HONG
KONG - cont.
| Buy
a Rolls Royce for the price of a Chevy - and other ways to profit from
an international lifestyle - 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. |
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| Global
Nomadic Housing For Expatriates - Part One - Self-Contained Living |
| Global Nomadic
Housing for expats? Why not? Design your living space &
workshop and take it with you... Maverick designer Colin Reedy
tells us how. "I felt like I had enough information to start designing.
I searched for examples of prior efforts to modify shipping containers
for housing. The companies that sold the containers sometimes
made modifications like windows or doors for the contractors to use at
construction sites, but nothing interesting. I found images from Hong Kong
where people were living in containers set on huge metal frames in an apartment-like
arrangement. Not much had been done to the containers except stairway access.
The best examples I found were not for shipping containers, but from mid-century
efforts at modular housing or “utopian” mass housing." |
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| Hills,
Mountains And Sea - The Adventure Side Of Hong Kong |
| Trekking
up a steep knife-edged ridge, covered in late season grass, the slope gently
dropped off on either side. To my right, the green rolling hills were expansive,
filling the horizon with a never-ending panorama of undisturbed nature.
To my left, an easy bluff eventually gave way to a sharp drop of approximately
sixty meters, ending on a sandy beach. Jan/06 |
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| Living
And Teaching In Singapore And Hong Kong: What You Need To Know |
| They opened
the heavy steel door and I peered inside. A sudden realization gripped
me and I felt my emotions begin to stir. ‘A furnished studio apartment,’
they had said. ‘Close to the school,’ they had promised. I fought
the sudden urge to collapse onto the nearest available poultry house and
turned to smile patiently at their expectant faces. By Mark Newton Mar/06 |
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| My
Secrets to a Lifetime of Making Money in Overseas Real Estate - International
Investing |
| If we can
now buy a ranch in Argentina (or Uruguay, or New Zealand, or name your
spot,) for ten cents on the dollar of what a similar property inside
the United States would cost us, and if we can carry on commerce from anywhere
we are, how long do you imagine it's going to take your neighbor to realize
the very same thing? As one writer put it, "those folks who buy that ranch
in Argentina today are going to have grandchildren who will think they
were a genius." Gary Scott tells us more, in an article from the best of
International Living. |
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| Offshore
Stock Exchanges - Special Feature From LowTax Online TaxWire |
| In
an ongoing effort to provide a cross-section of the best offshore information
on the internet, EscapeArtist seeks out the best online resources. We are
really excited about a new website and news letter called,Low Tax Online
NewsWire - In this issue or Escape From America we present a Special Feature
from the NewsWire on Offshore Stock Exchanges. Countries such as Bermuda,
Ireland, Jersey, Cyprus (maybe), Hong Kong (already) and Mauritius are
cleaning themselves up for what could be a glittering future. This report
includes some of the offshore jurisdictions with Stock Exchanges, their
Regulatory Basis Including Listing Rules, Trading and Settlement, Costs
of Listing and additional resources. |
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| Residence,
Immigration & Work Permits - Special Feature From LowTax Online TaxWire |
| In
an ongoing effort to provide a cross-section of the best offshore information
on the internet, EscapeArtist seeks out the best online resources. We are
really excited about a new website and news letter called, Low Tax Online
NewsWire - In this issue of Escape From America we present a Special Feature
from the NewsWire on Residence, Immigration & Work Permits. Countries
covered are: Bahamas, Bermuda, Gibraltar, Guernsey, Hong Kong, Ireland,
Isle of Man, Jersey, Mauritius and Panama. An excellent resource
from a valuable newsletter. If you intend to invest offshore you
need current information from an effective source, the LowTax Online TaxWire
is as good as it gets. Their international editorial staff provides up
to date information from around the world. |
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| The
‘Freest Place in the World’ How Hong Kong Can Help You Unlock China’s Treasure
Chest |
| You may have
seen the film National Treasure, in which Nicolas Cage has to unlock a
multi-layered puzzle to find a vast treasure. China is like that for many
investors - a virtually limitless treasure chest with an enormous number
of investment opportunities, if only you can find the darned key.
Finding the correct keys to access China’s treasures is no easy task. The
good news is that Hong Kong is not only the gateway to China, it holds
the golden key to China’s many treasure chests. |
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| The
Telecommunications Revolution - Global Telecommunications Technology |
| Perhaps there
is no easier or better way to make money from anywhere we choose to live
than to take advantage of the advances in global communications. In any
event each of us can certainly save money by taking advantage of the advances
even if we only choose to use the new technology to call home. |
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| HUNGARY |
| An
American in a Refugee Camp - An American in a Refugee Camp |
| I’m
often asked how and why I went to the camp. It’s relatively simple,
my background is in human rights and international relations. After bartending
and waitressing my way through Europe, I was interested in doing something
a bit more meaningful. I’ve always felt the need to give something
back to the countries I’ve traveled through and lived in. After all,
those countries have given me some very profound experiences. So when I
arrived in Budapest, I grabbed a telephone book and found out the Hungarian
Red Cross was just down the street from my hostel. I went there with
an interest in refugee work anywhere in Eastern Europe and they in turn
dropped me off at Debreceni Menekült Tábor, the Debrecen Refugee
Camp. |
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| Budapest
- Budapest is on a Roll |
| An article
on Budapest by an expatriate living there. Budapest - Paris of the
East - The Pearl of the Danube, The Little Paris, The City of Baths - It's
a good place to be. |
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| Living
in “Strange and wonderful” Budapest - Where the living is increasingly
pleasant...and still very cheap |
| Budapest,
where the living is increasingly pleasant...and still very cheap - "The
best arrangement I ever had in this city of 2 million was living a block
from the river off Szabadság Bridge, just west of the Hotel Gellért
on Bartók Bela. It was an elaborate, dusty three-bedroom apartment
with 18-foot-tall ceilings and a living room the size of a fine restaurant,
and I got the luxury of walking across the Danube each morning on my way
to work. I shared the place with two colleagues, for a total of $160 a
month. On warm spring nights, we would open the huge windows to the street
below, an endless circus of squeaking trams and honking Ladas, and let
the Danubian breeze flow through while we conjured the ghost of Bartók
and let his spooky Gypsy string quartets play through the boom box. On
$800 a month, I lived better than I have in San Francisco, New Orleans,
or Washington on $3,000." |
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| Looking
For Something A Little Different? - Journey Thru Hungary |
| 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. |
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| On
The Road - - Budoia To Budapest-For travellers who miss the pre-EU border
checks and passport stamps |
| For travelers
who miss the pre-EU border checks and passport stamps as souvenirs, a trip
to the edge of the Balkans should satisfy their nostalgia. On a recent
spur-of-the-moment, 5 day soggiorno intended to just explore the northeast
corner of Slovenia, we decided to keep on going. Budapest isn't that
far. The following are some road tips gleaned from making a 1500
km. odyssey into, around, and out of the Magyar Zone. |
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| Plastic
Surgery in Hungary |
| While Budapest
is fascinating and provides a myriad of opportunities, you will want to
save more rigorous sightseeing and budget accommodations for another trip.
At this point you have given yourself permission to pamper yourself for
two to four weeks so you will want to arrange accommodations to do just
that without sacrificing value. |
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| The
Fulbright Teachers Exchange Program - A Step By Step Guide |
| 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. |
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| Travel
- Budapest – A Tale of Three Cities |
| Located
in Eastern Europe, Hungary is diverse and beautiful country. The undisputed
treasure of the country is Budapest. Over 2,000 years old, Budapest is
a large city containing traces of the various forces that have ruled it
over time. Romans, Turks, Goths and many others have conquered the city.
Somehow, the various influences work in such a way as to make the city
sparkle. By Rick Chapo Mar/06 |
|
| ICELAND |
| The
Warm Pleasures Of Cold - Iceland Offseason |
| The
road out of Reykjavik passes along several coastal towns shrouded in morning
mist, then transforms into a two-lane path that stretches among craggy
volcanic outcrop. Even though it is almost mid-morning, the sun has yet
to peer out from under its blanket of darkness; only a small pink-gold
band can be seen on the horizon. On either side of the road, tiny mounds
of stones dot the ground, like miniature houses for the gnomes the Icelandic
people are said to believe in. |
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| INDIA |
| A
Trip To The Konark Sun Temple, Orissa - Travels In India |
| After a brief
stay at New Delhi, I decided to travel to Konark Sun Temple which is located
in the state of Orissa near the sacred city of Puri.The World Heritage
Konark Sun Temple is dedicated to the Sun God or Surya as it is pronounced
in India. It was a warm welcome at the Bhuvaneshwar Airport with temperature
at 38-degree Celsius. Soon after getting out of the airport, I moved to
May Fair Lagoon, a better hotel in the capital of Orissa and stayed inside
my room to refresh myself. |
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| Elephanta
- The Abode Of Shiva |
| During the
early days of Hindu philosophy, cave temples became the symbol of piety
and extreme religious leanings. Many cave temples were made during this
period. At this point in time there was a mix of followers of different
religions such as Hinduism, Jainism and Buddhism. Religious tolerance and
openness is evident by the fact that devotees of any of these religions
carved out the idols of their favorite deity. So it is not common to find
Hindu, Buddhist or Jain cave temples harmoniously existing together since
time immemorial. The journey to the Elephanta Caves is like a journey back
in time, the caves are remarkably well–preserved. |
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| Escape
To Sundarbans….Indian Flexability |
| Journey to
India is not complete if you do not travel to the northeastern part of
India .And as you travel to the Eastern part of this unique land, you should
take out some time to visit the 1330.10 sq.kms swampy delta of the two
mighty Indian rivers, Brahmaputra and the Ganges known as Sundarbans, famous
across the world for being the home of the Royal Bengal Tiger. The name
Sundarban is derived from Sundari Trees, once found in abundance in this
swampy delta island. |
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| Finally
In Mumbai - India's Financial And Commercial Capital |
| It
was early Sunday morning when my Air India flight landed at the Chattrapati
Shivaji International Airport and I was excited to be finally in the city
that never sleeps! The sheer chance to explore the city that is always
on the move, a city that is so different from any other cities of India
made me really excited from inside. Arguably, the most modern city in India,
Mumbai is the commercial & financial capital city of India. |
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| Gateway
Of The Gods - Haridwar |
| Kerala is
referred to as God’s own country in India, but I don’t see how we cannot
refer to the little state of Uttaranchal when talking of God's country.
It has the majestic Himalayas and the graceful Ganges flowing across it,
as well as abundant flora and fauna. It’s the abode of nearly all the Hindu
Gods and Goddesses. One such place is Haridwar or the Gateway of the Gods.
Legend says that for some reason Lady Ganges was very mad and in a destructive
mood. When she was about to flow in from the heavens in fa ury and touch
the earth such large-scale destruction was unparalleled. |
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| Goa—where
Asia meets Europe and expat hideaways cost from $14,000 |
| Most people
associate colonialism in India with the British. However, Goa’s 450 years
of European settlement followed a different pattern. This was Portugal’s
first colony in Asia, and the state only gained its independence in 1961.
According to one taxi driver, many Goans still consider themselves as “separate”
from the rest of India. Jun./06 |
|
| Indian
Desert Safari |
| The brochure
noted it as a highlight - a two and half day camel safari into the Thar
Desert in the Indian state of Rajasthan, once a collection of princely
kingdoms. Deserts are so quiet, peaceful; I was hoping this one would
be living, - full of flowers, plants, animals and colourful people and
I signed up immediately. Oct./06 |
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| Jaipur:
A Land Of Color, Culture And Bonhomie - Travel To India |
| When I was
a child India was nothing but a land of fairy tales, of Kings & Queens,
palaces and intrigues. Well often times when you travel across India you
tend to come across remnants of diversity in culture. But once you move
across from Delhi towards Rajasthan you can see the majesty of the Rajas
who ruled this desert kingdom. Rajasthan - the first thought that comes
to mind is the splash of color and vivacity of the people who live there.
Can you ever begin to imagine a desert, which is alive? I could not … until
my nieces came over to India to visit us. |
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| Life
In India Without The Trappings Of Power - Getting Around Power |
| India
when viewed through the eyes of a Westerner is quaint, archaic, mystic
and charming on the one hand. On the other, it is a mosquito-ridden, poverty-ridden
and full of religious zealots. But to me India is a home like none other.
Travelling within the country fills me with pride and marvel: the uniqueness
of this beautiful land which is so rich in culture. These are oft-repeated
cliches from Indian authors. But the mystic, the charm and the cultural
diversity are what make India today what it is. |
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| Mystical
Varanasi |
| Varanasi has
been a centre of learning and civilization for over two thousand years;
this ancient city finds mention in many Indian epics. Activity prevailed
here when Greece and Rome did not exist; it was a flourishing centre of
trade when Buddha came to Sarnath, some 10 km away, to preach his first
sermon in 500 B.C. The city continues to draw Sanskrit scholars and students
from all over the world. Apr./07 |
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| Nagarhole
- A Visit Worth Remembering |
| Our holiday
was nearing and the children were clamoring to go. Collectively we hit
on the idea of visiting the nearest tourist destination with a back to
the nature feel. The kids decided we should visit wildlife sanctuaries.
Out of the 400 odd sanctuaries, National Parks and reserve areas, we decided
to visit the one nearest to our hometown and with an economical cost. So
Nagarhole was it! The journey began at six in the morning, with a slight
mist and our eager heads popping out to see any wild animal by chance.
The tiger is shy of any human contact, but any animal sighting would have
been welcome. |
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| Northeastern
India - Destination: Guwahati |
| Exploring
India is always an experience of a lifetime and it may not be possible
for one individual to cover the whole Indian subcontinent during lifespan.
As many of us travel to experience and share some of the unique locations,
I am trying to experience India’s northeastern region, which is still a
mystery and is least explored. |
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| Northeastern
India - Destination: Shillong |
| The northeastern
region of the Indian subcontinent is a remote and one of the most beautiful
locations, which is yet to be explored. As communications being improved
in recent times, the region is very fast turning out to be a Traveler’s
Paradise with more and more tourists flowing in to explore the virgin landscape
and amazing tribal culture. |
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| One
Week In The Coastal Paradise Of Western India - In Goa |
| As I was wondering
where to escape to during this time of the year, I received a call from
Catherine, a friend of mine from Kolkata who wanted me to join her on a
trip to Goa. Wow!!! I just jumped out of the chair and said yes immediately.
As we were both camping at different locations, we decided to meet up at
Mumbai Airport. It was on the morning of 24th October, I took the newly
introduced Spice Jet flight from New Delhi and reached Mumbai in the afternoon
and was joined by Catherine who was waiting for me since morning. |
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| Outsourcing
to India |
| They have
been labelled as “adventure workers” who have been joining the Indian work
force from the U.S. and Europe. For some tim India’s outsourcing
and information technology firms have been hiring foreigners at higher
and middle levels for their expertise. However, now, workers from
abroad are seeking lower-end jobs as well, such as answering phones at
call centres, for a fraction of what they would earn in their home country.
Jan/06 |
|
| Set
Your Sights On Asia’s Sleeping Elephant - India |
| Many people
think China is THE growth story in Asia. And sure, China has a lot going
for it. But don’t look now, because the high-flying dragon might be overtaken
by a “sleepy” elephant - India. Subscribers to TSI’s VIP trading service
Renegade Investor already know the good news on India - they’ve received
a recommendation on an Indian stock traded on the NYSE with great potential.
In this issue, we’ll look at another Indian stock that’s on the launch
pad. It’s a leading automaker in what will soon be the world’s most populous
nation... it’s exporting to 70 countries and adding more customers... it
grew sales by 29% and earnings by 50% in the most recent quarter... and
yet it’s selling for relative peanuts. |
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| Single
White Female In incredible India |
| I thought
back on my arrival, one month earlier, at Indira Gandhi International airport.
Although it was the day before Thanksgiving, the thermometer oozed over
85. The locals were in saris, kurtas, or thin oxford shirts that they paired
with anything from traditional Indian bottoms to distressed Levis. Sandals
were de rigeur. In my black pants and leather boots, I might has well have
been arriving from another planet. Apr./07 |
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| Spirituality
And Old City Charm Is Synonymous With Varanasi - More Travels To India |
| What’s so
mystical about Benares? It’s the people and their way of life. At dawn
the sweet chime of bells ringing in the temples and the chant of the mantras
awaken you. Hundreds of temples can be found in Benares. A city so steeped
in traditions, religious ceremonies and yet at the same time it has been
the home of great scholars especially literary and also related to the
sciences and astrology. My mother believed in all that was Benarsi or that
belonged to Benares not because it was the city of her birth but due to
the deep seated belief in its traditions and way of life. |
|
| Tendong
Hill - Unfolding The Himalayan Folklore |
| India is the
land of a million Gods and a billion mortals. Here legend is a part of
history and faith is unquestioned, thus I begin my journey in search of
a folktale, where the entire human race was saved from the wrath of Gods
when they took refuge in a mountain. I am heading for Tendong Hill in Sikkim.
Sikkim is tucked in the North Eastern part of India and is surrounded by
Nepal, Tibet (China) and Bhutan. It is overlooked by the mighty Himalayas
and its guardian deity is the third highest mountain in the world - Mt.
Khanchendzonga. |
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| The
Valley Of Gold? - Ford's Plans To Turbocharge Himalayan Tourism |
| Today I shook
hands with Alfred Ford, great grandson of the legendary Henry Ford. What's
most surprising is that this wasn't in Aspen or St. Moritz, but in the
small Himalayan town of Manali, a town Mr. Ford plans to put on the world
tourism map with the construction of an ambitious new ski resort. |
|
| Think
India - Think Holiday At Kerala |
| It was late
last week while wrapping up my tour to Mumbai that I suddenly felt my inner
call for Vagamon, branded as one of the world’s 50 must see destinations
by the National Geographic Traveller Magazine. The prompt decision led
me to change my return schedule to New Delhi and landed me in Cochin Airport
the next day with my only intention being to spend a night at Vagamon.
Upon arriving, I decided to head for Vagamon Heritage Resort, a resort
on top of a hill. Situated at a distance of 100km from Cochin International
Airport, the journey to the resort was a cool experience as I was passing
through paddy fields, rubber plantations and green just about everywhere.
The Vagamon Heritage Resort is 1100m above sea level, surrounded by tea
gardens and amazingly beautiful valleys and it is a trekker’s paradise. |
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