Repatriation: Yes, you can go home again!

[Mark Berkowitz]

11 minutes ago, Old55 said:

While respecting your opinion I'm curious why you are a member here if you feel that way.

I became a member here when I was new to the Philippines, and I had nothing negative to say about Expat life in the Phils.  This forum has helped me with many things such as how to get a 13a, getting a CRBA for my son, getting an Immigrant Visa for my wife, etc. I thought that it would be interesting and maybe helpful to post about my experiences in the USA.

At the age of 65, I don't plan on leaving the USA again, but if I ever did, I would move to Israel (where I would be welcomed in a much bigger way than I was ever welcomed in the Philippines).

[Old55]

3 minutes ago, Mark Berkowitz said:

I became a member here when I was new to the Philippines, and I had nothing negative to say about Expat life in the Phils.  This forum has helped me with many things such as how to get a 13a, getting a CRBA for my son, getting an Immigrant Visa for my wife, etc. I thought that it would be interesting and maybe helpful to post about my experiences in the USA.

At the age of 65, I don't plan on leaving the USA again, but if I ever did, I would move to Israel (where I would be welcomed in a much bigger way than I was ever welcomed in the Philippines).

Thanks for the explanation I was curious.

For sure over the years we have a number of members who found Philippines was not a good fit for them. I'm about to retire. my wife and I don't have any desire to live there full time but love to visit.

[Clermont]

16 minutes ago, Mark Berkowitz said:

I became a member here when I was new to the Philippines, and I had nothing negative to say about Expat life in the Phils.  This forum has helped me with many things such as how to get a 13a, getting a CRBA for my son, getting an Immigrant Visa for my wife, etc. I thought that it would be interesting and maybe helpful to post about my experiences in the USA.

At the age of 65, I don't plan on leaving the USA again, but if I ever did, I would move to Israel (where I would be welcomed in a much bigger way than I was ever welcomed in the Philippines).

Everyone to their own, maybe your temperament or your cultural upbringing might have a bit to do with it. The PI's is not an easy place to live in if you don't go with the punches. A lot of members have adapted to the lifestyle, a lot haven't, no-one judges if you head back home. Just don't judge the PI's by your personal experience. 

[Mike J]

18 hours ago, nor cal mike said:

The longest stay for me is 4 months. Even though I’ve done this for more than 10 years I’m not able to give an opinion, but I certainly want to read what those with boots on the ground have to say.

You bring up a very good point.  There is a big difference in being here on a short term basis and living here permanently as an expat.  My american neighbor is having a terrible time and has spoken with me on a number of occasions about how unhappy he is.  I ask him to tell me what it was that made him decide to move here.  He explained how much he enjoyed his visits and way the people treated him during his vacation visits.  The Philippine people make every effort to be good hosts to visitors and they will manage to keep smiling and look past behaviours that they ordinarily would find objectionable.  When you live here full time that "free pass" goes away.  When I say "objectionable behaviour" I am not saying that does mean that the expat is acting like an @ss.   It usually comes down to one of two things.  Number 1 - the person is just not happy with life and it followed him or her here.  Number 2 - The Philippines has a unique culture that is different from the USA, England, Australia, etc.  If you cannot accept that, think it is "wrong" or that you can change them to your way of thinking, it is not going to work for you.  

Going on six years with no visit back to the USA.  I am happy here and those back home know I plan on living here till I die.  Sure I get frustrated at times but life is like that no matter where you are.  When I hear expats here continually complaining about the Philippines I think of Pogo who said . . . .

Edited February 9, 2019 by Mike J

[sonjack2847]

51 minutes ago, Clermont said:

don't judge the PI's by your personal experience. 

I don`t see how you can do anything else,I suppose when asked about the place you could be neutral and say well I didn`t like it but that was me maybe it will be different for you.

I have been here nearly 8 years and still get WTF moments but I have learned that instead of getting angry you can ask the person serving you could I get some help with this as it`s important I do it now,that works sometimes.

I was at the BI with a bad foot and needed another photocopy,the lady could see i was in pain walking so she did the photocopy there and saved me walking about 1/2 a mile. My friend has just visited( he has been all over SE Asia) and said how friendly and helpful the people are.He had a puncture on a rented MB and total strangers fixed it for him and did not want to take payment. He was down by the Marine sanctuary and walked along the beach,well he got lost and the locals gave him and his GF a lift to the main road and again did not want to accept payment.

Yes there are a lot of things here to drive you crazy but for me the positive outweighs the negative.Learn to take deep breaths and chill life will then be much easier.

OH did I mention the cheap beer and cute women.

[Old55]

Hot women and cold beer. What more could anyone want or need?

[sonjack2847]

11 minutes ago, Mike J said:

When I hear expats here continually complaining about the Philippines I think of Pogo who said . . . .

My thoughts exactly.I had a neighbour visit me last night he is from Germany.He said when he left there he had a tear in his eye as he will never go back.As far as I can conclude he has visited about 4 times before,now the Germans are noted for their efficiency but he just goes with the flow and does not kick up a fuss.At the end of the day they do things  differently here and you just have to do these things and grin.I now have a 13a so in reality I only have one annoyance per year.I know before I get to places that it is going to be a long process so I just go with the flow or pay somebody else to do it for me.

[nor cal mike]

27 minutes ago, sonjack2847 said:

I don`t see how you can do anything else,I suppose when asked about the place you could be neutral and say well I didn`t like it but that was me maybe it will be different for you.

I have been here nearly 8 years and still get WTF moments but I have learned that instead of getting angry you can ask the person serving you could I get some help with this as it`s important I do it now,that works sometimes.

I was at the BI with a bad foot and needed another photocopy,the lady could see i was in pain walking so she did the photocopy there and saved me walking about 1/2 a mile. My friend has just visited( he has been all over SE Asia) and said how friendly and helpful the people are.He had a puncture on a rented MB and total strangers fixed it for him and did not want to take payment. He was down by the Marine sanctuary and walked along the beach,well he got lost and the locals gave him and his GF a lift to the main road and again did not want to accept payment.

Yes there are a lot of things here to drive you crazy but for me the positive outweighs the negative.Learn to take deep breaths and chill life will then be much easier.

OH did I mention the cheap beer and cute women.

Thank goodness you finally got to the good part :)

[sonjack2847]

42 minutes ago, Old55 said:

Hot women and cold beer. What more could anyone want or need?

Just make sure it`s not a cute beer and a cheap woman.

[CoffeeRulzMe]

13 hours ago, fillipino_wannabe said:

You get cute girls in their 20s flirting with you in the Philippines though. Say hello to them in the US and they'll probably call the police

So true!   Saying hello is 'thought rape' to some crazy types over there.