We really enjoyed it when we were just visiting too, you have to live here to realize the difference between visiting and permanent. The divide between locals and expats is gross. A vacationing attitude doesn’t notice getting robbed nor are you concerned. Vacation-mode is oblivious to the reality that locals don’t want you here.
Yeah, we had ‘plans’ too, thank God we engulfed ourselves in the culture before doing what everyone else does—regret!
Show her my how to avoid extortion article or the one I’m releasing today, I’d recommend she engulfs herself in the culture for six months and then tell you what she thinks. 👍🏿
Always good to hear the opinions of people who experience things first hand! I can imagine there are a lot of skewed opinions (for example those trying to sell you their property so they can get the heck out of dodge, haha). There are pros and cons to any place, so it is really good to find out what you are willing to compromise on before you jump all in.
I'll keep an eye out for your latest share!