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 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
Making the Visa Run ~ Doing it the Thai Way ~ Sometimes it's Part of the ABCs of Living Overseas - Thai Visa Run - One of the unique aspects of ex-pat life can be the visa run. Visa runs are common enough throughout the world but are especially a part of life for foreigners living in Thailand. Like usual, I got my visa with a minimum of hassle, I went someplace new, met interesting people, saw new things, didn’t spend too much and basically enjoyed myself. If you have to make a visa run, or happening to be visiting SE Asia, you should consider making a short trip to Cambodia. June/02. Praying For A Cure ~ Faith In Cambodia ~ by Antonio Graceffo - When word got out that there was a monk blessed with the ability to heal, desperate patients came from all over Cambodia. We were still more than a kilometer away from Wat Serey Soupein, but already, we found ourselves driving through a crowded village, which hadn't existed just a few weeks earlier. The rainy season and the unaccustomed press of crowds had churned the dirty streets into mud, as hundred of people busied themselves with the activities of daily life, buying and preparing food, caring for loved ones, and praying for a cure. Dec./05 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 The Coronation Of A Cambodian King ~ King Norodom Sihamoni ~ by Antonio Graceffo - A relentless Cambodian sun played upon the highly-polished bayonets, affixed to the rifles of the military honor guard, standing at rigid attention. Anxiously, they awaited the arrival of Prince Norodom Sihamoni, who would soon be crowned the new king of Cambodia. The droning chant of Buddhist monks could be heard across the palace grounds, as history waited to be made. This would be the first coronation of a new Cambodian king, in more than 60 years, when Prince Norodom Sihamoni's father, King Norodom Sihanouk, ascended to the throne. Dec./04 The People Of Mekong Island ~ On The Tone Lesap River ~ by Antonio Graceffo - Her hands shook as she poured the watery rice mix into the stone bowl. With effort, she lifted the heavy crank into place, and began to turn. Slowly, with the patience of ages, a frothy porridge of ricey paste began to trickle out of the spout, and into the pail. Seeing that her work was going well, Sae breathed a sigh of reliefe, and resumed her constant narration. "I takes three cans of rice to fill one bucket. And, I have to turn the crank for one hour." She told me. "When the bucket is full, I will make a batch of rice cakes." The cakes are a favorite treat for the local children. OCt./04
Canada: A Non-Traditional Tax Haven - Moving To Canada - by David Lesperance - If you have ever cosidered moving to Canada this article will be of extreme interest. In looking at Canada as a possible destination, there are two main considerations; qualifying for permanent residence and tax planning. It may come as a surprise that the new immigrant to Canada can have definite tax advantages. This article discusses those advantages as well as the varying level of immigrant qualifications. Canada for Brits - Fleeing Britain For Canada - "Canada had always allured us. The thought of all that space, the huge land mass, the natural resources, the healthy living, lumberjacks, bear wrestling, canoes, maple syrup and pancakes .... all the things we had seen on TV and the movies. One could get lost there - what a wonderful thought. Having a vacation home that could act as a base camp for exploring North America (or even south), would be fantastic. And now, with the Internet, and modern communications systems, we could also operate our business ventures from anywhere on the globe, funding our dreams as we go." Canada
From Various Perspectives ~ Montreal,
Vancover And More ~ by Jurgen Klemann - About five or six years before
I started blessing the world with my presence, my folks had made the decision
to emigrate to Canada. A little more precisely, they wanted to settle down
in Montreal. After finalizing the paper work with the Canadian immigration
authorities, all that was left to be done was to get on a plane or a ship
to hop across the creek. That was exactly when my mother chickened out.
Feb/04
Canadian Immigration - No College Degree? No Problem! ~ by Polina Skibinskaya - Consistently rated among the top countries in the world especially in terms of quality of life, Canada has been a beacon of hope and opportunity for the scores of people who have come to its shores and embraced its progressive, egalitarian, multi-lateral way of life. A rich history of widely varying cultures coming together and working towards peace and harmony is embroidered within the very fabric of Canadian society. Tolerance, understanding and civility are the cornerstones of the multicultural mosaic that is Canada. Mar/05 Don't believe the Caribbean hype: affordable beachfront exists - Why the Dominican Republic? - Nova Scotía: Northern exposure may be on itss way - Plus Robert Fordi's property pick of the month. Driving the Okanagan Wine Trail - Driving the Okanagan Wine Trail - With more than 50 vineyards producing ...and counting, the Okanagan Similkameen Valley is B.C.'s largest wine appellation. This sunny region is a paradise of fresh local produce, wines, glittering lakes and outdoor activities. After years of visiting - to ski at Silver Star, Big White, Apex and Sun Peaks or to golf, this time I'm touring wineries. By Margaret Swaine Mar/06 Escape To The End Of The Earth ~ A Canadian In Argentina – Part I ~ by Steve Leslie - For the past year-and-a-half, I have been living an adventure of a lifetime. Who’d have thought a few short years ago, that I would be offered a chance to fly in Argentina with an airline by the name of Southern Winds? How I came to be in Argentina and roaming the world for a living is a story that started in 2001. June/04 Free Software For International Lifestyles & For Expatriates - Free Software - We have found some excellent free software that will add ammunition to your arsenal. Scott Baker an electrical engineer from Ontario, Canada, created some excellent software that is perfect for anyone wanting to live an international lifestyle. The two pieces of software are an international clock and a converter. They are absolutely free and they are incredibly versatile. We are very impressed with this valuable software and we think you will be too. Get them now while they're still free. Home Buying In Canada - Home Buying In Canada - It is often said that home buying is one of the most stressful times of your life. Well, after moving countries it should be a piece of cake - right? If your chosen country is Canada you will find this information an invaluable guide to help you through the process and make it as pain free as possible. Jun/06 How I Escaped The Greedy Hands Of The Great White North ~ Escaping Canada ~ by Robert Hof - While the majority of articles on Escape Artist are written from the American perspective, I thought I would write a few words for the readers of Escape Artist from the perspective of your quiet neighbours from the North. I have been reading Escape Artist for several years now, and believe it’s now time to give back a bit to the site that helped me come to the conclusion that leaving one’s country permenantly can be a great thing to do. Dec./04 Lunenburg & Mahone Bay: superb property finds in Nova Scotia - Real Estate in Canada - In addition to real estate in Nova Scotia this page includes information by International real estate expert Robert Fordi on how to own a piece of the next European Riviera & his extraordinary real estate picks. Montreal"s summer festivals on the cheap - Montreal"s summer festivals on the cheap - Budget Travel. Move To Canada: Live Tax Free - Moving to Canada - by David Lesperance - If you have ever cosidered moving to Canada this article will be of extreme interest. In looking at Canada as a possible destination, there are two main considerations; qualifying for permanent residence and tax planning. It may come as a surprise that the new immigrant to Canada can have definite tax advantages. This article discusses those advantages as well as the varying level of immigrant qualifications. Moving To Canada ~ Advice On Traveling Through Canada ~ by Thelma O’ Connor -f you are planning a two or three week trip, my suggestion to you would be to fly into a major city and make side trips from that location, then fly on to the next major city and do the same. This type of trip will give you better value for your time/money and you will have an opportunity to explore each major centre and the surrounding cities and towns in a more meaningful and unhurried way. Oct./04 Moving
To Canada - Ten
Tips For Survival ~ by Thelma O’ Connor - Alone in Canada: Ten tips
for survival. In Canada, you have to start all over again, build
a new life, make new friends and find your place in a new community. This
is a challenge all newcomers face, but if you come here alone – with no
close family or friends to help and support you - then this challenge may
seem even more daunting for you. May/04
Moving
To Canada ~ Choosing
The Right Destination ~ by Thelma O’ Connor - You’ve decided to move
to Canada but before you go you must choose a destination in which to settle.
Canada, with over 10 million square kilometers of territory, is the second
largest country in the world, with many wonderful cities, towns and rural
communities beckoning the newcomer. The vastness of this country makes
choosing a destination all that more difficult. Do you choose to live near
the ocean, in the mountains, in a large city, on the prairies, or in the
lake regions? Suddenly, choosing somewhere seems overwhelming! June/04
Moving
To Canada ~ Making
A Plan ~ by Thelma O’ Connor -By now you may feel you know Canada well,
from surfing the internet, or from travel books and news items you’ve read.
You’ve applied for your Permanent Resident (PR) visa and know it could
take up to 2 years to receive it. You’ve been waiting what seems like an
eternity and you don’t feel like waiting any longer. So you’ve decided
to throw caution to the wind and leave early to start your new life in
Canada. Aug/04
Nova Scotia ~ Cheap Living And Retirement In Canada's Hidden Paradise ~ by Phillip Townsend - A beautiful and inexpensive place in North America where oceanfront and lakeside lots can be had for as little as $10,000 (or a charming 3-bedroom home on several acres can be yours for under $50,000). Sound like a dream? It's not. This slice of Heaven does exist. Nestled in the North Atlantic on Canada's east coast, Nova Scotia is a little-known paradise steeped in Scottish, Irish and English history. For the potential expatriate or retiree, Nova Scotia has a lot to offer...inexpensive real estate, a low cost of living, unspoiled natural environment, friendly people and lifestyle opportunities to suit virtually every taste. Jun/05 Nova Scotia by the Sea - Nova Scotia by the Sea - Sadly however there is only on thing you cannot do here in Nova Scotia. You cannot leave with your heart intact, because I can guarantee you, a piece of your heart will remain here forever. Jun/06 Nova Scotia, Canada ~ The Unlikely PT Getaway ~ by Phillip Townsend - As an old friend of W.G. Hill, the most prolific author on the PT concept, which extols the merits of personal liberty, privacy and international living, I thought I’d address some of the advantages Nova Scotia has as haven for PT’s (Perpetual Travelers). Being a PT means different things to different people, but Nova Scotia has a lot to offer PTs across the board: privacy, cheap real estate, a low cost of living, unspoiled natural beauty, friendly people and lifestyle opportunities to suit virtually every taste. Nov./05 Nova Scotia: From a Brit Perspective - Moving To Nova Scotia - Living In Nova Scotia - So where is Nova Scotia, most would ask. Well it’s a quick five hour flight from the UK, three from Iceland and a mere two and a half hour ferry trip from Maine in the States. Resembling rural England but with forests, it lies on the eastern seaboard of Canada, much like an island connected by an umbilical cord to the Motherland. The climate and seasons are much like the UK but with slightly more extreme temperatures, not at all what most imagine the Country to be. Nov./02 Places To Live In The World: Emerging Alternatives ~ From Canada To Europe, Africa To Asia, It’s Time For A Fresh Look ~ by Phillip Townsend - The advent of fast Internet communication and inexpensive air travel makes it easier to turn any far-flung paradise into a permanent home. Which places in the world have the most to offer? The perfect place to live or retire, of course depends on your idea of perfection. Jul/05 Powell
River British Columbia, Canada ~ On
Canada's West Coast ~ By Carl McIntosh - Never heard of Powell River
before but like what I see. The author of the above article gives us a
very good idea of what there is to do in Powell River. He outlines prices
of real estate as well as what kinds of people make up the communtiy of
Powell River. If you visit Canada and decide you like what you see than
Powell River may be a place to settle down in. Aug/03
Prairie Paradise in Canada - Prairie Paradise in Canada - "To me this town is not only a paradise, its a very inexpensive one. The present population is about 300, and there are a number of houses for sale in this town and the surrounding area for $6000 and up. For those who can’t afford a villa in Costa Rica or a French farmhouse, it’s an excellent alternative." Darwin C Vickers Moved from the United States to Canada - He tells us how and why ~ more Quebec…“Je me souviens”—what? - Upper and Lower Quebec are connected by stairways down the face of a cliff—one is called l'escalier de casse-cou, or Break-your-neck Stairway—and an expensive funicular. Walk - The towering wedge-shaped roof of the Château Frontenac, a hotel that looks like a caricature of a Loire château, dominates Upper Quebec. Gloomy and baronial inside, it is still the only place to stay, though not to eat. Ruminations On Good ole Canada ~ Postcard From Costa Rica ~ by Kevin Barker - My apologies to any readers who waited patiently for my report on Buenos Aires and/or my definitive profile of renowned realtor and man-about-town in Nicaragua Larry Hustler. All of that is coming but not right now. Actually in this issue I need to answer some reader mail that’s been piling up for eons. But first, a personal update: Late last September it seemed oddly appropriate for me to go sit in a Toronto hotel room and get all misty watching curling on TV. Nov./05 The non-resident Canadian Canadian - The non-resident Canadian Canadian - Last month, Escape from America Magazine told about taxes for US citizens working abroad. Canadians have it even better. Tax policies derived from British Commonwealth Laws allow Canadian citizens to receive non-resident status and enjoy no taxes levied obn capital gains and interest accrued outside of Canada. Non-resident Canadian Sam Barsoumian writes, "Unlike US citizens who are forever doomed to file annual taxes, Canadian citizens can elect to become non-residents and forever bid Canada Customs and Revenue Agency farewell. By taking residency in just about any country other than the US, capital gains and interest generated outside of Canada ceases to attract any tax whatsoever. Apart from the tax advantages, taking up residency in other countries allows Canadians to live in a climate of their own choosing and experience a better quality of life for comparatively the same amount of Canadian living expenses. In many cases, the cost of living is far less depending on their choice of country and spending habits." The Revenge of Canada's Old Economy - The Revenge of Canada's Old Economy - Tap into the Oil Boom at a 15% Discount and Snatch Hefty Currency Gains to Boot. Canadian stocks have been on a bull run for the last four years and have hit new highs almost daily since last quarter. As a result, many Canadian equities sport stretched valuations. Yet, with fierce global demand for natural resources, the Canadian stock market has a lot of road yet to run. And perhaps the best opportunities in the market are in energy stocks. Jul/06 The Weather Forecast Is Alarming For - Canadian Permanent Residents Living Or Working Abroad - Practical steps that Canadian Permanent Residents should take immediately - If you are a permanent resident and eligible to apply for Canadian citizenship, do so without delay. However, ensure beforehand with your tax accountant that all your previously filed tax returns for you and your spouse fully disclose all your non-Canadian source income. Nov./02 VANCOUVER ISLAND - BRITISH COLUMBIA - CANADA ---an offshore island paradise within sight of the US border - Real Estate & Life On Vancouver Island - You will not be culturally deprived anywhere in the Island as you are in easy reach of three world class cities, each with a superb symphony orchestra that has hosted the likes of Luciano Pavarotti. Live theater abounds and some of the worlds most celebrated restaurants call the Island home. Who has not heard of the sumptuous high teas at the Empress Hotel or of the magnificence of the renowned Butchart Gardens? April/03 Western Canada Part One ~ Walk With Dinosaurs ~ by Dawnelle Salant - When I tell other travelers that I’m from Canada, they inevitably ask, “Toronto or Vancouver?” In fact, I come from nowhere near either of these wonderful cities. There is so much more to Canada than many people are aware of, and although Vancouver and Toronto are cities worth visiting, there are many other lesser known sites that deserve some attention. Western Canada - Alberta and Eastern British Columbia (the opposite side of the province from Vancouver) - has activities and destinations to cater to all types of travelers. See what you’ve been missing! Oct./04 Western Canada Part Two ~ More Adventures In Western Canada ~ by Dawnelle Salant - Many years ago, a young native boy wished to witness a customary buffalo hunt firsthand. He found a place on the face of a cliff where he could sit and have a perfect view of the buffalo toppling over the precipice, driven to their deaths by his people. The kill that day was extremely good, and the bodies of huge buffalo soon began to pile up. In time, the boy was trapped between the cliff and the dead bison. By the time he was discovered, his skull had been crushed by the weight of the buffalos’ bodies. The site was named Head-Smashed-In Buffalo Jump. Nov./04 Winter In Canada ~ Survival ~ by Thelma O’ Connor - Some parts of Canada don't get much snow and ice in winter but many Canadians battle tough weather conditions and slippery roads for almost six months each year. The ‘white stuff‘ generally starts to arrive in late October and can often stay around until March or later. Although winter weather can be harsh, we are fortunate that the truly ‘deep freeze’ cold snaps tend not to last more than a few weeks at a time and in many parts of Canada the sun shines all winter long, which is a great lift for the spirit. Feb./05 Worldwide Quality of Life Review - Worldwide Quality of Life Review - Canada edged out the US to take top honors this year in our 19th annual Quality of Life Index; With a strong economy, good & "universal" health care ("We don't check your credit card in the hospital on the way to check your pulse," says Brian Tobin, premier of Newfoundland), good & affordable education (Canada has the highest college attendance rate in the world), beautiful & diverse landscapes, and low crime rates, Canada seems to have it all...even one of the lowest costs of living among the industrialized countries. Houses are cheap... and spacious. In fact, houses built in Canada are, on average, bigger than houses built anywhere else in the world. In short, Canada is without what many Canadian politicians call the "three G's" of the United States: guns, ghettos, and gated communities. By Michael Palmer
Cape Properties: Exotic and a Bargain - I've come to the conclusion that property in South Africa is now among the best bargains in the world, in both absolute and relative terms. On this trip, I stuck to Jo'berg and the Cape; it's a big country and I simply put myself in the hands of my fairly numerous South African relatives. I can't make any recommendations on Jo'burg property because although it's cheap, I can't see the opportunity, and have no personal interest in it. That's not to say parts of Jo'berg aren't quite nice. - Doug Casey on South Africa. Investing in Cape Verde: Part I - Investing in Cape Verde - The word is out. The Islands of Cape Verde are a fertile ground for investors. Both individuals and corporations looking for the potential that exists with the special balance of enough development to get things done, but not so much development that there is nothing left to do, are leaving their native countries and settling on the Islands. However, if you want to see your dream come true, you'll have to do more than just show up. Here are some steps that may help you along the way.
A Funny Thing Happened On Our Way To Buying In San Carlos De Bariloche ~ We Bought Rio Salvaje Lodge In Hornopiren, Chile ~ by Douglas Harris - I traveled for many years looking for the ideal location to live. Patagonia, with the incredible vistas of mountains and lakes, is paradise for me. San Carlos de Bariloche, the capital of the ‘Lake District’ in Argentine Patagonia, was the place I had decided to use as headquarters for my specific search for a home. Dec./05 A recent downturn makes now one of the best times in the past 15 years to invest in Chile - Investing in Chile - Now is one of the best times to make an investment in Chile; Over the past 15 years, the Chilean economy has averaged over 6% annual growth. That has made it the fastest growing economy in the Western Hemisphere (almost twice as fast as that of the US) and, for that matter, one of the fastest growing economies in the world. The principal reason for this boom is that Chile was the first nation in Latin America to wholeheartedly embrace free market reforms. By Justin Ford Adventurous Shopping In Chile ~ More On Living In Chile ~ by Jon Steele - If you’re on my mailing list, then you’ve already received this article and this is rehash, but if not then sit back and get some inside knowledge about shopping……Chilean style. If you're one of those types of people who likes to walk on the wild side and off the beaten path when shopping then the "Persa" (pronounced, pare-sah) in Santiago could just be the adventure you have been looking for. Nov./05 All the boom without the bust: profiting on Chilean salmon and timber - Since the early ‘80s, Chile has aggressively deregulated, opened its markets to foreign investment, slashed trade barriers, and privatized hundreds of companies. In fact today, the only significant government majority-owned company is Codelco, Chile's largest copper producer. The result is that the country has strong financial institutions, modern and efficient airports and seaports, and extensive highway and telecommunications systems that are nearly on a par with those of the United States and Europe. This makes Chilean investments attractive. by Justin Ford Argentina
For Vacation, Chile For The Good Life - Vacationing
In Argentina And Buying In Chile ~ by Bill Lanphar - Just Spent 3 months
in the Patagonian region of Chile and Argentina, a place beautiful beyond
any other I have ever visited. Argentina is a great place to vacation right
now because your dollar goes far. May/04
Bolivia
To Buenos Aires -On
The Road ~ by Mark McMahon - Mark is off, headed out of Boliva and
making a trail towards Argentina. Read all about it in the above article.
Remember to check out Mark's tours to Cuba and Ecuador. Oct./03
Buying
Land In The South Of Chile ~ What
You Might Find ~ by Bill Lanphar - There is no place like the south
of Chile: yes, there are places that have more raw beauty, but few of them
are as sparsely populated and untouched by man. And where else can you
buy a great piece of land and build a small house for under $50,000. If
you think you want to build a place in South America, then Chile is probably
your best bet: political and economic stabilty means your investment will
grow. Sept./03
Chile, The Ultimate Adventure - Traveling Through The Beaches And Coastal Areas ~ By Jon Steele - Jon continues his writings on Chile with a look at the beautiful Chilean coastal towns of Viña del Mar and Valparaíso. The hills, the sea and the sunlight are incredible along the western coast of Chile. The seafood is some of the best you'll find anywhere and the people are famous for being friendly, intelligent and very well-dressed. Also, if you go to Viña del Mar and Valparaíso, be sure to visit some of the small beach towns nearby. Oct./03 Chile's Simple Pleasures - Horcon ~ by Jon Steele - I’ve written alot about Chile over the past year in many articles. I have written about Vina Del Mar as well as Valparaiso but those are the big named coastal cities. This time around I want to concentrate on smaller areas. This particular article will focus on Horcon. May/04 Coastal Chile - Coastal Chile - Rolling down the new coastal highway at 75 mph, I was continually surprised by the breathtaking views of the rocky Pacific shoreline, the majestic cliffs, the wide beaches, and the hidden sandy coves. Reminding me more of California than anywhere else in South America I’ve travelled, the Chilean coast enjoys much the same climate and geography. But, while the quality of life and the infrastructure are comparable, Chile’s cost of living and property prices are dramatically lower than in southern California. Sept./06 How to Buy Property in Chile: The Legal Issues - How to Buy Property in Chile: The Legal Issues - There is more than a little confusion on the Internet about how to buy property in Chile as a foreigner. There are many articles that cover the great deals in Chile, which often include a few fuzzy details about the legal requirements, but a surprising few that really dig into the legal issues involved. Sept./06 How To Find An Apartment In Chile ~Living In Chile ~ by Jon Steele - Most people are intimidated by the thought of finding a place to live already and even more intimidated by the thought of doing it in another country, but if you follow the instructions I lay out in this article you will learn the techniques for finding a great place to live. Now while I will be concentrating on Chile in this article, the techniques I describe here can be applied to just about any location. The principles are basically the same for any locale. April/05 Life In Chile ~ Learning The Fine Details Of Survival ~ By Jon Steele - This is a very fine article about living in Chile. Get all the details about what you should and should not do. Find out about how people spend their time and how they socialize with one another. From Santiago you can go either to the mountains and ski or to the coast and swim. Viña del Mar and Valparaíso are beautiful towns on the coast: make sure you visit Pablo Neruda's house in Valparaíso. Chile physically feels very much like California, but without all - well you know. Six months in Chile and six months in the States might be just the thing for someone who wants to get away from it all part of the year. May/03
Looking
At Chile As A Place To Live & Invest - Investing
in Chile - From the Best of Doug Casey series, an article on Chile.
~ "Buy real estate. When I visited Chile in 1980, 1 spent some time with
a wealthy local at his house in one of Santiago's most fashionable suburbs.
The house was typical of those owned by the upper classes in a Third World
country; large, lots of handcarved fittings and furniture, swimming pool,
tennis court, extensive landscaping, etc. At the time, it was worth about
$25,000; today it's worth well over $1,000,000."
Adventures in Chinese Gourmet ~ Who Knows What You may be Eating - Chinese Cuisine - As she translated the menu to me the revelation was astounding. I learned that sugarcane rat is a local delicacy and people brag about their family recipe. I have seen snake, silkworm, beetle, dog, and spiced donkey all on one menu. Pig entrails and fish heads with rice are some of the most common foods eaten. I had had no idea. In America I only worried about what might be in a hot dog. Sept/02. Adventures
In Rural China ~ Zhenhai
~ by Edward Brewer - Zhenhai, with a population of about 500,000, is located
just 30 miles south of Ningbo, which has a population of about 5 million
people, and is just 200 miles south of Shanghai, over 13 million people.
Zhenhai is where I landed, this time, the sight of Chinas largest petroleum
refinery and chemical company, Zhenhai Refinery and Chemical Corporation.
Zhenhai is a city where most of the people are employed by ZRCC, truly
a company town, although with the changing times, the ownership of many
stores and shops are changing from company-owned to privately-owned. June/04
Being in Beijing - Being in Beijing - Beijing is moving forward in a big way; really, a quick moving microcosm of the country as a whole. Irrespective of the Olympics catalyst, the “People” get things done in the Republic and in some small way I’m pleased to be a part of it, whether it’s plunking down small change for a token gift or photographing the city skyline to share with my readers. It’s an imperfect city that’s given plenty the right to complain - pollution, heavy traffic - but it’s also taking great strides to improve the living conditions and still offers plenty in the way of cultural heritage and daily attractions. Aug./06 Being An Expat In China ~ In China During The Bombing In Belgrade ~ by Shane Jackson - Sitting just outside Richard's Pub puffing on the day's one and only reflection. It was warm and dry, small plastic shopping bags and other pieces of random garbage blew by. The scooter's scurried past like so many petro-powered cockroaches spewing thick blue oily smoke into the air for all to breathe. Small children stood on the running boards of the scooters between mom's rippling skirt and the steering yoke, attention riveted forward with absolute glee. Jan/06 Biking
The Xian City Wall ~ Adventure
In Xian ~ by Tina Zhang - Bicycling along the wall of Xian City sounds
like a great time. If you like biking and are thinking of traveling to
China, then you need to know what it's like to travel on a great wall riding
on your bike. Enjoy the views. Nov./03
Buy China, sell Japan: the new way to play Asia - Investing in China - Investing. Investing In China: The 21 Century Powerhouse - Investing in China - By Doug Casey - "Most Americans are provincial. If they travel anywhere, it's likely to be to Western Europe; the Orient (forget about Africa and South America) is pretty much Terra Incognita. The distinctions between the different countries and cultures in the Orient -which are as least as great as those in Europe - escape most of them." One of the leading investment consultants in the world, Doug Casey is well known as an authority on international investments. Casey has lived in seven countries, and visited over 150 ~ most several times. In this article on China Doug talks about the current investment climate in China and discusses, Shanghai, which he calls The Blade Runner City, Beijing, Democracy & Freedom, State & Party, Falun Gong, Societal differences, and why the future in China is better than just good. This article is a must for anyone concerned with the future, with investments, with the way the world is changine and what those changes mean to us. Buyer Beware in China - And Learning A little AboutThe Chinese Language ~ By Linda S. - Thinking about visiting China? Then you should look into the different traps you might find as a consumer. China is a great country to shop in but like anywhere you have to be careful about what it is that you think you are buying. And before going to China learning something about the Chinese language might help you on your travels or just give you a key as to how people think. March/03
China ~ My Other World ~ by Sam Meiguoren - What if there was another distant planet in another galaxy that had humans just like us. What if they came into being the same time we did. Would there technologically have evolved the same as ours? Would they live the same way we do? Would they comunicate in the same way? Maybe they would never have invented the automobile or the light bulb. Maybe they would have found a different way to travel or to light their world in the dark. It would seem that nothing could be exactly the same from one world to another but how then would it be different? I've never thought about these questions until after I visited China for the first time. Feb./05 China: A Nation In Motion: Traveling Beijing, Wuxi, and Shanghai As A Tourist And Potential Investor ~ by Vinnie Apicella - Ten days in China is not nearly enough time either as a tourist or value investor. Bearing in mind the flight, which is nearly a day long, or nearly two after whizzing by the International Date Line, unless your point of departure is, say, Vancouver, you’re already behind schedule before even touching down! Ideally, it is best to locate a reputable tour agency that can escort you city by city to cover the necessary highlights, then return again on your own to explore your preferred destination. Feb./05 China: Surviving the Culture Clash - China: Surviving the Culture Clash - One of the most apparent cultural differences to a foreigner living in China is personal hygiene. It is well known that spitting is common throughout China, but I did not know that many Chinese consider blowing your nose straight onto the ground to be fairly acceptable until I experienced it! Oct./06 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. Differences Between China And Taiwan ~ Living In Taiwan ~ Photo And Story by Daniel Wallace - One very noticeable difference between China and Taiwan is that Taiwanese women frequently have fuller bottoms. I’ve only been in the country a month, so my studies on the issue are hardly authoritative, yet the difference is pronounced. Fuller – not especially in the width and height dimensions; it’s in the depth department, in that mysterious and so hard to draw z axis. Is it a sign of more affluence in Taiwan, that greater comfort and security allows women’s bottoms to flesh out? Oct./05 Elephants, Dragons, Rice Fields, Pagodas, Karaoke, And Edible Puppies ~ Going It Alone In China’s Guangxi Province ~ by Steenie Harvey - Students aside, most first-time travelers to China join organized tours. But not everybody enjoys group travel, set meals, and rigid itineraries. Although things sometimes go wrong, I much prefer the freedom of making my own discoveries. Besides, going it alone is always likely to be cheaper than any tour. But if you don’t speak Chinese is traveling independently feasible in this country? Is it easy to book internal flights, use public transport, and find decent hotels at affordable prices? Nov./05 Ex Pats In China - Some Thoughts On Stereotyping ~ by Daniel Wallace - I opened the door of a cafe's toilet the other day, and a middle aged Chinese woman was inside, about to unbutton her jeans and crouch down. I blinked and politely closed the door. One of my Israeli friends was in the cafe, so I went and sat with her and recounted how the woman hadn't locked the door. My friend replied casually, "Oh, they always do that". May/05 Explosive
Profits In The World’s Fastest-Growing Economy ~ China
Continues Its Transition From Communism To Capitalism ~ by Joseph Lau
- When former Communist Party leader Deng Xiaoping announced in the 1980s,
“getting rich is glorious,” China’s 1.5 billion people took him at his
word. Twenty years later, China has the world’s fastest growing economy—a
truly amazing accomplishment for such a huge country. Sept./04
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
Foreign Investment in China ~ Rules, Regs and Proceedures - Investing in China - Butterfield, Reimer & Associates (Hong Kong) Ltd. writes, "Shanghai, the worlds' 5th largest city with over 22 million people. It is the home of 2500 high rise buildings, including the third largest building on earth. The rules how to start your investment in China and especially booming regions like Shanghai are sometimes confusing. However, if advised properly this is the path to take. China is the market of the future!" June/02 Get
Well Soon ~ A
Sick Expatriate In China ~ by I. Rage Robbins - If you plan to get
sick while in China, be prepared to have many of your notions of medical
treatment transformed. Finding a doctor you approve of in China can be
tricky. Most facilities offer a progressive blend of Western methods with
Chinese traditional medicines. But these methods are usually hardly in
keeping with Western expectations. To the expat, the scarceness of spotless
hospitals, adequate lighting and a standard of sterility are upsetting
if one is unprepared. I was unprepared. Aug/04
Health Insurance Abroad - Health Insurance Abroad - Are You Covered? If not, what should you do? You may think that you thought of everything, but have you? This article by Leslie Pappas can help you make sure. From the May/Jun 98 issue of Transitions Abroad - Hot
Day, Hot Food, Hot Time In Guza - In
Sichuan ~ by Satina Anziano - On Friday afternoon Tsering Ji stopped
by my campus apartment to ask questions about the English lesson.
This tall young woman with the long face and graceful moves is a rarity
among her classmates. She actually wants to learn English.
As she was leaving, she told me that the class would be having a hot pot
luncheon in Guza town on Saturday, and I should join them at 10:00 a.m.
May/04
How To Find A Sadhu Of Your Very Own ~ Or The Challenges Of Buying A Tibetan Horse ~ by Brandon Wilson - Chuzal Dzong was three gritty, unpaved streets, boasting a couple of general stores all touting the same Chinese goods, a pool hall, a smaller café frying more spicy Szechwan, and an audio cassette cum sweet shop. It wasn't much. But I figured it was our only chance to find something with four legs to carry our packs and someone with two to guide us to Gyantse. Jul/05 In
China - Toughing
It ~ by Edward Brewer - They tried again and failed. Yep, Sunday,
my dearest and closest Chinese friend tried to kill me again. And
again. And again. Three times they tried to "off" the big,
over-weight, tall, pony-tailed guy in shorts and with beautiful white skin.
I thought they came close, but I'm still here. Now for the details.
July/04
Interns Needed ~ Gateway Language Village, People's Republic of China ~ The Who, What, Where, When, Why, and How of Interning at GLV - Teaching English Overseas - Escape from America Magazine was recently contacted by Gateway Language Village to help in their search for Interns. The editor of Escape from America Magazine thought it would be helpful to readers if more was known about the job opening, its location, amenities, and other particulars readers might like to know about. GLV is offering three month and six month contracts to anyone with a strong desire to see and mingle with the authentic cultures of China. It's a chance for mature High School graduates, college students, world travelers, and people looking for an interesting adventure and educational experience to travel and work. August/02. Kangding
- On
The Road To Tibet ~ by Satina Anziano - Going to church on Sunday.
Now, what could be more ordinary? Well, for me, the nearest church
means a trip to Kangding, and a trip to Kangding is far from the ordinary.
'Kangding' is what the Chinese now call it. Dartsedo, the meeting
place - of two rivers, and of traders - is what the Tibetans have always
called it. Closed off until recently, few westerners have heard the
call of her river and the rugged beauty of her mountains. April/04
Male Warrior Princess ~ On Chinese TV ~ by Daniel Wallace - If you've seen one of these Chinese period pieces, you've seen most of them: there is a hero with long straight hair, a comedy fat courtier, a few pretty princesses, various evil bearded men and scheming aunties. I and four other Westerners (also picked up in the bar) played the henchmen of "Mar-Jali" a curiously named 19th century English explorer. When I told my Chinese girlfriend about my new job invading China, she assured me that the director would make sure that me and my fellow Westerners would be defeated. She added patriotically, "I hope you die". April/05 My Frustrating Love ~ What Is It Like To Live In China? ~ Photos And Story by Daniel Wallace - This article is a goodbye to the country I've lived in for ten months - travelling, living with a local family, teaching English. This is an account of the good and bad things I've encountered, and as a result is inevitably a series of generalisations - there are lots of exceptions to the tendencies I'm describing. Jul/05 On Learning The Awful Chinese Language ~ In China ~ by Antonio Graceffo - The first night I was on my own in Taichung City, I went out for some dinner. But, one problem with China is that you can’t read the street signs. Basically, I never go more than a few blocks from my house, because I can’t ask for directions. And, even if I could, I don’t know my address. Coming out of the restaurant, I got a little turned around. I knew that I was probably not more than a block from the apartment, but didn’t know where it was, exactly. Aug./05 On The Modern Silk Road ~ Traveling An Ancient Trade Route ~ by Susan Boyoung - Born in South Korea and raised in America, I embody Eastern roots with Western views. Traveling through China fulfilled part of my personal story, for in our heritage lies a discovery that may answer some of our precious questions. With a group of students from The Beijing Center, I traversed part of the 1,423 mile ancient Silk Road exploring the land, people, and places of my root culture. Jan/06 On
Two Wheels ~ China
From The Slow Lane ~ By Ben Hill - Mao's shadow falls far in China.
A Chinese English student of mine from the countryside north of Chengdu
told me that everyone in China says that Mao was 30% wrong and 70% right.
But I've always been told that the Chinese aren't good gamblers, though
I don't know that. Anyway, it seems as though Mao's legacy is being driven
over, literally. Nov./03
Paddling
The Maekok River - In
Indochina ~ by Antonio Graceffo - When you tell the folks back in Brooklyn
that you are going to paddle the entire Mekong River, they are justifiably
impressed. The Mekong is one of the most famous rivers in the world, often
referred to as The Heart of the Dragon, or The Soul of Indochina. It's
pristine waterways run from Yunnan, China, through Indochina, ending in
Vietnam. May/04
Perilous Passes In Winter ~ Adventures In China ~ by Satina Anziano - A couple years ago, during the winter break, I came across a monastery cradled in a small grassland area. There are plenty of monasteries much closer to where I live. Those are either small, or in an urban area. This monastery, 180 kilometers from my home, was large, yet away from any population center. I began to harbor dreams of meditation retreats on three-day weekends, eventually a week-long retreat. I was eager to meet the head Lama, to see if that would be possible. Meeting him, however, was not so easy. Oh, he's approachable enough, a real down-to-earth kind of fellow. But hard to reach. Though the location is not far, 'you can't get there from here'. April/05 Relocation to Shanghai - Our Move - Moving to Shanghai - "My first impression is that Shanghai is BIG, exotic, with lots and lots of people, bicycles,and cars- but easy to navigate and relatively cheap to live if I don't attempt maintain a totally american lifestyle - which I didn't want to do anyway. The few chinese people I have had contact with after 5 days have been very friendly, helpful, and tolerant. A surprising number of chinese I have encountered speak some English. English is taught as a required subject in most schools. Taxis and bicycles are everywhere. I can get anywhere in the city for 2 or 3 dollars. We won't need a car here." Secrets
To Surviving In China - Learning
What It Takes To Make It In China ~ By Glenn Frost - Doing business
in China is filled with idosyncratic gestures that act as a brake on business.
Most people feel you can't do business in the country unless you have a
local Chinese to represent you. But having someone else represent you in
business may not work for the kind of business you want to set up. The
above article will give you some ideas about what you will face in China
and what are some possible solutions. Feb./03
Shopping in Mainland China ~ Twelve Steps Across the Cultural Gap ~ Bargaining and Negotiation 101 for the Traveler to China - Make a Deal - A mother of two and a grandmother of 6, Eva Lynne dreamed of coming to China to teach since her early teens. She currently resides in Zhuhai, Guangdong Province, Peoples Rep. China. Bargaining price is not only expected, it's the custom. Here's how-to-do-it advice from a seasoned shopper in China. June/02. Surviving The Culture Clash ~ Some Unwritten Rules When Living In China ~ Charlotte Turner - If you are considering going to live and work in China, then I am sure that you have already begun your research and read as much literature as possible regarding Chinese customs, culture and lifestyle. I have lived in China now for over a year, (I taught in Beijing during the academic year of 2002-2003 and I am currently teaching in Shantou on a six month contract), and I wish to share some of the many unwritten cultural differences that I have experienced during this time. Nov./05 Taklamakan
Desert By Rickshaw ~ Venturing
Through Western China ~ by Antonio Graceffo - Antonio takes you out
onto the deserts of western China to meet some of the local inhabitants.
An intrepid traveller he bikes his way across the desert in order to show
us what is out there. He's planning on heading back to the desert soon
and hope we hear from him again upon his return. Sept./03
Teaching in China - Do It Yourself: The Steps to Finding a Job As a Foreign Teacher - So how do you find a job? If you're not eligible for a university exchange program and you're unwilling to pay the fee for an independent sending organization, you can go on your own. But apply early: While some positions are still open as late as July or August, try to make contact by March. (Occasionally, positions are open for the second semester, too, which begins in February.) The Cult Of The Leader - Mao's Hometown ~ by Ben Hill - Very hard to say about Chairman Mao: son of a well-to-do farmer, schoolteacher, guerrilla leader, absolute ruler of China. He was also a man of strange habits: he is said to never have brushed his teeth; he only ever rinsed them in green tea. On the other hand he was incredibly brave:there is the story of Mao swimming at the Chinese summer resort, Beidaihe, and upon seeing a typhoon coming across the sea towards the beach, he jumped into the water and started swimming into the storm. The above article gives you an idea about Chairman Mao's legacy. Oct./03 The Isolated Expatriate - The Isolated Expatriate - Live abroad without surrounding yourself with other expats. From the Jan/Feb 98 issue of Transitions Abroad - The Monk From Brooklyn ~ An American At The Shaolin Temple ~ by Antonio Graceffo - The Shaolin Temple, the birthplace of Kung Fu and modern Chinese Buddhism, is the oldest and most mysterious kung fu school in the world. It is an exotic and mythical destination of daydreams to millions of people. In the history of the temple, very few foreigners have ever had a chance to study there. Foreigners have been allowed to study in many of the Shaolin schools, near the temple, which have taken the Shaolin name as a marketing ploy, but less than fifty foreigners have studied at the original Shaolin Temple. Nov./04 The Pleasures And Pitfalls Of Teaching In China ~ Some Thoughts On China ~ by Charlotte Turner - One way to immerse yourself in the culture, customs and lifestyle of another country is to pack your bags, jump on a plane, and become a TEFL teacher. I taught in Beijing, China from July 2002 until I left at the height of the SARS outbreak in April 2003, and I found it to be one of the most interesting, challenging and exciting experiences of my life. Nov./04 There's No Place Like Home ~ A "Stranger in a Strange Land" Settles In - Living in China - Larry Jer is of Chinese decent, but was born and raised in North America. He signed on for a one-year hitch to teach English at Shenyang Pharmacy College, China, but mere hours after he dropped his luggage, he was told he'd have a one month paid vacation, free from lessons, just to get accustomed to his new surroundings. Not a bad gig by any means, but lacking any language skills and foreign to the culture, panic set in. Larry relied on what skills he'd brought with him, and before the month was over, he called China home. Larry enjoyed his time in Shenyang so much, he stayed an additional year. He eventually returned to Canada to set up house with Jun, his lovely bride from China and credits his good fortune solely on his #35 haircut. Tibet and the Potala Palace ~ From Riches to Ruins - Tibet - Richard S. Ehrlich notes, "The Dalai Lama may remember the Potala Palace as his center of power in Tibet, but the Chinese have turned the stunning 1,000-room structure into a slick corporate logo, decorating beer bottles, computer screens and plastic packets of dried yak meat. Mindful of the popular capitalist chant, 'location, location, location,' the heart of the Potala Palace is now occupied by a tacky, spacious, Chinese-run gift shop." Sept./02 Traditions Alive In Modern Eastern Tibet - Celebrating The Tibetan New Year ~ by Satina Anziano - Preparations are in full swing for lhosar, the Tibetan New Year. The teens will gather at 9 a.m. today to practice the dances and songs for the festival. When I rouse myself to look at my watch, I see it is already quarter past eight. My host, Urgyen, is at puja1 with the monks, so I will be alone for breakfast. I ease myself out of the warm bed into the frigid air. My mountaineer watch records a room temp of 43°F. I use the chamber pot one last time. I fish under the blankets for my socks, then jump into the rest of my clothes layered over the ever-present long johns. Once again under the blankets for the hot water bottle. May/05 “Wait And See” In Futuristic Shanghai ~ China’s Fast-Paced And Most Cosmopolitan City ~ by Steenie Harvey - Although not the traditional China of pagodas and pavilions, Shanghai conjures up all the mystery of the Far East. A past of colonial adventurers, shady ladies, and opium dens, it now has a shining future as Asia’s major hub of economy and trade. Many multinationals whose regional headquarters were in Hong Kong and Singapore have already relocated here. China’s most cosmopolitan city, Shanghai is also its richest and largest. Although estimates vary, general consensus puts the population of its greater municipal area at around 18 million people. And that’s truly beyond megalopolis. Dec./05 Yunnan - Vacation In China ~ by Adam Geisler -Having just been blown over by an early precursor of an infamous Beijing sandstorm, my mind drifts back to a recent trip to Yunnan province. Yunnan is about as far away as one can get from Beijing on the Chinese mainland. Colorful in many senses of the word, the southwest corner of China boasts a diverse motif of people, places, and topography unseen elsewhere in the country. March/04
Adventures
In Colombia ~ The
Journey Continues ~ By Mark McMahon - Back out on the road and south
of the border. Mark is an intrepid traveler and this time he takes us to
Colombia. Some of the best people I know are from Colombia and from what
they tell me the country is great even if the politics aren't. Cartegena
and Barranquilla are considered safer than most other cities in Colombia.
Mark gives us an idea about what it's like to travel and explore Colombia
and what a hard night with a bottle of Aguardiente is like...hmmm, have
had a few of those lately myself. July/03
Colombia
- Up
In The Mountains Above Cali ~ by Jacky Akelsberg - Have made many friends
from Colombia during my time in Panama and invariably they tell me that
the Colombian countryside is amazing. Most people own farms, but have trouble
reaching them as the political situation in the countryside is too dangerous.
The above article gives you a little bit of an idea what life in the countryside
can be like when things are peaceful. Oct./03
How To Disappear In Six Easy Lessons -Hiding Out In The Walled City Of Cartagena - For professional reasons I read all the books on 'disappearing,' how to become a fugitive, vanish, jump ship, go away, and not be found. Most of them are rubbish. One failing they all have in common is telling the 'disappeared' what location to go once they jump ship. Most of them mention Costa Rica. Disappearing in Costa Rica is like disappearing in Beverly Hills, and almost as expensive. No one disappears in Costa Rica, except perhaps the Costa Ricans that you invest money with. If I were seeking a city where I could live without being found it would be Havana, Cuba. Cartagena would be a second cousin, a slightly poorer choice, but it would certainly be on my list. - by Roger Gallo Into The Amazonian Badlands - Remote Amazon ~ by El Vagabundo - Outlaw territory is where we were headed. After the 84th km the National Police and Marine patrols became more frequent and visible. The land begins to roll into the foothills of the Cordillera Azul that will itself rise into the Andes 300 km to the West. It was the week before Christmas and six years after the first time I had set eyes on this land. I fell in love with this hill country back then even though, unbeknownst to me, the place was off limits to US government personnel. The notable exceptions being the usual CIA operatives and Special Forces “advisors”. Mar/05 Quality of Life in Bogota - Quality of Life in Bogota - When I retired a few years ago I discovered that for the most part, old people in the US are forced into doing old people things, generally with other old people. I knew I wanted more than that. I had lived for the previous 15 years on a beautifully wooded ranch in a pretty rural area near Houston in Texas, but by the time I stopped work, it was surrounded by upscale subdivisions, shopping malls and Walmart. By Russel Stanley May/06 Retiring In Cartagena ~ In Colombia ~ by George Harrs - Colombia, are you nuts? You might well ask this question if you haven’t visited this enchanting city and not many North Americans have. Cartagena is a jewel in the Caribbean and I’m not the only one who feels that way. Cartagena is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is a favorite vacation and retirement destination for many thousands of Europeans and Colombians. Nov./04 Under The Shade Of The Mango Tree ~ Into The Colombian Amazon ~ by El Vagabundo - It had been a particularly bad year for me. I hadn’t worked the entire year (thank you Enron, Dick and George), my mother had passed away, and Plaintiff #2 took the kids and left. All this during an election year when the so-called Patriot Act was being touted as an effective measure to make me feel safer (no one of Middle Eastern descent had been detained, offended or otherwise insulted but my abilities to travel freely and do as I please with my own hard earned money have been seriously curbed), and the body count of young Americans was on the rise in a war that fewer and fewer of the American people wanted anything to do with. Dec./04 Viva COLOMBIA ~ Heart of Heaven, Heart of Hell ~ The Pros and Cons of Living and Working in Colombia - Living and Working in Colombia - Larry M. Lynch has been living and working in Cali, Colombia, for the last seven years. He has this to say to those of you considering moving to South America, "Don’t worry needlessly over the politics and news reports. Never mind the Arnold Schwarzenegger movie. No longer does the sound of helicopter gunships firing into the suburban brush greet your ears in the evenings. President Andres Pastrana has adopted a 'get tough' attitude with guerilla forces. President-elect Alvaro Uribe won based on his hard-line stance against Guerilla and Para-military forces. Just remember to prepare yourself for the adventure of a lifetime when you do come. It’s up to you whether Colombia becomes the heart of heaven or the heart of hell."
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