Travels With Jim and Rita Jim Santos, travel writer and host of the International Living Podcast

Embarking on a nomadic lifestyle isn't just a leap into the unknown; it's a dance with new horizons. Join us, Rita and Jim Santos, as we swap the familiarity of Knoxville for the sun-kissed beaches of Mexico and the rustic charm of mountain villages, all while debunking the myth that living abroad is an escape from American life. Our laughter and candor fill this episode as we unravel the chapters of our journey, from the initial move to confronting the complexities of expatriation amid a global pandemic. With insights from my book "Living Abroad: Challenging the Myths of Expat Life," we offer a fresh perspective on embracing a global community without losing our patriotic spirit.

This episode isn't just about our adventures; it's a tapestry of lessons learned from the rich cultural contrasts between the United States and Ecuador. We muse over the vast differences in consumer attitudes, inspired by our six years in Salinas, where every item has a lifecycle far beyond the one-use mentality often seen back home. Our conversation takes you through the importance of adapting and integrating into local cultures, which can lead to a renaissance of values, including sustainability and community. It's an intimate reflection on how such experiences abroad can heighten our appreciation for what we have and introduce us to practices we might wish to bring back to our American way of life.

As we wrap up this episode, we can barely contain our excitement about the next leg of our voyage. Broadcasting straight from Mexico, we promise stories peppered with the vibrant energy of our surroundings. We're not just inviting you to listen; we're welcoming you into our ever-evolving narrative. So, subscribe, share your stories, and come along for a ride that promises to be as enlightening as it is entertaining. Next stop: Mexico, with its kaleidoscope of colors, flavors, and sounds, ready to be your companion through your headphones.
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Picture this: you're surrounded by boxes, the remnants of a life you're packing up to explore the unknown. That's the scene Rita and I find ourselves in, and it's where our conversation with Corey Mortensen begins. He's a man who's mastered the ebb and flow of a life lived on the move, having ventured across the globe not just once but several times. Corey regales us with stories from his days on Wake Island to immersing himself in Thai culture, weaving a narrative that doesn't just entertain but also enlightens, offering a roadmap for those yearning to break free and find adventure.

Our latest episode takes you on a rollercoaster of emotions and destinations. From the serendipitous turn of events that steered our guest from Europe to China, to the heart rate monitor business venture that followed, we explore the found and lost opportunities that shape a life less ordinary. Then, there's love—the unexpected, world-changing kind that led me to his wife, Kate, and together, they chose the path less trodden, a nomadic life rich with travel and volunteer work. Corey's  stories intersect at the crossroads of entrepreneurial spirit and wanderlust, proving that the courage to leap can land you in the most extraordinary of places.

As we wrap up our tales, the discussion shifts to the nitty-gritty of sustained travel—the financial strategies, the cultural dances, the finding of a kindred spirit to share the road with. Hear how he navigated the financial bends of long-term travel, from frugal living to strategic negotiations, and how a whimsical decision led him to become the CEO of White Condor Publishing. These are the stories of life's unpredictable nature and the romance found in far-flung corners of the globe. Join us, and perhaps, you'll be inspired to begin your own adventure.
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join us, Jim and Rita Santos, as we unfold the map to a future unchained from the conventional moorings of a stationary home. Discover how we're securing our retirement savings by side-stepping the unpredictable real estate market and why High Yield Savings Accounts (HYSAs) have caught our eye. We're also unpacking the potential of banking in Uruguay, the financial haven often compared to Switzerland, and how it might just be the safe harbor for our hard-earned funds. Our conversation with Dr. Mark Teuten, a attorney who helps with Uruguayan banking for expats, throws light on managing money in a foreign land.

Listen in as we navigate the nuances of setting up shop with Uruguayan banks, particularly for Americans entangled in the web of international regulations like FATCA. We lay bare the timelines and trials involved in starting anew with a foreign account and how declaring our intentions to reside in Uruguay could smooth the way. Dr. Teuten's insights complement our quest for a diversified investment portfolio, as we consider tax-free government bonds and the shrewd play of investing across various currencies. This episode is not just a financial briefing; it's a beacon for those seeking a robust strategy for safeguarding their future in the face of global uncertainties.
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Embark on a voyage of discovery with the intrepid Maya and Dave, whose leap from the classroom to the vast world has led to a retirement brimming with purpose and adventure. As former educators, their tale is one of financial foresight and embracing a minimalist lifestyle to fuel a passion for exploration. In this episode, they take us through their colorful journey, from the heart-warming reasons behind their initial move to Nepal, to the charm of  Ecuador's enchanting city of Cuenca. Their story paints a vivid picture of life's boundless possibilities post-retirement, as they share the intricacies of managing their stateside property and why their past summer travels as teachers laid the foundation for their love of voyaging.

Discover the heartwarming impact of spreading kindness without borders, as Maya and Dave share their inspiring work with children around the world. Their Kindness Clubs initiative has become a cornerstone of compassion, empowering youth to build a more empathetic future. The clubs' anniversaries are not just a date on the calendar, but a celebration of the tireless efforts of students and educators alike working to foster a world where kindness prevails. The couple's commitment to service continues in their current home, as they join forces with local expats to feed those in need—a true testament to their dedication to making the world a better place one act of kindness at a time.

Lean in as we savor the delights of 'slow travel' with Maya and Dave, who reveal how taking the path less rushed has enriched their souls. They recount the joy found in the laughter of new friends, the spice of local cuisines, and the magic in every unexpected stay—from the serene beaches of Bali to the potential of a future in New Zealand. Their tales are a masterclass in adaptability, showcasing how they transform challenges into opportunities for growth and learning. As they share their strategies for navigating the unpredictability of the nomadic lifestyle, they offer nuggets of wisdom for aspiring globetrotters. Join us and be inspired by a couple who prove that retirement can indeed be the beginning of life's grandest adventure.
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Embark with us, Jim and Rita Santos, on a reflective journey through our time on the sun-kissed shores of Salinas, Ecuador. Now, with suitcases almost packed, we're casting an eager gaze towards Mexico. We sit down with Kimberly Kagan-Campbell, our seasoned real estate guide from our Ecuadorian days, to delve into the shifting sands of safety and lifestyle in a place where the air is dense with sea salt and the government's firm stand against cartels. Our conversation spans the evolving tapestry of local haunts, from the buzz around a fresh burger hotspot to the unwavering charm of time-honored eateries, and we ponder the future of slow travel and distant property management—a lifestyle mosaic we're piecing together one adventure at a time.

Join us as we navigate the nuanced rental market of Salinas, contrasting the stability and choices we discovered against our Panamanian experiences. The real meat of our chat, however, is the intricate dance of managing rentals from afar and the cultural quirks that color our interactions with the warm-hearted locals. We'll also pull back the curtain on the latest real estate developments, questioning the impact of looming high-rises on the idyllic coastal skyline of Salinas. Whether you're a seasoned expat, a real estate aficionado, or simply a curious soul bitten by the wanderlust bug, our tales of international living and investment will serve up a hearty portion of insight and experience.
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Escape with us to the tropical allure of Playa Coronado as Panama enthusiast Diane Maxwell shares the hidden gems and candid realities of expat life in this sun-kissed paradise. Diane, with her wealth of knowledge and decade plus of Panamanian adventures, reveals why this country's charm is more than just its postcard-perfect beaches, offering a no-holds-barred look at the unexpected day-to-day life that awaits those seeking their own tropical haven.

This episode isn't just a narrative of sandy shores; it's a comprehensive guide for anyone tempted by the expat dream. We journey from the bustling streets of Panama City to the tranquil beaches of San Blas, discussing how Panama's diverse tapestry stands up against other Latin American jewels like Ecuador. Diane opens up about the practicalities of settling down in Playa Coronado, from navigating the property market to embracing the 'manana' culture. Plus, she shares the serenity of her mountainside home, providing inspiration and essential advice for future expats. Whether you're contemplating a move or simply love a great story, our conversation is an invitation to explore the nuanced symphony of living abroad in Panama.
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