SOFIA, Bulgaria – After two attempts to build a new life in Latin America, Americans Jason Thomson and Kolin Myers have found a sense of permanence in Bulgaria, a country they say offers a compelling balance of affordability, lifestyle, and community.
The couple’s journey, detailed in their recently launched YouTube channel Expat Journey,highlights a growing trend of Americans seeking choice living arrangements abroad,often driven by financial considerations and a desire for a different pace of life. while the dream of expat living is appealing, Thomson and Myers learned firsthand that it’s “not cheap to move,” and finding the right fit can take multiple tries.
Their initial foray into expat life took them to Panama, followed by a move to Mexico.Both experiences, while valuable, ultimately fell short of their expectations. They found Panama too expensive and Mexico presented challenges with bureaucracy and safety concerns. Bulgaria, though, has proven to be a more lasting option, offering a significantly lower cost of living and a welcoming surroundings.
“We are lucky to be in good health,” Thomson says, adding that a return to the United States would only be considered in the event of a health or political crisis.The couple acknowledges the difficulty of frequent travel back to the US-a journey involving flights to Istanbul and then a 13-hour flight to Denver-describing it as “exhausting” and “arduous.”
Despite plans for occasional visits with family and friends, thomson and Myers emphasize their commitment to Bulgaria. Reflecting on their past attempts, Thomson jokes, “sometimes the second or third time is the charm.” He recalls wondering,”When are we going to get it right?” but now feels they are “on the verge of achieving it” in Bulgaria.
