Part 2/8:
Retiring in the Philippines initially appeared to be a dream come true. The author describes the utterly liberating experience of moving from a stress-induced lifestyle back home to a more relaxed existence in a beautiful country. With a much lower cost of living, he found freedom in finance and discovered joy in newfound relationships, particularly with his younger wife, Janet.
Life in the Philippines began filled with adventure—traveling across picturesque locations and embracing the idyllic lifestyle presented to him. He enjoyed the outdoor activities such as walking, driving a motorbike, and basking in the beautiful surroundings that contrasted sharply with the rat race back in America, where he constantly hustled for a paycheck.