When I first moved to Paris, it was all rainbows and unicorns. Or maybe more specifically, red potted geraniums and French wrought iron balconies. My rose-tinted vision of the City of Light was hopelessly romantic, the stuff that dreams were made of. That was almost two years ago.   Sometimes that moment feels like a …more

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I’m a sixty two year old ex-pat Englishman living in an old house (which I am restoring) on an estuary in western France, I am also in the process of renovating an old 1960’s classic sailing boat. My life and my boat restoration activities are the subjects of two blogs which I try to keep …more

I have just returned from a wonderful two weeks in the UK. As usual, it was good to meet up with family and friends once again, as well as doing a little shopping in some of our favorite stores to buy a few of those special treats that most expats crave for. However, I also …more

It seems as though these days, everyday’s an adventure because each morning when we wake up we remember, “Oh my gosh! We LIVE HERE!” “Where?”, You may be wondering, do we live? We live in the Republic of Panama , the District of Chiriquí , in the charming town of Boquete. Five months ago we …more

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A recent proposal by Spain’s Rationalisation of Timetables Association has led the Spanish government in Madrid to debate whether the clocks should be put back an hour to increase productivity and sleeping hours. This suggestion has really put the cat among the Canarians. The President of the Canarian Government, Paulino Rivero, is very concerned that …more

Recent emails from correspondents in France and Portugal, as well as Spain, have made me question how friendly expats really are towards each other? Personally and very fortunately, I have experienced nothing but help and support from other expats during my time living and working in Spain and the Canary Islands. Our British and Irish …more

From the comfort of our living room, traveling always seems like a great idea; a chance to see the world, explore new cultures and break out of our regular routine. When we step off the plane in a foreign country, the stakes change instantly. Without the familiarity of surroundings or language, even the most mundane …more

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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