Known as “the golden years” – this is the time when we are supposed to finally live life to the fullest and, most certainly, fulfill our dreams! If not then….then, when? As it turns out, I am living my “azure years” on the French Riviera – not a bad place to call home, with my …more

I have recently been putting the finishing touches to my latest book for expats. Whilst reading it through for one last time before it is sent to the publishers, I realized that it was not written in quite the same buoyant tones as my earlier publications. It was written during a year of relative turmoil …more

This problem began when we moved into our new home in the Canary Islands. It was a new build property, and like most new builds it came as a shell, meaning that there was no fitted kitchen, shower, bathroom or any of the modern fixtures that I initially expected to see. Unlike new properties in …more

Recently billed as a “storm raging” about “the shocking”, but some would say accurate, portrayal of the seedier side of life on the Canary Island of Gran Canaria, gave quite a few of us a good laugh. Indignation and denial from the tourist board was the immediate reaction to the recent Spanish television program broadcast, …more

Are you looking to retire in a quiet and cozy location that you can call home? Then the tropical island of Sri Lanka located on the Indian Ocean and listed by Lonely Planet as the number one destination in the world to visit in 2013 is just the right place. Fringed by sandy beaches, coconut …more

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Many expats moved to Spain and the Canary Islands at a time when borrowing money from Spanish banks was a relatively simple and straightforward affair. Obtaining a mortgage in Spain, often through the developers of new build properties, and usually at a very good rate of interest, was something that many expats took advantage of. …more

Now that you have reached the peak of your life or accomplished the things you want to do, the next step is to find that perfect spot where you can spend the rest of your days enjoying peace and quiet, picking up a new hobby, engaging with other people, or bonding with your family. The …more

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9. The Markets – Guatemala has it all! The fruit here is some of the tastiest I have ever eaten. The variety of vegetables is amazing. Before moving to Guatemala, I had sworn off bananas. I couldn’t stand their mealy texture and bland taste. Now making fresh banana smoothies with hand roasted cacao beans is …more

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