Living Abroad: Longing for Simpler Times?

If last year had been “2020-The Movie”, it would have been a box office disaster, would you agree?

And thus far trailers for the sequel, 2021, don’t look remarkably better.

Many Americans are becoming nostalgic about how life was for them growing up and longing for simpler times when:

• You didn’t bother to lock your doors
• Kids freely played outside until it was time to come home for dinner
• You knew and socialized with your neighbors
• People behaved civilly and respected each other’s property

“Ah,” you think sadly, “those days are gone forever.”

In much of the U.S. perhaps, but not elsewhere in the world, we’re happy to report.

We recently returned home to Cuenca, Ecuador after a long trip to the States. Not surprisingly, our refrigerator and pantry needed restocking after 3 ½ months away.

Stepping out of our building to go to the grocery store, the restaurant owner across the street saw us, smiled and said, “Welcome back! We missed you!”

As we were walking up the sidewalk, a taxi driver who occasionally takes us places honked his horn and waved with a big grin on his face as he drove by.

After not seeing us for months our local pharmacist amazingly remembered the purpose of our trip and asked how everyone in the family was doing.

Understand, we’re nobody special around here. Just two gringos who have lived in the neighborhood for quite awhile.

In many of the countries we recommend in our Master Course, Retirement Reimagined!, expats comment that living there is like going back in time.

And not only because of the super-low prices for housing, food, and medical care.

They are surprised to learn that the rest of the planet doesn’t necessarily march to the same beat as the United States.

That in many countries it’s still “family first.” People are genuinely kind and happy. Elders are respected instead of ignored.

And life unfolds at a leisurely pace.

Does all this sound like something you are ready to experience again? Then be sure to read our Special Report 10 Great Reasons to Live Abroad.

Also, check out Top 10 Affordable Places to Retire with the World’s Best Weather.

If you’re not happy with the way things are going—with the way your life is going—then make the decision to do something different.

Because let’s face it, nothing is going to change until you do.

Why postpone your happiness? Be open to the world of possibilities out there just waiting to be discovered!