It's Getting Close......

"It", being.....
- retirement,
- old age,
- the promised, "golden" years,
- packing it all in and relocating to Ecuador.....

Take your pick of any or all.

For the moment though, the "It" that's getting close is our embarking on an "exploratory" visit to what we hope will be not just a geographical relocation, but also a new (and exciting) segment of our lives.

Picking up and moving to a "third world" country, especially at this stage of life, isn't a decision that's right for everybody. Indeed, many of our friends and acquaintances respond to the news that we are considering such with mouths agape and blank stares that shout, without words, that "they really have lost it".

Be that as it may, from everything we've read and learned so far we think it's what is best for us at this point in our lives.

The first question everyone always asks is "have you been there?"
The answer is simple, "no" - but that will change in 17 days.

"How on earth can you seriously consider such a move without ever having been there?" is the next, logical question (which usually goes unspoken by the "they've lost it"-ers).

Truth is, you can't (or at least, shouldn't).
But in this age of the "internets" there is a wealth of information available out there free for the taking and it really is possible to garner an understanding of what life would be like pretty much anyplace on the planet should you desire to do so and are willing to put in the requisite "surf time".

The hundreds of hours of "research" we've put in over the last year or so have brought us to the point where we think a move to Ecuador is a very real possibility - a definite "maybe". It's time for "boots on the ground" as they say to confirm (or deny) our current impressions. With tickets purchased, plans made, and suitcases ready to be packed the final countdown to June 28 is underway.

None of this would have been possible without the efforts of those countless bloggers who have preceded us - blazing the trail by having already made the move and, more importantly, spending the time to post their experiences for others to share.

The list of bloggers we have been following (and to whom we are indebted) is much too long to include here and "memory" being what it is in this decade of our lives, we would undoubtedly "forget" to include some. But, as time goes on we'll be pointing you to many of them. For the time being, if you are interested in expanding your horizons beyond our musings we'd suggest you start here. (right click on the word "here", select "Open in New Tab"). The link will take you to the "South of Zero" blog which is a wonderful site that is updated daily and contains a list of those blogs which have published new posts that day.

It's in an effort to "repay" the expat blogger community from which we have gained such an incredible insight that we are initiating this blog. Hopefully, we'll be able to add something to the body of knowledge available to those considering a similar move in their futures.

So, whether you are seriously thinking about a permanent relocation in your future, or just want to follow the next phase of our "adventure" - jump on in, the water's fine!

By way of "disclaimers" we ask that you bear with us, at least initially, since we are new to the world of "blogs" and learning as we go so the mechanics of the site may be something less than professional, at least at first. Hopefully, as time goes on we'll work out the kinks and in the meantime we would appreciate any suggestions you have that might make it more "user friendly".

Over the next few days, prior to our departure, we'll be filling in some of the blanks as to who we are and how we got to this point for those of you who may be interested.

Thanks for taking the time to read and please feel free to "follow" our blog and use the "Post Comments" section below.