About Me

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I finally made it to the adventure of a lifetime and now I'm a citizen of the World. Indy author, blogger, in love with being an author - Mom of two grown children and widow of the most wonderful man to ever live - Devon "Pete" Hall.

Saturday, June 13, 2015

Leaving Family and Friends Behind



One of the first questions I was asked when I began telling people my plan to retire overseas was “Won’t it be hard to leave your family and friends behind?” I had already thought this through and was able to answer no.

Here’s why. My mother I see about once a month. My sisters who live locally I manage to visit with about six times a year. My sister who lives in Montana I rarely get to see. I have two grown children; a son in the Los Angeles area and a daughter in Phoenix. If I’m lucky I get to see each of them for a couple of days twice a year or so. My dearest friends I can usually get together with for coffee or a meal every couple of months.  This isn’t much time to spend with those you care about. 

Logically, by visiting the States for a month or more every year, I’ll be able to see everyone for the approximate same amount or more of time I currently spend with them, except my friends. My daughter plans on visiting me wherever I am once a year as well, so for her I will actually see her for far longer (and in more exciting circumstances) than I currently do. I’m trying to work on my friends a bit to see if I can’t get them to join me on my adventures as well. Having a girlfriend to see Machu Picchu with would be wonderful. We’ll see if I can manage it. 

My children, especially, I plan on using Skype to communicate with regularly and therefore will “see” them much more frequently since currently only my daughter and I use Skype, and only then on special occasions. 

Communicating will be better, I believe, when I’m sending out pictures and emails regularly. The only one who I have special needs with is my mother, who doesn’t have the Internet. I’ve already given my sister a stack of pre-addressed and stamped envelopes so she can just print out an email from me for my mom and mail it to her. 

And the most interesting thing I’ve run into is the information that WiFi is apparently everywhere in the developing countries; far more available than in the States. I’m counting on that!

BTW - the picture above is available on Etsy

Saturday, June 6, 2015

What Kind of Ex-Pat Will You Be?



One of the big decisions you’ll find yourself considering is whether or not you’ll expatriate to another country on the first go-around or whether you’ll travel as an ex-pat, until you choose to settle down in one place…or not.

When I began planning to leave the country, it was motivated by a desire to live better with the funds I had. As I began to explore all the possibilities, I soon realized that 1) I couldn’t possibly make a decision to move anywhere outside the country without first visiting for a long period and 2) I didn’t have to. 


I’ve always had a longing to travel worldwide, but prior to this I had always thought in terms of tourism. Now I know I don’t have to be a visitor, but rather a resident in each country until I’ve satisfied myself that I understand the nature and culture of that place. I have no desire to skim the surface and see only the lovely spots in a destination but instead I want to KNOW the place – as much as is possible without having been there all my life. 

If this is the life-style you choose, wandering until sated, then you’re preparations are completely different than if you’d rather find a place and move yourself and your possessions for a more permanent situation. I’m not saying you have to have decided to live somewhere forever, but instead of living out of three suitcases (as I will be) you’ll be setting up a household wherever you land. 

There are some preparations that are the same either way, like making sure your banking can be done internationally, while others will be entirely diverse, such as the purchase of luggage and clothing. 

So, first, if you haven’t already, decide which way you’re going to land, on firmly planted feet or winged boots.