I am so excited to finally be able to share with you my first interview for Trapped in Deception.
Hello everyone, I’m Ken, a writer currently living in Lima, Peru, specifically in the vibrant Miraflores district. You might know me from the “You Live Where??” Show, where I recently shared my journey as an expat. I wanted to tell you a bit more about what brought me here, what my life is like, and what I’ve learned along the way.
My Journey to Peru: From Travel Bug to Expat Life
I’ve had the travel bug my entire life, largely because I grew up without traveling. My civilian job at American Airlines gave me incredible flight benefits, which I initially used for my passion for scuba diving. This led me to explore over 30 countries! The idea of living abroad solidified when I started meeting digital nomads and realized the potential for a less stressful life through remote work, a concept that really took hold during COVID. When I retired from the Army with a pension, I decided it was time to leave the U.S., finding it too expensive, hectic, and, to me, more violent than I desired.
How Peru Chose Me
My connection to Peru began in 2004 when I met a Peruvian woman during a scuba trip in the Bahamas. I later visited Peru multiple times, exploring iconic sites like Machu Picchu and hiking the Inca Trail. A significant turning point came in 2023. I was offered a demanding contracting job in the Australian desert, but instead, I made the decision to retire fully and dedicate myself to studying Spanish and writing my first novel here in Peru.
Peru turned out to be an amazing choice. It’s an excellent place to study Spanish because Peruvians generally don’t have a strong accent. I also feel incredibly safe in Miraflores; the crime rate is low, with pickpocketing being the biggest danger, not violent crime. And of course, the Peruvian cuisine is world-renowned, truly some of the best food, very fresh. Though I must admit, cuy (guinea pig) wasn’t quite for me! The slower pace of life here, which initially drove me crazy, has actually become something I appreciate, and I’ve come to admire the strong family values prevalent in Peruvian culture.
Life as an Expat Writer
My daily life now revolves around writing my fiction novel, “Trapped in Deception.”. I’m typically up by 7:30 AM, getting my caffeine in, reading in the same genre I write, and then diving into my manuscript. I do a lot of research, heavily utilizing tools like ChatGPT’s paid version to ensure accuracy. Writing this book is genuinely “therapy” for me, and it’s incredibly fulfilling.
My social life largely centers around an English-speaking writer’s group and an English-speaking church since my Spanish, despite all my studies, isn’t quite fluent yet for complex conversations. I’ve also joined a gym and make sure to get my steps in daily. Living here as an expat, rather than a tourist, feels far more fulfilling; you learn the local nuances and people tend to accept you more.
Navigating Peruvian Life: Tips and Challenges
One of the biggest cultural adjustments has been “Peruvian time.” People here often arrive late for meetings unless you explicitly state “real time”. It requires a lot of patience, and I’ve learned that Peruvians may avoid direct answers to spare your feelings.
For anyone considering a move here, I cannot stress this enough: hire a professional to assist with the visa process. My student visa was incredibly difficult, but with professional help, my retirement visa was a smooth process. My Army pension allows me to live comfortably, as it exceeds the $1,000/month requirement for the retirement visa. I’d advise other veterans to keep their bank accounts in the United States for stability and consider using a virtual mailbox for mail. I’m also planning to get private health insurance here.
Of course, expat life isn’t without its challenges. I really miss the autonomy of having my own car; Lima traffic is notoriously bad, and I don’t feel safe driving here. And yes, I genuinely miss a true Philadelphia cheesesteak! Electronics and some clothing can also be more expensive here. However, despite these minor inconveniences, my lifestyle has vastly improved. I’ve experienced less stress, and I’m finally able to do what I want. The food, being fresher and less processed than in the U.S., has even helped me maintain a better diet.
Looking Ahead & My Book!
While I love my life here, I do envision eventually moving back to the United States, perhaps to South Texas, and getting a house, a Ford F-150, and a dog! I’m also open to exploring other Spanish-speaking countries like Spain or Panama, especially since Panama has a VA (Veterans Administration) for medical and dental needs.
And finally, a plug for my passion project! My book, “Trapped in Deception,” is a fiction novel. It’s the first in a planned series of three, and I’m investing in professional editing and paid beta readers to ensure its quality. I’m aiming for its release in December, with an audiobook to follow in March.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. It’s been an incredible adventure of personal growth and fulfillment!
My first interview for my book ‘Trapped in Deception.’ https://youtu.be/C8Anhs_7h98?si=H_AAswvlOohCJKCF
Diego interviewed me remotely from Nicaragua while I was in the Miraflores District of Lima, Peru.
Enjoy!!! Ken