The good, the bad and the ugly....

Stick a pin in it!

What’s in a dream?

Do we suddenly get up one morning and feel so very discontented with our current lives that we have to move, lock stock and two smoking barrels to the other side of the world, hop to Europe or Mars, if that were at all possible? Although, saying that if ELON and his cronies are there, I won't be.

No, I don't think most life changing moves are made overnight on a whim, they mostly fester for a good while and life often seems more halcyon where you aren't living, doesn't it?

What is behind a big cultural country move?

I guess there’s a myriad of reasons, some complex, some simple. Sometimes I think we run away from what ails us and sometimes it's out of sheer boredom or the need for an adventure. Often though it's economics that drive a move abroad or of course a new job. Change, as they say is as good as a rest? Oh and I didn't forget the need for sunshine for many! Sick of the grey and drizzle day in day out, the thought of a few more rays of sun and an outdoors lifestyle is absolutely what can send us running!

For me it's been a long old grey winter I do not want to repeat. Speak to anyone in the north of France in January and they've just about had enough and we are no exception! Even when we lived in Canada, yes there was snow like no tomorrow but the skies were bright and it all felt better some how. 50 shades of grey just makes one wish for something better, lighter and better for the body and soul.

The question is, will life be enough different over there, wherever that may be? I mean, real life often follows us doesn't it?

For all those reasons you struggle where you hail from, could easily be the same, just in a different language.

I've never understood my husbands obsession with France, although I could buy into parts of it and maybe fully much later in life. I do think in someways slowing down is great, less is more and France can offer you a more peaceful, slower life but for me it's too slow. It's not that I wish for the rat race but a modicum of fun and frivolity would do me right now. I also think I could buy into the South West more than the North West really. I've tried it and liked it much better but then if really pushed I'm absolutely sure I'd like Italy better!

Anyway, we are back in full frank discussion land about where we would like to be, due to his need for a new job and soon. I've been at peace with the fact his job is never where we currently live. Projects don't often happen on our doorstep and so a move is inevitable, but where?

Have you ever done a pro's and con's list? Of course these can change as we age, for instance, we don't have kids at home to consider which is rather freeing. We do have ageing to consider and also my celiacs disease. We realise that medically I'm not getting the care I need here and my diet is very restrictive unless I buy in from the rest of the world. I also always cook from scratch as eating out here in France is a gamble I just couldn't keep taking. Even menopause support isn't what I'd expect and so we now know our days are numbered here.

I look at other online groups and feel the excitement of those on their way. I've never had that excitement about France, I've wanted it and often convinced myself it's there but it's not there at all in any form.

There are so many American's making the move which is not surprising given the political climate there, but apart from the obvious affect Trump is having on America and the rest of the world, is anywhere that different nowadays?

We were supposed to head to California in 2020 but ended up here in France. I no longer consider the USA safe, so thats off the cards entirely now.

We've lived all over the Middle East and if we are honest, would only venture back to top up retirement funds.

We've lived in Australia 15 years ago and as I explained on my Facebook page today, I struggled with terrible home sickness and although I don't think it would happen again, it is so very far from the family. The upside down nature of the seasons and the sheer heat in the summer, nevermind the critters, was a lot to contend with. Christmas, in my humble opinion should be cold.

However the pro's are a country vast as you like with much outdoor healthy living to offer. It’s English speaking and I would be able to eat out safely and buy the goods I needed, topped up with very good medical care.

Property is super expensive, but isn't it everywhere bar France?

We lived in Canada pre 2020, one year only and whilst much of Canadian life suited us, we got our accomodation wrong. We know the areas better now and know where to live to improve the quality of life. The Canadian winter did not finish us off and we were much healthier than we are now. I ate out easily and safely and could get what I needed. We didn't really use the medical much but it was pretty much like the UK.

Again property prices were and still are nuts!

These two options remain on the cards as does the rest of Europe . I also think we are reluctant to go back to the UK now that we've left again.

People come to France for less is more, the space, peace, the culture and the cheaper property. French property isn't expensive compared to other countries but the costs are rising and it isn't as lucrative now. You are definitely getting less for your money now than when we bought in 2017.

Living on any kind of visa is interesting really because you almost belong but don't. You can't vote on those important matters. You could be asked to leave at any given moment and of course you may have to pay every penny of your medical and social care. Most people I know here, do not want to stay if their partner dies. I wouldn't either.

Language also may become an issue, especially if you have to work. It always seems doable until it isn't.

They say if you last two years anywhere, there's a good possibility you'll stay and so wherever we end up, I will try and make it to the two year point and not make any rash decisions before.

Answer me this:

If you had a choice of these 9 countries, which one would you pick and why?

United Kingdom

France or other EU country

Australia/New Zealand

Canada

South Africa

USA

South America

UAE

Scandinavia

For us? Well we have to wait and see!