If you could live in another land...

[Lannis]

After many years of living near twisty roads, I could not live where there are none. 

I wouldn't go so far as to say I "could not", but living here in a place where there is great motorcycle riding of all kinds available in just an afternoon's ride, I'll say it's a major factor!

The main issue with that is how the US house and properly gets maintained for several months in the summer, because we don’t want to move to a condo or similar.

Everything's available for a price.   And the price to get a professional company to monitor your security system, keep the inside of the house clean and nice, and maintain the grounds so that it looks lived in (to anyone but a professional crook casing the place) is NOT all that high, not in our part of the country - might be insupportable in a big city, but then so is everything else so you'd already be used to it!

Many of us could sell what we have built up over the years, and buy a modest place here in the States to be home, and buy or share a modest place in our fantasy-land.    A few very mobile folks here on this list appear to be doing that to some degree .... !

Lannis

[roadventure]

Well I never been to Spain, but I kinda like the music.  Say the ladies are insane there and they sure know how to use it.  They don't abuse it, never gonna lose it.  I can't refuse it.  Well I never been to England, but I kinda like the Beatles...

[jwinwi]

Lake Cuomo

Is that in New York? Named after the Governor? 

[drw916]

Living in Spokane, WA, I have pretty much what I want.  Lots of mountains to ski on in the winter, and great riding in the summer.  I think I would prefer to visit other places rather than move permanent.

[Tom]

Nice set of lakes there too.   

[rocker59]

 "bill of rights" 

I don't know how important you might think this is but to me its the most important thing.

FWIW

Agreed.  I could see myself visiting Ireland, Scotland, and maybe Italy.  But, never for more than a visit.

I long to spend a few years living in Northern New Mexico or Southern Colorado.  It probably won't happen, and I'm OK with that.  Arkansas suits me pretty well.

[tetarabra]

Did you ever hear about beautiful Corsica ?
Mountains in the sea.
We call it island of beauty.

[rocker59]

Is that in New York? Named after the Governor? 

 

[Tusayan]

Did you ever hear about beautiful Corsica ?
Mountains in the sea.
We call it island of beauty.

A good name.  I’ve ridden motorcycles there three times and it’s one of my favorite places.  There are not many places where you can ride from beach to mountain tops and pine trees in such a short time, nor enjoy the difference in climate from north (Cap Corse) to south (Bonifacio) in such a short distance.  Also the overnight ferry with cabin and motorcycle on board is less expensive than many hotel rooms (Guzzi content  ) and gets you to the island bright and early.  I love it.

[Tom]

You can do that type of ride on the island of Hawaii. 

[wymple]

"Decades of migration to the south and west of the US indicates that a lot of people choose to live where the winters are warmer.   It’s just a bonus that those same areas tend to have better roads for motorcycling"

There were decades of migration to the Northern states before the coming of air conditioning.

[kirby1923]

Agreed.  I could see myself visiting Ireland, Scotland, and maybe Italy.  But, never for more than a visit.

I long to spend a few years living in Northern New Mexico or Southern Colorado.  It probably won't happen, and I'm OK with that.  Arkansas suits me pretty well.

Yes a visit to other country I would highly recommend for anybody and if your a two wheel type the experience can be very intense. You learn a lot!

I spent 4 years in Paris setting up a domicile (pilot) and as hard as I tried to assimilate into the French culture it alluded me. So other expats and we(expats)ended up sticking together. It was hard on those that brought family and the kids struggled with the language and the completely(well quite different) culture change from the USA.

It usually ends up that a few will be successful in merging into the new culture but for the most part the expat had their own community.

Fortunately the tour was only  mandatory for a 4 year commitment.

I heard of no one that didn't return to the States after their tour. I think all thought of the experience as a             positive experience but they could always see the light at the end of the tunnel.

As being in charge of the pilot group  I spent a lot of time dealing with regulations tax matters both income an because a few bought real estate, (I did and still have it), and had property taxes. (very high).

( and you have the "rights" matter.)

May be better to keep it a fantasy but by all means schedule a visit.
FWIW

[Ncdan]

Well I never been to Spain, but I kinda like the music.  Say the ladies are insane there and they sure know how to use it.  They don't abuse it, never gonna lose it.  I can't refuse it.  Well I never been to England, but I kinda like the Beatles...

Great song, sometime in the early 70s, I really liked the part when they busted out with “well I’ve never been to heaven buf I’ve been to Oklahoma”

[LowRyter]

Yes a visit to other country I would highly recommend for anybody and if your a two wheel type the experience can be very intense. You learn a lot!

I spent 4 years in Paris setting up a domicile (pilot) and as hard as I tried to assimilate into the French culture it alluded me. So other expats and we(expats)ended up sticking together. It was hard on those that brought family and the kids struggled with the language and the completely(well quite different) culture change from the USA.

It usually ends up that a few will be successful in merging into the new culture but for the most part the expat had their own community.

Fortunately the tour was only  mandatory for a 4 year commitment.

I heard of no one that didn't return to the States after their tour. I think all thought of the experience as a             positive experience but they could always see the light at the end of the tunnel.

As being in charge of the pilot group  I spent a lot of time dealing with regulations tax matters both income an because a few bought real estate, (I did and still have it), and had property taxes. (very high).

( and you have the "rights" matter.)

May be better to keep it a fantasy but by all means schedule a visit.
FWIW

But despite your experience in Paris, you did keep your property?  Is this for investment or an occasional visit?

[kirby1923]

The real estate market in Paris 25 years ago was quite depressed and since I knew I would be based there for at least 4 years I sold may house in Memphis and bought a place in the 5th district of which I still own. It has become one of my better real estate moves.

After 25 years I have made some good relationships in Paris and am sort of excepted as a resident instead of a foreigner, albeit part time. The city is going thru some political unrest at the moment, and of course the - caper.

IMHO, having lived in 3 other countries, the USA is best for me(or any of we the people) as its home, my roots and I believe in it.

I don't have any history or family in Paris so it was difficult to become excepted.

I really enjoy time spent there.

[larrys]

Tahiti, or someplace similar. Nice weather, beach days, swimming, fishing, scantily clad native girls, I wouldn't miss riding motorcycles. A boat and a bicycle would suffice.
Larry

[Tom]

Gaugin's dream and many others.  It's still possible but it's French so their immigration & importation laws apply.  It's more expensive than other parts of Polynesia because of that.  French Polynesia is expensive compared to the U.S..  You might want to try Saipan, Costa Rica, Mexico or Guyana. 

[ohiorider]

Ireland ..... the land of my ancestors.  That's on my dad's side.  As for mom's side , well, I'd have to split it up ....... Dutch, German, Scotch Irish. Just wish the Irish drove on the right side of the road!  I often try to imagine adapting to going through a roundabout over there.  Too late in life to teach this old dog new tricks.

Bob

[bad Chad]

OP here.   This is just for fun.  There are no wrong answers!!!

[LowRyter]

The real estate market in Paris 25 years ago was quite depressed and since I knew I would be based there for at least 4 years I sold may house in Memphis and bought a place in the 5th district of which I still own. It has become one of my better real estate moves.

After 25 years I have made some good relationships in Paris and am sort of excepted as a resident instead of a foreigner, albeit part time. The city is going thru some political unrest at the moment, and of course the - caper.

IMHO, having lived in 3 other countries, the USA is best for me(or any of we the people) as its home, my roots and I believe in it.

I don't have any history or family in Paris so it was difficult to become excepted.

I really enjoy time spent there.

do you B&B it?  That's close to the Latin Quarter?

[Lannis]

Just wish the Irish drove on the right side of the road!  I often try to imagine adapting to going through a roundabout over there.  Too late in life to teach this old dog new tricks.

Bob

The roundabouts are not as bad as you think.   As long as you think "Yield to the right, yield to the right" as you approach it, it's OK.   Once you're in it, you just stay in the left lane until your turn comes up, then pull into the left lane and go.

My worst problem riding in the UK is making a right turn on a lightly trafficked road with no car to follow.   If there's not already traffic in the road, I will generally get into the right (which is WRONG!) lane on the road I'm turning onto - until I see a car and move quick.   Luckily, on a bike there's only 3 or 4 feet of difference ...

Lannis

[kirby1923]

do you B&B it?  That's close to the Latin Quarter?

Yes the 5th district is the oldest district in the city and IS the Latin quarter. 20 min walk to the river and a bit more to the Louvre.

:-)

[Huzo]

I don't have any history or family in Paris so it was difficult to become excepted.

It would have been a lot harder to become accepted...

[John Warner]

My wife and I are planning to retire to Portugal next year.

I took Voluntary Redundancy from BA (after 42 yrs as Aircraft Engineer) in Aug.
My wife's packing work up in March.

My Mother is Portuguese, and I have Family in Viseu.
I'm in the process of getting Citizenship now.

Love the Country, the People, the Culture, the Food & Drink, and the near-empty Roads!
The Central Area we're looking at is very similar to the UK, climate and scenery wise, just a bit warmer in Summer, and the Winters aren't as harsh.
Property prices are very low, typically a third or less of those in the UK.
Cost of living is low too, we really get ripped off for just about everything in the UK.

Only real downside is the cost of cars, new and used.
Bike prices don't seem to be as bad, just a little higher on average.

[Mr Pootle]

The roundabouts are not as bad as you think.   As long as you think "Yield to the right, yield to the right" as you approach it, it's OK.   Once you're in it, you just stay in the left lane until your turn comes up, then pull into the left lane and go.

My worst problem riding in the UK is making a right turn on a lightly trafficked road with no car to follow.   If there's not already traffic in the road, I will generally get into the right (which is WRONG!) lane on the road I'm turning onto - until I see a car and move quick.   Luckily, on a bike there's only 3 or 4 feet of difference ...

Lannis

I had the same problem, but in reverse, when I drove in the States. It's easier in Europe as I'm always in my own right hand drive car, so sitting on the "wrong side" acts as a permanent reminder.

[Huzo]

excepted.

I just didn’t know why you would want to be excepted ?
I may need to spell it out.
Did you mean accepted ?

[kirby1923]

I just didn’t know why you would want to be excepted ?
I may need to spell it out.
Did you mean accepted ?

Regardless, if I misspelled the word or spell check changed it you know exactly what I meant.

Typical Huso, not impressed.

:-(

[oldbike54]

 How about the new Mark Knopfler album and the fact that Mark is still an active motorbiker ?

 Dusty
 

[Lannis]

Regardless, if I misspelled the word or spell check changed it you know exactly what I meant.

Typical Huso, not impressed.

:-(

That's funny whether it was deliberate or not!   

Lannis

[Tom]