EscapeArtist Travel Articles . More Travel Articles - Travel Article Index On This Page - Travel Articles - Regions Cambodia Through Czech Republic Articles Listed Alphabetically By Nation & Region | Cambodia | Canada |  Cape Verde | Cayman Islands | Chile | China | Colombia | Costa Rica | Croatia | Cuba | Cyprus | Czech Republic | Cambodia . A Cambodian Adventure ~ Out On The Edge In The Land Of The Khmer ~  By Philip Jablom A Cambodian Adventure ~ Out On The Edge In The Land Of The Khmer ~ By Philip Jablom - Cambodia is a place where everthing seems possible. The above article gets you down on the street and into the boxing ring and down on the beach and in the bar. You can feel what the place is like and that's the way good travel writing should be. May/03 . Before Angkor ~ In Cambodia ~  By Antonio Graceffo Before Angkor ~ In Cambodia ~ by Antonio Graceffo - Along the dusty road, you pass ancient two-wheeled carts, pulled by large cows. Half wild herds of buffalo make their lazy way through lush dense jungle, driven by barefoot boys wearing krama. Rice farmers squat in their flooded fields, their heads protected from the intense Cambodian sun by pointed wide-brimmed straw hats. Children play, casing pigs and chickens under the houses on stilts, whose thatched walls are made of woven palm leaves or shredded bamboo. Many of the front doors are adorned with a plastic bag of red liquid to ward off the vampires believed to drink the blood of young girls. Women, wearing traditional dress, their heads wrapped in krama, walk or ride bicycles along the side of the road. Oct./05 . Building Self-help in a Cambodian Community  By Ranald Totten Building Self-help in a Cambodian Community - Building Self-help in a Cambodian Community - On a sweltering February day, balancing unsteadily on a thin strip of wood five meters above ground, I twisted my body enough to accomplish a simple feat: hammering a nail. My small triumph was part of a much larger undertaking—building homes for the poorest of the poor in a threadbare country. After three decades of war and instability, Cambodia, which has experienced horror rivaling anything in history, is on the mend, and the people are cautiously optimistic about the future. Optimism exists because of Tabitha-Cambodia, a nonprofit organization based in Phnom Penh. . Cambodian Director Preserving Khmer Culture, Through Martial Arts Movies ~ Preserving Cambodian Khmer Culture ~  By Antonio Graceffo 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   Feeding The Ancestors ~ The Cambodian Pchum Ben Festival ~  By Antonio Graceffo 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   Feeling Safe In Cambodia ~ Talking To The Nerves ~  By Peter O’Dowd Feeling Safe In Cambodia ~ Talking To The Nerves ~ by Peter O’Dowd - I promise, I’m not a feeble man. I’ve traveled through Kenya, studied in Europe, just finished a year working in Japan, but there is a reaction I encounter whenever I cross a border into a strange country for the first time; it’s a nervous feeling of impending tragedy and Cambodia brought that out of me unlike any country I had ever approached before. Our mission was to travel overland from Bangkok to Hanoi via Cambodia, and I almost turned around before I got there because everything I read and everyone I loved said, “No. Don’t do it. The place is too dangerous.” By all accounts, they were right. Dec./04   Glimpses Of Cambodia ~ The Killing Fields Near Phomn Penh ~  Written And Photographed by David Lavoie Glimpses Of Cambodia ~ The Killing Fields Near Phomn Penh ~ Written And Photographed by David Lavoie - Some fifteen kilometres from Phomn Penh down several dusty dirt roads we arrived at Cheung Ek. This was one of the infamous Khmer Rouge “killing fields” There was one in each of Cambodia’s 18 states. In them uncounted people died. Chung Ek alone claimed 17,000 including nine westerners who tried to help Cambodians. There are no words adequate to describe this visit, one we felt we had to make.  Dec./05   In Cambodia - Politics, People And The Enviroment ~  By Evan Weinberger 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 -  By Scott Hipsher 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 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 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 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 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 . Canadian Immigration - No College Degree? No Problem! ~  By Polina Skibinskaya 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   Driving the Okanagan Wine Trail - Driving the Okanagan Wine Trail -  By Margaret Swaine 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   Home Buying In Canada -  By Dave Lympany 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   Nova Scotia ~ Cheap Living And Retirement In Canada's Hidden Paradise ~  By Phillip Townsend 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 -  By Joyce Case Harlow 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   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 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   Ruminations On Good ole Canada ~ Postcard From Costa Rica ~  By Kevin Barker 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 Revenge of Canada's Old Economy -  By Eric Roseman 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   Winter In Canada ~ Survival ~  By Thelma O’ Connor 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 . Cape Verde . Cape Properties: Exotic and a Bargain - Real Estate in Cape Verde -  By Doug Casey Cape Properties: Exotic and a Bargain - Real Estate in Cape Verde - 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 -  By Tracy Bowens 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. . Cayman Islands . Offshore Stock Exchanges - Special Feature From LowTax Online TaxWire - Special Feature from the NewsWire on Offshore Stock Exchanges -   Offshore Stock Exchanges - Special Feature From LowTax Online TaxWire - Special Feature from the NewsWire on Offshore Stock Exchanges - 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. . Chile . A Family Affair In Chile ~ In the Beginning ~  By Bonnie and Gary Paulsson A Family Affair In Chile ~ In the Beginning ~ by Bonnie and Gary Paulsson - We are sitting in the living room of our new, custom designed and built home in the Lakes District of Chile, each of us sipping a glass of one of Chile's finer Cabernets. Gazing out at the gathering moonlight as night settles upon our small slice of Paradise, we look at each other and smile. The last light from the sun's rays, which graced the tops of the Andes just a few short minutes ago has moved farther east on its path around the earth.  Nov./05 . 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 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 -  By Justin Ford 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 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 . Coastal Chile -  By Lee Harrison 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 -  By Zandra Valenzuela Delgado 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 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   Moving To Chile, Part Two ~ Chile Measured Up! ~  By Bonnie and Gary Paulsson Moving To Chile, Part Two ~ Chile Measured Up! ~ by Bonnie and Gary Paulsson - Wow-and-a-Half! We have had the most amazing month! First of all, a big Chilean "Hola!" to all of our new-found friends. We do not want to forget anyone. We have received emails from people living all over the world - from the US to Latvia as well as England, Afghanistan, India and...Dec./05   Moving To Chile, Part Three ~ Feliz y Prospero Año Nuevo! ~  By Bonnie and Gary Paulsson Moving To Chile, Part Three ~ Feliz y Prospero Año Nuevo! ~ by Bonnie and Gary Paulsson - What a momentous and unexpectedly poignant year we have just finished wrapping up and storing away! We hope this bit of correspondence from our home in the heart of Chile finds each and every one of you healthy and happy! Hopefully you have been enjoying our commentary as we "struggle" to enjoy the beautiful summer days and warm nights as well. Jan/06   Paddling The Pathways Of Patagonia ~ Deep In The Heart Of Patagonia ~  By Kyle Hammons Paddling The Pathways Of Patagonia ~ Deep In The Heart Of Patagonia ~ by Kyle Hammons - Patagonia. For years that word has conjured fantasies in my mind, visions of sheer granite walls and isolated wilderness. Flying south over the Andes I could hardly contain my excitement as I paced the aisles of the plane attempting to gain a better view of the snow-capped peaks that formed the border between Argentina and Chile. Like so many explorers, I had anticipated this day for as long as I could read the words on my father’s jacket and now I had reached a land that had once seemed so remote, so forbidding and so impossible. April/05   Real Estate Business Opportunities in Chile ~  By Gary and Bonnie Paulsson Real Estate Business Opportunities in Chile ~ Real Estate Business Opportunities in Chile ~ Now, if you have an idea for a new business, there may be no better place than Chile to try out this idea! Chile welcomes businesses of all types, labor costs are minimal and in some cases, you just might get assistance FROM the Chilean government if they feel your idea is worthwhile... No Al Capone-types, please! Also, citizens from all around the world are welcome in Chile and International Tourism is on the rise. Actually, the Chileans themselves provide a very active tourist market within Chile. Aug./06   Teaching English In Chile ~ English As A Second Language ~  By Emily Tell Teaching English In Chile ~ English As A Second Language ~ by Emily Tell - Without a doubt English is the international language.  Although other languages such as French, Spanish, and even Chinese represent a large population and may be diplomatic in nature, business and diplomacy are carried out in English. Feb./05   The Most Beautiful Place You've Never Heard Of ~ Living In Southern Chile ~  By Douglas Harris The Most Beautiful Place You've Never Heard Of ~ Living In Southern Chile ~ by Douglas Harris - Only the most geographically challenged have never heard of Patagonia, a few can name a location like San Carlos Bariloche, Argentina which has been famous with skiers for years and is becoming popular with world travelers flocking to the Lake District. Beyond Bariloche, the map of Patagonia is blank. Jan/06   Trials And Treasures In Patagonia ~ Adventures In The South Of Chile ~  By Kyle Hammons Trials And Treasures In Patagonia ~ Adventures In The South Of Chile ~ by Kyle Hammons - Rivers in Patagonia run wild. Few bridges cross the glacier-fed streams and our group was having difficulty locating a safe crossing spot. The Nadis River had only grown deeper and wider as our expedition journeyed further into the secluded valley in southern Chile. Now twenty people were faced with the daunting task of crossing a rapid-moving river. Numerous attempts were made the previous day, but all scouting parties were forced back by impassable waters. Feb./05   Wanted: Brain Capital for Chilean Economic Growth and Development! -  By Bonnie and Gary Paulsson Wanted: Brain Capital for Chilean Economic Growth and Development! - Wanted: Brain Capital for Chilean Economic Growth and Development! It is no secret that Chile is poised for tremendous growth and there are opportunities galore for anyone with the brains and background necessary to take this thriving, economically healthy country to the next level in world economic affairs. April/06   Why Invest In Chile? - A North American In Chile ~  By Bill Lanphar Why Invest In Chile? - A North American In Chile ~ by Bill Lanphar - Why invest in Chile? That is a question I have been asked many times because Chile is not even mentioned in most conversations about South America. Brazil you think of beautiful beaches and the beautiful people that live there. Peru you think of mysteries from the long lost past. Ecuador makes you think of beautiful weather and inexpensive prices on land and exports. Argentina cheap land, good fishing and a very corrupt government. Columbia, well, you don't even think about it. Venezuela another hero of the little people and probably a nightmare for everyone else. Mar/05   China . Being in Beijing -  By Vinnie Apicella 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 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   China ~ My Other World ~  By Sam Meiguoren 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 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 . The China Report - What you need to know before walking through China's open door - The rusty hinges of China's doors are creaking open. After so many years of being closed, the mysteries of the giant land silently beckon adventurers of all ages to step into the unknown. Having lived and worked in the country for the past 2 ½ years, I can promise you that whether your journey takes you to the modern, sophisticated Shanghai or a remote countryside village, China will offer intrigue and surprise. This report certainly won't remove all the surprises and mystery that exist in China today. You will simply have to go there and do that for yourself!  What this report will do is arm you with ammunition needed to reduce the number of unpleasant surprises related to living, working or investing in China. In it, I relate my first hand experiences to help alleviate your worries regarding mundane daily tasks such as getting your hair cut, making your computer work and what's on TV. It includes information on jobs available in China, where to look for them and how to avoid the bad ones. It offers reassurances about visas and examples of actual teaching contracts. . China: Surviving the Culture Clash -  By Charlotte Turner 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   Differences Between China And Taiwan ~ Living In Taiwan ~  By Photo And Story by Daniel Wallace 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 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 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   How To Find A Sadhu Of Your Very Own ~ Or The Challenges Of Buying A Tibetan Horse ~  By Brandon Wilson 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   Male Warrior Princess ~ On Chinese TV ~  By Daniel Wallace 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? ~  By Photos And Story by Daniel Wallace 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 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 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   Perilous Passes In Winter ~ Adventures In China ~  By Satina Anziano 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   Surviving The Culture Clash ~ Some Unwritten Rules When Living In China  By Charlotte Turner 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   Traditions Alive In Modern Eastern Tibet - Celebrating The Tibetan New Year ~  By Satina Anziano 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 “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   Colombia . An Amazon Christmas Story ~ In The Colombian Amazon ~  By El Vagabundo An Amazon Christmas Story ~ In The Colombian Amazon ~ by El Vagabundo - I stare out of the front of the boat at an unbroken plain of green. This vast prairie of water lilies is home to a myriad of birds with exotic names (tuci-tuci, garza, urututu, tijerilla), spiders and dragonflies of varying colors and the occasional caiman. Over the river and through the woods. Jan/05 . Adventures In Colombia ~ The Journey Continues ~  By Mark McMahon 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 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 -   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. . Into The Amazonian Badlands - Remote Amazon ~  By El Vagabundo 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 -  By Russel Stanley 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 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 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 -  By Larry M. Lynch 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." . Costa Rica . Adventures In Costa Rica ~ Tale Of Two Joses ~  By Kevin Barker Adventures In Costa Rica ~ Tale Of Two Joses ~ by Kevin Barker - Nestled within that vast cordillera which defines the east and west of Central America lies a charming little town called San Antonio de Escazu. Everyone in Costa Rica knows it. Only a select few know what lies along a precipitous dirt road which climbs the mountain behind it. There, in the third of five humble row houses edging a ravine, is where I can be found. Jan/06 . Costa Rica: Calendar Girls -  By Miss August Costa Rica: Calendar Girls - Costa Rica: Calendar Girls - As a happy and blessed expat living in Costa Rica for close to nine years, I have always believed that International Citizens living in a foreign country have a civic responsibility to give back to their “Home Away from Home”.  Nothing worse than the image of the ‘Ugly Gringo” living cheaper in paradise than they could at home and feeling no obligation whatsoever  to do anything for their host community, other than contribute to the economy  by asking for “Otra Cerveza Por Favor”. Oct./06 . Costa Rica: From Dreamland To Nightmare -  By Manu Cron Costa Rica: From Dreamland To Nightmare - Costa Rica: From Dreamland To Nightmare - The glamorous Costa Rica of the sixties, seventies and early part of the eighties is badly crippled nowadays. It was not a sudden attack. It is a lengthy and dolorous disease. A social and economical osteoporosis slowly eating the bones of the "Welfare state" of this small country, once called the Switzerland of Central America. By Manu Crow April/06 . Costa Rica: Midway Between Heaven and Hell -  By Manu Cron Costa Rica: Midway Between Heaven and Hell - Costa Rica: Midway Between Heaven and Hell - Surely it was a routine workday for Park Rangers and Volcanologist checking the pulse of Earth's boiling entrails, but for us it was an awesome experience.  Seldom one could enjoy such a magnificent display of Nature's immense powers.  Our planet is alive.  The same forces that millions of years ago forged continents and archipelagoes, still breath from the core of the Earth.  Sept./06 . Living The International Life As A ‘PT’ ~ More About Living In Costa Rica ~  By Rex Freeman Living The International Life As A ‘PT’ ~ More About Living In Costa Rica ~ by Rex Freeman - It wasn’t too long ago that, for me, life was a hum drum ‘status quo’ existence which was far underperforming my own personal expectations of what I had envisioned for myself in my youth. How many of us feel ‘trapped’, or at best ‘limited’ by life and how we have positioned ourselves in it? Of course as much as we try to look elsewhere for causes, we only have ourselves to blame.  April/05 . Christopher Howard's Guide to Costa Rican Spanish - Guide to Costa Rican Spanish -  Although many of Costa Rica's well-educated people speak English, (and more than 30,000 English-speaking foreigners live permanently in Costa Rica), Spanish is the official language. Part of the fun of living in another country is communicating with the local people, making new friends and enjoying the culture. Speaking Spanish will enable you to achieve these ends, have a more rewarding life, and open the door for many new, interesting experiences. There are over 125 pages of real learning written by someone who has lived in Costa Rica for over 15 years and who has personally introduced thousands of people to Costa Rica through his monthly tours, seminars, and private consultation services. . ‘No Fear’ Real Estate Investing - Real Estate In Costa Rica ~  By Rex Freeman ‘No Fear’ Real Estate Investing - Real Estate In Costa Rica ~ by Rex Freeman - Any astute or experienced ex-pat will tell you that moving to a foreign land, especially with a foreign language, and ‘manana land’ culture can test the mettle of the best of us. Once the bud of the romance of ‘living in paradise’ wears off, culture shock and reality can be a cold slap in the face for the unwary and ill-prepared. On the other hand, for those who can adapt and manage in a ‘new rules’ environment, plenty of opportunity can be had. We’ve seen both. My wife and I have been living in Costa Rica since ’99. The first few weeks were rough on her, making the adjustment, not knowing the Spanish language, except for “Taco Bueno”, learning how to re-organize our lives in a new land and culture was tough. Her first challenge was to buy a tomato in the local mini-super. Mar/05 . Notes From Costa Rica ~ Shark ~  By Allan Weisbecker Notes From Costa Rica ~ Shark ~ by Allan Weisbecker - he morning of my sixth day at Anuncio’s little village, I was about to commence my paddle out to the point when I noticed a four-foot-long sicle-shaped fin flowing seaward in the backwash by my feet. I recognized it as once as the disembodied tail fin of a fair-sized thresher shark, no doubt caught by one of the panga crews, the tail discarded after the butchering of the animal at water’s edge. I looked around for someone to ask about the prevalence of inshore sharks in the area, but both dories had already gone to sea and Anuncio was nowhere to be seen. He’d probably gone off on one of his extended beachcombing forays. Jun/05 . Osa Peninsula:Unspoilt Costa Rica - By Matt Landau Osa Peninsula:Unspoilt Costa Rica - Osa Peninsula:Unspoilt Costa Rica - The island itself was as virgin as a 4th  grade computer geek;  fallen coconuts collected in mounds, hermit crabs wandering around the sand, and birds nesting in the trees.  The only way you could tell anyone had ever been there was the ramshackle ranger station and adjacent picnic tables. Jun/06 . Pura Vida In Costa Rica ~ Enjoying Manuel Antonio ~  By Cindie Baxter Pura Vida In Costa Rica ~ Enjoying Manuel Antonio ~ by Cindie Baxter - Often, we gauge the satisfaction of a much anticipated exotic beach vacation by the number of days spent basking in the warm tropical sun's rays. To say that being caught in tropical storm force winds, pounding rain, and loss of both power and water would be anyone's ideal vacation would be insane, or would it? Before you send the men in the little white coats, consider this. Pura vida! Nov./05   Ruminations On Good ole Canada ~ Postcard From Costa Rica ~  By Kevin Barker 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   Television In Latin America ~ Postcards From Costa Rica ~  By Kevin Barker Television In Latin America ~ Postcards From Costa Rica ~ by Kevin Barker - 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   Travel To Costa Rica ~ Along The Pacific Coast ~  By Matthew Atlee Travel To Costa Rica ~ Along The Pacific Coast ~ by Matthew Atlee - We wanted to go to Hungary, at least that was the plan last year, but the plans had changed and so we decided to visit Costa Rica instead. Costa Rica in December is great: the rains end and the dry weather and cool dry breezes begin to blow through the Central Valley of Costa Rica where the towns of San José, Alajuela, Cartago and Heredia are located. Jan/06 . The Golden Door to Retirement and Living in Costa Rica - Few nations are more dynamic than is Costa Rica. There are volcanos that tourists go to watch erupt; each night creating a spectacle that is worthy of an academy award. Pristine beaches, a cultured capital city, almost every climatic zone one could ask for, from tropical beaches to mountain ranches with refreshingly cool mountain breezes. Costa Rica has it all!  In the book version of Escape From America, We only recommended two books for those seeking to relocate to Costa Rica. The Golden Door to Retirement and Living in Costa Rica was one of them. The new updated version of that book is now available exclusively on this website as an ebook.  This report answers questions that most of us aren't smart enough to ask. It is the definitive guide on relocating to Costa Rica. Don't even think of going to Costa Rica without it. . Trouble In Paradise ~ In Costa Rica ~  By Kevin Barker Trouble In Paradise ~ In Costa Rica ~ by Kevin Barker - My countrymen seem to be saying Costa Rica isn't what it used to be. One could extend that to include all of Central America…well hell, let's just say the whole world isn't what it used to be either, ok? Ticos are grumbling too. Prices have pole vaulted over wages to such an extent that the middle class is in apparent danger of extinction. All I can say is what a pity if that actually happened. Costa Rica has the best public education, health insurance, and middle class among all the countries in the Center of the Americas.  Oct./05   Young And Wild And Beautiful Once ~ Daydreaming ~  By Allan Weisbecker Young And Wild And Beautiful Once ~ Daydreaming ~ by Allan Weisbecker - Odd the way a moment returns, a life-occurrence apparently lost through time’s neglect, the mental resurrection the end result of a sequence of recollected images, a one-to-the-next process ruled by the arcane illogic of the subconscious, but then, unexpectedly, climaxing with perfect sense, like the finale of a well-wrought tale – the summoned moment clear, flawless, inevitable. Jul/05 . Croatia . Buying In Croatia ~ US$1 Equals 6.7 Croatian Kuna ~  By Kerry Jones Buying In Croatia ~ US$1 Equals 6.7 Croatian Kuna ~ By Kerry Jones - If there is one place that looks attractive to live and buy in its the Dalmatian Coast of Croatia. The real estate is affordable for now, the people are good-looking and friendly and the influences from the East are evident in the history and the people. And what can I say about the old-world beauty of the port town of Dubrovnik. You might find yourself buying a "wreck" for nothing and turning it into a jewel that will last you for life. But time is of the essence and so you should make a B-line to Croatia to see what you can find before the window closes. Aug/03   Dalmatia ~ Croatia's Adriatic Riviera - Dalmatian Coast -  By John Hurd Dalmatia ~ Croatia's Adriatic Riviera - Dalmatian Coast - John Hurd is a former aerospace manager and an amateur writer, painter, poet.  Today, he and his wife live on the Dalmatian Coast. John writes, "You can feel it in the air, in the shining white yachts visiting the Adriatic harbors, in the industrious village renovations by the local people, in the sheer number and richness of the websites: something big is about to happen.  There’s a feeling of widening awareness, rippling out from this narrow band of Europeans.  This year, the beauty and timelessness of the islands got top story headlines in the New York Times. The region is on the verge of a market explosion."   How to capitalize on Europe's fastest-growing economy - stories from those who are doing, it -  By How to capitalize on Europe's fastest-growing economy - stories from those who are doing, it - One entrepreneur's story - Wanted: foreign investors for Croatian businesses - Sports Travel - Golf with a view in Slovenia's -Julian Alps  -    Our Istrian Adventure - Setting Up Home and Business in Croatia -  By Hank Brill Our Istrian Adventure - Setting Up Home and Business in Croatia - Some in the US may still think of the Balkans wars when Croatia is mentioned, but hostilities here ended more than ten years ago, and Europeans - especially the Germans and the British - are streaming back to this beautiful land to vacation, buy homes and start businesses. By Hank Brill May/06   Real Estate In Croatia -  By Steenie Harvey Real Estate In Croatia - Real Estate In Croatia -  Croatia isn’t scheduled for EU membership until 2008, but a feeding frenzy is under way. Property prices are rising 20% to 30% per annum. Medieval Dubrovnik—hottest spot on the country’s real estate map—has experienced such rises in the past six months alone. But when you compared this market with other European vacation destinations, you realize that this Dalmatian coastline still has significant growth potential.... By Steenie Harvey   The Croatian Advantage -  By Hank Brill The Croatian Advantage - The Croatian Advantage - When I decided to move to Croatia early in 2005, my friends and business associates were shocked.  "Where is it?" "Isn't there a war going on there?" "Why would you start a business there?"  At the time, my short answer was that the war had been over for ten years and the Croatian coast where I was going was a beautiful place with a mild, Mediterranean climate that was located in the heart of Europe. Jul/06   Travel Croatia: The pearl in Europe's Oyster - Travel Croatia -   Travel Croatia: The pearl in Europe's Oyster - Travel Croatia - I've just returned from my third trip to Croatia, and I'm writing to explain my enthusiasm for this country and the opportunities it offers is now even greater. Last year, I traveled to its northern islands of Krk and Cres, where rocky villages surrounded by walled-in vineyards teeter on the edge of windblown cliffs. A few months ago, I visited its lush southern islands, with traveled north of Dubrovnik to the Pe1jesac Peninsula, a stretch of land almost covered by vineyards.   Cuba . AdventureView: Chris Baker ~ Motorcycles Through Cuba ~  By Mark McMahon AdventureView: Chris Baker ~ Motorcycles Through Cuba ~ by Mark McMahon - With a fire engine-red motorcycle and a burning desire for adventure, Chris Baker set his sights on Cuba. In three months he covered over 7,000 miles – a journey that would forever change his views of this tiny, politically charged island. He has written four very popular books on Cuba – two guidebooks, a coffee-table book, and an award-winning literary book, Mi Moto Fidel: Motorcycling through Castro’s Cuba. In this interview Chris talks with Mark about his adventures there, what inspired him to travel and write, getting into (and out of) trouble, and he shares some opinions on current U.S. policies. April/05   Buy Cuba's best businesses -   Buy Cuba's best businesses - Buy Cuba's best businesses - For 36 years, U.S. business people have not been allowed to legally invest in Cuba. However, you may run across the odd American who has managed to figure out a way to sneak past the restrictions ... and thereby profit. From International Living Magazine -   Cuba ~ Having Fun ~  By Mark McMahon Cuba ~ Having Fun ~ by Mark McMahon - THE PARTY STARTED just a few hours after I arrived. Decorations were already in place; the cake was in the refrigerator, the piñata filled with candies. I was made to feel like I was the special guest of honor when in fact it was a birthday party for Ellen, my eight-year-old Cuban Goddaughter. (To get up to speed on my role as El Padrino, read entries at filmtrips.com from my first visit to Cuba –link1)   Doug Casey in Cuba -  By Doug Casey Doug Casey in Cuba - Doug Casey in Cuba - The guru of offshore and international living provides some reminiscence & analysis of the changes in Cuba over the past five years - he knows his stuff.  . There are many good reasons to Live in Cuba - - Add it up.  Excellent entertainment folkloric and modern, world class ballet, great music from classical to mambo, rumba, salsa, Changuí, and numerous other musical forms, great food, extremely friendly people, the world's best cigars, excellent medical, colonial cities, the world's best fishing, excellent marinas, excellent climate, great beaches; Cuba has everything!  Live in a crime-free nation where living your life is still an agreeable process. Cuba still has that Caribbean Languor that has been lost in most other Caribbean nations. The slower friendly pace of a life worth living. Cuba is home to 11 million people that are friendlier to visitors than most North Americans are to each other. Since the fall of Communism in Europe, the Cuban government has taken great steps to develop its tourism industry, and today more than 2 million visitors sample its Old World charm each year. A large number of foreigners are living in Cuba as a result of having visited and having liked what they saw. Living there full time or part of the year is now a reality. Get the facts on living in Cuba - Click Here - . From Santiago de Cuba to Havana in only Three Weeks -  By Linda Thalman From Santiago de Cuba to Havana in only Three Weeks - From Santiago de Cuba to Havana in only Three Weeks - Linda Thalman is the director of WebFrance International and editor of the Paris In Sites Newsletter. She has traveled extensively. On a recent trip to the land of music, laughter, and rum, she lived Cuba from east to west. Linda  writes, "At the first step out of the Santiago de Cuba airport on Saturday, 12 February, we salsa-ed through a receiving line of costumed dancers moving to the beat of Cuban music. And the beat went on and on throughout our trip from east to west in Cuba. After three weeks of almost no TV -- CNN and even France-2 television are available at the big hotels, no newspapers -- only the Spanish-language national daily Granma, and no Internet -- no Internet cafe anywhere, es bueno!, we found it actually is possible to totally disconnect -- what a fiesta!"   Gaviota, The Last Cowgirl in Cuba -  By Kirk Stephan Gaviota, The Last Cowgirl in Cuba - Gaviota, The Last Cowgirl in Cuba - This ratiocination of events in Cuba leads me to a bizarre vision of the future: Havana stands very little chance of not becoming another Juarez or Tijuana, with their controlled and horrific professional prostitution, gambling and gangsterism (a lot like present day Russia, too). Historically, this has been the payback for cultures which deny and try to suppress the natural instincts of their peoples.  Kirk Stephan doesn't pull any punches when he writes about Cuba.  Andrei Codrescu would like his writing...  we know we like his writing, but perhaps it's good advice that weaker souls should stay away.   Havana Great Time in Cuba ~ Doing Havana Like a Cuban in Cuba -  By Al Dieste Havana Great Time in Cuba ~ Doing Havana Like a Cuban in Cuba - Vacationing in Cuba - Al Dieste says, "Having just returned from four weeks in Cuba, three of which were spent in Havana, I would like to share with your readers the wonderful opportunity to enjoy and discover a rich and diverse culture, at less-than-Motel 6 prices!  Consider an alternative title to this article as “Vacationing Like a King in Havana for $50 a Day!”   How to profit (legally) - right now - in Castro's Cuba -  By Adrian Day How to profit (legally) - right now - in Castro's Cuba - When, in 1991, the Soviet empire collapsed, Cuba lost its sugar daddy. Soon after, in the midst of a devastating depression, Fidel Castro, of necessity, opened the door a little to foreign investors and foreign tourists.  And thereby hangs a tale…and an attractive investment opportunity. By Adrian Day   Retiring in Cuba -  By Christopher Howard Retiring in Cuba - Retiring in Cuba - Christopher Howard, author of "Living and Investing in the New Cuba" shares his wisdom on Cuba. Cuba may soon become the place to beat if they can maintain cautious growth and a realistic balance between what they have and what they need.   The Case Against Cuba Sanctions ~ Latin Business Chronicle - Cuba Tourism -  By Philip Peters The Case Against Cuba Sanctions ~ Latin Business Chronicle - Cuba Tourism - Philip Peters is a vice president of the Lexington Institute. Peters writes, "On the eve of Congressional consideration of amendments affecting U.S. economic sanctions against Cuba, the State Department has released a 20-page "white paper" to bolster its point of view.  The paper may well reveal the Administration's real reason for wanting to deny Americans the right to travel freely to Cuba: it does not want Americans to see how distorted is their own government's presentation of Cuban reality.   Cyprus . Cyprus: Archaeological Adventures -  By Janie Ravenshurst Cyprus: Archaeological Adventures - Cyprus: Archaeological Adventures - The Athienou Archaeological Project (AAP) is a multidisciplinary project focusing on the site of Athienou-Malloura and the surrounding valley.  This site was settled for nearly 2500 years and encompasses the Archaic, Classical, Hellenistic, Roman, Byzantine, Frankish, Venetian, and Ottoman periods in the island's history.   Due to its long occupation coupled with the variety of the archaeological remains found-religious, domestic, funerary - the site remains an ideal training ground for archaelogical students.  Aug./06   Mediterranean living on the cheap gas for 60¢ a gallon; utilities less than $400 per year -  By Steenie Harvey Mediterranean living on the cheap gas for 60¢ a gallon; utilities less than $400 per year - Mediterranean living on the cheap gas for 60¢ a gallon; utilities less than $400 per year - Year round sunshine, golden beaches & crystal blue waters hardly ever too cold for a swim...  this is Cyprus, a Mediterranean island nudging up against the Middle East. It's a holiday haven that doubles as an expatriate hideaway. In fact, it's one of the cheapest places in the world to live a Mediterranean island lifestyle. By Steenie Harvey   Post Europe Cyprus -  By Boughton Lloyd 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   Winter in Mediterranean Cyprus at a fraction the cost of Greece -  By Steenie Harvey Winter in Mediterranean Cyprus at a fraction the cost of Greece - Winter in Mediterranean Cyprus at a fraction the cost of Greece - Unlike Greece's Aegean islands, this Mediterranean hot spot enjoys warm winter sunshine. Cyprus stays open for business throughout the year.   Czech Republic . A Villa B&B in the Czech Republic - Real Estate in the Czech Republic -  By Ronald Winkles A Villa B&B in the Czech Republic - Real Estate in the Czech Republic - Ronald Winkles spent 25 years in the U.S. Army.  Now retired, he runs a BB in the Czech Republic six months out of the year.  It's what he's always wanted to do.  Moreover, Winkles says, "The Czech real estate market is poised for another explosion with their entry into the European Union.  Thereafter, all EU member nations will be allowed to buy real estate without restriction.  Czech has never had fewer than 18 million tourists a year since its borders first opened in 1990.  This is one and half times the number of people who live in Czech. Buy now."   Adventures In The Czech Republic -  Czech Hooks, 2 Beautiful Gardens, And A Twisted Birch Tree ~  By Matthew Gregory Adventures In The Czech Republic -  Czech Hooks, 2 Beautiful Gardens, And A Twisted Birch Tree ~ by Matthew Gregory - For many of us, it was another disappointing year of the Academy Awards. Again, the Academy managed to give the worst film-nominated the top honors, at least as far as I’m concerned. The upside to this is that, after I’m finished grumbling, I try to prove to myself, among others, that the Academy Awards still have credibility. One way I do this is to dig through the past winners until I find one deserving of the top prize. I would argue that one such motion picture is Milos Forman’s Amadeus which won best picture at the Awards in 1984. One of the greatest things about this movie is the sets and background, which were filmed in Czechoslovakia. May/05   Artfully Escape by Owning a B&B ~ A Beautiful Czech Villa Looking For You ~  By Ronald Winkles Artfully Escape by Owning a B&B ~ A Beautiful Czech Villa Looking For You ~ A 19th century country villa in the Czech Republic located near Prague and surrounded by woods and hopfields and you laughing and enjoying the company of fellow travellers. This is what awaits you at Villa Favorite: Villa Favorite is a stone villa that has been restored and turned into a beautiful hideaway for international travellers. The villa has four apartments and each has its own living and dining areas. If you have ever thought about owning your own B & B, then you must read about Villa Favorite.   From Yin and Yang to Fred and Ginger: The Dancing Building in Prague -  By Michael Felton-O'Brien From Yin and Yang to Fred and Ginger: The Dancing Building in Prague - From Yin and Yang to Fred and Ginger: The Dancing Building in Prague - In a quiet green space in the ancient city of Prague, Czech Republic, a stone-faced old man sits idly and watches as a gleaming couple bends and sways in a perpetual dance on the corner of a busy intersection near the banks of the Vltava River. But there is no music to be heard as the couple dances, because in reality “the dancers” are actually a  Frank Gehry creation officially known as the Nationale-Nederlanden building. The building has been dubbed “Fred and Ginger” by appreciative critics because of its resemblance to the famous dancing pair of Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Like-minded Czechs tend to call it tancinsky d?m, or, The Dancing Building, while less appreciative viewers have names for it like: “terrible“ and “looks like a crushed can of Coke“ to name but a few. By Michael Felton-O'Brien Mar/06   Jindrichuv Hradec, Czech Republic ~ Number Two vs. Number Three ~  By Matthew Gregory Jindrichuv Hradec, Czech Republic ~ Number Two vs. Number Three ~ by Matthew Gregory - Don’t be blinded by the hype. Yes, it’s true. Cesky Krumlov is one of, if not the most, beautiful places in the Czech Republic. Never heard of it? Ask any Czech person to tell you about Cesky Krumlov and their face will light up like a child on Christmas morning. They’re certainly not wrong as Cesky Krumlov has the second-biggest castle in the Czech Republic (behind Prague’s of course), a spectacular garden to go with it, and unique architecture throughout the town on top of that.  Jun/05   Not Your Normal Pagan Fertility Ritual ~ Easter Monday In Mikulov, The Czech Republic ~  By Matthew Gregory Not Your Normal Pagan Fertility Ritual ~ Easter Monday In Mikulov, The Czech Republic ~ by Matthew Gregory - Every culture has its own holidays and ways of celebrating them. It's not uncommon for countries of the "Western" world and beyond to know at least something about American or other country's holidays. And many holidays overlap, such as Christmas, with different cultures and countries having various ways of celebrating them. As far as the Czech Republic goes, no other holiday puts a wry smile on the resident and a perplexed smile on the foreigner more than Easter (Velikonoce in Czech which literally translates "Big Nights"). April/05   Own a Czech villa for $20,000 - Business in the Czech Republic -   Own a Czech villa for $20,000 - Business in the Czech Republic - Special Issue: Eastern Europe - How to buy - Contacts - Setting up a Czech business - Bob Fordi's property pick of the month - Sports Travel  - World-class skiing in Bulgaria on $45 a day -    Prague, “City of a Hundred Spires - Moving to the Czech Republic -  By Scott McDonagh Prague, “City of a Hundred Spires - Moving to the Czech Republic - Now is the time to buy. The only hitch for foreigners is that you need to be a legal resident to purchase property here. (The laws on legal residency are currently vague, but will probably smooth out when the Czech Republic approaches membership in the EU.) There is, however, a loophole around the residency requirement. You can form your own company, and the company can then purchase the property for you.   Prague, “City of a Hundred Spires”- a quarter the price of Berlin or Paris and equally as charming - Living in the Czech Republic -  By Scott McDonagh Prague, “City of a Hundred Spires”- a quarter the price of Berlin or Paris and equally as charming - Living in the Czech Republic - From The Best of International Living an article on living in Prague. To live in Prague is to live in a city of enchantment. Here, amid Gothic cathedrals, ancient palaces, and cobblestoned streets, it is easy to believe that Mozart and Einstein were born. As an added bonus, it is easily one of cheapest beautiful cities you will ever visit. I have lived in over a dozen of the world's major cities, and Prague is assuredly one of my favourites.   Real Estate in the Czech Republic -  By Elizabeth Haas of the Ceres Group Real Estate in the Czech Republic - Real Estate in the Czech Republic ~ No matter what part of the globe you call home, making the decision to invest in property can be a challenging, albeit exciting process. Prague is all the more enticing when a slice of history begins at only 50,000 GBP for a romantic apartment in the centre of town. But for foreigners interested in purchasing real estate outside of their own country, the road to home or business ownership can be a bit more difficult to travel.   Rhapsodic Bohemia...  where you can become a homeowner for less than $4,000 - Real Estate & Life In The Czech Republic's Bohemia -  By The Best Of International Living Rhapsodic Bohemia...  where you can become a homeowner for less than $4,000 - Real Estate & Life In The Czech Republic's Bohemia - Cottages to restore start at just $3,700. Some are admittedly ramshackle but you can find simple homes in good condition for crazy prices. RIS Agency has an exceptional bargain at a village called Zanicary, near the old silver-mining town of Kutna Hora. Just 50 miles from Prague, this 100-year old cottage is 1,300 square feet and was restored 10 years ago. Priced at $8,300, it has wooden beams, a cobbled courtyard, and a 3,300-square-foot garden. Another good buy in the same region was a 2,700-suare-foot family house on land of 8,500 square feet. This was $15,000. - From The Best Of International Living   Tax Time with an Overseas B&B - Investing in the Czech Republic -  By Ron Winkles Tax Time with an Overseas B&B - Investing in the Czech Republic - Ron Winkles and his wife run a Bed and Breakfast establishment in the Czech Republic. They spend about six months of each year in the US and six months in the Czech Republic. Ron writes, "Our return on investment has run about 5 to 8 percent annually, and we have had a great time making a little more than stateside CD rates while earning a nice tax write off. I was audited once by the IRS, the agent was curious and could not believe a retired couple earning $55,000 a year could afford to live in America and own a villa in Europe. Jokingly, I told him we saved money by not shopping in Wal-Mart."   Teach English Worldwide ~ Starting Point Prague -   Teach English Worldwide ~ Starting Point Prague - People from all walks of life are heading to the heart of Europe to begin their adventure of teaching English abroad. Prague, in the Czech Republic, is the perfect setting to begin teaching English as a foreign language (TEFL). In just 4 weeks you can become certified by TEFL Worldwide to teach English and receive job placement assistance worldwide.   Teaching English in Prague - a Great Place to Start -  By Mali Charlaff Teaching English in Prague - a Great Place to Start - Teaching English in Prague - a Great Place to Start - Mali Charlaff, Careers Officer here at Oxford Tefl Prague gives a brief insight into what you can expect if you want to teach English as a Foreign Language in Prague. Jun/06   The Czech Republic - Worth A Look ~  By Ilia Stavrovski The Czech Republic - Worth A Look ~ Ilia Stavrovski - Let's start with the fact, that for a lot of readers of this newsletter leaving their home country will mean tremendous tax savings (for Americans living abroad, all income up to 75000 is tax deductible, for many other countries all income is.) Sure, if you are a construction worker, you will not be able to find a job in Prague, that will pay you as much as your current job in LA, but if you are a privacy consultant, Internet entrepreneur or stock-market trader, you might as well do it from here. The communications are about as good as in Germany, and in the small beautiful village in the mountains where I live, I have a phone line with ISDN, cellular coverage and satellite dish for my CNN and CNBC.   The Other Franz Ferdinand ~ Experiences In Bensov And Konopiste Castle ~  By Matthew Gregory The Other Franz Ferdinand ~ Experiences In Bensov And Konopiste Castle ~ by Matthew Gregory - When I visited the small Central Bohemian city of Benesov (the 's' makes a 'sh' sound), and the adjoining Konopiste Castle for the first time, it was my first trip outside of Prague. On the journey there I noticed that the clouds hung low in the sky and merged with the tops of the hills that dominate Central Bohemia's landscape, which gave the countryside a gloomy, eery feel. Most of the leaves had left the trees so the landscape was very skeletal.   The Universal Language: Teaching ESL in a Czech Cat House - MeeeOW -  By D.A. Blyler The Universal Language: Teaching ESL in a Czech Cat House - MeeeOW - D.A. Blyler is an ESL instructor. He has taught English as a second language in many places around the world. He wrote this article during his tenure as a faculty member at the University of West Bohemia in the Czech Republic. The story takes place at an upscale brothel in Plzen. Blyler writes, "The girls were quick learners, and by the end of a month, they had mastered most of their lessons. Steffi thought that two classes a week would be sufficient, but also offered me another job as a limited partner. For every client I steered or brought to the club, she would give me half of her 50 percent take. I took her up on the offer. She handed me 100 Steffi's Club business cards, and I went to work."   Top Tips for Expats - Living in the Czech Republic -  By Chris Westphal Top Tips for Expats - Living in the Czech Republic - Chris Westphal and his family of four moved lock, stock, and barrel to Prague in the Czech Republic. They learned a lot, so much they wrote a book about it. Chris writes, "Most of the millions of U.S. citizens who live abroad are either single people getting a taste of adventure while teaching English abroad, or career expatriates. We fit neither of these categories. What's more, we had no family ties and no cultural ties to the Czech Republic. In fact, we had never even visited the country. If you've ever considered living abroad with your family, here are some of the most important things to keep in mind before you go, while you're there, and when you return.   UNESCO As My Guide - More Travels In The Czech Republic ~  By Matthew Gregory UNESCO As My Guide - More Travels In The Czech Republic ~ by Matthew Gregory - The longer I’m in Europe, the pickier I’ve become as a traveler. In a sense, I’m still like a little child on the way to the candy store because I feel as though as I’ll be satisfied by ANYTHING I see, treasuring every moment of my life abroad. Then there’s another part of me that critiques the town while comparing and contrasting with other places I’ve seen. As you can imagine, my appreciation and amazement by new surroundings have declined over time, much as one would feel eating their favorite meal 5 times in a week. Because of this, I’m finding it harder and harder to rely on people’s recommendations. . More Travel Articles - Travel Article Index

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