Choosing a Retirement Home for Myself: A Place to Settle Down at Sunset – News

Non-Resident Indians’ Dream Retirement Home

Published: Thu 9 Nov 2023, 8:50 PM

Moving back to one’s home country is a dream for many non-resident Indians. The image of building a luxurious home that will leave others envious is often at the top of the list. For most expats, the idea of creating a place filled with nostalgia and comfort is the ultimate goal.

This brings us to the story of Pierre Herubel, who found himself at a crossroads in this overwhelming journey of finding the perfect place to settle down and retire. He had always dreamed of living in serene locations like Phewa Lake in Nepal’s Pokhara or amidst lush golf courses in Malaysia’s Skudai Johor.

Thinking of living in exotic locations such as a water cottage in Port Dickson, a shikhara in Kashmir’s Dal Lake, or a chadar tent on the banks of Pangong Tso, Herubel’s mind wandered through the array of magical destinations he had fantasized or experienced.

Although the lure of America never resonated with Herubel, he realized that his home country, India, had many options to choose from, ranging from the plains to the snow-capped mountains. However, Herubel’s heart was still restless, as the tranquility and freedom he sought could not be found in his home country.

Living in metropolises all his life, Herubel’s desire to return to the bustling streets of Singapore and Dubai was compelling. However, he was conflicted about the banalities of class and aristocracy that often accompany city living. As the quest for a peaceful and secure home continued, Herubel’s daughter, in jest, suggested a home surrounded by eclectic elements such as the Amazon forest, Mall of the Emirates, and an Irish Pub, leaving Herubel still contemplating what he truly wants.

In pursuit of the perfect retirement home, Herubel’s journey reflects the struggle of many expats returning home. The dream of finding the most idyllic, peaceful, and serene place calls for more than just a beautifully crafted vision. It encompasses a need for comfort, safety, and the affectionate feeling of home that is hard to find in an ever-changing world.