My friend sat before us like a sentinel guarding an important event. He was like I had always remembered him, regal, majestic, exuding an air of superiority as if he really knew that he belonged in this time and in this place. In fact, he truly did. March was his time to shine. It had …more

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As I write this article, Balinese are frantically preparing for the “Nyepi” holiday, often referred to as “Bali’s Day of Silence”. On that day from 6 a.m to 6 a.m. the following day, everyone must remain in their house or hotel, for the whole day. The airport even closes down for the whole day. Lights …more

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The whole concept of ‘Brits in Europe’ is a controversial area that I know many expats living in Spain get very heated about. Indeed, it is one subject that is a hot topic of conversation in many Brit bars and gatherings. However, it is also fair to say that many expats really don’t care at …more

After 23 years of living at Lake Chapala in Mexico, I decided to strike out and explore where I might want to live next. I was already familiar with Spanish-language countries; I had lived a happy, interesting, and contented life in Mexico since I was 40 years old. However, after 25 years as a single …more

Sorry about the title, but after several weeks writing about Wills, Death and Cockroaches for expats, I thought it was time to move on to something a little more cheerful, and that this would catch your attention. Let us consider a subject that I know is very dear to the hearts of many expats, and …more

With the down turn of the American economy and a big hit to our retirement funds my husband and I decided to outsource our retirement. I began reading everything on the Intranet about the best places to retire. Out of the blue, my India born husband said why not India. I did some reading and …more

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I was recently asked to speak at a meeting for expats. It was one of those question and answer forums, which provided the opportunity for established expats to bare their souls about things that they both liked and disliked in their new lives, as well as providing an opportunity for newly arrived expats to learn …more

Expats often write to tell me of the many and varied experiences that they face when beginning a new life in the sun. Often it is about their frustrations and misunderstandings with town halls, lawyers, as well as a lack of a decent Internet connection that prompts readers to write to me. However, a message …more