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Clean Break & Fresh Start
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Has anyone decided one day to just pack up and move to another country? Was the move worth it ? I find myself thinking about either the Philippines or Romania.. I’d love to hear from people who have ..
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I did it. From Canada to the Philippines. I sold everything off. Packed up my things. Got both my dog's ready with permits and everything. Got my tickets and took off. That's 2 years ago. I'm clinically depressed and tried just about everything. I was suicidal. Nothing worked. Then I listed everything I've done and listed things I've yet to try to fight my depression. The only thing I could think of, that I hadn't done or tried yet, was live in another country. My family and closest friends agreed. Was it worth it to pack up and move? I think so. In my home country, I'd be considered a second class citizen, living in poverty. In the Philippines, I'm considered A class and rich. I'm no longer on meds for my depression, but my depression is much more controlled and less intense in severity. It's always warm here. I never have to shovel snow. I don't have to bundle up for warmth. I don't have to spend money on heating the house. There are negatives like earthquakes and typhoons. There's tons of insects here. Fire ants hurt! Even if the house is clean, there are still cockroaches, big ones! Sometimes the heat can be quite unbearable as it can reach 40–45 degrees. Average is like 30–35. If the temperature dips below 24, I consider that cold – cold enough to have to wear a fleece coat. Corruption is still present. Corporations don't give a shit about consumers and clients. It's all about the money. Internet service is garbage, expensive, and slow. Religion is a part of the people's lives. They sleep, wake, eat, breathe, bathe in their religion. They take it very seriously. With that said, the people can be rather hypocritical and do place double standards upon certain people like me. I am a Canadian and I look Filipino but I speak English. There is an expectation that I speak Cebuano and that I should be fluent. But if I were white, I would get a pass speaking English and it would be acceptable – no expectations to speak Cebuano. Living in the province is much cheaper than if I were to live in one of the major cities. I don't pay rent because I live in my family's house. My monthly budget is about CDN$500–600 per month. I live very comfortably. I eat plenty, I drink my fill, and have electricity, potable water, internet access, a motorcycle, a car, and of course my dog (one passed away a month ago). I'm fortunate as my family here is huge and rather influential. The Captain of the barangay is my cousin. I hang out with bankers, lawyers, counselors, judges, police officers, medical professionals and others. So, I'm quite safe. I can't speak for others, though, so do your due diligence when it comes to safety. If you do plan on moving, remember that the Philippines uses 220 Volt, not 110 Volt. If you like to cycle, bicycles are ridiculously expensive here. If you're a bookworm, books here are expensive. If you want to drive or ride a motorcycle, you need to spend a month or so in the country before you can apply for a license. Get your travel vaccinations. Stock up on DEET insect repellent. The mosquitoes here are no joke. Dengue is quite real. Familiarize yourself with some of the laws of the land. Understand, the laws favour the citizens over foreigners even if the citizen is in the wrong. Keep your nose clean. Don't do anything stupid. Respect the laws of the land, the people, the culture. And last bit of advice, say “yes” to virtually everything (of course within reason and respect to your safety).
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I moved to the Philippines due to what American cops are. It was well worth it. Much better life there. But there are 2 types I have met many who come & in 6 months can not leave fast enough. Life is not what they expected at all. I find this question helpful. Do you get along with your neighbors were you are. If so you will be ok. If not there are few places you can go & get along with the neighbors is my guess. So you do need to be able to fit in. It is not like America most places.