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Forum name | General Discussion |
Topic subject | The Black Ex-Pat Post: Where Can We Go? |
Topic URL | http://board.okayplayer.com/okp.php?az=show_topic&forum=4&topic_id=13265929 |
13265929, The Black Ex-Pat Post: Where Can We Go? Posted by Damali, Wed Jun-13-18 08:06 AM
I don't want to spend the rest of my life in Amerikkka.
My 5-year plan: Move out of the U.S. I turn 47 in a couple weeks. By 50, I want to have my debt and credit cleared up and a legitimate plan in place to leave. then by 52, bounce.
So in my limited research on where Black Americans can move and thrive, I keep coming across these four places:
1. Thailand 2. Costa Rica 3. Hong Kong 4. New Zealand
does anyone have or know anyone BLACK that has experiences leaving the U.S. and living in these places?
or if you want to talk about other countries, that's fine too.
d
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13266122, I'm curious about yr research on NZ Posted by shamus, Wed Jun-13-18 12:13 PM
There's a community of expat black folk down there?
I don't have any countries to suggest. The Netherlands maybe?..Rotterdam was way browner than I expected...
I've thought about living outside the US for short periods of time (a couple months to a year or two), but it's hard for me to imagine leaving permanently even though we're a total shitshow. Not unless I had a partner I really loved to do it with me, and even then I feel like it'd be really difficult to be away from home
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13266124, I'm never moving from the US Posted by legsdiamond, Wed Jun-13-18 12:15 PM
but I think we could do a few years outside the US. Would be nice to have a little escape pad too
but I will never let these fools run me out of my home
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13291109, i wish it were that simple Posted by Damali, Wed Oct-10-18 08:31 PM
>but I will never let these fools run me out of my home
its not about the people...its about what they are doing to make us unsafe...forget about the police shootings for a second
DEREGULATION is the real scare...they are loosening regulations on what chemicals can go in our food, on how much air pollution is ok, on what drugs get on the market, on construction site safety, on how much lead etc is safe in our drinking water, and sooooooo many other things that we don't even know or think about
fuck that.
i'm out.
d
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13266128, Oh yeah, Amsterdam was and is amazing Posted by mind_grapes, Wed Jun-13-18 12:20 PM
You could totally make that work as a Black or Brown person. Everyone there speaks English too. Even the tv channels are American, with no dubbing either.
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13266194, again, very limited Posted by Damali, Wed Jun-13-18 01:10 PM
>There's a community of expat black folk down there?
I don't know. many articles position it like they are very friendly to outsiders, in general, the cost of living is low etc etc > >I don't have any countries to suggest. The Netherlands >maybe?..Rotterdam was way browner than I expected... > >I've thought about living outside the US for short periods of >time (a couple months to a year or two), but it's hard for me >to imagine leaving permanently even though we're a total >shitshow. Not unless I had a partner I really loved to do it >with me, and even then I feel like it'd be really difficult to >be away from home
I feel you. This doesn't feel like home to me anymore tho. And here is just a plane ride away.
But of course, my opinion is currently based in the fact that I've never not lived here..so maybe i'd feel differently on the other side...i wanna find out tho
d
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13266646, Tell me more about The Netherlands Posted by kiwanjalia, Thu Jun-14-18 08:20 PM
The Netherlands >maybe?..Rotterdam was way browner than I expected...
I'd love to hear more about anyones experience with that city. We (the fam) may be relocating later this year. Rotterdam is high on the list of potentials. The biggest challenge is that our family includes several school-aged children.
THX
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13266838, i only spent a day in Rotterdam when I was on vacation Posted by shamus, Fri Jun-15-18 01:55 PM
It was a daytrip from when I was visiting Amsterdam. I just remember a lot of Surinamese restaurants. And just the general feeling of not feeling conspicuous at all. There was enough black and browness around that I didn’t feel self-conscious at all.
What I loved the most was that, after I got out at Centraal train station. I just started walking around randomly and within the first couple of minutes into my wander, I ran into two black hair shops, one was strictly for locs. I think the name of the street was West Kruiskade.
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13291069, RE: Netherlands Posted by Original Juice, Wed Oct-10-18 03:57 PM
>There's a community of expat black folk down there? > >I don't have any countries to suggest. The Netherlands >maybe?..Rotterdam was way browner than I expected...
I've heard a lot that the Dutch have a lot of racism in their culture (Zwarte Piet/blackface, deep in the slave trade, planted the seeds of apartheid, etc.)
Not sure about that choice.
Of course, they will refute it and point to the racism of America, but that's just denial and redirection.
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13266125, Have you looked into Hawaii? Posted by mind_grapes, Wed Jun-13-18 12:18 PM
It's pretty expensive down there and can get claustrophobic being on an island in the middle of the pacific, but I loved it.
I've traveled around a bit, especially Europe. Lived in France and England for a few month. It was cool, but there isn't really any place like America (aside from Canada). And being a brown, middle eastern looking person in Europe during the migrant crisis was...interesting. I'm currently looking into going back to school, but in Germany. I've been learning the language and trying to get it to a B2 level. But you can get by in places like Berlin with just English.
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13266139, I didn't realize this about Berlin Posted by shamus, Wed Jun-13-18 12:25 PM
I'll put them on my list of "easy" places to visit, lol
> But you can get >by in places like Berlin with just English.
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13266180, Berlin is so cool I hesitate recommending it to others lol Posted by mind_grapes, Wed Jun-13-18 12:58 PM
it's also full of ex-pats, esp from NYC
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13266195, Munich was more of my speed... Posted by tomjohn29, Wed Jun-13-18 01:13 PM
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13266657, in what significant ways is Munich different than Berlin? Posted by Damali, Thu Jun-14-18 09:47 PM
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13266418, Berlin is really dope. Posted by kayru99, Thu Jun-14-18 09:37 AM
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13266626, from what I've heard the Berlin art scene is dope too Posted by dapitts08, Thu Jun-14-18 05:58 PM
Folks say it's like NYC in the 80s. Was thinking about moving there a couple of years ago. They are also putting a lot of money out there to attract folks in the arts. Grants and stuff.
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13266635, Just talked to a guy today who lived in Hawaii for 18 years Posted by Damali, Thu Jun-14-18 07:33 PM
says he loved it but its really expensive...which doesn't mean its out of the realm of possibility...i'd just have to have alot saved up and/or have a good job there
he said the culture is calm and friendly, which is what is most important to me
d
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13266653, What struck me about Hawaii was the remnants of colonialism Posted by mind_grapes, Thu Jun-14-18 09:34 PM
and how while people are a minority there. A lot of locals never got over the century of colonialism. The activists there are one of a kind.
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13266149, Why not, The Continent? Posted by double negative, Wed Jun-13-18 12:29 PM
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13266150, its sad how we list off everywhere BUT the motherland Posted by legsdiamond, Wed Jun-13-18 12:31 PM
but we know why that is
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13266191, mainly sexism/gender roles / political regimes / religion Posted by Damali, Wed Jun-13-18 01:07 PM
not sure if i'd want that particular quagmire to take on...unless you can tell me of a particular African country where that ins't an issue
like Nigeria, no way Liberia (where my aunt actually just moved to)- no way
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13266203, And when you factor in the EXTREME class difference Posted by mind_grapes, Wed Jun-13-18 01:23 PM
that is in every major city in the post-colonial world and its just way too much. I was in places in India and Pakistan that were so incredibly wealthy I couldn't believe it. Parents sending their kids to the best universities in the world. Everyone speaks English and does something cool. Blah blah blah. Didn't matter, cus I could never got over the class differential at places like those. Nice to visit, but not to live. I don't care how nice the bubble for the elites are.
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13266211, that too. I know how hurt I would be living around that Posted by Damali, Wed Jun-13-18 01:31 PM
i could'nt just look away from all that and join the elite
d
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13266638, What about the Caribbean? Posted by Shaun Tha Don, Thu Jun-14-18 07:36 PM
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13453839, … Posted by Seven, Wed Feb-16-22 01:46 PM
..
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13266200, Yup! Posted by jimi, Wed Jun-13-18 01:19 PM
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13266204, I feel like South Africa would be a popular choice Posted by shamus, Wed Jun-13-18 01:24 PM
Capetown. Johannesburg.
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13266710, Where? Posted by flipnile, Fri Jun-15-18 09:57 AM
The countries of Africa seem like they do a shit job in marketing and promoting themselves. Even trying to find local-language media is fucking hard online.
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13266199, Good question.. I've been thinking about that as well Posted by jimi, Wed Jun-13-18 01:18 PM
any word on any African countries?
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13266636, I've heard good things about Accra, Ghana Posted by Damali, Thu Jun-14-18 07:34 PM
but like i said up there, being a feminist in Africa would be....challenging.
d
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13266351, Granted. I have only been here a month... Posted by dapitts08, Thu Jun-14-18 01:32 AM
But I am absolutely in love with Bali. Ubud specifically. Granted there aren't many Black folk here. I probably see like one or two black people a day. Most aren't here long term. Just passing through on their South East Asia vacay. I'm used to being the only Black person because of the stuff I like (I just realized recently that I am mad hippie lol). With that though, literally everyone I have met have been mad friendly. Whether it is locals or other expats, or just tourists passing through on their vacay. Everyone is so open. You can't help but get caught up in the energy of the place. The only downside is that tourism is such a big money producer for them that everyone tries to aggressively sell you stuff. It can be really annoying. Even if you ignore folks or have headphones on the will still keep asking you. Even when you say no they hit you with a second attempt lol. I know it must work that is why they do it but it sucks at times. Especially on the beach when you are just trying to relax and not be interrupted every five minutes :/
I originally planned on only staying here 2 months and then go to Thailand but now I am definitely staying here 4 months. Will still go to Thailand for a few months but thinking Ubud will be my base from where I hop around the world until I make up my mind where I want to stay long term. There is a really good chance I won't return to the states for more than a month or two each year.
I'm also curious about New Zealand. I've met quite a few folks here from there that have been mad cool. Also surprisingly the Australians have been mad cool too but I think that is just cuz a certain type of person travels to Ubud.
*Typing this on my phone so probably has typos lol*
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13266352, Living the life^^^^ Posted by legsdiamond, Thu Jun-14-18 05:12 AM
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13266628, Lol just trying to get in where I fit in :) Posted by dapitts08, Thu Jun-14-18 06:00 PM
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13266637, this! yes Posted by Damali, Thu Jun-14-18 07:36 PM
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13266633, The Res connection! Posted by Riot, Thu Jun-14-18 06:34 PM
Her IG
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13266641, Lol yup. She left yesterday though. Posted by dapitts08, Thu Jun-14-18 08:00 PM
We originally planned the trip just to do a meditation retreat for a week and to stay an extra week to explore but I decided to come a few weeks early and stay until I feel ready to go. So I'm still here solo and loving it. Don't see myself leaving anytime soon.
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13266639, thanks for sharing this Posted by Damali, Thu Jun-14-18 07:36 PM
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13266642, No prob. Good luck with finding your destination. Posted by dapitts08, Thu Jun-14-18 08:06 PM
My only advice is don't try to plan every little thing out. Just do it. I held off on coming to Bali for 10 years and wish I had just stopped waiting for the perfect time and just done it then. I've met quite a few people who have lived here 7+ years and no doubt I am sure I would have been one of them if I had come sooner.
Also regarding the credit cards, if you choose a place where the cost of living is low and you find some remote US work then you can do it much quicker. That is my plan. Not trying to ball out over here. Just living normal and comfortably and using my extra funds to pay off my credit cards.
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13291111, Update? are you still there? did you go to Thailand? Posted by Damali, Wed Oct-10-18 08:34 PM
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13291116, yup. i'm still in ubud. fell in love and wasn't ready to leave. Posted by dapitts08, Wed Oct-10-18 09:01 PM
did a visa run to singapore last month so I could get a social visa that allows me to stay in Bali for up to 6 months. planning on staying here the full six months then go to the states for a couple of months to visit the fam and then head to thailand. after that, i'm thinking singapore. really liked it when i visited last month for my visa run.
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13291698, lol i just realized i left words out of my subject... Posted by dapitts08, Sat Oct-13-18 08:14 AM
no i haven't fallen in love with someone in bali (although that would be pretty awesome lol) that was supposed to be "fell in love with it" as in fell in love with bali so i stayed lol
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13266363, i like canada and germany Posted by Crash Bandacoot, Thu Jun-14-18 07:37 AM
i'm planning to get a spot in at least one of those two places, just to chill, for a few months out of the year. also planning to explore asia.
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13266370, I have a close friend who has lived in China for the last few years Posted by Cold Truth, Thu Jun-14-18 07:42 AM
She absolutely loves it.
There are things she's not entirely thrilled with but she says she's never felt so much at home.
I can put you in contact if you want.
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13266420, Thailand has a huge expat community Posted by kayru99, Thu Jun-14-18 09:41 AM
Bangkok is phenomenal for the cost, and HUGE, with a ton of visitors all year. I'd definitely recommend a trip to there and Chang Mai. HELLA affordable.
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13266644, Yup. Chiang Mai is a must for me at some point ... Posted by dapitts08, Thu Jun-14-18 08:09 PM
because of the large expat community. I've met quite a few folks who absolutely love it. Especially here in Bali since pretty much everybody has done both.
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13266625, Why would u need your debt and credit cleared up Posted by Riot, Thu Jun-14-18 05:52 PM
I think, if I hit the point of the "great peace-out", I'm prolly gonna run UP my credit as part of my going away present.
Visa ain't tracking me down in nairobi
But anyway, I'd guess ghana and South Africa have the biggest expat community
All depends on what u mean by "thrive," tho
Of places I've been, I think I cld live in jburg, Ethiopia, bahia, or prolly even a small chill island like barbados or TnT
But (sad?) fact of the matter is black American quality of life is among the top
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13266692, right? if I planned to leave the US for good or at least 7 years Posted by legsdiamond, Fri Jun-15-18 09:21 AM
fuck the debt...lol
or like datpitts said. Go now and pay it down while living on the cheap in one of those places
that's the problem with most of us Black folk. We get debt and let that shit ruin our health and mindstate while other folks just live to the fullest or file bankruptcy
an old coworker of mine filed a few years back during the market crash and made it sound like the best business decision he ever made.
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13291112, yes, you're right. I should just file now. Posted by Damali, Wed Oct-10-18 08:36 PM
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13454104, Lots of immigrants do that. Just means you can’t come back for awhile Posted by ShawndmeSlanted, Mon Feb-21-22 11:48 AM
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13266700, I've been thinking about this for the past 3 years or so. Posted by TheRealBillyOcean, Fri Jun-15-18 09:31 AM
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13266723, You would thrive in Nairobi. Posted by Castro, Fri Jun-15-18 10:28 AM
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13478219, circling back to this...say more please Posted by Damali, Tue Feb-07-23 10:06 AM
"i do more for both our communities than you'll ever know." - Heinz "But rest assured, in my luxurious house built on the backs of people darker than me, I am sipping fine scotch and scoffing at how stupid you are." - bshelly
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13266943, The 3 places I fell in love with last summer: Barcelona, Lisbon, Madrid Posted by TheRealBillyOcean, Fri Jun-15-18 09:42 PM
I could definitely see myself living there. Not sure what it's like for Black Americans though.
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13291113, from all that i know, Spain is racist AF. no thanks Posted by Damali, Wed Oct-10-18 08:36 PM
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13291580, Lisbon looks awesome Posted by makaveli, Fri Oct-12-18 11:18 AM
I had a layover there but wasn't able to spend any time there. I was in Andalucía in January, I would definitely recommend Malaga and Seville if you go back. Granada is beautiful but the people weren't as friendly.
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13267521, Anyone been to Kuala Lumpur? Posted by dapitts08, Mon Jun-18-18 05:53 PM
Any must see/do/eat recommendations? I'm headed there next month on a visa run. Will be there seven days. Don't know much about it. I know there are some great parks and the street food is a must try but that's all I got lol
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13291691, your dollar will stretch amazingly far Posted by justin_scott, Sat Oct-13-18 04:25 AM
.
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13291021, RE: The Black Ex-Pat Post: Where Can We Go? Posted by naame, Wed Oct-10-18 01:01 PM
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13291036, Yea don't go to any african country Posted by Musa, Wed Oct-10-18 01:47 PM
.
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13291055, Our Street's Two years old...the neighbors JUST sold E'rthing Posted by RaphaelSoulLee, Wed Oct-10-18 03:01 PM
and moved to Cabo, after having gone on vacation last year. E'rbody on the STREET is shocked. I'm just mad the house is droppin' on the market (that was real selfish of me....I'm sorry)
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13291058, RE: The Black Ex-Pat Post: Where Can We Go? Posted by hip bopper, Wed Oct-10-18 03:07 PM
My considered destinations are...
Panama (Panama City) Singapore Zambia Dubai Hong Kong
Honestly I don’t care what destination is best for blacks, because there aren’t too many places that want blacks around them. My move is strictly for tax reasons only.
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13291092, i went to singapore last month and absolutely fell in love with it. Posted by dapitts08, Wed Oct-10-18 06:56 PM
the mix of nature and modern is beyond dope. their goal for 2020 ( i think that is the year) is to make sure everyone lives no more than 400 ft from some green space / park. from what i saw they are well on their way of reaching it. i'm seriously considering moving there. it's expensive though.
oh and it's so freaking clean lol like no trash anywhere. mad pristine public bathrooms. lol i was in heaven. just wish i saw more black folks. only saw a handful while i was there for week. mostly with who i assumed was their white boyfriend or girlfriend.
in reality though. i'm not sure i'd be able to deal with the humidity day in and day out lol it was mad hot yo.
edit: my cousin and her husband lived in zambia for three years and i'm still kicking myself for never visiting :/ none of our family did. smh.
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13291114, Panama City! I've heard alot about that Posted by Damali, Wed Oct-10-18 08:40 PM
Tell me more about Panama City and Zambia, please
d
>My considered destinations are... > >Panama (Panama City) >Singapore >Zambia >Dubai >Hong Kong > >Honestly I don’t care what destination is best for blacks, >because there aren’t too many places that want blacks around >them. My move is strictly for tax reasons only.
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13291577, my friend's little brother moved there with his fiance and loves it Posted by makaveli, Fri Oct-12-18 11:16 AM
beautiful and inexpensive place to live.
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13291744, RE: Panama City! I've heard alot about that Posted by hip bopper, Sun Oct-14-18 12:12 AM
I can’t tell you much because I haven’t been to either place yet to check things out.
From some research that I have seen, the climate is good year around. The architecture there is beautiful from the pictures that I have seen. You can live modestly for $1500-2000K per month.
In Zambia the climate is a little more closer to moderate with two seasons... wet and dry. Cost of living is less than $1500 per month. From what I gather the economy is pretty stable.
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13291099, So in Rwanda you can purchase land Posted by Castro, Wed Oct-10-18 07:18 PM
and because of the war there, they have completely rebuilt the infrastructure around Kigali, which now enjoys the reputation as the cleanest city in Africa. If you plan ahead, R/T tickets are below $700 to the east coast in the US. And the internet is faster there.
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13291128, check out Cedinthecity on IG Posted by justin_scott, Thu Oct-11-18 04:25 AM
.
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13291422, /ghana-welcomes-african-americans-back-home/ Posted by Riot, Thu Oct-11-18 04:28 PM
https://afro.com/ghana-welcomes-african-americans-back-home/
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13291426, Where Can’t You Go? Posted by AFRICAN, Thu Oct-11-18 04:53 PM
The world is your oyster sis, don’t limit yourself.
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13291429, I can't and won't go places where sexism and racism are rampant. Posted by Damali, Thu Oct-11-18 05:24 PM
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13291560, Has anyone here spent time in Mexico City? Posted by mind_grapes, Fri Oct-12-18 10:51 AM
My sister visited and fell in love with the place. Apparently its the most populated city in North America. But it doesn't look or feel like a NYC style metropolis.
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13291575, Americans dont realize how American they really are until they lived abroad. Posted by Airbreed, Fri Oct-12-18 11:13 AM
I'm never leaving the states.
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13321253, RE: The Black Ex-Pat Post: Where Can We Go? Posted by naame, Thu Mar-21-19 08:35 AM
America has imported more warlord theocracy from Afghanistan than it has exported democracy.
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13453640, Article made me think of this post Posted by Buddy_Gilapagos, Sun Feb-13-22 09:52 AM
Open SmartNews and read "This 33-year-old left the U.S. for Bali and lives a ‘life of luxury’ on $2,233 a month—how he spends his money" here: https://share.smartnews.com/ZMy36 To read it on the web, tap here: https://share.smartnews.com/CCrkH
********** "Everyone has a plan until you punch them in the face. Then they don't have a plan anymore." (c) Mike Tyson
"what's a leader if he isn't reluctant"
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13453712, I watched this the other day Posted by legsdiamond, Tue Feb-15-22 09:19 AM
We really need to go over our budget in our household.
Pretty sure we are overspending and not being as responsible as we could.
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13453641, I would move to Uruguay Posted by luminous, Sun Feb-13-22 10:45 AM
It's a low-key country. Cheap food, beautiful beaches. And they already have black people there so you don't stand out.
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13453761, googles Uruguay Posted by legsdiamond, Tue Feb-15-22 03:59 PM
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13453764, Me & the little lady have kept Montevideo in our back pocket... Posted by Marbles, Tue Feb-15-22 04:09 PM
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13477926, RE: I would move to Uruguay Posted by nublax, Thu Feb-02-23 01:30 PM
>It's a low-key country. Cheap food, beautiful beaches. And >they already have black people there so you don't stand out.
Lived in Montevideo for about 3 months in 2016 . . .
Uruguay is a special place. At that time, it was extremely low-key. Almost too low-key. It's on the come-up as far as things-to-do, but when we were there we felt a little starved for random entertainment.
Since Uruguay imports so much food, a lot of if was really expensive.
Finding good coffee was tough. (Mate tea is king here. It's part of everything)
And surprisingly, rent and electricity prices were extremely high while we were there.
Other interesting facts: - I've been to many cities all over the world. I've never seen as many used/antique bookstores as I saw in Montevideo. - People hold on to things for a long time there, so finding good deals on used items was tough. - I did not see so many black people. - It's a bird watcher's paradise.
I feel like a lot has changed since we left. A lot of young people are started to move back and that's sparking an entirely new energy in the country. Which is kind of charmingly dull!
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13453703, I just want to live comfortably Posted by Binlahab, Mon Feb-14-22 10:04 PM
Belize Cartagena Panama City Costa Rica
My top 4 potential spots
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13453782, get enough folks to ditch the Dems for a 3rd party and you'll surely... Posted by c71, Tue Feb-15-22 06:43 PM
...be quickly relocating to one of those destinations.
yep
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13453790, corny Posted by legsdiamond, Tue Feb-15-22 10:56 PM
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13453791, ...but accurate. Posted by c71, Wed Feb-16-22 12:36 AM
Got his bags packed for when his mission is accomplished.
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13453834, what happened to Mexico? Posted by Damali, Wed Feb-16-22 01:09 PM
"I don't speak to provoke. I speak because I think our time on Earth is short and each moment that we are not our truest selves, each moment we say what we do not mean because we imagine that is what somebody what's us to say, then we are wasting our time
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13454048, just about every place on earth is safer for Black people (ESP Black men) Posted by kayru99, Sun Feb-20-22 10:22 AM
also, credit really only matters in the US, Canada, & some parts of Western Europe. Don't waste your time trying to clear up debt that only matters in the the place that you used to live.
Thailand is dope...quality of life is really high there. Bangkok is one of my 3 favorite cities to visit, and I might end up there long term
Costa Rica havent been yet, but my friends who live there say it's pretty cool, but it's definitely a slower pace of living. Will probably visit sometime this year.
Hong Kong is cool...but it is one of the more expensive place to be an expat. I liked it, but I don't think I'd live there long term as it's more Westernized than I like. It's kinda the western business portal for all the factories on the Chinese Mainland, so it's a lot of money moving around there, but a lot of cost of living is higher than normal as a result.
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13454103, really interested in a slower pace Posted by legsdiamond, Mon Feb-21-22 11:43 AM
sounds like it could be a good fit.
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13478216, so true!! Posted by Damali, Tue Feb-07-23 10:02 AM
>also, credit really only matters in the US, Canada, & some >parts of Western Europe. Don't waste your time trying to clear >up debt that only matters in the the place that you used to >live.
makes total sense...fuck that debt lol
>Thailand is dope...quality of life is really high there. >Bangkok is one of my 3 favorite cities to visit, and I might >end up there long term
imma get over to that side next year when i go visit Vietnam...Thailand is right there so yeah
>Costa Rica havent been yet, but my friends who live there say >it's pretty cool, but it's definitely a slower pace of living. >Will probably visit sometime this year.
Not sure if i want super slow paced living but i'm open to try it out. my fast ass probably needs it LOL
>Hong Kong is cool...but it is one of the more expensive place >to be an expat. I liked it, but I don't think I'd live there >long term as it's more Westernized than I like. It's kinda the >western business portal for all the factories on the Chinese >Mainland, so it's a lot of money moving around there, but a >lot of cost of living is higher than normal as a result.
now that its back under Chinese rule, HK is a no go for me
thanks for your insights!
d
"i do more for both our communities than you'll ever know." - Heinz "But rest assured, in my luxurious house built on the backs of people darker than me, I am sipping fine scotch and scoffing at how stupid you are." - bshelly
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13454049, Water is the oil of the future - check for enviromental policies Posted by Castro, Sun Feb-20-22 11:07 AM
in places you consider.
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13454198, great advice. thanks Posted by Damali, Tue Feb-22-22 12:46 PM
"I don't speak to provoke. I speak because I think our time on Earth is short and each moment that we are not our truest selves, each moment we say what we do not mean because we imagine that is what somebody what's us to say, then we are wasting our time
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13454200, Update: I listened to y'all somewhat Posted by Damali, Tue Feb-22-22 12:50 PM
This pre-pandemic me was so cute LOL
so yeah I'm 50 now. I'm definitely in a good position to leave the country in the next two years so my plan is good. I have gotten rid of most of the "things" i own as I currently live in what used to be an AirBNB.
I'm not concerned at all with paying off debt. I work remotely and travel alot to Quebec (I've been here 5 times in the last 6 months) and my French is pretty good as I've been studying all this time and kinda have a boyfriend here (I'm writing this from Quebec)
I'd have to at least get a job in Montreal to actually emigrate here tho..we'll see. I'll put some more thought into that once its springtime
but yes, 52 is on track to be the fuck outta the US for a good minute.
d
"I don't speak to provoke. I speak because I think our time on Earth is short and each moment that we are not our truest selves, each moment we say what we do not mean because we imagine that is what somebody what's us to say, then we are wasting our time
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13477860, Portugal is now on the short list. Posted by Damali, Thu Feb-02-23 12:41 AM
I will check out Ghana in October, hopefully.
I'm still on track to be the fukk out this country by age 52.
d
"i do more for both our communities than you'll ever know." - Heinz "But rest assured, in my luxurious house built on the backs of people darker than me, I am sipping fine scotch and scoffing at how stupid you are." - bshelly
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13477910, I'm excited for you. Posted by spades, Thu Feb-02-23 12:25 PM
GTFOOH
This place....
Did you crossreference your list with areas that have a large black and Black expat population?
Having some sort of community aids the transition.
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13477940, thank you! Posted by Damali, Thu Feb-02-23 02:16 PM
>Did you crossreference your list with areas that have a large >black and Black expat population? > >Having some sort of community aids the transition.
Very true and yes, my short list now only has Portugal and Montreal on it for that exact reason lol
i'll be joining some more Black in ______ FB groups as that has helped alot. the Portugal one really made a difference for my visit
d
"i do more for both our communities than you'll ever know." - Heinz "But rest assured, in my luxurious house built on the backs of people darker than me, I am sipping fine scotch and scoffing at how stupid you are." - bshelly
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13477955, i hear you Posted by Crash Bandacoot, Thu Feb-02-23 03:07 PM
feeling the same way
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13477959, Ghana? Someone’s Ghana be mad at your jetsetting ass.. lol Posted by legsdiamond, Thu Feb-02-23 03:16 PM
that was corny
let me stop
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13477967, ok that was good LOL Posted by Damali, Thu Feb-02-23 03:35 PM
"i do more for both our communities than you'll ever know." - Heinz "But rest assured, in my luxurious house built on the backs of people darker than me, I am sipping fine scotch and scoffing at how stupid you are." - bshelly
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13477931, Sweden, 5+ years Posted by nublax, Thu Feb-02-23 01:53 PM
Stockholm.
the good: - Automatic health insurance. We had a year of extensive medical visits + went through all the hoops of having a child. Barely saw any bills. They charged us for my meals for the few nights we stayed in the hospital. - In general, I don't feel like people care that I'm black. The store clerk isn't going to keep an extra eye on me. No one crosses the street when they see me. You feel less of the tension that's very palpable in Most Cities, USA. Beyond that, sweden has a long way to go when it comes to issues of race. It's complex. - It's clean, safe for the most part. - Everyone gets 5 weeks of vacation. People take summer very seriously. They are probably scheduling vacations for June right now in February. - We don't have a car. Public transportation is so good we don't really think about it until it's time to go on a roadtrip. - biking feels safe here.
The not so good/bad: - Strangers don't talk to each other here. All those random conversations you have with baristas, store clerks, that person who really likes your outfit on the street, forget about it. No one's going to say anything to you unless you skip them in a queue. I never realized how important these small interactions are until I moved here. - The second largest party was started by neo-nazis. They've cleaned up there image and appeal to MAGA-like folks. But a lot of their people are still neo-nazis. - Stockholm is almost too well-functioning of a city. It has regulated all the fun out of the city. There are barely any mid-size music venues/clubs (most touring acts skip Scandinavia completely because of this). You don't see so much funky/weird art stuff as you would in most other capital cities. - It takes a looooong time to make intimate friends. - The winter darkness is no joke.
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13477968, oooof you just made me realize that i definitely need friendly strangers Posted by Damali, Thu Feb-02-23 03:37 PM
and chaotic weird places.
thanks so much for this rundown tho...its so helpful to understand these things about other cities. I'd definitely visit and if i roll thru, i'll let you know
d
"i do more for both our communities than you'll ever know." - Heinz "But rest assured, in my luxurious house built on the backs of people darker than me, I am sipping fine scotch and scoffing at how stupid you are." - bshelly
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13478061, Any ideas on why that is? Posted by ThaTruth, Sat Feb-04-23 07:01 AM
>The not so good/bad: >- Strangers don't talk to each other here. All those random >conversations you have with baristas, store clerks, that >person who really likes your outfit on the street, forget >about it. No one's going to say anything to you unless you >skip them in a queue. I never realized how important these >small interactions are until I moved here.
Are people just “un-friendly” at least by US standards or is it related to this?:
>- The second largest party was started by neo-nazis. They've >cleaned up there image and appeal to MAGA-like folks. But a >lot of their people are still neo-nazis.
If you engage first do they just not respond?
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13478186, RE: Any ideas on why that is? Posted by nublax, Mon Feb-06-23 03:39 PM
>>The not so good/bad: >>- Strangers don't talk to each other here. All those random >>conversations you have with baristas, store clerks, that >>person who really likes your outfit on the street, forget >>about it. No one's going to say anything to you unless you >>skip them in a queue. I never realized how important these >>small interactions are until I moved here. > >Are people just “un-friendly” at least by US standards or >is it related to this?:
>>- The second largest party was started by neo-nazis. They've >>cleaned up there image and appeal to MAGA-like folks. But a >>lot of their people are still neo-nazis. > >If you engage first do they just not respond?
It's the former for sure. It doesn't matter if you are white, black or blue. People from Sweden/Scandinavia are just built like that. If someone gives you a nod in the street, they probably are from someplace else.
If you smile at a stranger they probably will just look at you or wonder what's wrong with you. If you say words, they will answer you back. But they will be a little startled/surprised. People in smaller towns are a little more likely to greet a stranger with a wave.
Why? I don't know. Is it the cold climate? The relatively sparse population? Whatever it is, it's just built into the fabric of the place.
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13478188, that’s weird af but I wonder if its due to how cold it is Posted by legsdiamond, Mon Feb-06-23 03:46 PM
I know when its cold I’m not trying to stop or talk to anyone.
this happens even when indoors?
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13478236, RE: that’s weird af but I wonder if its due to how cold it is Posted by nublax, Tue Feb-07-23 11:59 AM
>I know when its cold I’m not trying to stop or talk to >anyone. > >this happens even when indoors?
Yup. No one even understands why, as an American, I think it's odd that strangers rarely acknowledge each other.
My wife didn't understand the purpose or benefit of these type of tiny interactions until she spent more time in the US.
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13478026, Go to Cape Town Posted by Scott Baio, Fri Feb-03-23 11:16 AM
visit table mountian, Shop at Victoria Wharf shopping Centre See where the Indian Ocean and Atlantic oceans Converge at Cape Agulhas
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