IL's Ultimate Event spanned 4 days and included presentations, workshops, cocktail parties, networking halls and vendor sponsored luncheons. So many resources and so much practical material is provided it can be overwhelming at times. Luckily, attendees receive a hefty information pack and access to all audio and power point presentations to revisit will be available shortly. In fact, those same audio publications will soon be available for purchase for anyone exploring the expat lifestyle.
As I mentioned before, IL does a fantastic job providing plenty of options. We heard about beaches in Belize, mountains in Ecuador, highly populated hot spots in Brazil and villages in Nicaragua. No worries if Latin America and the Caribbean aren't for you, cherished France and Italy are options too.
With this as our criteria, Uruguay heads to top of our list. Based on discussions we had with others during the conference, it is agreed that Uruguay certainly has many attractive qualities for the expat. What most find unattractive about Uruguay is the distance from the US - 9 hour or so flights from Miami. While Mexico and Costa Rica are enjoying growth from the "late majority", Doug and I realize Uruguay is rich with potential for "early adopters". How cool - it isn't frequent one gets to be on the front of a curve!
After several presentations and meeting with F&S at their booth, we will be heading down to Uruguay to meet with J. Frederico Fischer and explore the country.
Uruguay has a fan in Lee Harrison, IL's Latin America Roving Editor and presenter. Living in Punta Del Este, Uy, he is also an authority on Ecuador (where he lived prior to Uy), Brazil (where he has a second home), Columbia and Argentina. And Lee has a fan is us. Lee's presentations helped all attendees with such pertinent information as timing your retirement, language, moving/utilities/insurance/finding craftsmen and more.
Lee Harrison was just one of the event's great speakers. Really, who would not want to live anywhere once you've heard Steenie Harvey describe it. Gregory Adams widened our eyes about financial risk and volatility. I actually understood JGAM's Peter Laub discussing multi-currency investing strategy. If Tuey Brady-Murdock doesn't impress upon you the need for title insurance in Latin America, nobody will. The Zimmermans make Cuenca sound so charming. Pathfinder International proves themselves to be a trusted source for real estate services and investments.
When we weren't meeting and talking all things expat, we managed to fit in some fun in Quito.
Gianduja Chocolate tour
www.giandujachocolate.com
Small world...Chocolatier Jeff Stern gave some valuable back story to the real estate market in Cotacachi, Ecuador.
Dinner out with the Sagaerts at Azucar on Plaza Foch.
Virgin of Quito aka Woman Of The Apolcalypse.
More excellent chocolate at Republica Del Cacao in the La Mariscal district.
Enjoy Living Internationally's Ann Hoffman.
Roses, a major Ecuadorian export - and Valentine's gift.
Heard at IL Ultimate Event VI
"Six months from now you could be living in paradise."
'The current administration wants to stop offshore investing."
"You can't wish it to happen. You have to take action."
"The only way you know if a place is good for you is to go there."
"Go when you can not when you're comfortable."
"When you move abroad, it is a lifestyle not a deadline."
"Spot markets not products."
"Uruguay is Latin America, with European first world comfort."
At the end of the conference, friendships were born, hugs were given and cards were exchanged. The event was great value for our money but the people we met were priceless.