Packing up

Coming to the end of three and a half months here in Colombia. Can truly say this is a great place to be.  Some of the highlights are:
1. Climate. The days average 75 to 80 and the nights drop to 65 to 70. There are many days with rain in the afternoon or evening but it seldom lasts very long. The daylight is a constant near 12 hours all year. Super bonus when I am here in winter and then even better in WI in summer.
2. Natural beauty. The countryside is amazing with hills, mountains, rivers furnishing amazing views around every corner. Lots of green everywhere with colorful flowers and birds.
3. Cost of living. This is the part where living here is very easy. Went out with Gloria's son, spouse and grandson last night at a neat rooftop restaurant downtown and we all ate, drank and enjoyed for $20 including tip. We often go out for lunch for 4 or 5 dollars total. Housing is also very affordable, many new developments selling new 2-3 bed apartments for $30,000. We visited a friends place, newer high rise close to where we are, it had 4+ bedrooms, very high end kitchen and two balconies and was huge. They bought for $130,000. Movies are about $2-3. Have had dental, eye exams, lab work and such here, all very reasonable just paying as I go, no need for insurance here. Was hoping to stretch the budget by being down here for half the year or so and that is working well.
4. Friendliness factor. This might well be the best part. Most everyone you meet is courteous, friendly and willing to help with anything you need. A lot of positive energy here, It seems the priority is on enjoying time and each other, working as needed for paying the bills, but focusing on life outside of work.
5. Good overall health. Good natural foods, lots of walking and fresh air. I am happy so say that for the first time in a very long time I am just under 200 pounds. I can truthfully say that retirement plays the biggest factor in this having the time for walks and such. Having peaked at just over 250 a couple years ago this sure does feel good. I am really looking forward to some bicycle time again in WI.
So next week we head back to visit family and friends in the good old USA. I am very ready as it has been about seven months away. Gloria has been studying English hard and is very excited to see more of the US than just Florida. We have a place lined up in Wausau for the summer and will forward the new US phone number next week after we can get new sim cards. Hoping to see many of you soon.