For a great many years I had a plan to retire in France. Alsace.
I also had a desire to retire to Japan but that's another story

By a crazy 'string' of coincidences I met a Filipina, married her and ended up retiring here in the Philippines.

Whether France or the Philippines being a foreigner has it's moments and challenges.

Even Japan has issues. Did anyone read about the 'crazy' who decided to get rid of all the disabled folks in a care home there ?

It's a crazy world and I'm personally not sure how mass murder came about so uncontrollably and so quickly.