Retire There with Gil & Gene

Monte A. Melnick traveled all over the world for over 22 years as tour manager (and much more) to the legendary Ramones. Monte could live anywhere, but he stayed in the place where it all began for him and the Ramones, Queens, New York. He has encountered many cultures around the world, perhaps that is why he has remained in Queens--one of the most ethnically diverse counties in the United States. On Episode 47 of Retire There with Gil & Gene, learn about Monte’s ride from the borough to touring the universe and back to Queens.Monte A. Melnick’s informative and revealing book on the Ramones is On the Road with the Ramones, BONUS EDITION.Support the Show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are you on the hunt for distinctive pottery? The city of Santa Ana in Costa Rica is the home of over 100 locally owned and operated pottery shops. If pottery is not your thing, Santa Ana is also the place for upscale grocery stores, gourmet restaurants, cozy coffee houses, beautifully groomed golf courses, and private schools. According to ex-pat Helen Dunn Frame, all that is great, but what makes Santa Ana a wonderful place to retire is its warm and sincere people. Find out more about Helen’s life in Santa Ana, Costa Rica, on Episode 46 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.Check out Helen Dunn Frame’s website https://www.helendunnframe.com/.Helen wrote three books on retirement: (1) Retiring in Costa Rica: or Doctors, Dogs and Pura Vida, 4th edition, 2020; (2) Expat Tales: Their Real Costa Rica Journeys; and (3) Retirement 101: Planning Beyond Financial Security. Helen also authored three mystery novels. They are: (1) Greek Ghosts: Love and Danger; (2) Wetumka Widow: Murder For Wealth; and (3) Secrets Behind the Big Pencil: Inspired by Actual Events.Support the Show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Where can you find powdery white sand beaches in the central time zone? Panama City Beach, Florida. Yes, Florida! Much of Florida’s panhandle is, in fact, in the central time zone. Christine Bennett visited Panama City Beach many times, and when retirement arrived, she made the venue her home. Learn more about Christine’s relocation to her dream beach destination, on Episode 45 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.Support the Show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Are you still thinking of Mexico? How about a city with beautiful historic buildings, weather that’s not too hot or too cold, and a low cost of living?  Look no further than Santiago de Querétaro, Querétaro, Mexico. Bill and Jacqueline Dahl searched all over Mexico and discovered Santiago de Querétaro, listen to their story on Episode 44 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.Find Bill Dahl’s website here.View some of Jaqueline Dahl’s paintings here.In his book, Lake Chapala: Beneath the Surface - Considerations for Retiring to Mexico, Bill discusses the challenges of living in Lake Chapala, Mexico.Bill’s human ecology novel is Earth Interrupted: A Novel, Second EditionBill’s book about traveling with his dog is Regarding Reggie: Lessons About Life and Love Led by a LabSupport the Show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you desired to live in Ireland, but circumstances prevented you from doing so, what’s your Plan B? Jane Fadely found herself in that situation and she discovered Fletcher, North Carolina. Fletcher is in the Blue Ridge Mountains, centrally located 12 miles south of Asheville and 9 miles north of Hendersonville. Jane has led a fascinating life, including growing up as the daughter of a candy salesman (think of crates of m&ms in your garage … ) working as a laborer on the Trans-Alaska Pipeline, living in Ireland and writing several books. Find out about Jane’s journey to Fletcher, on Episode 43 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.  Jane Fadely’s book on moving to, and living in, Ireland is Chickens in the Garden, Wellies by the Door: An American in Rural Ireland. Her book on reluctantly leaving Ireland and, eventually, moving to North Carolina is Leaving Ireland: The Long Road Back to America. And Jane’s book on traveling to Ireland is Irish Bits & Pieces: Ireland… Take Me Away!.Jane’s fictional works include:A romance novel set in Ireland - Lost & Found in Ireland: A Time to Mourn, A Time to Dance;Seasons of Ireland: Thoughts, Poems, Proverbs & Recipes;There’s a Leprechaun Under My Bed;Apple Tree Lane;Look & Find: What Will You Find Today?; andMingo & The Alaskan Christmas Tree DaySupport the Show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In preparation to retire in Sicily, Italy, Barbara Palermo and Ken Hill gained Italian citizenship, tracked down long-lost relatives, purchased and renovated an old farmhouse, opened a bed and breakfast, and moved during the COVID 19 pandemic. They did not, however, find “Sicilian” pizza in Sicily. In fact, “Sicilian” pizza does not exist in Sicily. Find out more about Ken and Barbara’s inspiring journey to retire in Sicily, on Episode 42 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.The couple’s B&B, located in the countryside near Taormina, is called Arches of Alcantara: A SIcilian Farm Stay - Hosted by American Expats with Italian Citizenship.  A video of the stunning property is available here.  To book a stay, please go to the B&B’s website.Barbara’s book about their journey is titled Over the Sicilian Moon: The story of an American couple who achieved Italian citizenship, retired in Sicily and opened a BnB.In 2022, Barbara released her book Retired in Sicily: A follow-up to "Over the Sicilian Moon."Support the Show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Does your younger self wish you had joined the Peace Corps? Well, it’s not too late, David and Champa Jarmul did so for two years while in their 60s! For them, it was a “life changing experience.”  David’s book on the couple’s service in the Peace Corps titled Not Exactly Retired: A Life-Changing Journey on the Road and in the Peace Corps is inspirational! Champa’s article about their service is here. They are back in the states, enjoying life, while continuing to give back in Durham, North Carolina. The couple’s blog can be found here.In July 2021, Raleigh/Durham was named the second best place to live in the United States by U.S. New and World Report. Find out more, on Episode 41 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.Support the Show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

If you moved to another country and endured fraud and illness, would you stay there? Diane Maxwell, a retired nurse, encountered such troubles in Panama, yet she fought through it, stayed, and loves her adopted country.  Diane lives not far from the beach in an area in between Las Lajas and Coronado. Find out more, on Episode 40 of Retire There with Gil & Gene.Diane tells her captivating adventure of relocating to Panama in her book, An Expat’s Struggle: Making a Home in Panama. Her story is worthy of being made into a Hollywood film. Support the Show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

How about living within 3 hours of New York City, at affordable housing rates, low taxes, a variety of outdoor activities, and a relaxing lifestyle? Brian and KJune Harris were looking for all of that and they found Wilmington, Delaware.Brian still works in New York City, but he and KJune also have some side hustles. Aside from his day job, Brian, also known as DJ Rivs plays music of all genres.Their contact information is at follows:DJ Rivs for parties and other events, email unlimitedsounds@live.comFor K’June’s Gift Baskets, email: basketcases@live.com or visit kbi_basketcases on InstagramLawfully Yours, email unlimitedsounds@live.com K&B Investors, email kbinvestors@live.comSupport the Show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Where may one retire on a budget if they love the beach, all the conveniences and easy access to the arts that come with living in a large city? The tricky part of that question is the low cost requirement. That was journalist Janet Blaser’s criteria and she landed in Mazatlan, Mexico. Janet lives a stone’s throw from the beach and her rent is a fraction of what one would pay in the States.  Janet authored a book in which 27 women, including herself, tell their varied stories of how they came to live in Mexico. Her book Why We Left: An Anthology of American Women Expats is an informative read! Follow Janet! Website: WhyWeLeftAmericaFacebook: WhyWeLeftAmerica and JanettheAuthorInstagram: WhyWeLeftAmericaSupport the Show. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.