Why I Left the Greatest Country in the World

Happy 4th of July. This is Dan of Happy 4th of July. This is Dan of Vagabond Awake. Vagabond Awake. Vagabond Awake. Today I wanted to Today I wanted to Today I wanted to talk about how grateful I am talk about how grateful I am talk about how grateful I am that I was born in the US. that I was born in the US. that I was born in the US. I heard the term birth lottery. I heard the term birth lottery. I heard the term birth lottery. A friend of mine, we were overseas on A friend of mine, we were overseas on A friend of mine, we were overseas on assignment and he said to me assignment and he said to me assignment and he said to me that we won the birth the birth lottery. that we won the birth the birth lottery. that we won the birth the birth lottery. Because here we are we were at a in a Because here we are we were at a in a Because here we are we were at a in a foreign country at the time. It's really foreign country at the time. It's really foreign country at the time. It's really within a year or so when I first left within a year or so when I first left within a year or so when I first left the United States and moved overseas. the United States and moved overseas. the United States and moved overseas. And he said we wouldn't be living that And he said we wouldn't be living that And he said we wouldn't be living that life if if we hadn't been born in the life if if we hadn't been born in the life if if we hadn't been born in the United States and United States and United States and that's true to a certain extent because that's true to a certain extent because that's true to a certain extent because we were raised in America where we were we were raised in America where we were we were raised in America where we were able to able to able to get a a good education get a a good education get a a good education and we were able to make a decent and we were able to make a decent and we were able to make a decent living. living. living. And so we'd gotten to the point in our And so we'd gotten to the point in our And so we'd gotten to the point in our lives where we able to make a choice to lives where we able to make a choice to lives where we able to make a choice to move overseas. move overseas. move overseas. And And And we grew up in a country that really kind we grew up in a country that really kind we grew up in a country that really kind of made all that possible.

of made all that possible. of made all that possible. And it all started with our education And it all started with our education And it all started with our education and the environments we grew up in and the environments we grew up in and the environments we grew up in that we ended up at the time I was 46 that we ended up at the time I was 46 that we ended up at the time I was 46 and he was a little younger than me. and he was a little younger than me. and he was a little younger than me. Uh and we ended up being able to be in Uh and we ended up being able to be in Uh and we ended up being able to be in this place where we could travel the this place where we could travel the this place where we could travel the world and at that moment we were on a world and at that moment we were on a world and at that moment we were on a work assignment together work assignment together work assignment together and um and um and um I realized what he said that I realized what he said that I realized what he said that that we had won the birth lottery. Now that we had won the birth lottery. Now that we had won the birth lottery. Now I'm not saying that if you are born in I'm not saying that if you are born in I'm not saying that if you are born in the UK or Australia or France or Germany the UK or Australia or France or Germany the UK or Australia or France or Germany or what or whatever that you hadn't also or what or whatever that you hadn't also or what or whatever that you hadn't also won the birth lottery. But my point is won the birth lottery. But my point is won the birth lottery. But my point is there are places around the world where there are places around the world where there are places around the world where people are born and they just don't have people are born and they just don't have people are born and they just don't have the same the same the same uh if you plant a seed in that soil it uh if you plant a seed in that soil it uh if you plant a seed in that soil it just doesn't grow as big or as fast and just doesn't grow as big or as fast and just doesn't grow as big or as fast and so it doesn't have all the the choices so it doesn't have all the the choices so it doesn't have all the the choices that we have. that we have. that we have. Um Um Um that other countries have because they that other countries have because they that other countries have because they have a better human infrastructure help have a better human infrastructure help have a better human infrastructure help people go far in their lives. people go far in their lives. people go far in their lives. And so, it starts with that uh And so, it starts with that uh And so, it starts with that uh environment and education and and and environment and education and and and environment and education and and and incomes, frankly.

incomes, frankly. incomes, frankly. Also, I'm grateful Also, I'm grateful Also, I'm grateful bec- I live overseas. I left the United bec- I live overseas. I left the United bec- I live overseas. I left the United States 19 years ago. I've lived in 78 States 19 years ago. I've lived in 78 States 19 years ago. I've lived in 78 countries so far. So, I'm very grateful. countries so far. So, I'm very grateful. countries so far. So, I'm very grateful. I would say I would say I would say um that it's been the most exciting ride um that it's been the most exciting ride um that it's been the most exciting ride of my life to of my life to of my life to to have um been able to travel the world to have um been able to travel the world to have um been able to travel the world and to to visit all these places. And and to to visit all these places. And and to to visit all these places. And I'm very grateful for that. Um I'm very grateful for that. Um I'm very grateful for that. Um there was something that when before I there was something that when before I there was something that when before I even left the United States even left the United States even left the United States that I'm more and more grateful for that I'm more and more grateful for that I'm more and more grateful for every year as I travel the world. every year as I travel the world. every year as I travel the world. And that's the idea that the United And that's the idea that the United And that's the idea that the United States is a melting pot. States is a melting pot. States is a melting pot. There are people from all over the world There are people from all over the world There are people from all over the world that come to the United States. And so, that come to the United States. And so, that come to the United States. And so, I was able to learn about different I was able to learn about different I was able to learn about different cultures, different foods. Um cultures, different foods. Um cultures, different foods. Um uh before I ever uh before I ever uh before I ever left the United States and went to Asia, left the United States and went to Asia, left the United States and went to Asia, for example, I'd eaten a bunch of for example, I'd eaten a bunch of for example, I'd eaten a bunch of different Asian food. different Asian food. different Asian food. Uh before I ever left the United States Uh before I ever left the United States Uh before I ever left the United States and went to Asia the first time, I'd had and went to Asia the first time, I'd had and went to Asia the first time, I'd had Indian food. I'd had Thai food. I had um Indian food. I'd had Thai food. I had um Indian food. I'd had Thai food. I had um uh Vietnamese food.

uh Vietnamese food. uh Vietnamese food. Uh and so, I had I already had a taste Uh and so, I had I already had a taste Uh and so, I had I already had a taste for the food and I knew a little bit for the food and I knew a little bit for the food and I knew a little bit about those cultures because I grew up about those cultures because I grew up about those cultures because I grew up in an environment uh where there were in an environment uh where there were in an environment uh where there were people around me that were from those people around me that were from those people around me that were from those parts of the world and and restaurants. parts of the world and and restaurants. parts of the world and and restaurants. And and so, growing up in a melting pot And and so, growing up in a melting pot And and so, growing up in a melting pot where where where um um um everything is not the same, that there's everything is not the same, that there's everything is not the same, that there's a lot of different things going on a lot of different things going on a lot of different things going on around you, around you, around you, um helped me um helped me um helped me acclimate to living overseas because acclimate to living overseas because acclimate to living overseas because when I went to India the first time, I when I went to India the first time, I when I went to India the first time, I really loved Indian food. And so, if I really loved Indian food. And so, if I really loved Indian food. And so, if I had never had Indian food or I had never had Indian food or I had never had Indian food or I or I had um or I had um or I had um or not or I didn't like it, um sometimes or not or I didn't like it, um sometimes or not or I didn't like it, um sometimes it takes time to learn different foods. it takes time to learn different foods. it takes time to learn different foods. But, for me, the first time I tasted But, for me, the first time I tasted But, for me, the first time I tasted Indian food or Thai food or Vietnamese Indian food or Thai food or Vietnamese Indian food or Thai food or Vietnamese food, I just really loved those foods. food, I just really loved those foods. food, I just really loved those foods. And it's continued throughout my life. And it's continued throughout my life. And it's continued throughout my life. So, food is um very important to me, you So, food is um very important to me, you So, food is um very important to me, you know, and and so it made a big know, and and so it made a big know, and and so it made a big difference for me as I as I, you know, difference for me as I as I, you know, difference for me as I as I, you know, traveled the world. I also had had had traveled the world. I also had had had traveled the world. I also had had had German food, and I had had French food, German food, and I had had French food, German food, and I had had French food, and Italian food, and so So, for me, um and Italian food, and so So, for me, um and Italian food, and so So, for me, um that coming from a melting pot that had that coming from a melting pot that had that coming from a melting pot that had all that really made a big difference all that really made a big difference all that really made a big difference for me.

for me. for me. I'm a third-generation American. I think I'm a third-generation American. I think I'm a third-generation American. I think um um um uh three one two uh three one two uh three one two uh uh uh two of my grandparents were born two of my grandparents were born two of my grandparents were born in another country and migrated to the in another country and migrated to the in another country and migrated to the US. The other two, I think it one more US. The other two, I think it one more US. The other two, I think it one more generation or had come over four generation or had come over four generation or had come over four generations ago. And so, generations ago. And so, generations ago. And so, um um um I'm a third or fourth uh generation I'm a third or fourth uh generation I'm a third or fourth uh generation immigrant. And so, immigrant. And so, immigrant. And so, I'm grateful that America accepted my I'm grateful that America accepted my I'm grateful that America accepted my family and uh that provided this amazing family and uh that provided this amazing family and uh that provided this amazing opportunity opportunity opportunity that allowed me to live 46 years in the that allowed me to live 46 years in the that allowed me to live 46 years in the US and and and have a have a great life US and and and have a have a great life US and and and have a have a great life and and and really go without um really go without um really go without um really any significant troubles in my in really any significant troubles in my in really any significant troubles in my in my life. Um my life. Um my life. Um And also, And also, And also, it also um it also um it also um gave me this opportunity gave me this opportunity gave me this opportunity uh to understand that the people around uh to understand that the people around uh to understand that the people around me were also immigrants. Um me were also immigrants. Um me were also immigrants. Um Maybe not this generation, you know, Maybe not this generation, you know, Maybe not this generation, you know, prior and then some that were more that prior and then some that were more that prior and then some that were more that were newer.

were newer. were newer. And so, I was always growing up in And so, I was always growing up in And so, I was always growing up in America, you're always aware America, you're always aware America, you're always aware it's a country it's often called a it's a country it's often called a it's a country it's often called a melting pot um melting pot um melting pot um where the really the only real original where the really the only real original where the really the only real original Americans Americans Americans are, you You the American Indians. And are, you You the American Indians. And are, you You the American Indians. And of course, they some say they came of course, they some say they came of course, they some say they came across the Bering Strait through Alaska across the Bering Strait through Alaska across the Bering Strait through Alaska and they were of Asian descent. Now, you and they were of Asian descent. Now, you and they were of Asian descent. Now, you know, you can argue whether that's true know, you can argue whether that's true know, you can argue whether that's true or not, but the point is that we're all or not, but the point is that we're all or not, but the point is that we're all you go back far enough and most you go back far enough and most you go back far enough and most Americans are from other parts of the Americans are from other parts of the Americans are from other parts of the world. And I would I'm grateful that world. And I would I'm grateful that world. And I would I'm grateful that America accepted my family and that I America accepted my family and that I America accepted my family and that I was able to learn about the world and was able to learn about the world and was able to learn about the world and all these different foods and grow up in all these different foods and grow up in all these different foods and grow up in an environment where everything wasn't an environment where everything wasn't an environment where everything wasn't the same. the same. the same. Um by the same token, when I travel Um by the same token, when I travel Um by the same token, when I travel around the world and I go to other around the world and I go to other around the world and I go to other countries where countries where countries where 90 or 100 90 95% of the people there are 90 or 100 90 95% of the people there are 90 or 100 90 95% of the people there are from that country, I also understand and from that country, I also understand and from that country, I also understand and enjoy those countries. I mean, like enjoy those countries. I mean, like enjoy those countries. I mean, like Japan is a country where when you walk Japan is a country where when you walk Japan is a country where when you walk around Japan and you're not in a big around Japan and you're not in a big around Japan and you're not in a big city, everyone you see practically is city, everyone you see practically is city, everyone you see practically is Japanese. And that's also true in many Japanese. And that's also true in many Japanese. And that's also true in many other countries around the world. And other countries around the world. And other countries around the world. And what's interesting about those countries what's interesting about those countries what's interesting about those countries is is they is is they is is they they are they are they are often often often quite aware of what their culture is and quite aware of what their culture is and quite aware of what their culture is and it's very consistent wherever you go in it's very consistent wherever you go in it's very consistent wherever you go in that country. Uh and so you really get that country. Uh and so you really get that country. Uh and so you really get to know that culture very well when to know that culture very well when to know that culture very well when you're when you're in those countries.

you're when you're in those countries. you're when you're in those countries. So, there's benefits of both. Um but for So, there's benefits of both. Um but for So, there's benefits of both. Um but for me, having left the United States, a me, having left the United States, a me, having left the United States, a place of multiculturism, if you will, it place of multiculturism, if you will, it place of multiculturism, if you will, it was easy for me much easier for me to was easy for me much easier for me to was easy for me much easier for me to adapt, I think, in some ways. Um and I'm adapt, I think, in some ways. Um and I'm adapt, I think, in some ways. Um and I'm also grateful for the language. American also grateful for the language. American also grateful for the language. American uh society speaks English, which I uh society speaks English, which I uh society speaks English, which I suppose we should thank uh the UK for. suppose we should thank uh the UK for. suppose we should thank uh the UK for. UK English is one of the most widely UK English is one of the most widely UK English is one of the most widely spoken languages around the world. And spoken languages around the world. And spoken languages around the world. And so it's easy to it's easier as a so it's easy to it's easier as a so it's easy to it's easier as a traveler, uh someone who's visited 78 traveler, uh someone who's visited 78 traveler, uh someone who's visited 78 countries, countries, countries, um it's much easier for me because much um it's much easier for me because much um it's much easier for me because much of the world has learned English. Not of the world has learned English. Not of the world has learned English. Not all of it. Um and of course, I use uh all of it. Um and of course, I use uh all of it. Um and of course, I use uh Google Translate and I've used other Google Translate and I've used other Google Translate and I've used other methods of translation when I'm in a methods of translation when I'm in a methods of translation when I'm in a country where I don't know any of the uh country where I don't know any of the uh country where I don't know any of the uh the language. Um so, the language. Um so, the language. Um so, I guess I'm also grateful for Google I guess I'm also grateful for Google I guess I'm also grateful for Google Translate. Translate. Translate. >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> [laughter] >> I'm grateful I'm grateful for Google >> I'm grateful I'm grateful for Google >> I'm grateful I'm grateful for Google Maps. Maps. Maps. I'm I'm grateful for their restaurant I'm I'm grateful for their restaurant I'm I'm grateful for their restaurant reviews and and what have you. So, reviews and and what have you. So, reviews and and what have you. So, there's a lot of things I'm grateful for there's a lot of things I'm grateful for there's a lot of things I'm grateful for that have made this life possible. And that have made this life possible. And that have made this life possible. And so, so, so, on on 4th of July, you know, I think on on 4th of July, you know, I think on on 4th of July, you know, I think it's important to it's important to it's important to um even though I don't live in the um even though I don't live in the um even though I don't live in the United States anymore, I hold a US United States anymore, I hold a US United States anymore, I hold a US passport.

passport. passport. I'm grateful for my passport. Um the I'm grateful for my passport. Um the I'm grateful for my passport. Um the United States, it changes every year. United States, it changes every year. United States, it changes every year. Then there's a passport rankings. Uh the Then there's a passport rankings. Uh the Then there's a passport rankings. Uh the US is is, you know, once in a while it's US is is, you know, once in a while it's US is is, you know, once in a while it's in the top 10, but it's it's often, you in the top 10, but it's it's often, you in the top 10, but it's it's often, you know, up near the top. And and I don't know, up near the top. And and I don't know, up near the top. And and I don't know the current number. For some know the current number. For some know the current number. For some reason, the number 183 reason, the number 183 reason, the number 183 pops into my mind. pops into my mind. pops into my mind. Uh possibly that's what it was last time Uh possibly that's what it was last time Uh possibly that's what it was last time I looked, but that means as an American, I looked, but that means as an American, I looked, but that means as an American, I can go to 183 countries without a I can go to 183 countries without a I can go to 183 countries without a visa. Um visa. Um visa. Um without applying for a visa. Uh the um without applying for a visa. Uh the um without applying for a visa. Uh the um visa on arrival is one method, or you visa on arrival is one method, or you visa on arrival is one method, or you just show up and they stamp you with uh just show up and they stamp you with uh just show up and they stamp you with uh whatever a month or 3 months or 6 months whatever a month or 3 months or 6 months whatever a month or 3 months or 6 months or or longer. So, the world is open to or or longer. So, the world is open to or or longer. So, the world is open to me. Um so, I'm grateful to America for me. Um so, I'm grateful to America for me. Um so, I'm grateful to America for having this passport that allows me to having this passport that allows me to having this passport that allows me to travel the world with a lot of hassle. travel the world with a lot of hassle. travel the world with a lot of hassle. There's countries where people they have There's countries where people they have There's countries where people they have to get a visa to travel. And so, I'm I'm to get a visa to travel. And so, I'm I'm to get a visa to travel. And so, I'm I'm that's part of the birth lottery is it that's part of the birth lottery is it that's part of the birth lottery is it um um um uh that I'm able to travel the world. Um uh that I'm able to travel the world. Um uh that I'm able to travel the world. Um so, I'm very grateful for that.

so, I'm very grateful for that. so, I'm very grateful for that. Um Also, I've noticed there's a lot of talk Also, I've noticed there's a lot of talk about how um about how um about how um overseas America is Americans are quite overseas America is Americans are quite overseas America is Americans are quite criticized. I I've read that and I've criticized. I I've read that and I've criticized. I I've read that and I've seen that and I've heard that, but I seen that and I've heard that, but I seen that and I've heard that, but I haven't really experienced much of it. haven't really experienced much of it. haven't really experienced much of it. Um Um Um in my experience, certainly in um in my experience, certainly in um in my experience, certainly in um in in in Asia and in the Americas and in in in Asia and in the Americas and in in in Asia and in the Americas and and in Europe, uh people are they and in Europe, uh people are they and in Europe, uh people are they actually are not really that angry about actually are not really that angry about actually are not really that angry about Americans. They um Americans. They um Americans. They um they often accept us um as we accept uh they often accept us um as we accept uh they often accept us um as we accept uh many people in the United States many people in the United States many people in the United States happily. Um and so I haven't uh Although happily. Um and so I haven't uh Although happily. Um and so I haven't uh Although there's a lot of talk about that, about there's a lot of talk about that, about there's a lot of talk about that, about how Americans are not accepted overseas, how Americans are not accepted overseas, how Americans are not accepted overseas, I haven't found that to be the case I haven't found that to be the case I haven't found that to be the case personally. And so take that with a personally. And so take that with a personally. And so take that with a grain of salt when you hear it. I'm not grain of salt when you hear it. I'm not grain of salt when you hear it. I'm not saying it doesn't happen. Um there are saying it doesn't happen. Um there are saying it doesn't happen. Um there are parts of the world where at least on parts of the world where at least on parts of the world where at least on social media Americans are criticized. social media Americans are criticized. social media Americans are criticized. But I haven't really seen it in my life But I haven't really seen it in my life But I haven't really seen it in my life as I travel the world. So I'm I'm as I travel the world. So I'm I'm as I travel the world. So I'm I'm grateful for that. I'm grateful for the grateful for that. I'm grateful for the grateful for that. I'm grateful for the passport that I have.

passport that I have. passport that I have. Um and I'm also grateful that um Um and I'm also grateful that um Um and I'm also grateful that um that America's given me this that America's given me this that America's given me this ability to live this life where I'm I'm ability to live this life where I'm I'm ability to live this life where I'm I'm no longer in America. Even my passport no longer in America. Even my passport no longer in America. Even my passport I'm able to renew at our embassies um I'm able to renew at our embassies um I'm able to renew at our embassies um when I'm overseas if I don't feel like when I'm overseas if I don't feel like when I'm overseas if I don't feel like going back to America. I still go back going back to America. I still go back going back to America. I still go back to America. I spend a week or two every to America. I spend a week or two every to America. I spend a week or two every other year or so in America. Um I go other year or so in America. Um I go other year or so in America. Um I go back for various reasons, business or back for various reasons, business or back for various reasons, business or or whatnot. Um but I spend 50 or whatnot. Um but I spend 50 or whatnot. Um but I spend 50 to 52 weeks of every year outside of to 52 weeks of every year outside of to 52 weeks of every year outside of America. And I'm very grateful for that. America. And I'm very grateful for that. America. And I'm very grateful for that. I I spent 46 years in America. And I I I spent 46 years in America. And I I I spent 46 years in America. And I left the US in 2007. Um left the US in 2007. Um left the US in 2007. Um US was was not as um politically um US was was not as um politically um US was was not as um politically um challenging at that time. It wasn't um challenging at that time. It wasn't um challenging at that time. It wasn't um it wasn't left and right and and there it wasn't left and right and and there it wasn't left and right and and there wasn't so much anger when I left. There wasn't so much anger when I left. There wasn't so much anger when I left. There was some, but not as much as today. Um was some, but not as much as today. Um was some, but not as much as today. Um but I spent the first 46 years of my but I spent the first 46 years of my but I spent the first 46 years of my life inside the United States and I've life inside the United States and I've life inside the United States and I've been outside for 19 years. 19 years now.

been outside for 19 years. 19 years now. been outside for 19 years. 19 years now. I'll I'll be turning 40 uh 66 soon. I'm I'll I'll be turning 40 uh 66 soon. I'm I'll I'll be turning 40 uh 66 soon. I'm 65 now. And I'm really grateful that 65 now. And I'm really grateful that 65 now. And I'm really grateful that I've been able to see the see the world. I've been able to see the see the world. I've been able to see the see the world. Um Um Um I think as when I was growing up I I think as when I was growing up I I think as when I was growing up I always heard that America was the best always heard that America was the best always heard that America was the best place to live. And clearly I'm I'm place to live. And clearly I'm I'm place to live. And clearly I'm I'm pleased that I was born in America and pleased that I was born in America and pleased that I was born in America and I'm able to travel the the like this. I'm able to travel the the like this. I'm able to travel the the like this. Um but what surprised me when I left the Um but what surprised me when I left the Um but what surprised me when I left the United States was that the world is a United States was that the world is a United States was that the world is a beautiful place. beautiful place. beautiful place. Um, there's beautiful, honest, caring Um, there's beautiful, honest, caring Um, there's beautiful, honest, caring people all over the world. There's, uh, people all over the world. There's, uh, people all over the world. There's, uh, there's family culture is very strong there's family culture is very strong there's family culture is very strong all over the world. Uh, and and people all over the world. Uh, and and people all over the world. Uh, and and people have, in general, are great all over the have, in general, are great all over the have, in general, are great all over the world. So, I I really this idea that the world. So, I I really this idea that the world. So, I I really this idea that the US is, um, US is, um, US is, um, like a safe place and everywhere else is like a safe place and everywhere else is like a safe place and everywhere else is dangerous. I haven't found that to be dangerous. I haven't found that to be dangerous. I haven't found that to be true in my travels. true in my travels. true in my travels. And I've, um, I've I think I've been on And I've, um, I've I think I've been on And I've, um, I've I think I've been on all of the continents now except for all of the continents now except for all of the continents now except for Antarctica. Yes, I have. And 78 Antarctica. Yes, I have. And 78 Antarctica. Yes, I have. And 78 countries. And so, I think the general countries. And so, I think the general countries. And so, I think the general rule is that rule is that rule is that in general, people are good-hearted and in general, people are good-hearted and in general, people are good-hearted and and positive. Um, and, uh, I would say and positive. Um, and, uh, I would say and positive. Um, and, uh, I would say loving. And so, um, I would invite loving. And so, um, I would invite loving. And so, um, I would invite anyone who who thinks that it's anyone who who thinks that it's anyone who who thinks that it's dangerous to leave the United States. To dangerous to leave the United States. To dangerous to leave the United States. To One of your birthrights is the fact that One of your birthrights is the fact that One of your birthrights is the fact that you have this powerful passport that you you have this powerful passport that you you have this powerful passport that you can go around the world and you can see can go around the world and you can see can go around the world and you can see the rest of the world. And you don't the rest of the world. And you don't the rest of the world. And you don't have to run away from the United States.

have to run away from the United States. have to run away from the United States. Um, you can run towards the world. Um, Um, you can run towards the world. Um, Um, you can run towards the world. Um, there's nothing wrong, you know, if you there's nothing wrong, you know, if you there's nothing wrong, you know, if you want to leave and and whatever, you can want to leave and and whatever, you can want to leave and and whatever, you can do that. But you don't have to be angry do that. But you don't have to be angry do that. But you don't have to be angry at the United States. I know we go our at the United States. I know we go our at the United States. I know we go our pendulum swings from left to right, but pendulum swings from left to right, but pendulum swings from left to right, but I want you to know that the world's a I want you to know that the world's a I want you to know that the world's a beautiful place and that I it's been the beautiful place and that I it's been the beautiful place and that I it's been the highlight of my life to have been born highlight of my life to have been born highlight of my life to have been born in the US and to have the right to in the US and to have the right to in the US and to have the right to travel. But then travel. But then travel. But then to be able to see how beautiful the to be able to see how beautiful the to be able to see how beautiful the world is and how diverse it is. And and world is and how diverse it is. And and world is and how diverse it is. And and so, I consider that part of my birth so, I consider that part of my birth so, I consider that part of my birth lottery, the fact that I have this lottery, the fact that I have this lottery, the fact that I have this ability to to travel the world and I ability to to travel the world and I ability to to travel the world and I have the income and ability to do it. have the income and ability to do it. have the income and ability to do it. And so, I'm very grateful today. I'm And so, I'm very grateful today. I'm And so, I'm very grateful today. I'm very blessed and grateful to America for very blessed and grateful to America for very blessed and grateful to America for giving me this for allowing my seed of giving me this for allowing my seed of giving me this for allowing my seed of my life to be planted in America and for my life to be planted in America and for my life to be planted in America and for it to grow like it did and for now to it to grow like it did and for now to it to grow like it did and for now to allow it me to so easily, uh, to to allow it me to so easily, uh, to to allow it me to so easily, uh, to to enjoy the world. enjoy the world. enjoy the world. Um, now, I'm not rich. I'm not famous. Um, now, I'm not rich. I'm not famous. Um, now, I'm not rich. I'm not famous. I'm just a guy who has figured out how I'm just a guy who has figured out how I'm just a guy who has figured out how to live overseas on less than it would to live overseas on less than it would to live overseas on less than it would cost me to live in America. And I and I cost me to live in America. And I and I cost me to live in America. And I and I teach that on my channel. I have courses teach that on my channel. I have courses teach that on my channel. I have courses and ebooks and and ebooks and and ebooks and uh, and I have videos. I over 1,200 uh, and I have videos. I over 1,200 uh, and I have videos. I over 1,200 videos. So, videos. So, videos. So, um, um, um, it's been the highlight of my life to it's been the highlight of my life to it's been the highlight of my life to not only enjoy America for so long, but not only enjoy America for so long, but not only enjoy America for so long, but now 20 almost 20 years to been exploring now 20 almost 20 years to been exploring now 20 almost 20 years to been exploring the world and different foods, different the world and different foods, different the world and different foods, different cultures, learning about different cultures, learning about different cultures, learning about different religions and and to see that the world religions and and to see that the world religions and and to see that the world is a beautiful and it's a safe place.

is a beautiful and it's a safe place. is a beautiful and it's a safe place. And to have all of that come out of um, And to have all of that come out of um, And to have all of that come out of um, of of this life that allowed me to do of of this life that allowed me to do of of this life that allowed me to do this. this. this. Uh, and to look forward to spending I I Uh, and to look forward to spending I I Uh, and to look forward to spending I I think I can't see any reason other than think I can't see any reason other than think I can't see any reason other than to go home and visit family and friends to go home and visit family and friends to go home and visit family and friends that I love. I can't see any other that I love. I can't see any other that I love. I can't see any other reason really to move back to the US. I reason really to move back to the US. I reason really to move back to the US. I flirt with the idea of one day maybe um, flirt with the idea of one day maybe um, flirt with the idea of one day maybe um, buying a a buying a a buying a a an RV, a used RV and travel around all an RV, a used RV and travel around all an RV, a used RV and travel around all the national parks in the US. I don't the national parks in the US. I don't the national parks in the US. I don't know if I'll ever do that, but that's know if I'll ever do that, but that's know if I'll ever do that, but that's still in the back of my mind, but I still in the back of my mind, but I still in the back of my mind, but I can't see that taking more than a year can't see that taking more than a year can't see that taking more than a year or so. Uh, my intention is to continue or so. Uh, my intention is to continue or so. Uh, my intention is to continue to enjoy the world. to enjoy the world. to enjoy the world. Um, and so, if you're in fear of the Um, and so, if you're in fear of the Um, and so, if you're in fear of the world, world, world, um, um, um, you might want to take some baby steps. you might want to take some baby steps. you might want to take some baby steps. Go visit some other places and see, Go visit some other places and see, Go visit some other places and see, you know, what's it like? What is the you know, what's it like? What is the you know, what's it like? What is the What are the foods like? What's the food What are the foods like? What's the food What are the foods like? What's the food like? What are the peoples like? What like? What are the peoples like? What like? What are the peoples like? What are the people like? What is the are the people like? What is the are the people like? What is the infrastructure like? Do I enjoy it? infrastructure like? Do I enjoy it? infrastructure like? Do I enjoy it? Um, for me it's been amazing to have Um, for me it's been amazing to have Um, for me it's been amazing to have lived this life on both before and after lived this life on both before and after lived this life on both before and after uh, the United States. And so, I would uh, the United States. And so, I would uh, the United States. And so, I would invite anyone who's thinking about it, invite anyone who's thinking about it, invite anyone who's thinking about it, um, to if you could, you know, put your um, to if you could, you know, put your um, to if you could, you know, put your fear aside and and and and go visit some fear aside and and and and go visit some fear aside and and and and go visit some places around the world and see what places around the world and see what places around the world and see what your thoughts are. There's many of your thoughts are. There's many of your thoughts are. There's many of people in America right now that um, people in America right now that um, people in America right now that um, that have not made as much money as they that have not made as much money as they that have not made as much money as they had hoped in their life and they're had hoped in their life and they're had hoped in their life and they're trying to live off say social security trying to live off say social security trying to live off say social security or social security plus some savings or or social security plus some savings or or social security plus some savings or whatever. Depending on what your check whatever. Depending on what your check whatever. Depending on what your check is and how much you have in savings, is and how much you have in savings, is and how much you have in savings, there might be another life for you there might be another life for you there might be another life for you available outside the United States

available outside the United States available outside the United States that's that's that's that's safe and beautiful and that's safe and beautiful and that's safe and beautiful and affordable. And so I just want to let affordable. And so I just want to let affordable. And so I just want to let you know that if you're struggling in you know that if you're struggling in you know that if you're struggling in the United States, it's it's you don't the United States, it's it's you don't the United States, it's it's you don't have to run from the United States for have to run from the United States for have to run from the United States for whatever reason. But you can happily whatever reason. But you can happily whatever reason. But you can happily enjoy and visit the world and see if enjoy and visit the world and see if enjoy and visit the world and see if there's another possibility for you. So there's another possibility for you. So there's another possibility for you. So anyway, so I have a video about all the anyway, so I have a video about all the anyway, so I have a video about all the resources we have that would help you resources we have that would help you resources we have that would help you enjoy the world enjoy the world enjoy the world and go ahead and watch that video. I'll and go ahead and watch that video. I'll and go ahead and watch that video. I'll put it over here for you. Thanks so much put it over here for you. Thanks so much put it over here for you. Thanks so much for listening. I appreciate it. Have a for listening. I appreciate it. Have a for listening. I appreciate it. Have a great day.