took a closer look, I discovered that all that glittered was not gold!

               

  *Note - This is my personal rating based on what is important to me. 

Everyone should do their homework and make their own decision.  

Here is my Buenos Aires Retirement Relocation Scorecard

• Cost of Living -  I give Buenos Aires an Excellent rating, a couple can live on an estimated $2.000/month.

• Housing Style and Architecture -  Another Excellent score from me. I love the beautiful old buildings and the European look. Argentina also has a solid infrastructure and good transportation.

• Housing Rental – I give housing a Fair rating, although housing prices for rentals are low they can be on the high side in some of the nicer neighborhoods (upwards of $1,500 or more). The nice neighborhood is REALLY nice! So I think it would be worth it. 

• Banking and exchange transactions - I have to give this a Poor  rating - too complicated. Unstable economy. Transactions should be conducted in pesos to take advantage of the exchange rates making it necessary to have some type of off shore banking account. I don't want to have to worry about keeping money in off shores accounts. 

• Proximity to the US - I give this a Poor, it's a long flight from the west coast.

• Travel by Air – A Poor rating.  There are many nonstop flights from certain US cities, NOT from mine. There is also a new fee called a Reciprocity Fee of $160 levied on US Citizens and is required to be paid upon entrance into Buenos Aires Ezeiza International Airport. On the positive side, once the fee is paid, it is good for multiple entries for 10 years.

• Traveling with pets - This gets a Failing score. Since I have 2 small dogs this is very important to me. The choice for pet transport is either cargo shipping (I read that there has been an increase in the number of deaths to pets shipped in this manner) or you can have your pet travel in the cabin with you. Undoubtedly this is the preferred option for smaller pets. You get your choice of an airline designated travel date (in cabin travel is only available on certain airlines) Your pet (1 per passenger) may travel in approved kennel/crate placed under the seat. A west coast to Argentina flight would be a VERY long time to be under the seat! 

• Visa requirements - I give Argentina an Excellent rating. Obtaining a visa for retirement in Argentina is relatively straight forward. You generally have two options; you can apply for a retirement visa or can opt for a steady income visa. For both types of visa you will need a valid passport.

• Climate - Good, the weather in Buenos Aires is not bad but seems to get a bit chillier than I would like my "ideal" climate to be.

• Crime – On this one I give the city a Fair.  I am scoring crime as fair even though I have read that crime is on the rise in Buenos Aires. I live in a high crime city, so to me, crime is relative. It happens in all cities, big and small. Unless they are shooting Americans in the street, I will give them a pass until I check out the situation from the ground.

• Food  -  Although the cuisine in Buenos Aires is excellent, I have to give food a Fair (based on our needs). This is because it is a city with lots of beef!  Neither of us are beef lovers. Access to vegetarian restaurants or even good locally grown vegetables is very limited. 

• Language - Good, Love the sound of the Argentine Spanish!  Spanish is spoken  by almost the entire population (very little English). We will definitely need to learn the language to survive there.  Also the Argentine Spanish is different from the standard Spanish but sounds, oh so beautiful, to my ears!

• Culture -  Excellent,  love the culture, museums. art, music and dance.

• Shopping - Excellent, also excellent buys on leather goods.

• Expat Community - I'll take a pass on this. It is obvious that expats are living in Argentina, however there are no known estimates. 

• Racial Diversity - BIG FAT FAIL, this is one of the biggest reasons I moved Buenos Aires off our short list.

The make up of the 13million people living in Buenos Aires is predominately 97% European. The minority population is very small. I've read that the black population was decimated by disease and no longer exists in Argentina (these reports are debatable) but because of this, Argentines rarely come in contact with people who do not look like them. In my research (which includes reports by African Americans who have traveled to Buenos Aires), being black in Buenos Aires is such a rarity that the local people will stop, stare, comment, name call, point and even ask to have their photos taken with you (you = black person) I never had that happen to me in Paris! 

Now, to be fair, I have also been assured by many, that this action is not done in a racist way but only because they are 'curious'. Uh, maybe, but after thinking long and hard about it, I decided that I did not want my retirement years to be spent, with people gawking at me and being the center of attention when I am out and about. I've had my fair share of this living in the US. I truly prefer living among a more diverse population.

Still a great place to visit!

I like to see things for myself, so I plan to pay a visit to Argentina in the future and will report my findings at that time.

I'm Just Sayin!