I visited Freiburg in 2013 and loved it. Several years later, I speak much better German and would like to make another visit. Although I'd love to retire in Germany, that country's lack of a retirement visa makes it just about impossible for me. :(
I understand the visa issue is really discouraging for most. I'm lucky to have a path to residency which doesn't really apply to many others.
We're also discussing what retirement will look like in general. It's possible that we'll spend alternating three month periods here in the US and in our chosen landing spot. That can be accomplished under a normal tourist visa, minus a day or two.
A favorite place of mine that used to be pretty unknown is now showing up on "best" lists. Every time I see that, it breaks my heart just a little. Freiburg looks almost perfect. I'll keep my fingers crossed no one else knows that.
I visited Freiburg in 2013 and loved it. Several years later, I speak much better German and would like to make another visit. Although I'd love to retire in Germany, that country's lack of a retirement visa makes it just about impossible for me. :(
I understand the visa issue is really discouraging for most. I'm lucky to have a path to residency which doesn't really apply to many others.
We're also discussing what retirement will look like in general. It's possible that we'll spend alternating three month periods here in the US and in our chosen landing spot. That can be accomplished under a normal tourist visa, minus a day or two.
I'm considering Eastern France as an alternative: close to Germany, so I can visit, but in a country with a retirement visa option.
I visited Colmar a few times. It's like a fairy tale picture book.
Lovely! It's interesting to track this thought-journey in real time with you.
And that Hem song puts me in the mind of Aaron Copland or Steven Foster.
A favorite place of mine that used to be pretty unknown is now showing up on "best" lists. Every time I see that, it breaks my heart just a little. Freiburg looks almost perfect. I'll keep my fingers crossed no one else knows that.