As I prepare to move from the US to the Philippines I realize that a move like this would not be as easy years ago.  I would be going to another country which I would have no idea about what it was to live there. Sure I lived there while I was in the military and I have visited quite a few times since then. I also know many of the customs and the culture as well as a bit of the language. But I wouldn’t know what it really was like living there from day to day.

Now I have a much better idea because of the people who have already moved there and are willing to share their experiences with anyone who logs on to their websites or blogs. People such as my internet friend Bob Martin whose blog Live in the Philippines shares his life living in the Philipppines every day. Reading his blogs and others have given me a good idea what to expect.

So what can I expect you may ask.

Well I know that no matter how long I have spent in the country previously it is not the same as living there permanently. Even though I know the language somewhat I will need to know how to converse for more than just a couple of sentences or words. Even though English is common in the Philippines there will be times when I will have to get by on my tagalog. Secondly, my regular diet will be made up from items I get locally and some things I’m used to having in the states may not be available in the supermarkets where I live. These things are minor compared to some of the cultural and societal differences between the US and the Philippines which I can only learn by being in the country for awhile.

The solution my wife and I have come up with is we will not permanently cut our ties with our life in the US until we have spent a reasonable amount of time living in the Philippines not less than 3 years. After that the move will be final and any visits to the US will be just that, visits not a return.  So do you think 3 years is a reasonable time? If you are living in the Philippines now what things can you think of I should prepare to encounter?