International Living Community

Hi Jerome,
I can relate having lived in the San Francisco area for 12-years. I moved in 2011. I’ve been actively exploring and visiting Portugal and other countries the last few years. I’ve been to Portugal 4 times. I’m seeking a vibrant walakable community with access to culture, great cuisine and fun people. I lived in The Algarve, Portugal for six weeks and loved it. Onto other hidden-gem places. Eager to hear from others here as well.

Also, @robertaprada, we have run a bit of coverage of Uruguay over the last year or so... and more before this...

September 2024 - Need a Fast "Plan B"? These 2 Countries Stand Out
https://magazine.internationalliving.com/internationalliving/library/item/september_2024/4214865/

July 2024 Ronan Q&A - Uruguay Beach House for $170,000
https://magazine.internationalliving.com/internationalliving/library/item/july_2024/4202974/

May 2024 cover story - Out of the Way, Out of the Fray, Uruguay Offers a Return to Simplicity
https://magazine.internationalliving.com/internationalliving/library/item/may_2024/4189981/

December 2023 - The Best Places in the World to Buy Real Estate in 2023 (Rocha, Uruguay is featured)
https://magazine.internationalliving.com/internationalliving/library/item/december_2023/4152431/

Thanks for reaching out to the IL community! Up in the highlands of Ecuador (in and around Cuenca and Cotocachi, for instance) expats report that they feel quite safe. I would recommend looking at expat Facebook groups for more up-to-date information about what’s going on.

The hydroelectric project at Lake Arenal produces between 10 to 12% of the total electricity of the country.

You can read more about what I wrote here: https://internationalliving.com/is-costa-rica-the-most-eco-friendly-country-on-our-beat/

Google "hydro power and lake arenal" to find more info.