I’ve heard many people say that it’s crazy to bring your stuff to Panama. By “stuff” I mean your living room and bedroom suits, and those types of things. I’ve also seen other people who are completely happy that they brought those things.
I personally can’t wait until I bring those things. I think I made a mistake in not bringing those things at first. I still have my stuff stored in the United States, and now years later, it’s going to cost me more than it would have cost me years ago to bring my stuff. But when you look at it, if I had particle wood furniture, then I wouldn’t bring it. But if you had very nice, heirloom-style furniture, you have to consider bringing it, because those things are irreplaceable here.
One of the things to consider about that is security, because if you bring in very expensive things and everyone knows, that might make you a target for thieves. We’re very safe where we live, though, and I don’t feel any of those pressures. I have approximately $80,000 worth of furniture that it would take me $80,000 to replace here, so it’s a cost equation for me- $7,000 to bring it in, and $80,000 to replace it. It makes sense for me to bring it.
(John Gilbert's son watching sports in his comfortable chair, Volcan, Panama, pictured.)
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Buses in Puerto Vallarta go everywhere, even in places where I didn't think a bus could go. They go through some of the smallest subdivisions and back areas because people live there and they need to get home. There are buses on the main avenues and everywhere else you could think of. .png)
Moving to another country gives you a new lease on life. When you move to a new country you have new experiences.
Having a housekeeper in Belize is different than what many people are used to. To get a housekeeper, it is going to cost you around US $15 to $25 per day. The housekeeper comes in the morning and leaves at around 4 or 5 PM. They will clean the windows, clean the house, iron clothes, cook meals, go shopping with you, run your errands, and do everything that you could possibly ask someone that was really, truly coming to help you. .jpg)
We have a one acre property in the countryside 30 minutes from Lisbon. We pay our local gardening team 10 Euros per person per hour (about US $11). Usually two of them come for two to three hours once a month throughout the year. 
After years of visiting Belize, since 2006, we decided to leave the family, friends and acquaintances behind and start a whole new life in a new country. As per my family a Third world country at that. Needless to say we started making friends almost immediately. Belizeans are so friendly and open their homes to you with no restraints, even without knowing you at all. Expats also were so heartwarming and friendly, eager to meet the new kids on the block. We found there are local hangouts...