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In search of a retirement haven - does a multicultural paradise exist on Earth?

Mamaji

Mamaji

Banned
Banned
I've been looking for a perfect 'retirement destination' for years now, that would be both secure and accommodating, as well as truly multicultural. It seems that most places that at first appear as multicultural havens are in fact baits for the rich hiding ideological poverty behind attractive facades of "unity in diversity" bullshit.. There are other destinations that are favored amongst druggies and Hippie left-overs - I can't be bothered about those! Just look at what's become of Auroville. It has virtually turned into its own ideological antipode! Even the newly emerging (and more secular) eco-cities such as El-gouna and Taba Heights, beautiful as they are, lack the integrity and the strong unifying idea that could make them last... Can diversity and multiculturalism themselves become a unifying idea for community living, not just sex, drugs or 'spirituality''? Do people need each other these days? I mean, not just use each other or agree to obey common rules, but honestly and mutually delegate at least some part of their personal Security and Freedom to each other? Hope, it doesn't sound too naive or 'religious' (God forbid!) I just keep looking and hoping, and I'd very much appreciate your help and participation :)
 
Tell me more about Auroville and El-gouna and Taba Heights. You speak of them as if we're expected to know of them. Never heard of them and have no idea even where they are.
 
Santino said:
Would there be poor people in this utopian habitat?
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It sounds like you want to be poor, or you want people to be poor and happy ) That's what I call utopian. There are all sorts of people in El Gouna. Not all of them are rich, but there is certainly no poverty. There are several universities on the premises, schools and hospitals. It's not just about golf and luxury, although luxury is there, too, and it's pleasant to look at. You don't feel the gap, as it were. People get mixed up in nightclubs (free entrance) and on the beach. Most people seem to be happy, both kitesurfing (cheap) and yachting (exorbitantly expensive). I'm not a bloody billionaire and I used to rent a two-bedroom apartment in El Gouna for the whole year.. It's quite affordable.
 
Mamaji said:
It sounds like you want to be poor, or you want people to be poor and happy ) That's what I call utopian. There are all sorts of people in El Gouna. Not all of them are rich, but there is certainly no poverty.
Click to expand...

Isn't that just because its a tourist resort and the poor are excluded?
 
I'm sceptical about "perfect" locations and paradises.

My own first priority is easy access to Atlantic surf, and I've never been a traveller so plan to move "next door" in another European country.
I anticipate Brittany will be rather more "multicultural" than the East of France.

Not ending up surrounded by ex-pats or French second homers will be important to me.
 
gentlegreen said:
I'm sceptical about "perfect" locations and paradises.

My own first priority is easy access to Atlantic surf, and I've never been a traveller so plan to move "next door" in another European country.
I anticipate Brittany will be rather more "multicultural" than the East of France.

Not ending up surrounded by ex-pats or French second homers will be important to me.
Click to expand...
I don't want to hang out with people seeking perfection. That sounds sanitised and dull.
 
Belushi said:
Isn't that just because its a tourist resort and the poor are excluded?
Click to expand...
What I love about it is that it not just a tourist resort. Nobody is excluded. Of course, there is a difference in the standard (and purpose) of living between, say, those who come there to work and stay, and marina dwellers, but somehow the management has been able to maintain a kind of balance.. Nothing like perfect equality exists on this planet! It's not what I was driving at. Other things being equal, El Gouna seems to be a very happy place for everybody who lives there, and it's so fucking beautiful! I'm just wondering if there is a similar (or better) place elsewhere on Earth?
 
Mamaji said:
What I love about it is that it not just a tourist resort. Nobody is excluded. Of course, there is a difference in the standard (and purpose) of living between, say, those who come there to work and stay, and marina dwellers, but somehow the management has been able to maintain a kind of balance.. Nothing like perfect equality exists on this planet! It's not what I was driving at. Other things being equal, El Gouna seems to be a very happy place for everybody who lives there, and it's so fucking beautiful! I'm just wondering if there is a similar (or better) place elsewhere on Earth?
Click to expand...

It is a tourist resort :D If that's your idea of a multicultural paradise...
 
Mamaji said:
It sounds like you want to be poor, or you want people to be poor and happy ) That's what I call utopian. There are all sorts of people in El Gouna. Not all of them are rich, but there is certainly no poverty. There are several universities on the premises, schools and hospitals. It's not just about golf and luxury, although luxury is there, too, and it's pleasant to look at. You don't feel the gap, as it were. People get mixed up in nightclubs (free entrance) and on the beach. Most people seem to be happy, both kitesurfing (cheap) and yachting (exorbitantly expensive). I'm not a bloody billionaire and I used to rent a two-bedroom apartment in El Gouna for the whole year.. It's quite affordable.
Click to expand...
Chinny reckon
 
skyscraper101 said:
Amsterdam is nice and quite multi cultural
Click to expand...
Well, my notion of multiculturalism includes, apart from wide acceptance and tolerance towards the different, such things as cost of living and beautiful lagoons ) I don't think I can afford to move to Amsterdam, nor would I probably want to.. I'd like to be near the beach, not the stinking canals )
 
Toronto has Lake Ontario which, whilst it's not exactly a proper beach, does provide some aquatic relief. And, apparently, they test the water during the summer to let you know if it's safe to swim in it or not!

Whilst I was there I accidentally let my host family's pooch into the lake and, as advised, it did get an ear infection :(
 
Thailand now offers a retirement visa. Owning property isn't a good idea but it'd be a great country to grow old in.
 
Well, how about Tenerife? It seems to be both almost perfect climatically and retiree friendly, particularly in terms of taxes and costs of living..
 
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