seasia

Just now, KC 71 said:

Forgive me fore my lack of knowledge ,but is that near Italy ?


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Hi KC

Are you asking about my mention of Sicily ? If so answer is yes, it is an island off the far south of Italy.

Both San Fermo and Como are north Italy.

The south is generally cheaper as well as having mild winters.

North Italy can get cold which is why I commented about not wishing to spend winter there.

Hope that helps.

Just now, BritManToo said:

That's a fake story, they were actually for sale by auction.

Hence why I stated in my post that there are probably catches.

Yes, heard about some/many decent seeming offers going to auction, sealed bids.

Whether that applies to all of them, I do not know.

Hi

It looks like it needs a lot of work but as mentioned before if you are able to do most of the work yourself, could work out.

Looks to be large enough to perhaps restore and then have a couple of rooms for summer lets ?

Maybe enough rental income to provide a lievable basic income so that after buying and restoration you have zero costs.

 How about a free/very cheap house in southern Italy/Sicily?

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2019/jan/17/italian-town-sambuca-sicily-dozens-homes-for-sale-one-euro

Could be OK for someone like yourself ( I have  no restoration skills nor do I need another property )

Various underpopulated southern Italy towns seem to be offering these type of deals.

Yes, of course one would need to do full research as there are probably catches in many offers.

On 6/6/2019 at 6:50 AM, BritManToo said:

I quite like the looks of some of them, this barn is 100m2 on two levels for E14,500.

About 5Km from a Nation Park in the Central Massives. Small land though only 250m2.

 

For the price and if able to do most of the work yourself and would enjoy the location, seems OK to me.

I was talking to a French friend and he mentioned the Cevennes region as being inexpensive for restoration type properties.

Also said when restored worth significantly more even after taking costs in to account.

He did stress that applies only if you do the restoration yourself.

I have only visited the 2 as a tourist so cannot help too much.

Both seem easy for long term visa.

Medical standards appear to be lower than Thailand.

Food OK for me in Cambodia. PI  neutral opinion.

Both better for English language speaking locals.

Both more friendly to foreigners.

Quite happy to make more visits but am not seriously considering either to stay in long term.

Personally I am considering countries in 2 other regions, not SEA.

As you are interested in PI the TVF poster ExpatPH has made an excellent thread about it here,

very informative and helpful.

19 hours ago, seasia said:

Of the 2 I prefer Cambodia, PP specifically.

 

Plenty of food choices,lively city ( well District 1 is ) Not everyone looking for that though.

People I found to be friendly.

 

I did actually also like Vientiane, just for me personally  PP has the edge.

Apologies, my reference to District 1 was incorrect, that is Saigon which I slightly prefer to PP.

Sorry

Just now, xylophone said:

Notice that the bar is not busy......really low season biting hard there??

It is quiet here, yes.

I live in naklua, only go out now and again to pattaya central areas and have little interest in going to bars.

I feel a bit sorry for some of the street side vendors.

I notice that those who were almost always busy before, now quite slow. The motorbike/sidecar vendors that pitch up in their regular spot and are generally a decent bunch of people.

Quietest I have noticed in 10 years.

On 5/21/2019 at 11:53 AM, Jingthing said:

Thank you.

I am hoping over time we can attract people that are actually going through the process of moving from Thailand to specific Latin American nations.

Why could that be important?

First the perspectives of people with the Thailand experience reacting to the new country.

They would have a different perspective than people directly expatriating there from a place like Canada for example.

Secondly some of the Latin American nations require documents from Thailand as well as also possibly from the home passport country.

The practical details of getting the documents from Thailand may vary depending on the target destination.

 

Cheers.

 

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Yes agree with you, would be interesting to hear from those that have chosen a Latam country after having lived in Thailand.

Could take some time to see any threads or posts on that though, early days plus I have found there is a fair bit of hostility to those that state they have chosen somewhere other than Thailand, usually the same small number of posters go in to attack mode.

Seen it happen so many times.

Anyway yes, agree with mike787, you have indeed created a very interesting and informative topic.

Other than having glanced at a " best countries to live in  list"  a few years back which happened to rate both Chile and Panama highly not gave the idea much thought. Chile expensive now I think?

It was actually a video link you posted on Salento that made me start to think, did then do some research in to Peirara,both look lovely and I did actually cost up a 1 month tourist visit. Quite reasonable.

Committed this year to elsewhere  for a break from Thailand though so it will have to wait.

A friend of mine is shortly going to Colombia, will be his first visit, Medellin and then Baranquilla.

After that he goes to Dominican Republic for a 6 week stay, has been there several times before.

He has also been to Brazil several times, brief comment from him was that it has got rather pricey.

Another friend is off to Brazil for 2 months +, has lived there previously.

I think both have got what I can only describe as Thailand fatigue, as have I

Neither are posters here as far as I know.

Hopefully I catch up with them after their visits, would be interesting.

Motorbikes riding on the pavement in naklua ( pattaya ) an everyday occurrence.

They even beep their horn if a pedestrian gets in their way.

Also makes it even more tricky to cross the road as a pedestrian.

Check road traffic, OK, clear but the motorbikes come speeding off pavements to enter the road.

Nearly knocked down myself the other day..

Amazing Thailand.

On 5/16/2019 at 1:56 PM, Jingthing said:

A one day visit to Colonia.

I assume I would like Montevideo (though it ain't cheap).

Similarity to Argentina but not Argentina which I think is a good thing. 

Their earlier stage forward thinking on things like legal weed and gay marriage.

My impression that they treat aspiring residents with respect.

They have a good immigration system. You can stay immediately and then you go through a long process for the application. It seems reasonable and civilized which is how I view the culture there.

 

Great beaches. 

Good cheap wine.

Anthony Bourdain's segment.
 

https://explorepartsunknown.com/uruguay/bourdains-field-notes-uruguay/

 

Anyway, I'm not qualified but think others may want to have a look. 

Thanks, I read that piece and some connected links.

Interesting that the author states the country is welcoming to foreigners, that obviously is a plus.

An extract 

"It is, however, no country for vegetarians.

Everywhere you look, on parrillas (large iron grills)—the prominent cooking method of the region—vast wonderlands of meat and sausages cook slowly over wood coals. Salads are few and far between. Apparently, chicken is considered a vegetable....."

Sounds like food heaven to me.

The chivito

"It’s a mountain, all right: Walk past any hole-in-the-wall eatery in Montevideo or sidewalk table in beach town José Ignacio and you’ll see two, three, even four people sharing a single sandwich. Even when cut into halves or quarters, each portion is so tall—piled so high with ingredients—that you can barely manage to get your mouth around it.

The chivito is Uruguay’s classic sandwich. The name is a bit of a misnomer: Like sweetbread (which is neither sweet nor bread) or a hamburger (it doesn’t contain ham) or an old-fashioned egg cream (it doesn’t use any eggs), the chivito doesn’t sound like what it is. Chivo means “goat” in Spanish (chivito means “kid”), but the sandwich is made with steak, ham, cheese, and sometimes other ingredients, like lettuce, tomato, and fried egg....."

Leave the lettuce and fried egg  out, do not like either but the sandwich looks good.

Higher cost of living than Colombia though it would seem.

So far within the region under discussion Colombia is the front runner I think. ( personal view )

On 5/21/2019 at 1:09 PM, Jingthing said:

Colombian food isn't very well known internationally compared to Mexican food. In my limited experience the soups are their strongest point. I'm sure the coastal food featuring fresh seafood is great too (but for me living on the coast there isn't appealing compared to the year round spring weather places). With my only experience being some Colombian restaurants (but good ones), overall I think I'm not very thrilled with their food, certainly not with it being the main "stuck with it" option. Not enough spice. Not enough vegetables. Seems perhaps unhealthy. Showing some classic Paisa region and Colombian dishes you can see how wonderful the Ajiaco soup dish is here featured by some flaming gringos. Also like the guy in the video I'm not into chicharron but Paisa region Colombians are wild about it so it's considered impolite to say you hate it (but I really do hate it).  

 

I enjoyed the video. OK, never actually seen a food video review where someone just comments " yuk " on taking a bite.

Most of what is shown I think I would be Ok with.

I am not usually a fan of soup but that chicken soup with corn I am sure I would enjoy.

"Not enough spice. Not enough vegetables. "

I hope it is OK on this forum to quote part of a post, apologies if not.

I do not like hot spicy food, herbs and mild spices are fine though.. Vegetables yes can eat most of them but I do prefer a mostly meat based dish. Breads, like almost all styles.

Only going by what I have read/seen online but for me Colombia food a mild positive.

I am not even a fan of Thai food, that is in no way a snipe at Thailand.

We all have different tastes.

Perhaps I am bland and boring when it comes to food.

  Cartagena is safe.

So says the author in an article on the ViaHero website.

OK, it appears to be aimed at tourists and they are also trying to sell the idea of paying for a local guide ( digital/online ) for things like tour suggestions, accommodation etc.

Much of the info is mere common sense but what might be of interest is the details as to which parts of Cartagena they rate highly on safety aspects and those they are perhaps suggesting some caution at certain times.

Author has a nice writing style.

Extract :

"Cartagena's crime rates have dropped hugely in recent years, and it is now the safest metropolis in Colombia. 

However, as in any other major city, certain areas should be avoided and steps should be taken to ensure safety.

Here are important tips for traveling safely in Cartagena, including which areas are visitor-friendly, which should be avoided, and precautions that will keep your trip secure and fun.......  "

Full article

https://www.viahero.com/travel-to-colombia/is-cartagena-safe

The website also covers various other subjects, bars, culture, food, places to see etc and other cities within Colombia.

6 minutes ago, Jingthing said:

Be warned!

 

Some humor from Guanajuato, central colonial Mexico.

 

 

 

 

 

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Yes, I read that a while back, made me laugh, nice piece.

On 5/17/2019 at 4:59 PM, Destiny1990 said:

Very nice informative link..

Florianopolis Brazil looks great and also Uruguay Montevideo However they all seem pricey places like 2500 pounds a month? That’s for a single person or family?

I still intend going there but for longterm staying financially  Spain and Vietnam and Ofcourse Thailand are way more affordable.

 

Yes, they do seem costly. I do think they are giving prices for at the least a couple, if not a family.

Their base city for comparison is London, yes well aware it is pricy there but they suggest an amount of 4500 pounds a month ( about 5715 US $ ) to live there. so annual London cost of 54000 pounds. Average salary in the UK is approx half that.

Their numbers are too high IMO.

The site is indeed aimed at working expats, as suggested by JT and I would add to that aimed at high earners.

Hi

I was curious as to which Latin American country might be the most popular for Brit  born expats.

I would have guessed at Mexico, appears I am wrong, seems to be Brazil.

Information and numbers hard to find though.

I recall reading on this thread that about  1 million Americans live in Mexico, assuming that is right does it make Mexico the No.1 choice for US citizens ?

Anyway came across a website that gives a view on their top 5 picks in South America.

It is aimed at Brits, still might be of interest to others.

I am not actually that keen on the website, think there are some errors in their costings.

I do think they cover the safety/danger aspect very well though. It is towards the end of the linked page.

Perhaps worth a glance.

https://britishexpatguide.co.uk/best-countries-for-living-in-south-america/

Just now, BritManToo said:

My ThaiVISA experience became so much better when I learned to use IGNORE.

Posters get to insult me once for free, then they're gone forever.

I've rid myself of around 30 now.

 

I'm happy for people to disagree with me, but I won't tolerate people insulting me.

I think you have it right, although I have some catching up to do, only 2 posters here on ignore.

I am exactly the same as you in your last line comment.

Slightly off topic I guess but am a member on a few investment/stock trading boards.

On the 2nd largest UK based one I did manage to get my ignore list up to 46.

Only ever for insults, never for difference of opinion.

I had some fairly vicious/hateful attacks yet I always post clearly and politely ( OK maybe  a rare exception or two but in those cases if I feel I have been harsh, I apologise.)

Unfortunately they made a platform change recently and it is now no longer possible to place a poster on ignore.

Something I notice here is if someone states they have decided to leave Thailand , for whatever reason, they do seem to come under attack.

A shame as I think it is interesting to hear of alternatives.