How, exactly, are you going to make any money off writing stuff like this? Oh it's true of course, but where's the angle, the hook?  On the off chance that you've lost your formerly purely profit oriented mind to some fever for disclosure and agitprop, you might want to talk a little Costa Rica some day. Another banana republic with a national health care system that puts the land of the free and the home of the brave's to shame. I thoroughly enjoyed your article, though a good part of my glee was stimulated by the thought of all the right thinking cryptoconservative libertarians who would no doubt are tearing their hair out and cursing you as Satan's socialist spawn for daring to suggest that the holy of holies the free market might just conceivably be something less than the greatest thing since sliced bread. Why the very idea that that we might have some responsibility for each other, and that government might be an effective instrument for implementing that responsibility, you might as well have stepped out of a 1960s time warp.  Congratulations on a well stirred pot.

Chief Broom LOS ESTADOS RUINIDOS
 

Re "39,000 Reasons ..."

I first read your article on living in Colombia and now your informed views of what 'freedom' means in the Western world.  Although I don't live in the US, Australia is, as I'm sure is the case with many western nations, to a large extent just as hipocritical. To some extent though I would argue that the problem does not merely lie with the government apparatus, but rather with that instituion that moulds, shapes and creates public opinion: the media.  US and global media entities create easily consubable and palatable media 'content' that feeds people an inward looking and simplistic view of the world. The extent to which the US government exherts influence over the free media is outside of my understanding but there is little doubt that the erosion of freedom or dissent in the US is helped by a steady diet of mindless game shows, sitcoms and soap operas with a simplistic news media ready to trumpet the endless freedoms of the US while point out the failures of those countries not towing the US line.

Mark AUSTRALIA
bards@postmark.net

Hey Charlie,
RE: All Over Belize in Boats, Planes, and Golf Carts by Keith M Swartz

“Dark-skinned natives, who were most likely drinking too much the night before?” “A raft that looks about as sturdy as something built by Tom Sawyer?” “Third-world nightmare-come-true?” “Towns where I suspect they don't sell soap?” I've just read Mr. Swartz' article. The true nightmare is the import of such contemptuousness. Mr. Swartz and others who share his condescension should stay away. No amount of USD can compensate for the introduction and disemmination of cultural poison. 

Antonia Pearl-Benjamin USA/Belize
blkpearl201@yahoo.com

Roger,

I agree with everything you said in your article about Kenn Abbayo [December 2001 Issue]. I brought all three books by him and I was real disappointed. It seems the only expertise is what his military training taught him in school, living in the woods esp. somewhere like Canada or Alaska. He has not done any long term living in other countries. I have travled and lived in other countries, even fought and joined in another country(Rhodesia) My citizenship was never at stake.. I took out residentship for those two years. You are the first person I have read who knows what he is talking about. Ken is someone who has a little knowledge about a subject but no real world experience and all of a sudden he is an expert!!!. A lot of people who spend time in special ops think they are experts in escape and evasion, they are as long as uncle sam is going pick them up at some point and time at some LZ with the choppers. I have seen this happened when they cross over to doing free lance(merc work) ! and they are lost as to what to do when they are completely on their own with no big brother back-up.I am a vietnam vet(173rd) and a Rhodesian (Selous Scout) and have done work in Central America. I look forward to future articles and hope with can become friends over the internet.

Happy New Year!
cheers,

Dear Editor,

Despite his ingenuity, there's no way Jerry Naughton can live in Mexico on $329 a month (Nov.)
unless he never makes a phone call, sends e-mail, sees a doctor, takes a pill or, under miscellaneous (which he doesn't include), buys a newspaper, a shirt or a postage stamp.  In the December issue, he admits to paying about $33 for national health insurance. I'm guessing his total actual expenses probably are going to run over $400 a month, still an impressive feat. 

Robert Kelly USA
bobfkelly@earthlink.net

how're ya. i read your piece on BG-Turkey, sounds gloomy. i'm sure the local environment doesn't compare to to the fly-fishing lodges of NC; however, the joy of travelling comes from the inside. you might be better off staying home, infront of the TV, watching E-Wild On the Carribean.

svetlin BULGARIA

Dear Roger,

From your most recent article on Cartagena, "EscapeArtist.com is going to add some tools to help others make a living worldwide in the coming year.  Building websites will be among them."

Bravo! for such an entertaining and informative piece of journalism on Latin America.  And yes, you are right: Costa Rica is too expensive and first world for an expatriate.  As a Tico, I still love Costa Rica, but I recognize it is no longer the same country of my childhood (20 years ago).  very much would like to see your recommendations and ideas on how to earn a living overseas (as you stated in that quote above).  I currently teach in the Arabian Gulf, but would welcome entrepreneurial ideas on how to live overseas (read: taking one's destiny into his/her own hands instead of relying on an employer's whims).

Muchas gracias por todo. 

Victor Rodriguez UEA
victorfarang@yahoo.com

Roger,

I appreciated your comments on Cartagena. . I agree with the Frenchman, "keep it quiet" I discovered Cartagena in 1997 and have traveled there 20 some times since then. (I currently have a friend here in Michigan from Cartagena visiting with me until mid-Jan) By the way "Mick usually stays at the Santa Clara. Escollera La Marina is possibly the unamed eatery, or La vitrola. But if you want a quiet & cute Italian place with great food, and good prices, try La Barchessa just around the corner from Plaza Santo Domingo. Tell Marco and Nadia that Mike and Monica sent you. You are right, real estate is at bargain prices, rent is cheap (and can be negotiated), climate is great (without natural disasters}, and is 2 1/2 hrs to Miami if you want a shopping spree, or an hour to Panama. You can (and I mean can) get a job teaching English in most areas there. I speak fairly good Spanish, so it is a little easier for me. Despite the war climate (I can tell you some hair rai!
sers when I was in Cali) there are multiple opportunities in the industrial/manufacturing areas as well. I hope to make some headway here, as well as making my first trip to Cuba in 2002, as they are expanding flights to Cuba & DR from Canada, and are starting direct flights right next door to me in Windsor, Ont. I can tell you one thing though. . . Although I am 48, being in Cartagena makes me feel a lot younger !..

Chao, 

Mike USA
Michiganmichael@hotmail.com

To Roger Gallo:

Just finished your article on "disapearing."  It was not only interesting, but great fun!  Thanks.
And your "sources" page was helpful. Question: It is my understanding that your home base is Panama. I have found a real dearth of info on expat living in Panama, both books and internet (except, of course, all the internet advertising for the Boquette area and Bocas del Toro).  You site Christopher Howard's book on Cuba. I know he has written one on Panama (copywright 11/99) that Costa Rica Books hasn't published because of "lack of interest." Hopefully, you will do a series of articles on Panama.  Thanks for a great web site. 

Richard USA
alphaw3825@yahoo.com

Hey Chas,

Concerned about your medical costs, catch two birds with one trip to Cyprus.  I have resided on the island of Cyprus for 11 years.  Besides the beautiful scenery, people, and country living, the cost of living is one of the lowest in Europe.  If you like to travel and also need medical care done, in Cyprus you can have most major medical care done for less than the average premium in the United States in a year, including round trip airfare.  That's right, and you could have a great time on the beaches or in the mountains at the same time.  Why take just sick leave? When you can take a medical vacation! Dental, medical, and optometrists are mostly American and British trained and qualified.  And they really do care about their patients, you are not just another number.

Paul Travis CYPRUS
travisp@spidernet.com.cy

Dear Staff,

thanks for escapeartist.com and all the beautiful work that you do.  you're right about the people's concern for excellent, yet affordable, medical care abroad.  we all would appreciate more articles addressing our concerns.  in the u.s., medical cost for the average retiree is virtually cost prohibitive.  again thank you & keep up the excellent work.

rashad elamin USA
relamin@aol.com

Dear Editor,

How I sympathise with Lori Alexander stuck in Ireland with another winter coming.  I well remember the feelings she is experiencing having lived on the West coast in county Mayo many years ago. An area which is even wetter and windier than the East coast.  I can remember riding our bikes in the middle of summer with the sun shining and feeling warm but damp.  Some people love the isolation and ruggedness of the countryside and some do not. We had some great times.  But it was the damp and the cold I hated and that was why we left.  Next time if I move it will be to a warmer sunnier drier place.

Lori you have my deepest sympathies!

Peter Selmons-Clark ENGLAND
peter@lifeandgeneral.com

Greetings from New York City!

As a New York City Police Officer, it is so good to know that U.S.A. is the greatest country in the world. Although we have had sad times we stand strong. Escape America Magazine to me is the best and represents U.S.A. in all the information it provides to it's readers. Keep up the good work guys! God Bless America! 

Ricky Cordero USA
Draven500@aol.com

Dear EFAM,

Your Isla Solarte section was fascinating..and extremely well put together! Most people would have no idea such a place existed without your good reporting and explanation of why Bocas Del Toro and this planned island community is such a perfect match for people of all ages who are looking for the perfect escape!

Bill T. Bailey USA
billbaileyishome@msn.com

Hello Staff,

I want to thank you for your article on living Mexico for less that 500 dollars a month..I thought you would never reach out for those on a lesser monthly income. i'm referring to people like myself that want to upgrade or enhance life's joy from 1000 dollars and below and still having a a relatively short distance to the U.S. i traveled a couple of times in Mexico and learned the power of a community because of the honest communication between the individuals in it, a place where you can shed the false self. 

Thank you again.

Dean S. Rivers USA
dsrivers@webtv.net

Dear Editor,

Before moving to Dubai in the UAE last year. I used the following site as a reference which was wonderful ... http://dbw.hct.ac.ae/staff/index.htm.  After reading about the family living there I thought I'd let you know about this site.

Thanks for a wonderful magazine.

Sincerely

Paula Cooper, Australia
pcooper76@hotmail.com

Dear Editor:

With the passage of the US Patriot Act we have already lost a tremendous amount of freedom. The freedoms that we enjoyed in the past are gone ... government will never give them up.

I am interested in knowing about other countries that are relativly free, especially Asian.  Do you have a sugguested list of countries I can check into.

Yours,

Amie, USA
amie@nationalmeditatio.org

Dear Staff,

It's no secret that lots of countries, including the U.S.A., have plenty of folks who are retired or nearing retirement age. These people need retirement information on lots of places, and they try to find some of it in travel books, but almost none of those books include nearly enough information on what would actually be involved in living there full time.  That could be changed if some prestigeous agency, such as yourselves, were to plant the idea in their bonnets.

Best regards,

Ron Weber, USA
run_97420@yahoo.com

Charlie:

A suggestion for a future issue. I would like to know the costs and capabilities (speed, etc.) for intenet connections for various countries (Europe especially). If I were to move to Europe, my work and family life would depend on having good connectivity via email and Web. From what I've heard, most areas charge per unit time connected, and it's expensive. Also, what about a satellite phone/modem? How would this compare? Are there other ways? People seem to have created ways to make cheap overseas phone calls, so what about cheap internet connections?

Thanks,
Carlo Spirito, USA
cspirito@cybertours.com

Hi Gang,

Just wanted to say to Roger, after coming back to a place where I can easily access the internet at length (translate, it doesn't cost me 6 bucks a minute for now), congratulations on the site. After five years, it is as much of a challenge, with as much intrigue as when I first ran across it, idly punching in the word escape...the telecommuting section is excellent, it may not be new, but it is new to me. 

I doubt you remember me, but I'm still travel writing and still traveling, at present on St. Croix, back from a long time in Spain (which is like the Virgins, but better - could end up there easily with little arm twisting), and it is nice to see something good still making good. 

Sept. 11 does nothing to convince me to change my mind about how or where I live, in fact I was only waiting to see how long it would take before the glow of togetherness wore off and the infighting would begin, and so it has...seeing television again consistantly after two years without it makes me ready to turn it off once more.

Carry on!

MJ, On the Road

Dear Charlie,

Hi, I went to Gonaives this past August to volunteer with the propagation of faith.  I am now trying to organize a food kitchen, after seeing all the starving people I have to do something to help. I am in the process of getting my 501c3 paper and I am also speaking with Food for the Poor we are in hopes of finding a convent of nuns to build and run it. I will be responsible for raising all the money.  Please if anyone is interested in learning more about this project in donating money or time or just prayers, please e-mail me. I am always open for ideas on better ways to help feed these people.  I am also planning to ask formula companies to donate formula,  the babies are in such need. Anyway, if you want to help in any way let me know. Please, every little bit helps. We are all in this world together!!  Thank-you Kathy USA

Kathy Bartrug, USA
kbartrug1@home.com

Dear Staff,

I've just finished reading David McDowell's "suprisingly realistic approach" to Living in Paradise Without Working.   What a great article, short, concise and to the point....imagine my amazement when the monthly budget came to $319!

I've been trying to get my income stream up to what I need to survive badly in these United States as a wage slave...car payments, mortgage, cell phone, DSL, etc.   I sent the article to my two sons who are just beginning their lives and hope that they will adjust their thinking.   I just love this magazine, and until now, it has been used for dreaming.   This article makes me want to take action.   Thank you.

Isabelle Ramsey, USA

Your probly sippin a gritta just chillin, no worries, so don't trip when i tell ya!!!! Help me get back to Bali Bro, im livin in a huge house near red rock, in Vegas and im begining to turn into an Adu-----, well I cant say it !

next sipp think about me.

           see ya,

                    j

Dear Editor:

I am an Ecuadorian and I do not know with whom this gentleman hanged around with while traveling in Ecuador, but I can reassure you that Mr. Jack Nicklaus has never built nor design a golf course in my country (heck, we cannot afford something like that!). By the way I am a golfer so I know what I am talking about! 

Miguel Coello, USA
coellobotero@msn.com

Charlie:

I stumbled onto your site wks ago. What a site at that. I am a single man, early 50's with just under 30 yrs of construction experience under my belt. The article I just read of the couple that left their security blanket in the US and ventured to Turkey is just what my gut has been telling me to do for some time.

Although there is a sail boat race coming up the beginning of Nov. ( Carib 1500- Va. to BVI +- 3 wks ) I'm giving this stronger thought. Any time I have traveled in the past, opportunities seem to avail them selves to me.  Although I'm not exactly where I'd like to be financially at this point, I believe I can make a go of it.

You have a great web site here, and I will try and keep you informed as to my  future progress. 

Regards,

Ric Miller, USA
mrickiej@ori.net

As I progressed through Libby Royster's account of coming home, my jaw dropped further and further. I couldn't believe it. It was as if I had written it myself. Although I am older than she is and I worked overseas many years ago, I related personally to everything she wrote. People like us are truly kindred spirits. And the funny thing is, unlike more "mainstreamed" people, the urge to go never leaves you. I am preparing to go back overseas to live again only this time I am taking my two kids and poor husband! Best of luck to you, Libby!

Anna Fletcher, USA
brianna@escapeartist.com

Dear EFAM Staff,

Hi there! I need to vent! I would gladly re-locate in a second and so would my husband. However it's just not easy getting jobs in other countries. I've worked in Advertising/Marketing for 8 years, I have a fantastic resume but jobs in this category off shore just don't seem to exist. Maybe I am looking in the wrong place so if you have any advice for me I'm all ears! I've tried Dubai in the Middle East as women can work there, I've applied online to other countries as well. It just seems so difficult to even make any contacts. 

Joanne Clark, CANADA
jclark@bimm.com

Dear EFAM Staff,

My name is Michelle Regan.  I am a television segment producer working on a new show for the Fine Living Network.  Each show will profile two individuals who have left their lives, either for a sabbatical or forever, to pursue their dreams.  We are looking for people age 35-55 who have left jobs and home to follow their hearts.  This could be the lawyer who gives up law to open a B&B in Montana, the retail clerk who takes off a year to travel the world, the CPA who leaves their firm and home to surf waves across the Pacific, the doctor who leaves their practice to hike the Pacific Crest trail.  We are looking for people who are taking a sabbatical (a certain amount of extended time, but will return home, with a risk of perhaps not having their job) and people who have given it all up permanently. We are looking to film within the next three months.  I would be most grateful if you would contact me to discuss this and if you know of anyone who fits this descrition.  I can be reached via email or telephone (818)755-4800 ext. 153.  Thank you.

Michelle Regan, USA
Segment Producer
Weller Grossman
mregan@wellergrossman.com