The Laid-Off Peripatetic (LOP)

View from Lipari—Aeolian Islands, Sicily

Since subscribing to Escape From America Magazine (EFMA), I’ve started receiving other similar newsletters about how to not only buy land, but retire, move, etc., to a foreign country. It stands to reason that my name was either on a list that was sold, distributed or otherwise pimped out to other publications; or I’ve been given a sign from the Relocation Gods of Foreign Lands (which is what I prefer to believe).

But even though all the signs exist, the question still remains: Where should I live? Contrary to the beliefs of those who’ve never advanced beyond the confines of their resident state lines, there is a vast, great world that exists beyond the United States, and dare I say it? Yes, even beyond the whole of North America.

One of the reasons I sojourned in Europe last summer was because I was convinced that I belonged somewhere on that diverse and overpriced (for the dollar, anyway) continent. And yes, there were a few cities that sang to me—they said, “Hi there, will you come live on my lovely soil and be one with my people?” And I responded, “In good time, my foreign friend. You shan’t be going anywhere, unless of course you elect George W. as your president and consequently, have your country completely dismantled from the inside, out, and thereby run into the ground.” My EU friend laughed…nay, guffawed at the thought of such an imbecile at the helm.

Anyway, my cities of choice have been whittled to Paris and Marseille, which is interesting given that I wanted to avoid France at all costs during my walkabout. (I’m infinitely grateful to my gays for convincing me otherwise. Thanks, gays. )

Historical fishing harbor in Marseille, France

I stumbled across an article in EFAM about a seasoned traveler and author who has endeavored to travel  to six countries over the course of 180 days to research what foreign lands are best for real estate purchases and retirement. He’ll be assessing everything from cost of living and lifestyle to health care and investment opportunities.

Here’s the link if you want to take a gander.

www.escapefromamerica.com/2010/01/travel-expert-searches-world-for-best-place-to-live-and-retire

There is a fee to join the Web site sponsoring him. Plane tickets don’t buy themselves, ya know. Although in my fantasy land where I have mastered teleportation, I don’t need no stinking plane tickets.

And, can I just say that I’m insanely jealous of this guy. Guy, if on the off chance you happen to read this blog about your awesome adventure wrapped in bacon, I must know…however did you get this gig? And more importantly, do you need a sidekick? I wash my parts regularly, can fit into carry-on luggage, will give you piggy-back rides when your dogs start barking and play juvenile drinking games when you are bored. Think about it…