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Am I dreaming?? Some real advise please.

13 years ago
Hello!!
My boyfriend and I have fallen in love w/ Panama and have decided to relocate there within the next few years. I have purchased a piece of land in Chiriqui Highlands where we will build a home in the near future. We are in our 40's and nowhere near retirement age, so would need to go to Costa Rica on holiday.
I've been doing a lot of research, both online and through people we've met in our travels to find out as much as possible. I wonder if we are getting in over our heads? Right now we have great jobs w/ great salaries, a huge,low cost NY apartment that most people would die for, great socail life etc but would be willing to give it all up to get out of the rat race and live a more simple life closer to nature.
We have given ourselves the 5yr plan (hopefully not that long) to save as much as possible and get everything in order. My biggest concern is once we get there. We are taking a big chance by giving up our nice, cushy lives to go to a country where we aren't legal, won't be able to get jobs, (although would look into opening a business once there) and don't speak the language... yet. But the thought of spending the next 20+ yrs here until we can retire just leaves me cold. I know we have what it takes to make a new life for ourselves but I fear that it will all blow up in our face.
I know this is a long post, but you all have done this so I would welcome any insight you have to help us on our way.
Many thanks in advance!!
Cynthia*

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