This afternoon we heard about some people who are more than keen to find ways of escaping the USA whilst President Trump is ruling the roost and, of course being a Tuesday, I was joined once more by Margaret Mills who was looking at a story involving people trying to head in the opposite direction, towards the US.

Unfortunately they failed to make it there when the ship they were aboard, “TITANIC” sank.

The local connection turns out to be a special window known as THE TITANIC WINDOW which has been installed at a church in Ongar

But returning to those Americans anxious to escape the country following the re-election of Donald Trump to the presidency, it seems they are now being offered two choices to avoid living under his care.

Florida based cruise company VILLA VIE RESIDENCES has announced its so-called TOUR LA VIE program, which allows passengers up to 4 years to visit no less than 140 countries.

Various options are available including the one-year “ESCAPE FROM REALITY” cruise, a two year, “MID TERM SELECTION” cruise, a three year “EVERYWHERE BUT HOME” cruise or the top of the range, four-year, “SKIM FORWARD TRIP”.

Prices start at $40,000 per year. Single occupancy cabins for the full four years are priced at $256,000, with double-occupancy running at $320,000 for the trip.

All food and drinks are said to be included in the price, as well as WiFi and some health care.

Housekeeping is provided weekly and laundry service is bi-weekly, each with no additional cost, while alcohol is only included at dinner.

And American residents on board during the mid-term elections will still be able to cast their votes through mail-in ballots.

The vessel involved is the “Villa Vie Odyssey” which can accommodate 600 passengers.

But if all this is too pricey, the Italian village of OLLOLAI in Sardinia is offering houses for a mere 1 euro apiece.

Of course at this price the properties involved are pretty dilapidated, but ready to move into properties are being offered for 100,000 Euros or £83,000.

The village also promises expats will get help “finding contractors and navigating the necessary bureaucracy”,  as part of a fast-track procedure to get set up.

However prospective purchases need to be wary of being GAZUMPED as demand is already proving heavy with 30,000 enquires being received in a single day, and several of the bargain properties are already being snapped up for between 5 and 20,000 Euros.

Returning to the historical feature concerning the connection with the sinking of ‘TITANIC”.

This involves St Helen’s Roman Catholic Church in Ongar,  and especially Father Byles, a former  clergyman from St Helens who was aboard Titanic on his way to officiate at his younger brother’s wedding in the USA.

Father Byles was commended for giving absolution to fellow passengers as the ship went down and subsequently many parishioners contributed towards the installation of the so-called “TITANIC WINDOW” at St Helens.

If you missed what Margaret had to say on this subject you can listen again here: –

I very much hopre to have the pleasure of your company once more next Monday,
Scott