Passport Renewal Time - Our Life in Costa Rica

US Embassy San Jose Costa Rica

Time to renew your passport while you are in Costa Rica?

Piece of cake!

Remember you must have SIX months left on your US passport (from your purposed exit date) for entry into Costa Rica so I needed to have my passport renewed. Yesterday we headed to the US Embassy in San Jose. 

I found the renewal process much easier to do here than in the states.

Directions --
Go online US Dept of State Costa Rica - or whatever country you are in
Make an appointment
Complete form and make copy also take photo they request that you do it BEFORE you come for your appt - if you don't you can do it at the US Embassy (I had a copy of the form but got the photo at the Consulate)
show up (do not be late)
Pay $110 CASH renewal fee (i gave them US $ but they would also accept the equivalent in colones)
Talk to agent for processing

That's it! Your passport will be ready for pick up in about 10 bus days

(you will receive an email when it's ready for pick up) Of course you will have to go back and get it) 

The San Jose bus dropping us back in Grecia - home by noon

From Grecia - We took the 8am bus to SJ to the US Embassy (1 hr ride). Got off at Hospital de Mexico. Caught a taxi to the Embassy $3. Was there by 9:30. Checked in. Got in line for photo and then into the area for appointments. The area for US citizens was practically empty although there were LOTS of people in line for various other things. We also got to skip the long line outside Embassy. Sort of VIP treatment.

Once we were in the appt area I told the guy we were early for my 11am appt so he took me right away. I was done by 10:30

I must admit the US is VERY organized!!! I had sort of forgotten about how organized things are back there. 

Emphasis on prevention - Our Life in Costa Rica

During our Spanish class last Thursday, we were having an off topic discussion with our teacher, Shirley. We often use a portion of the class (it is a 2 hr lesson) to pick her brain about life in Costa Rica and she also answers any questions we might have about customs etc. (She is also the person who helped us get our house here last year)

Anyway, we were discussing the different horns that we hear passing by the house and she mentioned that one may have been from a health care worker. She then explained, quite matter-of factly, how health workers come around to every house once a year to check on the people (the population of Grecia is over 15,000). They have your full medical records, know what medicines you are taking and any vaccinations/shots etc that may be due. She mentioned that they check your heart and blood pressure and help with issues pertaining to your home and pets as well. What? (we looked at her and then each other -- with our mouths open) She then went on to say, she had tried on 2 occasions to take her toddler in for her scheduled vaccination but for different reasons, was not able to get it done. When the health care worker arrived, she knew all about her attempts, and had the vaccine with her, and gave it to the baby during the visit. It's all FREE!! What? (she looked back at us like "what" they don't do this in the U.S?)

Just another example of the difference in living here, as compared to, what we are used to back in the states.

Here's the way it goes

Penn State College of Health and Human Development
Although there are many differences between the Costa Rican health care system and ours, one of the most influential differences can be found in Costa Rica’s empowering emphasis on preventative care and promotion. This ideal is embodied in the unique health care workers known as ATAPs, who are trained with basic nursing and social work skills.

Part of our time in Costa Rica was spent accompanying the ATAPs on their “rounds” — people in rural communities are visited at their homes at least once per year by an ATAP. While there, the ATAP provides any routine vaccinations, dietary tips or basic medications members of the family might need. 

In addition to checking on basic health, the ATAPs also check each home for running water, electricity, and good treatment of any pets. If there are any social counseling needs, the ATAP will visit up to six times per year to accommodate these families. 

Visiting the ATAPs, hospitals and clinics, and learning about the Costa Rican healthcare system was an amazing experience for myself and all of the students involved. The trip gave us the opportunity to see community care on a whole new level, and opened our eyes to the vast array of approaches to improving overall health.  Source

and

Under the universal system, every Costa Rican citizen has health care coverage and can use the public system. Funded by a 9 percent employee income tax and a variable employer contribution, the health system provides care to all, regardless of pre-existing conditions or the extent of the treatment needed.

There are no bills sent to patients, and prescription medications are free.

And, WE can only imagine!

The cost of living in America

As rents continue to rise across the country, it's not just deadbeats who are getting the boot.

Evictions soar in Alameda County as rents rise

The road to our relocation starts with retirement!

Tick tock!

Can't move to Costa Rica until I retire. That's what we've been waiting for.

I am finally 2 weeks from retirement! I can hardly believe it. I remember when it was 4 years away. I thought the day would never come. I have now begun the final countdown and it feels so good!!

My colleagues at work gave me a retirement party and dinner last night. It was really nice. They are really a fun group and I am going to miss them.

The celebration started with a cake and a gift at lunch and then dinner at a cool little restaurant in San Francisco. 

Marsh PCS Client Advisors

carrot cake from Cafe Madeline They make the BEST desserts

Dinner @ Gitane

This is a really nice restaurant and very pretty inside. I highly recommend it if you want to enjoy a nice dinner in the city

Celebration starts with a complimentary champagne toast

Flatbread "Del Dia"

Oysters on the half shell

Basque Braised Short ribs

Navarra Trout

Glenrothes 1998 Single Malt Whiskey

My 1st venture into the world of Scotch

Getting down to business! - Countdown to Relocation in Costa Rica

With the clock ticking

102 days and counting

Ask me how we spent our Saturday.

Time to start putting things in boxes
(We also have a lead on a short term rental in Grecia. Tell you more when I know more)

I still have a lot of "things" stored from 3 previous local moves

I am currently storing them in a garage some miles from my apartment

I am long overdue to go though all of these items and
discard the things I have not used in the 

last 7 sevens years
because

I plan to replace some of those items with current ones that I plan to keep
just in case of a possible return to the Bay Area.
You just never know, so I stick by the old Girl Scout motto "be prepared!"

I am not one of those people selling off everything they own and moving with a back pack

So off we went to Home Depot 

(BTW-buying new boxes, even from Home depot, is not cheap) 

We did make a bit of a dent in what was stored, but still have quite a bit to go. 

It was almost like Christmas going through things I had not seen in many years
(I had a lot of good stuff in those boxes)

I did my best to resist the urge to add too many of them back into my everyday life.

After I went through the clothing, we made a trip to Goodwill
(I also took 2 big bags from my apartment last week).
While there, it was interesting that the donation worker told us that
they have been very busy with donations.
Seems that quite a few people are leaving the country.
Some moving to France while others were moving to Europe.

Record number of Americans dump U.S passports

Our plan is to complete the project next weekend.

Oh, and if I haven't told you lately -- I enjoy moving but I HATE packing!!! 

My trunk isn't exactly made to haul boxes

most of them ended up in the back seat

Sisterlocks comes to Costa Rica - Black in Costa Rica

It's Official

Sisterlocks has arrived in Costa Rica

Thanks to Dr. Carmen Hutchinson Miller

Dr. Carmen Hutchinson Miller

For the last 3 years (and to no avail), I have been searching for a Sisterlocks Consultant in Costa Rica so that I can continue maintaining my locs once I move there.

I have scoured the internet for information, periodically checked the official Sisterlocks Registry and even called their main office in San Diego to inquire. I came up empty handed every time.

With only a few months left before departure I figured that if I wanted to continue wearing my locs, I would have to travel to Panama (the closest country to Costa Rica where there is a certified consultant), travel back to the U.S (Florida) or... heaven forbid - learn to do them myself!  I was not very happy with any of these choices, plus since Sisterlocks are typically re tightened about every 6 weeks, the 1st 2 options would be costly and geographically undesirable.

That left me with only one option -- doing my own hair.

I had already ordered the Sisterlocks "tool" so I resigned myself to the fact that I would now have to learn the process. I would ask my Sisterlocks Consultant to show me how. I figured with over 500 locs, I would be in perpetual re tightening mode.

One night last week it just popped into my head to look on YouTube for some videos on re tightening so at least once I was in Costa Rica I would have a visual reference. I was very happy to find that there were many tutorials out there.  I breathed a sigh of relief. Once I was finished bookmarking the sites I decided to look one last time for a Sisterlocks Consultant in Costa Rica. I hit up the Google and lo and behold I found a recent entry from Sept 2015 on a thread referencing Sisterlocks in CR. After following the thread, I located the original post and from there I found the associated Facebook page. I messaged the person, Dr Carmen Hutchinson Miller, and followed up with an email. To my joy (and gratitude), she contacted me back and confirmed that she was indeed certified in Costa Rica and available for service and...she currently resides in the Central Valley!! Woo Hoo!! A few days later her information appeared on the official Sisterlocks Registry.

So I introduce to you Dr. Carmen Hutchinson Miller and Proud Locks.

Proud Locks is specialized in Sisterlocks which is a hair technique originated by Dr. JoAnne Cornwell in San Diego, California and introduced in Costa Rica by Dr. Carmen Hutchinson Miller in 2014.

In 2008 Dr. Hutchinson Miller and her sister Etsu Hutchinson Miller became the first Costa Ricans in Sisterlocks consultants.

In 2009 Dr. Hutchinson Miller became the first Costa Rican Certified Sisterlocks consultant by Sisterlocks academy.

This technique is based on the concept of sporting the hair pride of people of African descent by taking care of the natural hair without the need of adding any chemicals.

At the same time of sporting hair pride this techniques allows the hair to grow long and healthy naturally.

Sisterlocks has become the solution for people of African descent to style their hair without the use of chemicals or the use of artificial hair while other techniques alter the hair natural way. 

Sisterlocks has also become the solution for mothers of young children who wish to have their natural hair long and healthy.

Join the growing number of Sisterlocks users in Costa Rica and be part of this world wide natural hair movement.

For more information contact me!  

San José, Alajuela, Heredia & Limon 

+506 7009 0176  

proudlockscr@gmail.com

So there you have it. I finally let go and the answer showed up!

Don't worry I am still researching hair options for my fellow black expats but so far there have only been services on the Caribbean side.

Stay tuned

The search continues...

Before you Pack that Sunscreen - Is your Sunscreen Causing Skin Cancer?

Unless I'm on vacation in a tropical climate, I don't usually wear any sunscreen, but during a recent appointment with a dermatologist (inquiring about skin tag removal), I was told that if I wanted to keep my skin young looking, I should start using pf40 on my face to shield it from the harmful rays of the sun. Many doctors (and sunscreen manufacturers) are all about telling us to wear sunscreen and many people slather the stuff all over their bodies, believing that they are keeping themselves safe from skin cancer.

If you are like most people, you probably think that the sun is the biggest cause of skin cancer. As such, we've been programmed to avoid the sun at all cost. However, the sun is actually very good for us and provides us with the necessary Vitamin D to keep us healthy and prevent skin cancer. While getting too much sun can be bad for the skin there is something else you should be just as fearful of, and that is the sunscreen you use to block the sun. Most sunscreens contain toxic chemicals that can be more dangerous than moderate exposure to the sun!

BTW - even though people are wearing MORE sunscreen and spending less time in the sun, skin cancer is increasing by about 4.2% annually.

You think maybe, we should look deeper???

but first, back to my doctor's visit

the view of San Francisco from my dermatologist's office

Moles

According to MayoClinic.com, the skin's pigment-producing melanocytes usually distribute color evenly throughout the surface of your skin. Sometimes, however, clusters of pigmented cells develop, resulting in dark spots commonly called moles. Moles can appear in a variety of colors ranging from red to dark brown, and can be flat or protruding, round or oval.

Skin tags

Skin Tags are very common but harmless small, soft skin growths. Skin Tags tend to occur on the eyelids, neck, armpits, groin folds, and under breasts.
Seems you get more with age. Heredity plays a role and more prone to effect African Americans. 

One person may have anywhere from one to over 100 skin tags! I have a lot of them (at least 50 or more, so many I have lost count).

the special procedure chair above - I opted to sit in the regular chair for my procedure

While both are generally harmless, some people want to remove them for cosmetic reasons. Also, some protruding moles may be prone to irritation if they are located in an area where they are frequently rubbed by clothing or nicked by razors. Since I had so many skin tags I decided to consider having at least some of them removed. 

The procedure is called Cryotherapy. It uses liquid nitrogen to freeze the unwanted skin lesions. The procedure generates few side effects and can be completed quickly in your doctor's office.

Using a special spray gun, she applies the liquid nitrogen to the mole or skin tag(the liquid nitrogen is in the silver canister with the blue top). Expect a blister to form on the treated area which will be followed by a scab. Do not pick at it and it will fall off on its own. Lucky me - Mine required a second treatment (she only removed about 6 or them for me).

No anesthesia is usually administered. OUCH! 

Don't think I will be going back. Just sayin!

Although, I will not be returning for further skin tag removal I wanted to follow my doctor's orders re using a sunscreen for my face, but I wanted to find a natural one, which is how I found out about the toxic chemicals that are in most of the commercial brands.

I was clueless.

Here's what I found out, but as usual, do your own research!

S U N S C R E E N

Most commercial sunblock products contain one or more of the following harmful additives: oxybenzone, avobenzone, octisalate, octocrylene, homosalata, and octinoxate, with oxybenzone being the most problematic (since it’s the most common additive used commercially).

Other problems with sunscreen include some manufacturers’ use of retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A that actually increases users’ risk of skin cancer when exposed to the sun’s ultraviolet rays.

Many commercial sunscreen manufacturers synthesize zinc oxide and titanium dioxide, the two most common active ingredients in sunscreen products, into nanoparticle form. This means the particle sizes of these ingredients are made unnaturally small, which poses health risks due to easy absorption.

Your best bet is to choose only natural, sunscreen products containing mineral- based, non-nanoparticle versions of either titanium dioxide or zinc oxide (zinc oxide is preferable), both of which provide physical protection against the sun’s rays without leaching dangerous chemicals into your body and skin.

A few favorable brands include:

✔✔ Dr. Mercola’s Natural Sunscreen Lotion ✔✔ Badger Natural & Organic Sunscreens ✔✔ Aubrey Organics

Another great option for sunscreen protection is to supplement with natural astaxanthin, a potent carotenoid antioxidant found naturally in salmon. Astaxanthin is the pigment in salmon that makes these fish pink, protecting them against sun damage. When humans consume astaxanthin, it provides similar natural protection. Source: www.thetruthaboutcancer.com 

*******

There is also a very informative "free" 9 part documentary "The Truth About Cancer" beginning on Oct 13th. It will explain the new findings, treatments and prevention.

If you interested and/or want more info  please use this link  for your exclusive invitation.

I'll be watching!

Drastic Times call for Drastic Measures - Is America the best place for black people?

I have a list of reasons for deciding to leave the U.S and one of them is because I’m fed up with the racial situation in this country. The number of African Americans that have been victimized, murdered, terrorized, shot, and left for dead is edging us back toward a second Jim Crow era. Instead of getting better, sadly, things seem to be getting worse.

I mean, even a black president in America can't catch a break!

Chris Rock put it this way in his HBO special Never Scared "If you're black, you got to look at America a little bit different". "You got to look at America like the uncle who paid for you to go to college.... but who molested you." Since then, that “generous” uncle has moved from molesting to killing.

According to the black website The Root, black people will not be safe when Obama leaves office. The website advises that black people leave America and even posts a handy guide to "black-friendly" nations.

and so I have to ask the question…

Is the United States really the best place for African Americans?

Yeah, yeah, there have been some changes here and there but barely enough to make much of a difference in the lives of the average black person in America.

But I also wonder, if I leave this great country, will I be subjected to the same racial animus abroad?

Randii leaving for Africa - photo source devon4Africa

I read a recent article, An American in Paris, in the Washington Post written by poet and rapper Saul Williams. He writes "if you want to experience white privilege, hop on a plane and go anywhere with your American passport and you will experience American privilege and you’ll be able to understand exactly what it’s like to have certain doors opened for you and back rooms opened for you and privileges given to you just as a result of what happens when you open your mouth and people realize where you’re from."

And you only need a passport?

So....

How many African Americans are living abroad?

Well, that's hard to answer because the government does not keep official statistics.

Although I'm sure there are quite a few black expats, I think the number is far fewer than it could be. My thought is that no matter how bad things get in the United States, most black people do not seriously consider expatriating.  Moving abroad is seen as a luxury reserved only for the rich. People still look at me in wide eyed amazement when I tell them that I am moving to Costa Rica!

Black Lives Matter - for real!

It’s up to black people to seek the good life and pursue better opportunities wherever they may be found. Yes, this is our homeland which our ancestors help build with their blood, sweat and often with their lives, so we don't take leaving lightly, but if this stake remains unrecognized or unredeemable, its value is dubious.

Relocation Abroad – Not just for the rich

If you decide to consider this option I suggest you start by doing a cost of living comparison and some research on areas that appeal to you.  Take advantage of the multitude of cheap flights and airline discounts available and finally....go check it out for yourself!!

 click for video if you have forgotten

Hmmm it seems the idea of expatriating just might not be such a bad idea for black people to consider after all!

Armed with the right tools, more information, and a shift in perspective, a new black expat movement could begin which could empower African Americans to explore new and greater possibilities for future opportunities.

Remember there is no perfect utopia anywhere. Focus on your flexibility, adaptability, willingness and desire to experience something new.  Think of the social networks you could create by integrating into societies where black expats are treated first as Americans and not as black people.

This black girl can only imagine!

In researching our chosen destination, Costa Rica, the feedback I’ve received regarding racial issues is that you are a "gringo" first and black second.  (click for video)

Don't take my word for it, read more about Black Expat life abroad (this info is really hard to find so please click the links below)

.  >  >  . > > .

The Next Great Migration  - The NYT

Blacks leaving America in search of equality is not new. Enormous gains have been made in America at every social level, and many blacks live as well as one can reasonably hope to anywhere. Yet we are consistently reminded of how tenuous this progress can be; how possible it still is to be humiliated on the front porch or cut down in Walmart by an officer who will never be held to account.

Read the rest of the story 

Do African Americans abroad experience white privilege?

Absolutely!

Here in Chiangmai is the first time I’ve felt NO oppression! Like none. That’s a new feeling for me. In America I’m black first, here in Thailand I’m firang (foreigner) first, and that means something.

Read the rest of the story (hear from black expats in The Philippines, Ghana, India, South Korea, Germany and China)

*credit -  Information for this post was gathered from various sources - links included above

The No Washcloth Zone

I recently came across an article about the washcloth (face cloth) posing the question - whether using a washcloth is a good idea or not? Today I saw yet another article discussing the topic, this one among a group of travelers who were wondering why they were being continually reminded to "bring a washcloth" whenever they travelled outside of the U.S. This one got my attention because on our recent trip to Costa Rica we stayed at a place where there were no washcloths. We thought the reason was because it was not a high class American style hotel and chalked it up to "something lacking in the service".

Are we alone?

I searched high and low on the internet and could not find much information on the use of the washcloth outside of the U.S. 

We "Americans" (as in the U.S) appear to be about the only people who use this item!!!

In the Soviet Union, they use the sponge and in the UK they use a face flannel but you are less likely to find a washcloth in your hotel or B&B in Europe (even in the UK) than in an American hotel - where you will always receive one! 

The NO washcloth zone

So, what is the reason you ask? Well, because things are different in other countries. It's similar to the way that a lot of hotels & B&B's don't use a top sheet, they use only a comforter. Just because something is normal or expected in the States doesn't mean you can assume it will be that way in other places as well. 

Outside of the U.S a washcloth is considered to be more of a personal item and isn't usually shared, much like a toothbrush, underwear, etc.  So it would be like expecting a hotel to provide you with a toothbrush and undies. Keeping that thought in mind, the hotel staff would not take kindly to having to pick up your personal washcloth - heaven knows where that thing has been!

(BTW-if you stay at an American style hotel washcloths will be provided)

So what next?

Getting along without a washcloth can be a bit difficult for those of us who are very used to using them in showers, baths, etc although washcloths are used much less now that the disposable make-up removal wipes are so popular with the younger throw away generation.

There are some strong opinions when it comes to using a washcloth or not using a washcloth. Some believe that you have to use one religiously no matter whether you're washing your face or your body.

Board certified Dr. N. Williams says, “You should never scrub too vigorously with a washcloth. Removing dead skin cells is a good thing, but if you scrub too hard, your skin may appear red and irritated afterward. A gentle scrubbing is all you need to get rid of dead skin. If dry skin is a persistent problem, avoid using products that contain alcohol — alcohol will cause your skin to become tight and dry.  Apply a moisturizer immediately after washing your face while your skin is still damp.” 

Always use a clean washcloth every time you wash your face. Hanging a used washcloth up for use later is a bad idea. Bacteria thrive in moist environments such as a wet washcloth. Washing your face with a washcloth that hasn’t been cleaned could spread the bacteria on your skin, potentially leading to an illness or infection. (source)

So now you know! 

Retire sooner rather than later / or Mo Money - Mo Money!

One of the biggest decisions many of us will have to make when considering retirement is - how soon should I retire?

The answer to that question, of course, depends on what you want out of retirement and how much money you will need to maintain the life you wish to live.

I can't really help you with the first part of the question as that is truly a personal decision, however, I might be able to help you a bit with the money part -- especially, if your question has to do with when to apply for your social security.

Full Retirement Age (FRA)
Most of the so called "financial experts" will advise you to NEVER take your benefit early!  I think they would have us all work ourselves to death in our jobs. They will usually encourage you to wait until FRA or beyond. The reason they will use is that, by not taking your social security early, you increase the chances of maximizing your cumulative lifetime benefits. 

If you take your benefit at the earliest eligible age (62) your benefits will be 25% lower than if you wait until FRA. On the other hand, if you wait until you are 70, (the latest you can take your SS) your benefits will be 32% larger than they would have been had you taken them at age (66). 

That is enough to scare most of us off. Personally, I think that is exactly what it is intended to do, as the facts are not so cut and dry. There are trade offs. More checks a bit smaller vs less checks a bit larger. Also keep in mind the average life expectancy (~ age 75). None of us have a crystal ball so we can't predict when our time will come, but based on the average life expectancy, I think that there are plenty of people who never got to claim their benefits at all and many more who only receive claims for a short period of time. More money for the government. Plus keep in mind the state of our country and the constant threats to social security.  Might be smarter to get what you can now!

Full Retirement Age: 
If you Were Born Between 1943 and 1954 
is 66

Want to know exactly how your Social Security benefits are reduced? go here

If you are within a year of FRA, you lose hardly anything by taking your money early (except if you want to continue working). Social Security has a formula that they apply which calculates an almost dollar for dollar exchange (meaning you end up with nothing). Unfortunately, I need to continue working until I move to Costa Rica as I cannot maintain my US standard of living on my benefits,  however -- I phoned my Social Security Rep and was told that in January (when I am 4 months from my 66th birthday (FRA) I can start claiming my benefit and continue to work with no penalty. So I will get 4 months of benefits  which will net me some thousands of dollars that I would have otherwise left on the table. And, my benefit payout reduction is so minuscule it won't make a difference. (also at FRA there is no penalty from SS if you work full time)

So that's what I'm gonna do.

If I could stop working or perhaps lived in someplace other than the Bay Area and could get by on my benefits, I would definitely apply earlier. For me, I think it would be well worth the reduced benefit payout. Look at the chart and calculate for yourself.

This tip was passed to me by a couple of my aspiring Costa Rica expat friends (thank you Marilyn & Charles) and I want to pass it along to you.

Do your homework

then

Pay this forward! 

BTW regardless of experts - 62 remains the most prevalent age at which people apply for benefits

Make room for your life

I've had many people ask me how I have time to do so much in a day - with a full time job, 4 blogs. 2 dogs and a boyfriend.

What next? Black in Costa Rica

The month of May is flying by. Can you believe it?

It's nearly gone

and I've tried desperately

 not to over think our impending move.

Earlier this month I celebrated a wonderfully peaceful and reflective 65th birthday.

In the stillness I will always find the answers

It is all so clear to me now

I will work towards full clarity on what is most important 
by getting rid of everything that isn’t, 
and by saying no to things that don’t matter. 

 I will create limits so that I am free to expand in the best directions
 and not feel pressured 
to go in all directions.

in the coming months I will share more of this clarity 
(and how it effects our plans) 
with you, here on the blog

But.....first of all (for my new followers - and thank you very much) 
I think I should re-explain the move

I have said I am going to "retire in Costa Rica".

I AM

 however, I think the words to retire mean different things to different people.

And that is perfectly OK.

But let me explain what it means to me. 

Retirement means, I am leaving my J-O-B and the corporate world, forever!! 
Hip, Hip Hooray!!

  

When I do that, and (in this case) at the same time,

We plan to leave the country as well.

Travel is our goal!

First stop, Costa Rica!!

Do I think we will be there "forever"?

Well, forever is a long time (hopefully) and right now I can't say.

The current plan is to test Costa Rica out for at least a year 
and then decide, 
what next.

At the same time we will also investigate neighboring Latin American countries.

I can honestly say,

we will be gone,
until we're aren't

Seriously though, I don't think that we need to make that decision right now.  The adventure is just beginning. Maybe we will come back someday and maybe not. That remains to be seen. The world is a big place and as global citizens we have a lot of exploring to do. There are many things that have made us want to leave and probably just as many things that could bring us back. This is after all, still our home. At some point we may be too old or just too damned tired to continue our wanderlust.

But for now, it's full speed ahead.

Just be happy for us 

and for now, 

please, 

no more suggestions

 about where we can live cheaper in the U.S 

because
although we appreciate the gesture, 

our decision goes so much deeper than that.