Manchmal kommen die interessantesten Gedanken genau dann, wenn man sie gar nicht erwartet. So war es bei meiner letzten Hausaufgabe im Englischkurs. Eigentlich wollte ich die Aufgabe nur schnell erledigen. Doch als ich begann, über mein mögliches Rentnerleben im Ausland nachzudenken, war ich plötzlich mitten in einer kleinen Zukunftsreise.
Wo würde ich gerne leben? Wie sähe mein Alltag aus? Was würde mir fehlen und was würde ich gewinnen? Fragen, die zunächst rein theoretisch waren, wurden mit jedem Satz ein bisschen greifbarer.
Das Ergebnis möchte ich heute mit euch teilen. Auch wenn bis zum Ruhestand noch Zeit ist, fand ich es sehr bereichernd, einmal bewusst darüber nachzudenken, welche Träume und Wünsche ich für diesen Lebensabschnitt habe. Und wer weiß? Vielleicht wird aus einer Englisch-Hausaufgabe ja irgendwann doch noch ein echter Plan. 😊
My Vision of Retirement
I can imagine spending my retirement in two different regions of Europe, depending on the season, taking advantage of the benefits each location offers during different times of the year.
From October to April, during the winter months, I would like to live in northwestern France.
Compared to Germany, the standard of living, the quality and accessibility of medical care, and health insurance coverage in France are similar. Travel connections and infrastructure are excellent, and the crime rate and pollution levels are similar to that in Germany.
As a temporary resident, I would not need immigration papers as long as I do not settle there permanently.
The advantages of living in northwestern France are the mild winter climate, deserted beaches, endless opportunities for long walks with my partner and my dogs, and a peaceful atmosphere that is hard to find somewhere else. Combined with the excellent cuisine and relaxed way of life, it truly feels like – as we Germans say: „living like God in France.“
And as if that were not enough, the cost of living is slightly lower than in Germany, and the relatively large ex-pat community makes it easy to settle in and feel at home.
From May to September, I would prefer to stay in Northern Norway.
Although the cost of living is around 30% higher than in Germany, travel connections are not as extensive, and there is no large ex-pat community, Norway offers many other advantages that can easily captivate you.
The health insurance is more comprehensive and the whole medical care system is excellent. Crime rate is significantly lower than in Germany, and the pollution levels are relatively low.
The standard of living is comparable to Germany, and as in France, no immigration papers are required for temporary stays.
But what truly captures my heart is the breathtaking natural beauty of Northern Norway. Standing beneath the midnight sun, surrounded by mountains and fjords, is an experience that makes everyday worries seem very small. There are also many opportunities to go sea fishing, hiking or riding a bike in this spectacular surrounding. Above all, life seems to move at a different pace. People tend to slow down, stress and hectic routines have little place in everyday life. The way of life seems to be more balanced.
This combination would allow me to enjoy mild winters in France and the unique beauty of Arctic summers in Norway.
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