Sandra and Jeff Mayernik were living in the US state of Oregon before they took the plunge and sold everything to move abroad in November 2023, and now they are living in ‘the Maldives of Europe’

A couple who sold up everything to relocate to an area branded ‘the Maldives of Europe’ have spotted two major drawbacks with their new life.

Sandra and Jeff Mayernik were based in Oregon, USA, where they confessed to feeling exhausted as they battled to cope with soaring living expenses. The retired duo offloaded everything they possessed – their vehicles, property and art collection – before deciding to emigrate in November 2023.

They have visited or resided in a dozen nations, including Portugal, Spain, France, Mexico and Argentina, but are currently settled in Albania.

The pair is presently based in Sarande, which the National Geographic Society has called ‘the Maldives of Europe’. The Albanian Riviera has earned acclaim for its numerous white-sand shores, ancient sites and picturesque settlements to discover.

Despite the stunning landscape surrounding them and lower living costs, Sandra and Jeff have identified two substantial downsides to their new circumstances, reports the Express.

Speaking to Business Insider, Jeff acknowledged that adjusting to the unfamiliar currency (the Albanian Lek) and language have presented the greatest challenges for the expatriates.

He said: “You’re dealing in a different currency and a different language. So every trip to the grocery store is just a little more work.

“Back in the US, I could walk into a Kroger (a supermarket with almost 3,000 stores across the US), read every label, and instantly know what I was paying for,” he added. “Here, I once grabbed what looked like a package of ham – but it definitely wasn’t.

“Those little sorts of things, people get frustrated about, and it can build up.”

Yet despite these hurdles, the pair are relishing the advantages their new lifestyle brings. Jeff reckons the greatest perk is the more relaxed rhythm of daily life, with locals appearing “less hurried and harried”.

-https://www.mirror.co.uk/travel/couple-sold-everything-live-maldives-36221651-