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Reflections On An Expatriate Life ~ Escaping To Asia ~ by Bruce E. Pohlmann - My wife asks where I would like to drink my coffee. I take it on the veranda of our new house on the island of Sumbawa in eastern Indonesia. Feathery clouds float in an azure sky; a soothing westerly breeze ruffles the palm leaves in the front yard. It’s another day in paradise. Feb/05  The
Many Faces And Exotic Secrets Of Southeast Asia’s Land Of Smiles ~ Adventures
In Thailand ~ by Steenie Harvey - During a February trip, I packed
what seems a lifetime of experiences into 14 days. I rode an elephant.
Stomped gilded temples. Went white-water rafting. Bartered for opium artifacts
and jade carvings near the Golden Triangle. Feasted on spicy papaya salads
and tiger prawns the size of a toddler’s fist. Sampled a traditional two-hour
massage. Trawled markets where the goods on offer included live frogs and
ants eggs. Marveled at a seascape of islands and jungly pillars straight
from an eastern fairytale. June/04
Mostar - The Mediterranean Jewel Of The Balkans ~ by Maryam Manteghi - There is something about the Balkans that stirs up feelings and emotions you didn’t know you had. The first time I visited Mostar, I saw a city that inspired me. Of course Mostar has inspired writers, painters and artists from the former Yugoslavia for generations. Now the secret is out and foreign artists are increasingly visiting Mostar to renew their creativity and passion for their art. May/05
International Living Classifieds - International Living Classifieds - "the stuff overseas realities are made of" International Living Classified - International Living Classified - This sample is irresistable! And it's a lot of fun! The Classified section is just one more excellent reason to subcribe to International Living. International Living Classified II - International Living Classified II - Another great page of classifieds -This sample is irresistable! And it's a lot of fun! The Classified section is just one more excellent reason to subcribe to International Living. Success Story Continues! ~ Classified Ads - Due to popular demand the listings in our Classified Advertisements Section continues to grow and provide readers with the best way to advertise on the Internet at the most reasonable prices. Escape From America Magazine created a low cost way for EscapeArtists to advertise, and for other EscapeArtists to make contact with their services, products, ideas, real estate and escape routes. For those of us who've spent hours of discovery peering through the classified sections of magazines like Mechanics Illustrated and Popular Science, a classified section is like looking through a collectable store for those surprises that make the hunt a pleasure as great as the discovery. Sept./02 Success Story Continues! ~ Ads for Expats - Due to popular demand the listings in our Classified Advertisements Section continues to grow and provide readers with the best way to advertise on the Internet at the most reasonable prices. Escape From America Magazine created a low cost way for EscapeArtists to advertise, and for other EscapeArtists to make contact with their services, products, ideas, real estate and escape routes. For those of us who've spent hours of discovery peering through the classified sections of magazines like Mechanics Illustrated and Popular Science, a classified section is like looking through a collectable store for those surprises that make the hunt a pleasure as great as the discovery. The Classified Advertisement Section of Escape from America Magazine is the only one of its kind on the Internet. It's ahead of its time, and it's your place to browse the marketplace, near and far, for deals on international real estate, 2nd citizenships, boats and live aboards, international health insurance, job opportunities, language instruction, asset protection, mail drops, unique services and products, and much much more. Take a look - Classified Ads - Sept/02. The Classified Advertisement Section of Escape from America Magazine is the only one of its kind on the Internet. It's ahead of its time, and it's your place to browse the marketplace, near and far, for deals on international real estate, 2nd citizenships, boats and live aboards, international health insurance, job opportunities, language instruction, asset protection, mail drops, unique services and products, and much much more. Take a look - Classified Ads - May/03
A
Bullish Mirage -The
Widely Heralded Sharp Upturn In Business Fixed Investment ~ By Kurt
Richebächer - Odd news about the U.S. economy is proliferating. The
international media is littered with articles stating that the U.S. economy
is forging ahead with rapidly rising profits. Yet neither the stock markets
nor the currency market have taken any notice. Asking traders, nobody could
offer a plausible reason. Yet there are two very simple tentative explanations:
first, the economic news is good, but not good enough to meet the high-riding
expectations; and second, the bulls are fully invested, and short- covering
by the bears is finished. Jan/04
A Critical Look At South Africa - Politics And Economics ~ by Jurgen Klemann - When I worked for a business and management consulting firm in Johannesburg, the first multi – racial election was held in South Africa. The days of the election were proclaimed public holidays. On the first morning of the election, as I did not have to work, I went to my favourite restaurant in Jo’burg for an extensive breakfast. When turning around the corner, I realized all of a sudden that the police had done a complete road block. March/04 A
Life With A View... ~ Returning
To The USA ~ By Jesse Pennington - For children that grew up overseas
in the U.S. Military or on Missionary Work the cultural traditions that
many people take for granted in the U.S. childhood - baseball, football,
T.V. programs - are foreign. I've met many missionary kids that know nothing
of the T.V. programs, The Brady Bunch, The Munsters and Happy Days; and
when you realize they know nothing about these American pop culture icons,
you scratch your head and say nothing, knowing that explaining such a thing
in such a small amount of time would be truly hopeless and stupid. Often
when you do try to explain, you yourself realize the stupidity of a T.V.
program or T.V. character. Nov./03
A
Meaningful Life Or A Turkey On The Ground - Favorite
Places To Live ~ by Jurgen Klemann - When I flew almost three years
ago from New Zealand to Mexico I had to change planes in Los Angeles. What
struck me immediately at the airport of Los Angeles was the rather unfriendly
tone of some government minions there in their fancy uniforms. First, after
living for lots of years in New Zealand and South Africa, to put it mildly,
I was not used to this sort of tone. Needless to mention that I have no
intention of getting used to it. Second, when you see those government
minions in uniform you can almost take it for granted that they wear uniforms
because they do not have the foggiest clue about how to run a business.
May/04
A
Tale Of Two Asian Expat Havens -One
Exotic And Inexpensive, The Other Sophisticated And A Leading Financial
Center ~ by Mark Nestmann - The only country in Southeast Asia that
was never conquered by Europeans, Thais don’t generally have the anti-western
attitudes that prevail in some other Asian countries. And Thailand, with
its overwhelmingly homogenous Buddhist population, has suffered little
of the ethnic, racial and religious strife that plagues many countries
in the region. Dec./03
Advice
And Conviction For The New Year - NEW
YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS, Part I ~ By Bill Bonner - "My Administration is
making America safer, more prosperous, and better. We are meeting the challenges
of our time," says George W. Bush in his end-of-the-year message. "Our
armed forces, joined by our allies, are on the offensive against terrorist
enemies around the world. Saddam Hussein is no longer in power and we are
hunting down al Qaeda leaders and al Qaeda terrorist cells and bringing
them to justice. Fifty million people in Afghanistan and Iraq have been
liberated from tyranny and our homeland has been made more secure. Jan/04
ANTI-AMERICAN
SENTIMENT ~ Politics
In Latin America ~ by Mark McMahon - Have been in Latin America for
8 years and have never been harrassed about my American citizenship. Now,
I've be harassed, but about other things. Like taking a piss in the wrong
yard or laughing to loud in a quiet bar. Mark has his own vision of this
and when you live outside your own culture, breeding, rules and norms you
learn what it feels like to be seen as different and strange and even dangerous
- but you always find your friends and then get on with living. Nov./03
Asset
Protection - Moving
Offshore ~ by Frank M. Ahearn - In my last article I taught you how
to disappear. This week I was stranded in a hotel room held hostage by
daytime TV. I have to admit, it was a horrible experience yet enlightening.
Like a thunder bolt I realized that I had neglected to explain why one
should disappear or perhaps at least consider protecting their assets,
by going offshore. So here I am, lost in hotel hell, flicking from one
talk show to another. April/04
Convergence
Under The Bed Spread ~ Exploring
The Possibility Of A Falling Credit Rating For US Government Debt Banana
Republic Style! ~ by Dan Denning - Political Economy - the interaction
of states and markets - was originally seen as a Marxist concept and later
as a Leninist way of looking at the world trading and financial norms.
Political economy and particularly International Political Economy were
not part of American Academia; it was Europe and later the Developing World
that kept it alive - England in the former and Tanzania and India in the
latter. Debt creation or government spending - depending on how you see
it - was seen by political economists as a way for states to stimulate
their economies when the market was depressed. The idea was never to spend
so far beyond one's resources that only pure faith could keep things going.
Nov./03
Corrupted
Thinking In A Money Culture ~ U.S.
Credit Machine ~ By Kurt Richebächer - It is the general view
that the U.S. economy has outperformed the rest of the world in the past
several years. Judging by real GDP growth rates, this is true. Yet the
reason why is obvious, easily explained, and disastrous in its consequences:
the U.S. credit machine has no parallel in the world. It is geared to accommodate
absolutely unlimited credit for two purposes - consumption and financial
speculation. Feb/04
Do Deficits Matter? - How Does Government Borrowing Affect The Long-Term Viability Of An Economy? ~ by Dan Denning. Is It Even 'Moral' To Borrow - If You Don't Intend To Settle Your Debts? Strategic Investment's Dan Denning Weighs In With His View On The Matter, Below... March/04 Emerging
Markets and Economic Geography - Economic
Growth Around The World ~ by Jurgen Klemann - Let us have a brief glance
at economic geography. That glance will help us realize that throughout
history a great deal of cities and civilizations have prospered and later
on virtually gone south. Early strongholds of prosperity in history clustered
along the Nile and Euphrates as well as the Silk Road. Babylon, Persepolis
and Samarkand may serve as illustrations here. When the Phoenicians prevailed
because of their extensive trade, the Mediterranean flourished economically.
Strongholds of prosperity were then – among others – Athens and Rome. April/04
God,
Man & French Chefs ~ Motivations
For Living In France ~ by Bill Bonner - Why would someone live in France?
Well, I can think of a number of reasons and Bill Bonner has more than
me. The above article takes a look at why Americans love living in France
so much. To live overseas you have to have humor and Bill uses humor as
his way of showing you his motivations for living in France. Sept./03
Good Guys Vs. Bad Guys ~ Thoughts On Conservatism ~ By Bill Bonner - But as a creed, conservatism has lost all its adherents, in America at least. As a philosophy, it has practically disappeared. As a political movement, it has dropped dead. Everyone likes new things now. Oct./04 In
Cambodia - Politics,
People And The Enviroment ~ by Evan Weinberger - The truth, of course,
was far different. As with all of the journalists in Cambodia covering
the country’s third national election, I wanted the elections to go off
smoothly and for the country to continue on with its march to democracy.
But like most journalists in Cambodia, I didn’t think this was going to
happen. Dec./03
In
Praise Of Cowards - Thoughts
On France And America ~ by Bill Bonner - One of the many conceits Americans
permit themselves is that they bravely face up to the world's terrorist
menace, while others - most notably, the French - cower in fear. Elsewhere,
in the International Herald Tribune, comes a letter to the editor in which
the writer takes issue with an apparently widespread report that John Kerry
is worried about looking "too French" and that this is a sign of "weakness"
in the eyes of the lumpen voters. April/04
Lost
In Space ~ A
Voyage To The Moon...Literally... ~ By Bill Bonner - A remarkable combination
of self-delusion and self-satisfaction seems to be driving Americans to
self-destruction. Limited government...balanced budget...fewer regulations
- Republican principles from the Eisenhower era might have protected them.
Too bad Republicans no longer believe in them. Feb/04
Panama - Noriega ~ by R.M. Koster - Manuel Noriega has written his memoirs with the help of Peter Eisner. I witnessed the events their book refers to, often at closer range than I would have liked. I took an active part in some--e.g., replacing the 1903 canal treaty with more equitable instruments. My wife Otilia ran a human rights center that worked with Physicians for Human Rights, the Committee to Protect Journalists, and similar groups documenting and at times relieving abuses. Her work furnished a unique perspective on General Noriega's approach to statecraft--for instance this innovation in handling dissent: in 1988 and 1989 a number of political detainees were raped by HIV carriers, and all were routinely threatened with it. March/04 Poor
Houses - Your
Very Own Home, On Trial... Part 1 ~ by Bill Bonner - It's funny how
everything around us shrinks in value - cars, computers, and money - but
most people think their house only grows in value. The Nobel Laureate,
Elias Canetti, once said that inflation shrinks a man psychologically as
well as materially. He saw the seeds of fascism in inflation. Read the
above article to see if the value of your home will be maintained or will
it too shrink in value. Oct./03
Pray
For Dawn ~ America
v. France ~ By Bill Bonner - Bill Bonner talks about what is going
on inside the U.S. and how the changes we are seeing in U.S. policy could
have us praying for a new day. His reflections on the role of the neo-cons
in formulating U.S. policy is sagacious and his thoughts are clear about
what is going wrong inside the U.S. since the country began to look more
unsure of itself and its policies. What will the future look like for America?
July/03
Progress Bakwards - On the sun-kissed shores of Nicaragua, your editor enjoys the view...but cannot help but contemplate its cost ~ by Bill Bonner - "The mortgage-stones that covered her, by me, removed - the land that was a slave is free..." March/04 Some
Thoughts On Literature And An International Lifestyle ~ Reading
And Living ~ by Jurgen Klemann - Very good article on the connection
between reading, imagination and travel. Jurgen takes a look at some different
authors and their emphasis on travel. Normally people grab onto an idea
to travel overseas by something they read or saw and this is what Jurgen
explains very well in his investigation into reading and traveling. Sept./03
Some
Thoughts On Living In The Less Developed World ~ Emerging
Markets ~ by Jurgen Klemann - Loads of articles in this magazine revolve
around countries like Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, Panama,
Belize, the Dominican Republic etc. What do these countries have in common?
They all fall into the category of emerging markets. No matter what the
differences and similarities of these countries may be, one way or another,
they all belong to the less developed world. June/04
The
Dangers Of South Africa ~ Fear
Of Crime ~ by Bronwyn McIntosh - Do you know that feeling of awakening
at 3am? Ah yes, we all know that too well, that sudden knowledge
that a loud noise has awakened you - the sound of a car starting, the sound
of a gun shot, the sound of a scream, the sound of police sirens blaring,
dogs barking, the alarm on the front gate triggered by someone opening
it, the outside security lights blazing because of movement outside, the
security alarm blaring. Feb/04
The
Division Of Labor...And Gold ~ Squash
Gold ~ By Bill Bonner - Bill Bonner touches on a very simple but important
thought in his commentary on gold: some things remain constant no matter
the storm that surrounds us. Gold is one of those constants as is the search
for food. The world is in constant flux with some people moving up and
others falling, still others change shape and specialize into new areas,
but there is always a bedrock at the bottom, and that bedrock is made up
of materials and places people run to when trouble begins. And gold will
always be one those places and one of those materials that will offer safety
during uncertain times. Aug/03
The
Era Of Fictitious Capitalism - When
'real value' Is No Longer What Seems To Matter...You Can Be Sure It Matters
More Than Ever...~ By Addison Wiggin - The short answer is, of course,
the wine is cheap and the woman are...um, elegant. The long answer is,
we gain perspective. It’s the long answer, because it requires an explanation.
One could gain perspective from just about anywhere, of course...but why
not do it in a place where the wine is cheap and the women pleasing to
look at? Dec./03
The
Final Voyage Of Thor Heyerdahl ~ Testing
A Theory ~ by Allan Weisbecker - I am responsible for Thor Heyerdahl’s
final voyage. Being an existentialist, I feel no guilt or remorse about
the tragedy or my part in it; I have hence decided to put to rest the false
rumors and hysterical innuendos that have surfaced via the media since
Thor’s disappearance. Here’s what really happened: Aug/04
The Incredible And Curious Story Of How To Obtain A U.S. Visa ~ Just How Bad Is It ~ by Leah George Sanchez - Most Americans have no idea what it means to go to the U.S. Embassy: think of doom. They always say if you get into trouble overseas and you're an American, then you better run quickly to the Canadian Embassy. When I say that to U.S. Embassy personnel they always shake their head in agreement. An embassy functions according to what its mission is in a particular country, but helping Americans overseas is always a secondary concern. Anyway, the above article gives you a very good idea of what it feels like to go through the process of getting your spouse a U.S. immigrant visa. Lots of emotion and pain. Sept./03 The
Madness Of George II - Squeeze
A Human Heart, And The Slime Oozes Out ~ By Bill Bonner - The list
of stable paper currencies built by central bankers is as short as the
list of stable democracies built by armed invaders. Some basic grease in
the human heart seems to work against them. When bankers discover that
they can increase the supply of money simply by printing up some worthless
paper, they don't seem able to stop themselves. Soon, there is too much
paper and it becomes worthless. And when foreigners invade a country -
even foreigners who think they have a better idea how to run the place
- the locals seem to resent it. That may not stop us from hoping. But readers
might want to check the odds - just in case. Dec./03
The
Other Korea ~ The
Underbelly of South Korea ~ By Eileen Meehan - A short commentary on
the role of women in South Korea. What do South Korean men want and how
are they going about getting what they want? And what role do Russian women
play in this little dance? The analysis given in the above article looks
at South Korea through the eyes of the West and does a very good job of
laying out the differences of Western and South Korean worldviews. July/03
The Ugly American ~ American Apathy ~ by Peter O’Dowd - American apathy for foreign culture began six hundred years ago when the first “Americans” infiltrated tribes of indigenous people in New England. I can almost hear the voices of those pioneering pilgrims lamenting the inefficiency of the bow and arrow while slaughtering helpless natives with high-powered musketry. These sad stereotypes are proof enough for me that Americans have been cultural imperialists since the moment they laid claim to the New World. Though the newest trend of national snobbery is ultimately less violent, it’s certainly not more acceptable. In a recent effort to remain hip and bi-continental, thousands of juniors in college will play hooky from their home campuses to traipse across Europe, photograph the Great Wall of China, or toss boomerangs Down Under. Feb./05 Tolerance
In The Netherlands ~ More
Business Cunning Than Peace And Love ~ by Emily Patterson - An overseas
experience can create all kinds of impressions in the traveller - some
good, some bad - and Emily has laid out for us what a bad experience can
feel like. The Netherlands has a reputation for tolerance, but as with
some countries that have a strong tradition of tolerance - the U.K. for
example - the people can seem distant and uninterested. That's how tolerance
can often be expressed. Find out more by reading the above article. Sept./03
Tyranny
Of The Here And Now ~ Having
Noticed That Democracy And Popular Markets Listen Only To The Living, Whilst
Ignoring The Dead, Who Will Speak For The Not-Yet-Alive? ~ By Bill
Bonner - What can the Dead and the Unborn tells about what we should do
in the future. How important is the past to the present and what is our
obligation to those who will follow us. Sometimes history seems like a
trick that we all have to live within or try to avoid, but its lessons
are obvious. The above article susses out some of these ideas and others.
Nov./03
Vindication For The Fed? - Sir Alan Applauds Himself For His Success In Preventing All But "An Exceptionally Mild Recession." But What Exactly Was "Exceptionally Mild" About The Recession - And Is It A Good Thing? The Good Doctor Has His Doubts ~ by Kurt Richebächer - Manifestly, there is general overwhelming optimism about the U.S. economy. Positive arguments abound: Thirteen rate cuts and the lowest interest rates in decades; runaway money and credit creation; rampant fiscal stimulus; the long and strong rally in the stock market; persistent, massive wealth creation through rising house and stock prices; an impending, powerful boost to output from a widespread need to replenish run-down inventories; reported strong profit gains promising an additional strong boost to business investment, returning job growth; surging commodity prices; and the strong stimulus to exports from the slide in the dollar. March/04 Vive
la Difference! ~ Living
Overseas ~ by Ulrike Lemmin-Woolfrey - When moving abroad the to-do
list is endless: packing, shipping, new schools for the kids, accommodation
in the new country. It goes on forever, but is either taken care of, if
you are lucky, by your company, or yourself with the help of endless checklists.
Feb/04
Three
Days This June In Paris - Learn
How To Make Your Dream To Live In France Come True - If you've always
dreamed of moving to France or starting a new life in Paris, this power-packed
conference is a MUST! April/04
The Ultimate Travel Writer's and Photographer's Workshop - Paris May 24-27 - 2006 - Hosted in enticing destinations the world over, you gain an entire course worth of knowledge in just four days. Devoted to either travel writing or travel photography (and, occasionally, to both) these programs always provide fast-paced, concentrated learning from expert instructors ready to share their hard-won secrets. You'll come away with publishable articles and/or photos in hand, learn the insider's tricks for turning your observations and snapshots into cash, landing travel perks, and enjoying the freedom, independence, and travel that freelancing delivers... Note: If the workshop date posted above has passed - click here for next workshop date - April/06 Water:
A Resource For Life - The
International Water Festival In Panama ~ Zvia Leibler-Danon - We take
the supply of water for granted, and have been doing so for a long time.
But now at the beginning of the third millennium it is critical, especially
with regard to the inequities in water distribution in the Latin American
and Caribbean region, that we change the way we manage water. We have to
become better informed and share our experiences about the present water
crisis. Above all, we have an obligation to preserve this resource and
ensure that we transmit the knowledge needed for its management to our
children - our future water consumers and environmental decision-makers.
Dec./03
Writers Workshop In Turkey - With Robin Sparks - 3-10 June 2006 - Learn to Write "The Personal Travel Story" - Join Escape Artist Travel Magazine Editor Robin Sparks and Travelers' Tales Executive Editor Larry Habegger aboad a classic Turkish Gulet along the Ancient Shores of Turkey. June 3 - 10 - 2006 - There are places for only 8 participants and they will fill up fast. Click here [pdf] to reserve your spot - April/06
Cambodian
Director Preserving Khmer Culture, Through Martial Arts Movies ~ Preserving
Cambodian Khmer Culture ~ by Antonio Graceffo - All morning people
kept asking me if I had heard of E Pho Thoung. Of course I had. Everyone
in South East Asia knew the name of the Khmer boxing champion and world
kickboxing champion. But having heard of him was a far cry from having
him leap up, and crash down on the top of my skull with his elbow. Effortlessly,
he flew through the air, his huge, muscular frame, like a cruise missile,
intent on killing me. I jumped out of the way at last instant, and caught
a reprimand from director, Ouk Haiseila. June/04
Cross-Cultural Savvy: Don't Go Abroad Without It - Gary Wederspahn is a leading intercultural business trainer, consultant, speaker, and writer of an acclaimed book on cultural awareness for US travelers. What we have adopted from our culture can often work against us abroad. Wederspahn writes, "In addition to their household items and personal belongings, US expatriates also take with them invisible cultural baggage composed of values, beliefs, attitudes, assumptions and expectations. How people in their host countries perceive them and respond to them depends largely on the contents of this intangible luggage. The advice inscribed on the ancient temple of Apollo at Delphi to “Know thyself” is as valid in today’s era of globalization as it was when Socrates first quoted it over thousand years ago. You can’t avoid taking your US cultural baggage abroad with you. But at least you can be aware of it and be careful to not unconsciously impose it on others." Cultural Attitudes Towards Learning ~ The People's Republic of China - Childhood Education - Eva Lynne is an ESL teacher in the People's Republic of China. She writes, "Education is a precious privilege, and a keen recognition of this is ever so evident in China. In China, it is said that the three most important persons in your life are: your mother because she gave you birth; your father because he guides your upbringing and prosperity; and your teacher because a teacher nurtures your mind. Education in China is viewed as a life-long process. Throughout life, the quest for knowledge and the desire to better one's mind is fervent." August/02. Culture Shock Within The Same Culture ~ The Differences Between Buenos Aires And The Rest Of Argentina ~ by Jaime Russell - When I was an exchange student here in Argentina (I’m originally from the US) one thing that all of the exchange students noticed was that for the first few weeks (or even months) you were always tired. Jan/06 Exploring
Turkey ~ Uncovering
The Past ~ by Nicolas Remy - Traveling through the ruins of Turkey
sounds like something I would like to do one summer. The ruins of Turkey
go back to the beginnings of recorded history. If you want to get an idea
of what it would be like and what you would see as you passed through the
Turkish countryside, then read the above article. Sept./03
Feeding The Ancestors ~ The Cambodian Pchum Ben Festival ~ by Antonio Graceffo - The fifteenth day, of the tenth month, of the Khmer calendar marks the Pchum Ben festival. This is a time when the spirits of the dead ancestors walk the Earth. And the living can ease their suffering by offering them food to eat. At four in the morning, nearly all of the residents of Phnom Penh gather at the temple with offerings of rice, which they toss on the ground, feeding the dead ancestors. Jan/05 From Coping to Thriving - A Wealth of Tools for Living Overseas - Read Gina Dogget's introduction to her invaluable Living Abroad Resources. From the Jul/Aug 98 issue of Transitions Abroad - From Pub Culture Into The Graveyard Of Ambition ~ A Rainy Day In Galway ~ By Will Sullivan - Will Sullivan has written a very good portrait of a moment he had while living in Galway. Ireland's west coast is one of the places I've visited that left a deep impression on me; it was the atmosphere of the place that sticks: heavy dark clouds, the rain, the green countryside and the friendly and open people that live on the coast. If you like pubs, rain, and dark days then Will captures the feelings that go with Ireland very well. April/03 Japanese Drinking Culture ~ A Night On the Town With Japanese Businessmen ~ by Anna Miller - A few weeks ago, I experienced something I had studied about in university and heard much about during my stay in Japan - the company after-work party. Of all the things that make Japan different from western countries, the after-work party always seemed to me to be the one experience that would not be open to me. Japan has a very strict corporate environment. Following World War II, Japan`s push to rebuild its economy left no room for non-comformity. Business men (and recently, businesswomen) habitually worked longer than the western standard of 8 hours, sometimes staying over at the office when they missed the last train home. Jan/05 Live in Armenia - A place of culture, history, good people, and low cost of living - Raffi Kojian writes, "Although Armenia probably does not cross the mind of the average American very often, those considering retirement or life abroad would do well to consider all this first Christian nation has to offer. With an incredibly low cost of living, a variety of climates, choice of city or country life, many sites to visit, virtually zero crime and one of the world's most hospitable people, it has much to offer anyone. As part of the Soviet Union, Armenia was one of the most prosperous and advanced parts of the entire communist world. Now, with independence and a depressed economy, it offers a chance to live in a Western city for very little money." Living in Costa Rica ~ Exploring The Beaches Of Costa Rica ~ By Vanessa Morson - Costa Rica has for years been denouced as a bad place to invest or visit. This is just not true. It's my favorite country in the region and the people are nice and realistic. They know tourism and have been at it for years so the quality of the service in Costa Rica is much higher than in the other countries of Central America. And the weather is the best as well as the beaches. If you want to visit a country where you know you're going to have a good time try out Costa Rica. April/03 Mekong Fish And Bordeaux - Thanksgiving In Laos ~ By Jared Simmons - The Mekong River is the 12th largest in the world. The River originates in China and flows through Myanmar (Burma), Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. What would it be like to travel down the Mekong? In Laos there is still strong French influence but this influence is mixed with Buddhist monks in yellow robes holding red umbrellas. There is also great food and a friendly atmosphere. And behind it all the great River flows by. Jan/03 New Year's in Madrid: Red underwear, a dozen grapes and great $25.00 meals - Spanish police seized two vans from the Basque separatist ETA that were full of explosives reportedly headed for the year 2000 celebrations in Madrid. They also swiped 17 bottles of sparkling wine from my party as we entered the capital's Puerta del Sol in the first hour of the year 2000. by Ken Layne Permaculture ~ Living Off The Land ~ by Jens Porup -What if you could be self-sufficient? Grow your own food, spin your own wool, bake your own bread, brew your own beer. Barter or trade for the few things you couldn't make yourself. Instead of being a slave to an economic system whose very existence depends upon you to spend money you don't have on crap you don't need, why not cut yourself free, and simplify your life to what is truly essential, to what you actually need? Dec./05 Romania - Doug Casey Evaluates The Gypsies, Real Estate, Stock Market & Culture Of Romania - Romania, with brief intervals of respite, has been a hard luck story for most of its history. Unlike a lot of other countries of which that's true, I have a good feeling about the place. But most investors give the country a discount, mainly because they're unfamiliar with it. And, insofar as they are familiar with it, they've heard mostly dated and unfavorable things. That's fine. It's why the opportunity exists. - If anything, property is a better buy than stocks. Bucharest is very cheap by most standards; I'll guess about 25% of Western European levels for equivalent buildings. But that's not what got my attention. The fact is that the country probably has the best farmland in Europe-- flat, deep, rich topsoil in the Danube basin, combined with a fairly mild climate. The Fierce Afghani Game of Buskashi - The Afghan Pulse - The ancient game of Buzkashi has been played in northern Afghanistan since the days of Ghengis Khan, the Mongol warrior whose army swept across Asia in the 13th century. It is a fierce game of competition played on the steppes of Asia by expert horsemen. The chopendoz strive to win at any cost. It is a Machiavellian game, where the end justifies the means and all means are utilized. In centuries past, the game of Buzkashi would begin at daybreak and last till sundown. The fierce struggle for winning remains. The chopendoz are remarkable horsemen and frenzied competitors, where anything goes. Smashed noses, wrenched shoulders, and shattered thigh bones are not at all uncommon. The Knight of Wands ~ In Siam with Passion, Energy, and Life - Living in Siam - Tomy Gunn had a 1989 Emmy Nomination, several Billboard chart records as a songwriter, and numerous film and TV credits as a composer and sound designer, before calling it quits to that razzle dazzle rat race. Today, Gunn lives in Thailand while he runs his Paradisemoon.com website. He chooses to live for passion and romance and high adventure in the Kingdom of Siam. The
Sights, Sounds, And People Of Morelia, Mexico - How
To Enjoy Mexico ~ by David Wix - More on living in Morelia, Mexico.
Morelia is the capital of the state of Michoacán and the city is
a jewel of Mexican colonial architecture. Find out about the markets and
the other sites you need to see when you visit the beautiful city of Morelia.
Oct./03
US Servas Inc. ~ Enabling people of varying cultures and outlooks to get to know and understand one another - Homestays- US Servas is a worldwide cooperative cultural exchange network established in 1948 and composed of member hosts and travelers working together to foster peace, goodwill and mutual respect. The US Servas mission includes providing approved US and international travelers with opportunities to be guests of Servas member hosts around the world. Hospitality and cultural education are our weapons against the spread of misconceptions which can lead to mistrust, antagonism, and war. Dick George recounts several of his always pleasurable travel experiences with US Servas nation members, and tells how to becomes a member, yourself. Warm Milk and Closed Windows-Ethiopia!!! ~ Take Me Home Toto! - As a Peace Corps volunteer recently returned from Ethiopia, Gina Perfetto’s stories are varied. She has had authentic human interaction in foreign cultures as the following story well illustrates. The story records an encounter with an irate passenger on a bus in Ethiopia. Gina writes from the hip and tells it like it is: of dusty friends on a back road to nowhere, of dominating males in an archaic society, of a longing for logic and sense ... a return to sensibility.
Getting a Domestic Helper: Employing and Managing a Necessity - Employing and Managing a Necessity - Margaret Short Sierakowski has written a book about hiring a domestic helper. Anyone who has lived abroad for any length of time has probably had a maid or two, but choosing the right maid can be a real challenge. The editor of this webzine has been known to go through as many as two maids a year. The author writes, "Even people who are perfectly level-headed in the office strangely find themselves at a loss when they have to hire full-time domestic help for their homes." This article, taken by permission from Sierakowski's book, The Guide to Employing and Managing a Live-in Maid, offers some good tips in hiring maids abroad.
Albania
~ Teaching
In Europe's Only Islamic State ~ by Lorna J.Paterson - Albania has
some of the best Roman ruins in Europe; it also has great unspoiled beaches
and mountains. The country was sealed off for years when Enver Hoxha ran
the place from 1944 to 1985. The son of a Muslim merchant, Hoxha was famous
for his paranoia - the seven interior ministers who carried out all the
killings in order to keep internal security and crush all opposition to
Hoxha, were executed by Hoxha. The pure beauty of the country and the fact
that it's a part of Europe that is still relatively unknown and culturally
very different from other countries in Europe, makes it a place to visit
or live. Nov./03
Announcement - Upcoming Event in Europe - Emigration Fair 2005 in the Netherlands - This fair serves the information needs of Dutch, Belgian and German emigrants looking for real estate worldwide. Black
Forest Magic ~ US$1
Equals 0.89 Euro ~ By Steenie Harvey - Nice article on traveling through
the Black Forest region of Germany. There are some great houses and vineyards
to see as well as waterfalls and spas. The Black Forest always brings all
kinds of images into people's minds and if that is something that you've
always wanted to explore, then a trip this summer to the Black Forest region
might be the trip to take. June/03
Buy a Rolls Royce for the price of a Chevy - and other ways to profit from an international lifestyle - Often a crashing currency also comes attached with an economic crisis. This creates an even better opportunity. In the case of my Rolls, I took advantage of an English economic crunch (which drove the price of luxury cars down and forced many diehard owners to sell), a weak pound, and a U.S. customs loophole. Three distortion opportunities like this are the best.So talk to a tax attorney experienced in international structures, keep and eye on currency fluctuations (right now the Euro is still relatively weak, although it has moved up in recent weeks, which helps create European bargains), and look for distortions relating to fun things you want to be involved in. EU Tax Collectors May Demand 10 Years Of Account Records ~ Taxes In Europe ~ by Mark Nestmann - Beginning July 1, 2005, the “European Savings Tax Directive” will come into effect. It calls for EU member states to pass details of interest payments to EU nationals to their respective tax authorities. In order to preserve their bank secrecy rules, Austria, Belgium and Luxembourg “opted out” of the information exchange, and will instead impose a withholding tax on interest payments to EU nationals. In addition, the 10 newest EU members—Cyprus, Malta, Poland, etc.—will not be subject to these requirements until 2007. Jun/05 Europe
~ Explorations
~ By Jon Steele - Jon gives us all the details we
need to know in order to make our way through Europe. He really is an experienced
traveller and you can tell that by all the little details he gives us about
how to make our way through a country with the least amount of friction.
Jon I hope will continue on with his other writings on Chile, a country
he knows very well. Aug/03
Europe’s Next Big Bargain Holiday Destination ~ “You Can’t Spend Money Here No Matter How Hard You Try” ~ by Steenie Harvey - With its history of hard-core Eastern Bloc communism, Bulgaria may sound an unlikely vacation spot. But with soaring prices in Europe’s traditional sunshine resorts, the country’s Black Sea Riviera has become this year’s destination of desire. For the sun-starved and cost-conscious, it’s far cheaper to vacation here than Spain. Jan/05 Exploring
Possibilities In Europe ~ Learning
The Essentials ~ By Jon Steele - A great article that gives you a lot
of very practical information about traveling around Europe. Jon takes
us through Europe and lets us know what to look out for. A seasoned traveller,
his advice is always good. July/03
Finding
A Place To Stay In Geneva ~ A
Guide To English Resources ~ By
Michele Ann Jenkins - Very good article on what you need to know when looking
for an apartment in Geneva. Geneva is the European home of the UN and the
city is famous for its diplomatic history - Geneva was the home of the
League of Nations. The town is a fun place to live in from what friends
tell me. If you find a job with an international organization and find
yourself based in Geneva, then take a look at the above article and get
the "heads up" on what you need to know in order to find a place to live.
Aug/03
France: Le Bout de Monde - France: Le Bout de Monde - If you came to visit us for the first time, you might think that our tiny village of Cansal in the Fenouillèdes, surrounded completely by sloping vineyards, is as dead as a dodo. Let me try to convince you why Cansal (c. 90 inhabitants) is never, ever boring. We'll start with Henri, a nicely pot-bellied octogenarian, strong as an ox, who proudly showed me his graveyard harem one day when I met him by chance in the village cemetery. Jul/06 Global Profit Hunter ~ Why Now’s The Time To Invest In Europe’s Forgotten Tax Haven ~ by Sven Lorenz - While Liechtenstein retains a culture of privacy, and bank secrecy laws remain on the books, it now has the same know-your-customer rules in effect almost everywhere else in the world. However, Liechtenstein still does not cooperate in foreign tax investigations. Any foreign tax official inquiring about an account in Liechtenstein is politely shown the door. Feb./05 Growing Healthy In Sardinia ~ Europe's Healthiest Population ~ by Emma Bird -Sardinians do indeed look much younger than they are. My boyfriend is 37 and friends who haven’t yet met him expect him to arrive in prim, conservative clothes. “Dove Mario? Where’s Mario then?” Valentina asked me in the Cagliari gelateria where we were celebrating her birthday. “Over there”, I replied, pointing to a normal-looking bloke that just happened to be my boyfriend. “Oh” she said, “But I thought he was old. He just looks like one of us.” Sept./04 Historic,
Traditional, Sometimes Magical Poland ~ Where
A Fistful Of Zotys Goes A Long, Long Way US$1 Equals 3.98 Zoty ~ by
Steenie Harvey - Poland is country with a tragic past. It once ruled the
Ukraine and its nobility was one of the few in Europe that dominated the
ruling monarchies throughout the age of absolutism. Communism never really
took root in Poland - the Catholic Church, and Labor Unions were always
too strong for the central state. The Soviets had to invade in order to
hold the place in the early 80s. Poland might be a place to look for a
piece of land; the above article gives you an idea of what traveling around
Poland might be like. Nov./03
How To Buy A Castle In The Former East German States - Buying A Castle In Europe - As an incentive to buyers to rebuilt and renovate these historic castles and manor houses in their original form the governments of the various states are offering grants which are available to investors, not as loans, but as incentives which never have to be paid back. The average amount of such a grant is about $250,000.00. Nov./02 How To Buy Into One Of Europe’s Most Expensive Tax Havens ~ The Back-door Route To Owning In Monaco ~ by Sven Lorenz - Thanks to a glamorous casino and a personal income tax rate of 0%, Monaco has become one of the world’s most expensive property markets. Apartments in prime locations cost $1,869 to $2,243 per square foot, and even at these prices supply is scarce. But even if you have only a few thousand dollars to invest, there is a way to claim a stake in this thriving city-state, to invest in its real estate marketat prices last seen decades ago. Feb./05 Is There Trouble In Paradise? - In New Zealand ~ by Candy Green - During the Depression, young, and without clear direction, he had done a stint with the Army in Panama. Then, he enlisted in the Navy. When War II began, he found himself on a destroyer, the USS Nashville (CL-43), headed for the Solomon Islands. On their way down the ship stopped at an unknown (to him) island to let the sailors have a little R&R before heading into battle. March/04 Life
In The Wild East ~ Adventures
And Opportunities In The Former East Germany ~ by Patricia Linderman
- Today, the former East Germany’s five “new states” are fully integrated
into the West and preparing for European Union expansion to the east. Like
the rest of Germany, these areas offer quaint villages, Renaissance market
squares, great (and inexpensive) beer, enticing bakeries and a healthy
lifestyle full of opportunities for walking, biking and hiking. Feb/04
Looking
For Something A Little Different? ~ Journey
Thru Hungary ~ By Steve Phillips - Funny little piece about having
your teeth done in Hungary. Of all the countries in the former East bloc
Hungary seems to have come out of the gloom of communism with some luck
and success. The people are considered some the most beautiful in Europe
as well. Take the train to Budapest. July/03
Opening
A Business In Rome ~One
Expatriate’s Observations ~ by Sarah Yeomans - My first impression
of Rome was that it was a lawless land, where you could make up the rules
as you went along, as long as it didn’t attract the attention of the occasionally
alert police officer or government official. Everything around me seemed
to reinforce this impression, from the “creative” parking solutions, such
as parking on a curb, to the seemingly helter-skelter methods of immigration
control. Sept./04
Operation: Dollar Storm - Just six weeks ago, the price of gold reversed its steady decline of the past several years. The European Central Bank (ECB), as well as the central banks of 14 other European countries, announced a moratorium on more gold sales and loans for the next five years. ...this was just the first shot in war that will force new highs in the dollar price of gold, and make fundamental changes in the balance of economic power between Europe and the US. ~ Hard metal advocate Willy Smith lives in Costa Rica with his wife and three daughters. In this article he talks to us about our monetary future. Places
To Do Business In Europe - Where
To Invest In Europe ~ by Jurgen Klemann - After living for loads of
years in New Zealand and South Africa, there is no doubt for me that I
am now more fluent in English than in German. When I do not deliberately
speak
English, German or Spanish, words come out of my mouths automatically in
English. Every now and then I am aware that I know the word for something
in British, American, South African and New Zealand English but need a
few seconds to recall the German word. Who cares? I cannot help it. July/04
Post Europe Cyprus -Post Europe Cyprus - Cyprus finally joined the European Union in May 2004, thus achieving a long sought after prize. Despite a last ditch effort to unify the the Turkish occupied north and the Cypriot Greek south, with a plan put forward by Koffi Annan, Cyprus entered Europe as a divided island. Jul/06 Provence And Corsica ~Inexpensive And Beautiful ~ By Adrian Leeds - Great article about how to travel through Provence and Corsica on little money. Summertime is coming to Europe and now is the time to plan your trip to Corsica and Provence. The mountain towns and beautiful beaches and the food and the people. Only two months to July so start planning. May/03 Real Estate Prices Wilt in Euro Drought - Real Estate Prices Wilt in Euro Drought ~ Europe’s worst drought in living memory has particularly affected the popular holiday destinations of Spain and Portugal. But this could bring reductions in the prices of second homes, and the autumn could provide a good opportunity for those considering buying an overseas home. By Roger Munns Sept./05 Retire In A Wealthy Nation ~ Switzerland ~ By Bonnie Burns - It's important that you have persistence when you want to move to another country - especially one in Europe. The above article tells you all about how to punch your way through the red tape and into the mountainous beauty of Switzerland. Having stamina is definitely part of the process of relocating to your new home. July/03 Romania: Europe's Final Frontier And Next Hot Spot ~ Opportunities In Romania ~ by Kevin Stillmock And Jay Schechter - Check your preconceived notions about Romania at the door. Your experience here will not be defined by encounters with street children, Gypsy's, or Dracula. While all three may very well exist, none of them accurately defines modern day Romania. Feb/05 Romania On The Rise ~ Investing In Eastern Europe ~ by Kevin Stillmock - "Moscow aside, if you look at central and eastern Europe, Bucharest is probably the biggest and most interesting opportunity for property investors right now," says Edit Vesser, corporate director for CB Richard Ellis in Bucharest in an article recently published by the esteemed Irish Times. Approximately nine months ago, in February 2005, I first alerted readers of Escape Artist to the incredible potential latent in the Eastern European country of Romania. Several readers who contacted me purchased land through a realtor that I advised them of in an area outside of the city limits of Bucharest at 40 Euro per square meter. Nov./05 Shopping & Entrepreneurs abroad - Shopping & Entrepreneurs abroad - Serious savings at Europe's chains & Ireland's best investment-tourism Short Term Work Resources ~ Resources for Locating Jobs Abroad - Transitions Abroad has collaborated with Escape from America Magazine to bring escape artists a broad and exhaustive compilation of job opportunities in over 30 countries all over the world, including a regional guide to the Mediterranean, Latin America, Central and Eastern Europe, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. In addition to that treasure, this page and the next offer sound leads to serving in a voluntary capacity, as well as teaching overseas at some of the world's most prestigious schools. In following issues of Escape from America Magazine, we will be adding to this valuable resource on a regular basis. We know how important our Jobs Overseas section of your magazine is, and we're doing something about it. Check it out. Splendid Sarajevo - Europe's Best Kept Secret ~ by Maryam Manteghi - You don’t have to be an adventurer to appreciate the unique beauties of Bosnia and Herzegovina. While the name evokes memories of a war-torn past, today’s BiH is the country all the ex-humanitarian workers come back to visit again and again. Bosnia’s natural beauties and wonders are unparalleled. A country of rugged hills, mountains, rivers and lakes, eco-tourism has become all the rage here with opportunities for river rafting, mountain climbing, skiing and paragliding in an untouched, pristine natural wonderland. Mar/05 The
Best Country For Tax-Advantaged Residence And Real Estate Investment In
Europe - Investing
in Europe - By Christian H. Kälin - What country combines
beautiful scenery, first-class amenities, low prices and a convenient location
within a two-hour flight from virtually any point in Europe? Not to mention
unique tax advantages for persons who receive certain types of foreign
income or a foreign pension? May/04
The Camino de Santiago ~ In The Steps Of Popes, Princes And Kings ~ by Brandon Wilson - Although they say that it’s the journey that matters and not the destination, I, too, had my doubts. That was until I heard about Spain's Camino de Santiago. And what a difference that trip has made. If the idea of exploring Europe is met by a "been there, done that" response, think again. There’s a unique option whose concept started long before the advent of those whirlwind package tours. You can walk all or part of the Camino de Santiago across northern Spain for an intimate, at-your-own-pace exploration of a country steeped in magnificent beauty, art, history and faith. Feb/05 The Fulbright Teachers Exchange Program - A Step By Step Guide - A Step By Step Guide - By Pamela Campbell and Igor Smirnov - After spending 8 years teaching in Europe, this time I decided to go on a Fulbright exchange. As a Fulbrighter," you don't have to quit your job, sell your house or make any major changes. And you can still cut your tax bill by deducting all related expenses for yourself and the accompanying family members (air fare, travel gear, etc.). One English teacher from Rosemount, Minnesota says that one year as a Fulbright foreign-exchange teacher in Hungary left her so invigorated that she took a leave of absence and a pay cut to stay a second year. The new mobility - The new mobility - Ever felt like the Clampets on their move to Beverley Hills? As far as Americans in Europe are concerned there appears to be three distinct types of "relocatees," each with their own distinct needs. Jennifer Schlegel defines them and offers a few tips appropriate to each. There's no place i'd rather be - Living in Europe - For many Americans the best fringe benefit of a relocation to Europe is the opportunity for accessible travel through a continent with incredible cultural diversity. Of course, there are the destinations that anyone on a two-to-three year residency will have on their "must see" list, but few people will return to the US without some village, region, resort or city occupying a special place in their recollections of traveling through Europe. Those who stay a little longer often have the chance to range a bit farther and perhaps to form a long-term bond with a particular place. Clare Sievers asked six prominent US citizens resident in Europe to share their thoughts on a favorite holiday destination. The Wireless Advantage and Offshore Investments - Best selling writer Edmund J. Pankau is putting together a new book on offshore investing - The author of "Hide Your Assets and Disappear: A Step-by-Step Guide to Vanishing Without a Trace," Ed has provided us with an article relating to his work in progress. Travel In Europe ~ Venice To Corfu ~ by Janet Darbey - We had already driven through most of Europe on our way back to our home in Corfu, Greece. We were on the last leg of the journey, with our small car completely full of goods we had bought during our vacation in England. We had managed to fit in six weeks of visiting our family and friends, and some two thousand miles of travelling within the UK, and now we were pleased that we were on the final part of our long journey home. Aug./05 Wandering the Canals & Rivers of Europe - The Crossing - I flew into Paris from Seattle by way of Toronto on an Air Canada flight. Not only did Air Canada have the cheapest fare but they allowed me to bring my bicycle as part of my baggage allowance at no additional cost. It was quite a struggle lugging my bags and the bicycle from the airport into downtown Paris to catch the metro and then the train for my trip to Dijon. From Dijon I had to catch a commuter train for a 40 min ride to the village of St. Jean de Losne, located at the confluence of the River Saone and the Bourgogne canal, where I had left the boat in a marina for the winter. Wandering the European Canals & Rivers - Wandering the European Canals & Rivers - We eventually approached Paris from the west and made our way up the River Seine past the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral, under countless bridges, amidst heavy barge traffic to the marina at the Bastille. The trip from Amsterdam to Paris had taken us just under 7 weeks of leisure travel. The Bastille marina has a convenient location in the heart of Paris and costs about $US28/day. After a two week stay in Paris, my daughter & girlfriend left for the States. I continued on south for more than another month finally arriving the end of Sept. at a marina in the village of St. Jean de Losne, just south of Dijon. What
To Expect When Buying Real Estate In Kiev ~ The
City Of Kiev ~ By Jason Jones - Kiev was the original capital of Russia
but after the Mongol invasions of the 13th century the power of the city
declined and the city was eventually controlled by the Golden Horde in
Mongolia. Today the city is the capital of Ukraine and has been restored
to some of its former glory. If you are interested in buying real estate
or a home there is a wide selection to chose from and the above article
will give you some ideas about what you should look out for when buying
property in Kiev. You should also remember that there are some beautiful
towns that sit on the edge of the Black Sea in the Crimea: these are but
a short trip from Kiev and might be a nice spot to buy a summer home to
compliment your home in Kiev. July/03
Pugilism And Poultry - Even The Chickens Can Box In Phnom Penh ~ by Antonio Graceffo - Sunday is usually the day that I go to watch Khmer kickboxing in Phnom Penh. But on this particular day, my driver, Sameth, promised to take me to see something really exciting. We turned down a dirt road, about twenty minutes outside of the city, and ended at a dubious looking arena, in a rural farming community. The big foreigner with the notebook received a lot of odd stares, and a portly Khmer, in a dirty T-shirt gave us the third degree. “Who are you? "What are you doing here? Who told you about this place". Mar/05 Then He Put His Foot On My Stomach ~ Thai Boxing ~ by Daniel Wallace - Travelling and losing weight don't always go together, I discovered. Ten months into my round the world trip, about to head south from Bangkok, I looked in the mirror to notice I was somewhat more out of shape than I had planned. Exact details are perhaps unnecessary - a chin fractionally more podgy than I remembered, a stomach... The end result is that I postponed my exit from Bangkok, and later that day enrolled in a Thai Boxing class. Sept./04 .
11
Places Where Your Shrinking Greenbacks Still Go A Long Way - Where
To Stretch Your Shrinking Greenbacks ~ by The Editors Of International
Living - We Americans are taking a beating abroad. Our dollar is down 18%
against the euro in the last year, for example. Down and falling, in fact,
against most every major world currency. May/04
AdventureView: Jim Malusa - Adventures Of The Ultimate Under-Achiever ~ by Mark McMahon - The lofty goal of some mountain climbers it to ascend the highest peak on every continent. Not my high school classmate and friend, Jim Malusa — he had opposite aspirations! He rode his bike to the lowest point on each continent. May/05 An Interview With Jim Rogers ~ The Indiana Jones Of Finance ~ by Mark McMahon - If you're a fan of "Wayne's World" from "Saturday Night Live," you'll certainly remember Wayne and Garth bowing down before Rock God Alice Cooper repeating: "We're not worthy! We're not worthy!" That's how I felt in the presence of Adventure God, twice-'round-the-world author, Jim Rogers. His first trip in 1990 was on a motorcycle. Feb/05
A Look Back Into The Future ~ Africa And Latin America ~ by Jurgen Klemann - After putting my grades for the winter semester on ITESM’s computer platform and wrapping my classes up, my one month winter vacation/holiday could start. It goes without saying that leaving Colima during that time didn’t even deserve to be called a remote option. Colima in winter comes quite close to what I’m fond of calling “bloody marvellous”. From November to typically April or May the weather tends to be very warm without humidity. Jan/06 Doctor’s Visits, Dental Checkups, Physical Therapy ~ What It Costs To Be Well In Six Of Latin America’s Top Havens ~ by The Staff Of International Living - The following article estimates the cost of healthcare in six very popular Latin American countries. If you are thinking of moving to Latin America then the above article should give you an idea as to how much you can expect to pay in healthcare. Jan/06 Latin America And Emerging Markets ~ Staying On In Latin America ~ by Jurgen Klemann - Since relocating from Auckland to Colima, my reading habits have changed a little. My favourite newspapers continue to be “The Economist” and “The Spectator”. “The Economist” because it tends to be one of the few newspapers for the well informed global player, to put it a little provocatively. “The Spectator” because it is disposed to look at issues from a perspective different to the mainstream and is thus healthily politically incorrect. However, my reading habits have changed as far as literature is concerned. Nov./04 Some Thoughts On Africa And Latin America ~ Speaking From Experience ~ by Jurgen Klemann.- It started to dawn on me about five years ago in Auckland that I wanted to get out of business and law. At around that time it also dawned on me that I wanted to get into college teaching in the less developed world. There was initially no doubt for me where I wanted to do this sort of thing. I wanted to bless students in South Africa with my enormous insight and wisdom gained over the years and in various continents. My humble self unfortunately couldn’t manage to land a teaching position at a university there. Feb./05 Some Thoughts On Financial Stuff - Art, Silver And The IMF ~ by Jurgen Klemann - The week leading to Easter, Holy Week (in Spanish semana santa) boils down to a week of vacation/holiday in Mexico. All schools, colleges, universities are closed. I can’t claim to be awfully unhappy about it. Similar to Christmas, which I spent with friends of mine in Colima, I had no intention whatsoever of leaving Colima for semana santa. First, because I no longer yearn to keep moving around like a wandering circus. It rather looks as if yours truly has entered a calmer and quieter stage in life. May/05 Some
Thoughts On Living In Latin America ~ Enjoying
A Latin Lifestyle ~ by Jurgen Klemann - When I was a student at university,
I felt some sort of affinity with the Anglo Saxon World. I felt drawn to
lots of aspects of life in the Anglo Saxon world. It included politics,
business, literature. That is the reason why I had the desire to live in
the United States after graduating from university. In case living in the
United States was not feasible – for whatever reason – there was a Plan
B. Plan B entailed living in Australia, New Zealand, Canada, South Africa
or the United Kingdom. Aug/04
Speaking Spanish: An Essential Tool for a Successful Escape to Mexico and Latin America - Speaking Spanish: An Essential Tool for a Successful Escape to Mexico and Latin America - If you are going to live overseas, you need to be able to communicate. Your language skills don’t have to be high-level, but you want to have the ability to really interact with the locals about everyday matters. This is what differentiates you from the average tourist. Sign language doesn’t do the trick, and do not expect that everyone speaks English. On the contrary, most people in the world don’t. Sept./06 Television In Latin America ~ Postcards From Costa Rica ~ by Kevin Barke - The theme of the lonely Tico is a popular one in Costa Rica media. The last time I checked, the Teatro Nacional had commissioned an original play called ‘Un Tico A Pesar’, (a Tico to pity) which was produced at the flagship theatre’s secondary venue in downtown San Jose. The theme was an ordinary Joe who takes a vacation but gets into trouble because he is so unaccustomed to having time off he doesn’t know what to do with it. Dec./05
Some
Thoughts On Literature And An International Lifestyle ~ Reading
And Living ~ by Jurgen Klemann - Very good article on the connection
between reading, imagination and travel. Jurgen takes a look at some different
authors and their emphasis on travel. Normally people grab onto an idea
to travel overseas by something they read or saw and this is what Jurgen
explains very well in his investigation into reading and traveling. Sept./03
A
Marriage Map For Brazil ~ Getting
Hitched In Brazil ~ by Shane Jackson - I continue to get questions
about living in Brazil after my article about life in Belo Horizonte (BH),
mostly from those looking to marry or retire there. Here’s how we
got married in Minas Gerias: June/04
Back to School in Bangkok - Back to School in Bangkok - Ok you may not be able to afford the tuition and living expense of going off to Europe or Japan for a few years to get a master’s degree, but what about Thailand? There are a number of universities in Thailand that offer international programs, both undergraduate and graduate level, that are taught exclusively in English. Many of these programs are priced fairly reasonably. At Bangkok University, where I’m currently working on an MBA, the overall cost of a master’s degree, tuition, fees and books, is only around $5,000 and takes approximately two years to complete. Choosing a Language School - Choosing a Language School - You've decided to study abroad to learn a foreign language or to improve your foreign language skills, and now it has come to choosing the best school for your purpose. The task can be daunting with so many choices. Robert Levy, directory of IPEE Spanish Language School in Costa Rica, gives us a few things to consider when making our selection. ~ more Cultural Attitudes Towards Learning ~ The People's Republic of China - Childhood Education - Eva Lynne is an ESL teacher in the People's Republic of China. She writes, "Education is a precious privilege, and a keen recognition of this is ever so evident in China. In China, it is said that the three most important persons in your life are: your mother because she gave you birth; your father because he guides your upbringing and prosperity; and your teacher because a teacher nurtures your mind. Education in China is viewed as a life-long process. Throughout life, the quest for knowledge and the desire to better one's mind is fervent." August/02. Earn an American or British degree in the Land of Smiles, Thailand ~ Exactly the same degree that could be earned in the USA or England - Higher Education Overseas - Scott A. Hipsher is an English teacher in Bankok Thailand. He earned his BS degree from the University of Maryland (Asian Division, Sasebo Japan) and his MBA from Bangkok University. He writes, "Many North Americans and Europeans will automatically assume that any degree earned outside the USA, especially in a developing country, is inferior to a degree in their home country. But it is possible to eliminate that problem and to earn a USA or British degree abroad, which is exactly the same degree that could be earned in the USA or England. For Love of Medicine - For Love of Medicine - Lev Fedyniak is fulfilling her lifelong dream of becoming a medical doctor, but like many, she's attending a university outside the US. Lev writes, "I followed the traditional route to try to get into med school: college with a pre-med major, the Medical College Admissions Test (MCAT), lots of extra-curricular and community activities. While my grades and scores were above average, they weren’t “superior.” Lastly, I lacked the tacit factors that could swing an admission -- no family member who was a doctor, not rich, and I lacked political or other influence. I’m not even sure where I’d have gotten the money to afford going! Then, I discovered a medical university where the annual tuition is $3,500, where classes are taught in English, where the MCAT isn’t required and where my age wasn’t considered a liability, but an asset. Upon graduation, I can sit for the US Medical Licensing Exam (USMLE) to practice in the States. The University is in Ukraine, at Lviv State Medical University. This program was “just what the doctor ordered." Foreign
Devils In The Middle Kingdom ~ Teaching
Overseas ~ By Ben Hill - This is a nice little article about what it
means to be an English teacher in China. It seems that as a teacher you
are pretty much a ghost or sideshow for the students. Preparing lessons
to which no students come, being classified as a devil and dirty. Imagine
how irritated you would become with all the slights and feelings of isolation.
Ben Hill lets you know first-hand what it's like to live and teach in the
Middle Kingdom. July/03
Learning Australian - Surfing Australia - Crista Birmingham, an American surfer has been learning Australian while she surfs the best spots in the land down under. She provides us with insights about Australia, Australians and what it takes for a Yank to get along with them and their culture. She also explains how to transverse the country and how to land jobs. Patagonia,
Coffee, Tea, Maté ~ An
Exchange Student's Escape ~ By Abby Consadine - The history of Patagonia
is rich with stories and mysteries. The gaucho's who populated the region
in the 19th century were some of the fierces fighters ever, and they lived
off a land that gave little. The massive wave of immigration that brought
thousands to Argentina from Europe at the the end of the 19th century also
changed Patagonia: there were Welsh communities and German communties that
mixed with the local population, but kept most of the traditions of their
homelands. These communties are relatively unchanged up to the present
day. The desert in the south is endless and traveling across this landscape
you feel as if are standing still rather than progressing forward. The
above article gives a little glimpse into how people live in Patagonia
and what they do to pass the time away in one of the most remote regions
known to man. June/03
University of Northern Iowa ~ Office of Overseas Placement Service - Teachers on the Go - The University of Northern Iowa (UNI) is pleased to announce the 26th annual UNI Overseas Recruiting Fair. The next Fair will be held March 1-3, 2002 in Waterloo, Iowa. More than 100 American international schools from around the globe attend the UNI Fair, the oldest event of its kind in the world. All registrants must be certified elementary or secondary educators, (or will secure certification prior to Fall 2002). Candidates average 6 interviews each during the event. Teachers in all disciplines are needed.
Predictions for 2000 and beyond - Predictions for 2000 and beyond - Voters have already lost interest in the next presidential election -- and it is still 10 months away. They are bored with the candidates and tired of the whole numbskull process of electing them. It Takes a Village Idiot - It Takes a Village Idiot - All of the countries that comprised the former Soviet Union called themselves democracies. They were not pure democracies, of course. Citizens could vote...but only for one candidate, usually someone no one really wanted. In America, by contrast, there are usually two candidates -- neither of whom anyone really wants. Twice as much of nothing. Death Rattle for the 20th Century - Death Rattle for the 20th Century - The hallmark of the 20th century was the abandonment of private life for empty promises of mob politics. Hitler began by promising property and national pride. He then initiated campaigns to make life safer and healthier -- gun control and anti-smoking efforts were not born in America; they were products of Nazi Germany. Thoughts
On Investing In The Ukraine ~Isolating
The Variables ~ By Jason Jones - Very good article on the investment
climate in the Ukraine. The article looks at how the Ukraine has done over
the past few years in its attempts to attract international capital. Historically,
there has always been a strong connection between Poland and the Ukraine
and in the above article Poland is used as one of the guideposts to determine
whether or not the Ukraine is headed in the right direction. The article
also looks at politics and its role on how the Ukraine will fair in the
short-term. Aug/03
Wall Street and Main Street Come Together - Wall Street and Main Street Come Together - I noticed, for example, in a popular internet message that is making the rounds, that there appear to be far more crooks, spouse abusers, deadbeats and bankrupts in Congress than random chance would permit. The bounders are drawn to Washington just as Willie Sutton was drawn to banks. And it wouldn't take a soothsayer to predict what kind of mischief they would get into there. The crooks will rob us. The deadbeats will cheat us. And the abusers will batter us. The others will just bore us to death.
Afraid to Leave the House? Find a House Sitter! - House Sitting - HouseCarers.com specializes in helping people who are interested in finding a house sitter in their town or more information about the benefits of house sitting. They aim to provide a secure environment where homeowners can locate a reliable house sitter and sitters can achieve their financial and housing objectives. They use the power of the Internet to connect people worldwide freeing up their homebase responsibilities and allowing them to travel. Their services also help the traveler. Caretaking Overseas - Caretaking Overseas - An interesting, though seldom considered option for adventurous souls seeking a new life outside of their home countries is property caretaking. This increasingly popular strategy provides prospective expats with insight and experience into the culture and lifestyle of another country - all while enjoying the benefits of living rent-free. Property Caretaking: A Great Opportunity for Travelers & Expats - Caretaking property has become an increasingly popular occupation in recent years, articularly for travelers. Gary Dunn, Publisher of The Caretaker Gazette, has been esearching the field and an emerging trend for folks who are looking to live rent-free somewhere. Property Caretaking Rent Free - Living the Good Life - Gary Dunn is the publisher of The Caretaker Gazette, a unique online newsletter containing property caretaking and housesitting opportunities, advice, and information for property caretakers, housesitters, and landowners. Published since 1983, it's the only publication in the world dedicated to the property caretaking field. Each issue provides its paid subscribers with more than 130+ caretaking/housesitting positions throughout the United States and overseas. Estates, mansions, farms, ranches, resort homes, hunting and fishing lodges, private islands, and any other kind of property imaginable are available. Gary writes, "Housesitting and property caretaking can provide people with the opportunity to experience life in a different geographic locale and save money by living rent-free. While there are numerous positions available throughout the United States, more intrepid retirees opt to explore the caretaking lifestyle in another culture." The
Seafaring Caretaker ~ A
Profile Of Captain Jack ~ By
Jack Neiman - Capt. Jack has been caretaking for over 40 years and has
had lots of adventures and known many countries through his caretaking
experiences. Most recently Capt. Jack has been caretaking for a doctor
who owns a house on the Honduran Island of Roatan. The doctor visits for
two-months of the year and the rest of the time Capt. Jack can sit back
and take care of the house and enjoy the view. 80 is not too old for adventure.
Aug/03
Earn
Money Offshore With An Online Casino -Earn
Money Offshore With An Online Casino - For some time we've recognized
that in order to move overseas the major hurdle most of our readers face
is finding a way to make money overseas. To provide a way for readers
to get over that hurdle we have continually stressed offshore eCommerce,
but as of yet we haven't really supplied our readers with anything substantial
that can be used as a form of eCommerce. That is about to change;
over the next six months we promise to supply our readers with a series
of methods for earning an income offshore and online. An independent
offshore income that can be used to live how you want and where you want.
We begin this series with internet casinos; internet casinos are the most
lucrative form of online eCommerce, and they are all hosted offshore. Oct/03.
International Cell Phones - The good, The Bad and The Cheap - If you, like many, find freedom from phones to be one of the great rewards of traveling, you can stop reading right here. But whether it’s a sick relative, a nervous client or simply to check in with mom and dad, sometimes being out of touch is simply not an option. April/05
Thai
Visa Run - Off
To Malaysia ~ by Bart Walters - Last week I engaged in a common occurrence
among expats here in Thailand—the visa run. Both my business partner and
I were due for out 90-day excursion outside the Kingdom of Thailand, to
satisfy our non-immigrant B visas granted to us for business purposes.
Visas and changes in visa policy are part of life as a foreigner in the
Kingdom of Thailand. Until recently, visa and work permit requirements
for most western developed countries and rich Asian countries were pretty
relaxed. Visa extensions, long-term, and multi-entry visas could be had
cheaply and hassle-free. April/04
The
Other Korea ~ The
Underbelly of South Korea ~ By Eileen Meehan - A short commentary on
the role of women in South Korea. What do South Korean men want and how
are they going about getting what they want? And what role do Russian women
play in this little dance? The analysis given in the above article looks
at South Korea through the eyes of the West and does a very good job of
laying out the differences of Western and South Korean worldviews. July/03
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