I recently took a trip to Tallinn, the capital of Estonia. Researching this tiny Baltic country, which had been ruled by the Soviets for over 70 years, I expected a somewhat gloomy city— the kind of place where its dark history still echoes. What I found, instead, was a bright, modern, neat, very pretty European capital.
We all have preconceived notions about the world around us, but when you dig a little deeper—as I did—often what you find is a delightful surprise. Here at International Living, we believe so strongly in the importance of that on-the-ground discovery that we keep a network of expat correspondents employed around the world—pounding the pavement on your behalf.
In our experience, there is opportunity to be tapped almost everywhere, and we’re on a mission to help you do it.
For many, retiring in Southeast Asia wouldn’t feature in their future plans…whether it’s because it’s too far away or because of a preconceived notion that it’ll be too difficult to settle in or too different from home.
But in this month’s feature story, we aim to dispel those notions. Sure, it may require a long plane ride, but what you’ll find on arrival is more than worth the trip. With easy, affordable, luxurious living, and welcoming locals and expats, it’s hard to beat the attractions—and great value—Southeast Asia provides. We explore five spots worth your attention here.
Probably most famous for its beautiful Lake Atitlan, Guatemala is another destination not exactly well trodden by North American expats, at least not yet. But Ontario native Iva Ursano found her happy place in the small town of Panajachel, where a comfortable apartment rents for just $300 a month. Iva says, “The people are happy, friendly and warm…and it’s a wonderful, family-type community here.”
IL Correspondent Sharyn Nilsen and her husband Tim have explored more than 130 countries over the last 10 years. “We’ve learned it’s best not to build up too many preconceptions before we visit a country,” Sharyn says. “That proved difficult for our adventure in mysterious Oman.” Exotic markets, palm-fringed oases, and camel trains across the desert crowded her dreams. Did Oman live up to her expectations? Sharyn shares her adventures from the Persian Gulf here.
It’s a big world out there, with lots of interesting and surprising places to discover. Read on to begin…
I hopscotched across several canals by way of footbridges—each one different from the next—and strolled alongside the glittering waterways without any crowds jostling me. In fact, I marveled at having the place practically to myself on a sunny day in late June. Next, I clambered into a flat-bottomed boat called a batana for a placid glide along the canals...
This cool mountain town is welcoming and attractive—and hardly a secret. And yet…new arrivals are breathing fresh life into Atenas. Right now I’m at Kay’s Café. Canadian Ania Dudek recently revamped the beloved expat hangout. She didn’t strip the menu of classics like chicken parmigiana or chocolate cake. But she did call her Polish mama for recipes, adding zing with savory mushroom pierogis and Hungarian pancakes...
This December 8 and 9 in Penang, Malaysia, marks the 39th annual. International Dragon Boat Festival. It is held in the waters of the Teluk Bahang dam, a (usually) tranquil locale surrounded by rolling hills and steamy rainforest. It’s not the location for a quiet respite from the city during the Boat Festival, though. The two-day event attracts competitors from all over the world...
In 2017, it was hard to find a market that did poorly. No stock market with a total market capitalization greater than US$100 billion declined that year. The worst-performing markets then (which were still in the positive column) were the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Russia—all oil producers that suffered in a year when oil prices were weak...
The fishing boats pulled up on the pebbles of Sámara Bay are about your only option if you want to head south from here. This Pacific beach town is at the end of the road, whether you’ve arrived from the north via Route 150, or from Nosara to the west. At Sámara, both routes grind to a happy halt on the palm-lined sands, and the feeling of being at journey’s end extends to the town’s relaxed atmosphere....
People in the United States seem to carry around a bad spirit,” says Terry Booher of his adopted home in Cochabamba, Bolivia. “Down here, everyone is always smiling and saying hello to you on the streets. I love that.” Terry, my father-in-law, was visiting my husband and me in Bolivia when he realized that his life could be so much better here. He moved in 2015, at age 66, and in many ways, he is a new man...
Having been exposed to Fantasy Island, The Blue Lagoon, Pirates of the Caribbean, and countless other similar books and movies, many of us have dreamed of pulling the plug on our hectic lives, donning an eye patch, and bailing out for our very own island paradise. And one tiny isle in the Caribbean may be the perfect place to make it happen, especially when you could make some investment income in the process...
My wife, Sami, and I ventured into expat life in August 2016. We recently relocated to a condo community called Ensenada Beach Resort at Lago Mar, in the San Carlos district of Panama. I’ve been a part-time gigging musician for many years. In 2016 I even published a book on the subject, for musicians. That book inspired a business idea...
I have to stop pinching myself… I’m getting little black and blue spots all over my body. That’s maybe stretching it a bit, but waking up in Lagos, Portugal, is pretty amazing for numerous reasons. About 20 years ago, I came down with a bad case of wanderlust. Luckily, it’s not life threaten-ing…in fact, it’s life enhancing...
Don Mouton was first attracted to Medellín and its music scene during one of his many vacation trips to the city. One evening he stopped into La Cabaña del Recuerdo, a tango bar in the nearby town of Envigado, to catch some live music. “It’s like a step back in time to a 1940s club,” Don says. “From the old musical instruments and vinyl records hanging on the wall...