As “Luck” (or more like algorithms) Would Have It
As luck (or more like the algorithms) would have it this Irish real estate site showed up in my Google newsfeed the other day. I have to say I’ve been doing a lot of browsing/daydreaming since I’ve found it.
I visited Ireland for the first time last September and my wife and I really connected with the culture and the people. Unfortunately the path to Irish citizenship for an American is an arduous one. It’s too bad because the Emerald Isle would be an excellent place to settle as well as a perfect home base for exploring the rest of Europe.
We’ve been considering a second passport since 2016 but the options for Americans are getting fewer every year. Not following through with getting a second citizenship when we originally wanted to in 2016 will probably go down as one of my biggest regrets in life.
As the West continues its decline it seems like a lot of us who have the freedom to explore other options are doing so. I just read there are over a million American expats living in Spain alone. Our search for a better quality of life continues.
Grounding/Earthing Update
I’ve been using the grounding sheet and wearing grounding shoes for about a month now. Although, I’m unsure if I’m experiencing all of the reported benefits listed here I, without a doubt, am more feeling more relaxed and at peace most of the time.
This feeling of relaxation is the likely result of decreased cortisol levels. I’ll be continuing this practice into the near future. I’ll be needing it during this election year.
The Jewel of my Collection
I’ve been collecting wrist watches for more than thirty years. Every so often a watch or a particular brand captures my imagination and attention. When this happens I’ll usually sell off a few of my older watches to acquire a new piece. Thankfully after all these years the hobby, at this point, is self-sustaining.
For the past year I’ve been particularly fascinated with the Grand Seiko SBGA413G (nicknamed “Shun Bun”). A lot of things make this watch unique but it’s the movement that particularly captured my attention. It’s not, technically, a fully mechanical movement nor is it a quartz (battery operated) but rather a unique combination of the two.
This video explains how the unique movement works:
The case and band of this watch are titanium so it’s considerably lighter and more scratch resistant than steel. The dial is an absolute work of art. It appears to be silver 99% of the time but when in just the right light it’s a very subtle pink. According to Grand Seiko this represents the cherry blossoms of Japan during their peak in the springtime. I’m happy to say the Shun Bun is now the jewel in my watch collection.
sweep
of time,
so mercurial,
is one
simple glance,
there’s still
beauty
in this world.
Enjoy the day. Thank you for reading!
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luck is a very powerful thing
Nice wrist watch, mechanics of the older watch old a charm as do the bigger clocks something about them always charming.
Many of us sit now wishing we had done what we previously thought a good option, that was to move elsewhere. Alas we too left it to late, so where we are now has to be firmly grounded for ever, few options open at all from this side of the pond.
PS: Excellent short poem or Haiku...
Thank you! That short poem has been sitting on my phone for a while, I was trying to find the right time to share it. The craftsmanship of these are what really attracts me to the hobby. So much of the old craftsmanship that used to surround us is lost in modern day society.
Yes, I feel like we missed our window of opportunity too. They've changed the tax rules so we'd have to give up a pretty big chunk of our savings if we wanted to renounce our citizenship at this point. It's such a complicated decision. My entire family would still be here so maybe it's for the better that we stay. I'm afraid it's going to be quite a bumpy ride from here on out here in the US, there's so much chaos building.
Chaos is building throughout the West, we a mixed bag, most not happy with ICJ move, but many overjoyed. Country has changed so much over 30 years it is no longer recognizable to the older generation still here.
We never made the move with my family being here, still love my country, always hopeful through vote at end of May change may start to become evident, more a democracy with debate, discussion vs corruption, crime and no direction.
We watch quietly how very much is happening in many parts of the world, not a happy place anywhere currently.
That's a beautiful watch indeed. I love the elegant simplicity of the design.
I have always dreamed of having a cottage in Ireland, or maybe even Wales but that dream has long been filed away as impossible. Still, to sit and peruse the listings on youtube is something I thoroughly enjoy. The draw is intense lol
Thank you! I like how understated/stealthy it is. As long as a bright light isn't shining on it it just looks like a regular watch.
There are so many little cottages coming up for sale. The young people are emptying out of the countryside and the smaller towns for work in the larger cities. It sure would be a peaceful life out there.
I didn't expect it is so difficult for an American to get Irish citizenship.
There are several ways you can gain citizenship. I think you used to be able to buy a piece of property and it would set you on the path to citizenship but I think now they make you invest $3M. All of the requirements have been made tougher in the past few years.
I think even getting a toruist visa from Ireland would be very dofficult for me.
Hi Eric, a second passport doesn't have to be a regret in your life. There are quite a few options out there. Have you looked into the Citizenship-by-Investment program? It's used by a lot of Americans who want to leave the US and come to Europe. There are a few "affordable" passports if you research it closely. Spain, Portugal, Greece are some of the countries Americans love to settle down to.
Beautiful watch. Love titanium! Been looking into a new one for my next scuba adventures. I love my old Suunto but it's time to get a newer version 😉
We were seriously considering renouncing our US citizenship in 2016, I wasn't very clear about point that in my post. I've looked into the Golden Visa programs, especially in Portugal, and there are some attractive ones out there. Things are shifting quickly though, requirements are getting more complex (it's getting tougher for Americans to bank abroad) and there aren't nearly as many options as there were years ago. I think a second passport would still be a good idea though.
Thank you! I can't recommend Seiko enough. My first Seiko (SKX007) was a diver and it's served me faithfully for almost twenty years. It's been in the ocean countless times. Suunto makes a great watch. That would be difficult to go back to a mechanical dive watch after owning one of those.
You know though, eventually things trickle down. I think we are just the first to see them happen. So some of it is cultural yes, but the discontent we see here is eventually going to radiate out and simply leaving the country won't necessarily be an escape from it. I'm not trying to dissuade you at all. I totally agree with you, but on a large scale the problem is with people, not specific nations. I'd say it's not a political problem, it's a humanity problem. That is sweet watch. I was looking at some the other day, but they are so expensive and I just know I would scratch the crap out of it. The salesman said I need s specific kind of face to keep that from happening, but it is even more expensive. I don't think I could justify spending more than $500 on a watch. Sorry, I didn't mean for any of this post to sound judgmental. It kind of came across that way. I just know I would wreck it, so it would be wasted money!
While I agree this political extremism/divisiveness is happening beyond our borders, I think there's such a deep systemic level of corruption here (a marriage between corporate interests and our government) that will probably take more than my lifetime to resolve. It would be so great if we could get beyond the divisiveness and the corruption. It would be wonderful to feel in alignment with our leadership again and have faith in them. This was the main driver for us seeking a better quality of life elsewhere. It's astounding when you look at the food regulations here in comparison to many of the rest of the industrialized countries. There are fewer and fewer good options though. I feel like we missed our window. The exit tax is one huge barrier and then foreign banks are increasingly refusing or making it difficult to do business with Americans abroad because of strict IRS requirements.
Thank you! Yes, a sapphire crystal should be good for keeping scratches at bay. Titanium might be a good choice for you, it's way more scratch resistant than steel. You can pick up a decent titanium watch for around $200 now. A friend of mine swears by the Aragon brand.
Interesting. I will have to look into that. Yeah, I guess we are at the point where if we are just trying to make things decent in our lifetime then we might be okay if we were to move somewhere else. I just have this feeling that all countries have their issues, they just aren't on the front page of every news outlet like ours. I could be totally wrong though. I live in a pretty decent area. Detroit is the biggest city and it is two hours south. Are you saying other countries have more strict or less strict food guidelines?
They make a really decent watch. The titanium is so light it almost feels like plastic, it's pretty crazy. I think we feel the corruption more because we live in the heart of the city so we're also dealing with some pretty intense local corruption. We might not feel as strongly if we lived away from a major city.
The food regulations are much more strict in the EU countries. They also don't have as much of the gluten intolerances, weight gain, and food allergies over there. So many Americans say all of their digestion/food related issues disappear after a week in Europe, oftentimes they also lose weight.
Oh wow, that is very interesting about the food stuff. I had never realized that. I think that would definitely be a benefit. I tend to have some gastro issues from time to time. I wish I had an iron stomach like my brother in law! I can appreciate the draw of living in the big city, but I also love the small towns that I grew up in. I think you would definitely find things different if you lived outside of the Twin Cities, but I also know it never really fixes everything. I hope you are eventually able to find a reasonable solution that works for you guys.
I think it's mainly the high fructose corn syrup, some of the oils, and other food additives that are allowed here in the US but not anywhere else. I don't think there are many advantages to living in the city left with the current state of things. Thanks! We hope to be making a move this year.
I've actually tried to become a lot more aware of some of those refined and processed sugars now that I have seen your posts. As I said though, I have a pretty big sweet tooth, so I don't know what the alternative is. Honey and locally sourced Maple Syrup? I can't do too much syrup :P
That's great! Local raw honey (most of the "honey" in US grocery stores is fake) or real maple syrup are both good choices. I even cook with honey now if a recipe calls for cane sugar.
My buddy keeps bees, so honey isn't an issue and my other friend taps the maple trees in his yard. I just need to start making adjustments.
Perfect! Those kinds of friends are good to have.
Oh now that's a beaut for sure Eric!
So much of the world is in turmoil, and many of us look for that perfect place beyond our borders. Many find it but often a little piece of their hearts stay behind on their country of birth.
I felt a real connection with the Netherlands and its people, many of my ancestors lived there. I'm happy for my son and will visit there periodically, but despite the awful state of our country, this still is home.
Not easy like you say, to get citizenship elsewhere as one gets older.
Best to make our homes our little havens and try not to let the world get the better of us.
That is a stunning watch, I had to say that again!
Thank you Lizelle! Yes, I miss the days where our leaders were more moderate and were more in alignment with the will/wishes of those who elected them. I don't know if we'll ever get back to that point in our lifetime. There are only small pockets of this left in the world. I felt that connection with the Netherlands too! It feels so free and progressive there. I think at this point the best we'll be able to do is buy a few acres of land, and like you said, create our own little havens. I like that idea. : ) Escaping from time to time on trips will still be a great thing but I know we won't be able to do this forever. I appreciate it! It took a lot of years of collecting/trading to get anything close to this Grand Seiko. I feel so grateful to be able to own it. I plan on passing it down to one of my nephews eventually. I hope you have a wonderful weekend!
It really is beautiful. I love the poem, sparse like a good Japanese (japanese?) watch deserves. Nice acquisition!
May it infuse all your moments with appreciation.
Much appreciated Owasco! Enjoy the weekend!
Nice watch and beautiful poem. Time is such a beautiful and mysterious thing. Happy day, blessings.
Thank you! Blessings to you as well!
That is really a beautiful watch out there. I love the design and how it still look classy even though it is not that really flashy like how some wristwatch will look. I love it that way
Thank you!
Sir, what about considering countries like Australia and New Zealand?
Indeed. That's fscinating. With the advent of smart phones, and the likes of similar gadgets, wrist watches are increasingly becoming an ornamental vestige. But being a collector of watches, you have evoked the importance of it.
Yes, yes with people like you, this world is still a hope. All it takes a pure heart.
Have a great day, Sir.
Thank you so much.
New Zealand is a very attractive option! I've heard some great things about that country.
You're right. Mechanical wristwatches aren't really needed anymore. I hope they never die out though, it feels like they're a connection with a significant part of our past...something mechanical and tangible instead of wires, silicon chips, and circuit boards that degrade over time.
I appreciate your comment, Milaan! Thank you!
Watches signifies history in continuity. Even though symbolic, its physical presence has its worth.
Thank you so much.
Have a great day.
There was actually a time I was a wristwatch lover but I don't know, suddenly I just stopped accumulating more wristwatch
They aren't really needed these days.
What a beautiful watch it is also very suitable for you. Collecting watches is a fun hobby. Enjoy your weekend, Eric.
Thank you Eliana! I've gotten a lot of enjoyment out of the hobby. My oldest watch is from 1918 and it still keeps great time. I hope you've had a great weekend!
Old things are always special and memorable, old things are remembered even after new things are brought
https://twitter.com/lee19389/status/1766892602471682134
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You'll laugh, but I've been trying to figure out how to make my Apple watch second hand be less smooth. I kind of want that familiar jerking tick tick tick and not a smooth sweep 😅 That said, the tech behind that new Seiko does look really cool! I also love wrist watches, but my budget isn't high enough, so I just admire from afar.
I also love pocket watches. If I ever do get lucky and run into money, that might be the first thing I pick up, a really nice pocket watch.
Lol, that would be cool! Have you figured out how to do it? Seiko makes a lot of really nice watches in the $200-$500 range that are heirloom quality. The value for money is high with this brand. This new GMT model is especially nice and comes in tons of different colors and configurations. I just don't know how they pack so much quality into their watches. This caliber of watch from a Swiss brand would cost 5x this much. Being in Japan you should look for "JDM" (Japanese domestic market) versions of this watch. They'll be worth far more on the secondhand market and will actually end up being an investment in the long run. Here's a better site for the Seiko 5 that will show you more of the color options.
Pocket watches are fascinating to me too. They can be found for significantly less than that Seiko GMT I posted a link for above. EBay is filled with some pretty good deals. The market for them isn't what it once was and the prices have taken a huge hit. These markets are cyclical so it's only a matter of time before the younger generations rediscover them and drive prices back up again.
Nope, I haven't figured it out yet. But I have posted the question on a few Apple forums.
I wrote that down about JDM. I'll keep it in mind if I ever decide to buy a good watch. Both of those pocket watches you link to are really nice. I browsed through another dozen before forcing myself to stop. I'm sure you're right—the prices in this market are going to go back up eventually.
.
This pocket watch is a gem, as is this older one