The long riverside park in the business district is graced with pretty sculptures and topiary. Views of the four attractive bridges spanning the river and the multi-hued local fishing boats are a perfect backdrop for the trendy restaurants, bars, and cafés that line both banks of the river.
Gary says, "I'd been coming here since 2006 during annual trips. Five years ago, I chose to move to this city because I had made some friends here on previous visits. It's always good to have local people around you can get assistance from if you need it. The lack of traffic was another feature I liked—the wide streets had very little congestion."
Gary has a budget of about $908 per month. "That's $328 for rent, an international health insurance policy for $122 per month, and about $62 per month for all utilities. The remainder is for food, clothing, and entertainment."
That includes a three-bedroom furnished house that comes with air conditioning, a kitchen, and a washing machine. "It's less than a mile from the beach," he says.
"If you're living here and eating Western cuisine, going to the popular bars, and living in high-end accommodation, it can be expensive. However, you can choose to eat in local restaurants, eat out twice a day, go to nice local bars, and have comfortable accommodation for around $245 to $330 per month."
You can have a very inexpensive lifestyle. Entertainment aimed for a tourist market can cost quite a bit, so it's your choice how you want to live.
"If you live here for a longer period of time, you can get very good values and products. You get to know where you can save money, but that takes time to learn. The longer I live here, the lower my cost of living becomes.
"I eat a lot at home now and shop at the markets regularly. The seafood is delicious and I can go out with my girlfriend for a beautiful seafood dinner for about $18 for the two of us. We like many of the beachfront restaurants."
The city's excellent bars and seafood restaurants are good gathering places for entertainment, fine food, and meeting up over a few drinks or the occasional game of pool.
"I have made many friends in the expat community, mainly from within the teaching community. Most of my local friends I have met through my teaching and are students or the friends of students. Coffee and eating out is a common pastime and with wonderful cafés to visit, it can be a delightful morning or afternoon enjoyment," he says.
Gary was a teacher for many years back home and he wasn't ready to stop after his retirement. He earned a Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) certification before moving. "I teach English for the American Academy four evenings each week, which gives me three-and-a-half days off to take road trips, travel, or relax." He is able to get a visa through his employer, which makes things simple. "I have a work permit and a two-year temporary residence card, so I can come and go as I like."
"During the hot summer months [May through August], mornings and afternoons are the times I enjoy the outdoors. I often go to the beach quite late in the afternoon and take walks or bike rides in the morning. In the winter [December through March], swimming is still enjoyable although the water temperature is quite cool."
Gary has had several occasions to visit the local hospital. He says, "I went there once for a shoulder injury. The service was quick, and I saw an English-speaking doctor. He was available within five minutes and gave me excellent treatment, which included an MRI—all for about $50."
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