Sorry missed you on IM, I would not advise in 'investing' in Costa rica now, over rarted and overcrowded, Panama better, belong to some 'homey' forums where ex pats tell the truth, not what you want to hear.
I live on Vets Benefits, going to Colombia next year to work in rural ecotourism, I am tough as nails, adapt anywhere, speak languages other than English and Spanish, read 12 languages, do research for those relocating on a tight budget. Earthy, from the strreet up, despise 'snobs' and have more to do than gossip about people (ex pat life in the tropics) ?se hablal espanol? saludos

Thanks for the greeting. New Member, old Ex Pat.

Thanks for your greetings, I am not from California or Florida, never lived in a US suburb, am a long term Ex Pat, since 1985, based in Central America, advanced Spanish, languages other than English as well, I am able to point wannabes, relocating anywhere, in the right direction, rest is up to you, am not a 'globetrotter' can't do it on Vets benefits, I was a guide-interpreter for many years, never lived in an 'ex pat' community, never wanted to, enough gossip in the gringo or ex pat watering holes in my region, those making the transition find a mentor and plan what you will do to fill in the time, either in Paris or a small Latin American bech town!!!!

Hi Victoria - Yes went to France and Belgium in the fall - Fell in love with a beautiful little village near the Pyrenees in the South of France. It's close to the Mediteranian Sea, close to the mountains and has lovely weather + it has a lot of English speaking expats there... Going back in the spring to rent something there and experience local life before deciding to settle...If you do decide to go again - would love to meet you in a bistro somewhere...My time frame to leave again will probably be around May....let me know...and Happy New Year and New Decade to you....

Hey, I see my friend, Regina, from Ecuador (lampshade6) has befriended you. Maybe ya'll get to meet when she goes to Sarasota in Nov...she's got some good stories, too....that isn't a cabbage she's holding, it's actually her head!