Preparing to (somewhat) Disconnect

Preparing to (somewhat) Disconnect

A lot goes into moving abroad.  We’ve both done it before, but this is the first time we’ve done so together.  
The basic principals are:

•        Downsize possessions to become lean and light
•        Mentally prepare to be a very long way from family, existing friends and your comfort zones
•        Making plans to remain connected to “the grid” once you move abroad

Downsizing was relatively easy for us.  For some looking to move abroad, this is tough!  Here’s what I suggest people do as they make this transition:  rather than stress over leaving grandma’s silver behind, instead take with you what grandma REALLY gave you - your love of travel, your stubbornness, your ability to adapt to change, etc.  I think she would be much happier, because that was her real gift to you – not silver that anyone can buy on eBay!  I like my “stuff” so this was something I had to teach myself to embrace!

Mentally preparing yourself for a move abroad is tough for just about anyone.  Many people love the idea of moving abroad….then the first grandchild is born back in Iowa.  Suddenly, being a day’s travel time away from the grand kids becomes a prison sentence.  Inevitably, someone is going to become ill or pass away back home.  You then have to make the decision to do an unplanned, expensive, international trip back home.  Add complicated visa requirements that may limit your time out of your new country, and suddenly you are dealing with a lot of new issues. 

It’s been a very long time since Tom and I have lived in cities with other family members.  We’re now used to the idea that family = airline.  Granted, it will be a much longer trip now, but we’ve never grown accustomed to simply stopping by a relative’s house while out running errands.  Family will continue to equal airline.

We are going to miss our friends as well.  Most of our friends are diehard RVers.  By nature, they are travelers and wanderers, so we hope they will fly to Ecuador! Taking an RV to Ecuador IS possible – we’ve seen them on the streets – but I would NOT want to make the trip!  

We have a secret bet as to which family member or friend will be the first to visit.  Smart money is on one of our globe trotting nephews!

Making plans to remain connected to “the grid” has been a very long, well-thought out process (done entirely by Tom with A LOT of help from current ex-pats in Cuenca) We still have American bank accounts – how will be access the money while in Ecuador?   What about our internet, satellite TV,  cell phones, mail, email, taxes, telephone numbers, Netflix, Amazon?  ….on and on.

Since staying connected is such an important (and detailed) plan, I’ll separate it out to another post.  For now, just know that we've put a lot of thought and planning into this relocation.  I'm sure something will come up (it always does!) but - hopefully - we already have a contingency plan for that as well!