Live in Mexico Without Spanish?

By Jim Scherrer

¿Donde esta el baño? ¿Como esta usted? That pretty well sums up two years of high school Spanish taken as a college prep course almost 50 years ago! Of course, why would anyone ever need to know Spanish having never met a Mexican, let alone thought about going to Mexico? My, how times have changed!

After living in Houston for 25 years, we discovered that Mexico was only two hours away and that it had some very intriguing qualities to offer. In 1984 we bought a condo in Mismaloya, south of Puerto Vallarta, and made semi-annual visits to Vallarta for 13 years before buying a villa in the foothills of the Sierra Madres, overlooking Banderas Bay and El Centro, the downtown area of PV. When we moved to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, known as PV or Vallarta by the locals, ten years ago, our Spanish vocabulary consisted of about five words.

Fortunately, a few taxi drivers, most restaurant waiters, and some caddies spoke, or at least understood, a little English. In order to survive here, it was imperative to understand and speak some degree of Spanish. During our first month in Vallarta, we purchased text books, manuals, dictionaries, and hired a tutor to come to our villa twice a week. We worked diligently for almost six months, learning Spanish words, paraphrases, tenses, etc. so that we would have a chance of communicating with the locals.

To assist our learning process, we watched our Mexican TV which had about five channels; CNN, Mexican shows aimed at sixth graders, and American movies with Spanish subtitles. We would then turn off the volume and try to understand the movies by reading the subtitles. Not much fun, but the price you had to pay in order to live in Paradise where the average daily temperature during the “high season” of November through May is 73°F with virtually no chance of rain!

We spent that first summer back in the States and upon returning to PV, we got lazy and discontinued our studies. Satellite TV became available in Vallarta and we no longer had the five Mexican channels, but instead had 350 channels from the US. Fortunately for us, the tourism boom in Vallarta was just beginning to occur ten years ago. During the past ten years, there have been thousands of new houses and tens of thousands of new condos, new hospitals, a new University of Guadalajara campus, new airport, new maritime terminal, etc. built in Vallarta. As tourism increased, so did the requirement for speaking English by the locals.

If they could understand and speak English, they could obtain the higher paying jobs where interaction with tourists is a routine occurrence. Jobs such as waiting tables, caddying, taxi driving, police department, clerking at front desks in hotels, offices, hospitals, airport, etc. and management positions in stores and other businesses could pay three times as much as construction work, daily labor, cleaning, etc. where there is no requirement for English speaking skills. The difference in wages was so obvious and substantial that during the past ten years, most all of the younger generation of people in Vallarta are taking English classes in school and understand and speak basic English. Even those that haven’t had a day of classroom English have a good understanding of “Espanglish” and we therefore have absolutely no problem communicating with anyone in Vallarta.

Virtually all educated Mexicans in PV such as doctors, lawyers, engineers, architects, bankers, nurses, teachers, etc. are fluent in English. In fact, the majority of these people seem to prefer speaking English with Americans and Canadians. Typical music in restaurants, bars, hotels, and even dental offices are the popular American songs. American magazines, newspapers, and books are available throughout the city, whereas ten years ago they were virtually non-existent.

In summarizing, having knowledge of Spanish is no longer a prerequisite for visiting or retiring in Vallarta. The majority of the retirees that live in PV have little Spanish speaking ability and get along just fine. Most all tourists by plane or cruise ship have no knowledge of Spanish and they too have no communication problems. Obviously, Vallarta is not typical of Mexico, however for those considering a trip to or retirement in Vallarta with no Spanish speaking ability, should not be concerned about a language barrier here. At the rate things are changing in PV, who knows, English could become its primary language in another generation!

About the Author: Jim Scherrer has owned property in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico for 25 years and resided there for the past eleven years. The mission of his series of 50 articles pertaining to retirement in Puerto Vallarta is to reveal the recent changes that have occurred in Vallarta while dispelling the misconceptions about living conditions in Mexico.

For the full series of articles regarding travel to and retirement in Vallarta as well as pertinent Puerto Vallarta links, please visit us at http://www.pvreba.com/.

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South East Asia Airline Deals

Here are some air travel deals in in and around Vietnam to keep an eye on -

VNBusinessNews.com - Domestic and foreign airlines in Vietnam are rushing to offer lower airfares and cut operating costs in a bid to cope with shrinking air travel demand.

Airlines have been subjected to massive losses since the global economic crisis led companies to curb travel and shipping and customers reconsider their travel plans.

The world’s airlines lost US$6 billion in first half of this year and are set to lose at least $9 billion for the entire 2009, according to the International Air Transport Association.

As an attempt to stimulate air travel, national flag carrier Vietnam Airlines early this month launched a 20-day sale promotion for domestic and international tickets. Prices have been lowered by 40 to 70 percent, the biggest ticket sale in the history of the carrier.

The Thanh, a resident in Ho Chi Minh City, was able to book a return air ticket to Thailand next month for only VND2.1 million (US$117.71) (tax included) the same rate offered by budget carrier AirAsia.

More than 100 air tickets were sold within the first morning of the airline’s sale promotion on October 1.

Malaysian flag carrier Malaysia Airlines also halved its return airfares, tax not included, on the route between HCMC and Malaysia’s Kuala Lumpur from $284 (plus tax) to $103 (plus tax) each.

Lower fares are also being found on long-distance flights from Vietnam and the U.S and some European destinations.

U.S.-based Northwest Airlines is offering an economy-class round trip between Ho Chi Minh City and Los Angeles for $721 (plus taxes) while South Korea's flag carrier, Korean Air is selling return air ticket on the same route for $980 (tax included).

Malaysia Airlines is promoting economy-class ticket fares of $800 (tax include) for a return flight to Australia and some European destinations, a $200 discount on the regular fares.

Thailand’s national carrier Thai International Airways is also selling tickets to Australia, South Korea, Japan, the U.S. and New Zealand with prices cheaper by $200 each.

Industry insiders said carriers are looking for ways to cut operating costs in hopes that lower air fares would stimulate air travel demand.

Some have resorted to selling tickets online to avoid paying commission to agents, while others changed menus and food containers to reduce catering expenses and the weight of the aircraft.

Low-cost Irish carrier, Ryan Air, even toyed with charging passengers to use aircraft restrooms.

Industry insiders said the sector is not likely to recover until 2011.

Source: Doug Rice http://dougsasia.blogspot.com/

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More misery for Cyprus

Property owners in Cyprus without title deeds are facing more misery as two developers have gone bust potentially leaving them without legal rights to property they have paid for...

Last month developer Yiannis Liasides declared himself bankrupt leaving owners facing uncertainty abut their title deeds, it has been reported.

Now A&G Property Wise Development Limited has gone into liquidation. Buyers of homes from these developers face negotiating with the banks that have the title deeds.

It has emerged that A&G has been in difficulties for some time.

A liquidation order was first requested on behalf of debtors in May 2007 but was postponed twice at A&G's request. It eventually came through on September 16.

What happens to the properties will depend on whether the owner has lodged documents with the Land Registry to claim title or not.

Some property owners have been told by their banks, that their homes could be taken away in order to cover the debts.

The bad news comes at a time when buyers are deserting the Mediterranean island and prices are falling.

The latest figures from Cyprus' Lands and Surveys Department show that the number of properties sold to foreigners in the first nine months of 2009 fell by 76%.

Overall sales are down 52%

In September alone the number of properties sold to foreign buyers was down 70% compared with the same month in 2008 with just 173 transactions taking place.

Not only are British buyers not looking at the island's real estate market but many who have bought are selling up, especially those who bought to invest and hoped to make money out of what they thought would be a strong rental market.

Many are selling at a huge discount just to get out, according to one industry source.

‘Cyprus is not the place it was. Many expat owners are barely scraping a living and the fact that the title deed issue goes on and on despite a commitment from the Cyprus government to sort it out means that new owners are put off,' she said.

They have not been re-assured by a recent statement Interior Minister, Neoclis Sylikiotis that property investment is much safer in Cyprus than anywhere else.

Source: www.propertywire.com

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World’s Two Biggest Sporting Events in Two Years – Invest in Brazil

With Brazil now hosting the world’s two biggest sporting events in the space of just two years – the 2014 FIFA World Cup and the 2016 Olympics – the country’s got plenty to celebrate, and so could you. The developers of the five-star Natal Ocean Club Resort & Spa have released their lowest priced product – plots from £40,000 – and as a bonus all new buyers will be entered into a draw to win three pairs of tickets for each tournament.

The flagship Brazilian resort for upmarket hotel group Preferred Hotels, Natal Ocean Club Resort & Spa is destined to be the most sophisticated private beachfront resort in the northeast with some equally sophisticated homes and price tags to match. However, an incredible limited opportunity to purchase 600m² -plus ‘Estates’ from as little as £40,000, is making true luxury accessible for even those on a limited budget.

Carrying freehold ownership status and all with commanding views, the Estates are 15 blank-canvas land plots measuring between 600 and 1,000m². Fully serviced and licensed (they are zoned on the Resort masterplan) buyers have two main ways to maximize their investment. The first is to re-sell at inevitable profit, after a minimum of one year from plot purchase, when the Resort will be complete and open for business. The second is to construct, with the assistance of the Resort’s development team, adhering to standards of quality and aesthetics, and secure a detached home for almost half the cost of buying a turnkey equivalent.

Samantha Gore, Sales & Marketing Director for specialist Brazil real estate agents http://www.uv10.com/ explains, “The lowest priced Beach Cabana now available direct from the developer is £308,000 but, taking the self-build route, this price could be slashed to £181,000 fully furnished with the added benefit of having until November 2011 to begin construction. The cost works out at £40,000 for the land, £110,000 for a 110m² open-plan detached property and an additional £31,000 for the five-star furniture package which includes a state-of-the-art entertainment and sound system. Finishing to this level enables owners to enter into the Preferred Hotel rental pool with some lucrative returns, particularly as within a few years Natal will have new golf courses, a football academy next door and the largest airport in Latin America.”

Owners and guests of Estates properties will, like all other Natal Ocean Club Resort & Spa proprietors, have full access to the Resort’s abundant facilities. Comprising 25 acres of landscaped paradise complete with 300 metres of private beach, the Resort has a Sky Spa and fitness centre, Zen pools, massage decks, sophisticated grill and restaurants alongside an abundance of sports from horse-riding to dune buggying creating the ultimate in South American holiday destinations.

Estates are priced from £40,000 for 600m². www.uv10.com also accesses the full range of available property at Natal Ocean Club Resort & Spa to include one bedroom Ocean Residences from £138,000, two bedroom Beach Residences priced from £278,000, turnkey Beach Cabanas from £308,000 and the remaining three and four bedroom Beach Villas from £788,000. All homes are delivered furnished and equipped to first-class standards and prices are fixed in GBP to avoid extra costs arising from a weak exchange rate.

All purchases after the date of Olympic announcement, 2 October 2009, are eligible for the draw for three pairs of tickets for the 2014 football World Cup and the 2016 Olympics with winners announced at the Resort’s opening party at the end of 2010.

Contact uv10 on info@uv10.com, visit http://www.uv10.com/ or telephone UK local rate +44 (0)845 643 1036 or the Spanish office +34 952 764 560. Skype uv10-brazil.

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Worm hotel in South Africa

It’s a well known fact that us Brits are obsessed with our pets – and the Americans aren’t far behind, with doggy day care and even doga (dog yoga) becoming increasingly common sights – so when we go away on holiday of course we want our four legged friends to be looked after by the kennels or cattery well – but here’s a brand new idea- the world’s first worm hotel has opened its doors…

Apparently, the trend for keeping worms at home for composting reasons is a fast growing trend. I seem to have missed out on this one. It’s got something to do with us all desperately trying to lead a greener existence – and the worms can contribute towards that.

But these slithery little mites aren’t exactly what spring to mind when I hear the word ‘pet.’

Who knew that worms were on the rise as ‘eco-pets,’ and that owners worry about them so much when they go away on holiday that one woman has seized upon this gap in the market and opened the world’s first worm hotel in South Africa, to cater for worms left home alone.

Michelle Hattingh welcomes holidaying worms to her organic nursery in her hometown of East London on South Africa’s Eastern Cape.

She said, “Cats have catteries and dogs have kennels, but there was nowhere for people to leave their worms when they went on holiday.

“Owning worm farms is a trend that has grown really quickly. It may sound odd, but you do get to know your worms over time.

“For some people, the thought of leaving them by themselves is too much to bear - especially if they were going away for an extended holiday,” she added.

Worms eat food waste including leftover vegetable scraps, dust and even old clothes, making them the perfect alternative to a clothes recycling bank.

And the best bit? The worm hotel is free, with the only ‘payment’ Michelle takes is draining their urine, which is an organic plant hormone. I don’t want to delve any deeper into how that works.

I have just one question – how on earth do the owners identify their own worms when it’s time to go and collect them?

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Lonely in Ireland - What Ex-Pats Rarely Discuss

By Tom Richards,
Author of A Survivor's Guide to Living in Ireland and http://survivingireland.blogspot.com/


When expatriates get together to discuss their moves abroad - or when people ask me questions regarding a move to Ireland - those subsequent conversations usually stick to facts: how do I move there? How to I get a job? What should I bring?

What is often unstated, and unasked, is the emotional impact of moving to a country and culture far away from your own. Recently, on an expat blog site, I saw the following cry for help:

"I have lived in Portlaoise for the last year and am wondering if there are any other expats around. I am from California and would like to know if there are other US citizens or people from other countries interested in chatting about life in Ireland. There is an expat group that meets monthly in Dublin, but the timing and distance makes it hard to get to the meet-ups...maybe if there are a few people interested we can start up some sort of group for the midlands. I've been really homesick lately and would like to hear from anyone else who is nervously facing down another Irish winter. "

Living abroad combines a sense of adventure with a sense of being a 'fish out of water'. Being an expatriate for any length of time is a roller-coaster of emotion: moving from the 'highs' of experiencing the excitement and joy of a completely different culture and adapting to it, to the 'lows' of sadness and even despair, because you may be far away from friends, family, loved ones and a culture and nation that you love.

And anyway, you can't get Bisquick over here. And suddenly, that becomes a huge problem! Or at least it seems like it... When that happens, the world seems grey and grim indeed. Colours aren't as bright, and the journey of moving to a new country can seem not only daunting, but soul destroying.

What to Do?
So what do you do when those 'lows' get too low? And it's important to recognise that you're low, and to take appropriate action: Lows can - and do - lead to depression. Over the years, I've experienced this darkness of despair, and know other expats who have felt the same way.

For what it's worth - and I'm no psychologist - here's what I've done in the past and present when Homesickness gets a little too much:

1. Go Home for a Visit - when I first moved here in '82, I didn't return to the United States for four whole years. I didn't go back for one simple reason: I was broke and couldn't afford it. And I missed my 'home' sorely. Back then, airfares were horrendously high. But now, things are different.

If you really miss home, and the world seems grey, for God's sake go back for a few days or a few weeks. A whole range of airlines now operate out of Ireland bound for the United States and North America: Aer Lingus, Continental, Delta, Air Canada... You can fly into Boston, Atlanta, Chicago... and from there, anywhere in the US. And prices are relatively cheap! So if you miss home, Go! Right now, not later! Go walk the streets where you lived. Go hug friends and family. Go to assure yourself that nothing has really changed back there, and that if it becomes truly hard, you really can change your mind and go home. You have that right! And I've found that by knowing I have a choice, living here is also my choice, and a choice that I make every day.

2. Talk About It - do you have a local friend or spouse that's empathetic to your needs and wants? If so, share your feelings of occasional loneliness and isolation with them. Find someone 'safe', and be truly honest with them. Tell them what you like about Ireland. But also tell them what you don't like, or are frustrated with. Being allowed the privilege of 'venting' truly helps.

3. Emerge Yourself in the Culture - a number of years ago, I met a Canadian who had moved here...and was miserable. He constantly complained about the country, and how much he missed home.

But was it any wonder? Turns out, as I got to know him more, that he never gave himself a chance. He never tried to make Irish friends. He never got out from his Dublin home to see the rest of the country and what it has to offer. He hung around only with other North Americans. In fact, I felt that he was living in a 'bubble'. So...what I always suggest is this: make some Irish friends! Get out into the culture of Ireland! Join some local clubs; volunteer for local organisations. Try your best to see the beauty that surrounds us here (when it's not raining, of course): the history and the hills, the fragrant colours of Ireland's hills and fields; the majesty of its mountains and cliffs. And critically, and a most welcome fact: the warmth of the people here.

Emigrating to any country is hard work, and can be emotionally quite stressful. A move of this type catalyses a roller-coaster of emotions. To survive - and emotionally prosper - in a new country, you need to devise a coping and support structure. You need to open your heart, and mind, and soul to what surrounds you. You need to recognise that you won't feel like a fish out of water forever. That as the days pass, you'll feel more and more comfortable in your new home. But that you will also suffer from the occasional day of greyness and seeming solitude when 'home' back wherever you come from looks so much better.

Hang in, is all I can say. Ireland is worth the effort.

For more information and stories about surviving Ireland, why not consider buying Tom's book, A Survivor's Guide to Living in Ireland?

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Foreigners may be able to purchase property in Cambodia

Foreigners may be able to purchase property in Cambodia for the first time following the proposal of new legislation by the country's Government - but they will still be limited to apartments, houses and condominiums above the second floor...

Currently, international investors are not allowed to own land or homes in Cambodia - a limitation that is seen by some locals as a good thing, preventing speculation and price volatility.
Back in 2005, the Government amended an investment law to allow foreign ownership of buildings, but Cambodia's property market was then experiencing one of the biggest booms in Asia and, as a result, the law was never put into practice.

Between 2005 and 2007, the property markets in major hubs such as Phnom Penh, Siem Reap and Sihanoukville, skyrocketed, with prices rising by as much as 40 per cent.
But now, with the economy and property market suffering in the downturn, the foreign investment law has reared its head again.

If passed, it could pave the way for foreign ownership of houses, apartments and condominiums from the second floor up for resale. Foreigners would also be able to inherit property.

The Minister of land management, urban planning and construction Im Chhun Lim said, "We want this law to be passed as quickly as possible, but we need input from the private sector, so we have passed it on for feedback. The discussion with the private sector will focus on how many units and how much of the building can be bought, as well as which floors they can purchase," he added.

The Cambodian Government is keen to pass the new law as they hope it will revitalize the country's housing market and economy and prevent the market from sliding further.
It is also hoped that the laws will enhance foreign consumer confidence in the undeveloped property market.

As there is some local opposition to the ownership of land by foreigners, the Government is planning to specify a zone near international borders in which foreigners would not be able to buy property, which would prevent foreign ownership of property in disputed areas.

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Uruguay not participating in the Global Recession

By David Hammond

Early in the year I had a conversation with a Uruguayan friend about the local economy. He said that if Uruguay ended 2009 with positive economic growth on the back of the robust growth of 2007 and 2008 in the face of the global recession it would be amazing.

Well, if current predictions by Uruguay’s economic ministry are correct, 2009 will turn out to be amazing.

According to a recent story in Reuters News, Uruguay’s gross domestic product (GDP) has increased by an average of 5.7 percent a year since 2004 (following a regional recession in 2002 and 2003). By 2007, Uruguay’s domestic production and distribution machine was bursting at the seams. Foreign Direct Investment was at an all time high (thanks to a large pulp mill built by a Finnish company), and exports were more profitable than ever.

Some said 2007’s economic growth was a fluke or just riding the wave of a continent-wide economic boom. However, Uruguay’s 2008 GDP grew at a rate of 8.9 percent while many countries in the region began falling into recession. This increase in growth is partly attributed to an increase in world food prices that upped the value of Uruguay’s agricultural exports. The growth of 2008 is also due to the administration of President Tabare Vazquez, who aggressively sought to attract a diverse group of companies and investors to do business with Uruguay.

Uruguay’s economy began to contract in the first quarter of 2009. It appeared that Uruguay was finally being overcome by the gravity of the global recession. However, in the second quarter of 2009 the country’s GDP was back in the black with half a percentage point of positive growth. Uruguay’s economic ministry is predicting that 2009 will end with a growth rate in a range between .7 and 1.2 percent.

However, Uruguay’s narrow escape from recession was not without a scratch. There have been some hard blows to the local pulp industry, as well as other industries, due to reductions in foreign demand and a tightening of capital available for investment.

Also, Uruguay has accumulated a national debt of 2.5 percent of GDP in the last few years. One-and-a-half percent of the debt is said to be due to a severe drought in the early part of the year. Almost all of Uruguay’s energy is produced from hydroelectric plants on the country’s major rivers. During the drought Uruguay was forced to buy more expensive energy from its neighbors, Argentina and Brazil.

Tabare Vazquez’s five-year term as president will expire at the end of this year. His legacy will include giving a free laptop computer to every elementary school student in Uruguay, a new international airport, and refusing to participate in the global recession.

More information on Real Estate in Uruguay
Contact the author of this article - David Hammond
David Hammond is the author of Buying Real Estate in Uruguay, an ebook available to purchase and download

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Benefits of Retiring in Mexico

In a recent interview with Thomas Lloyd (founder and president of TOPMexicoRealEstate.com, a website and a Network of real estate professionals "that specialize in guiding new buyers through the Mexican purchasing process"), the president of the Mexican Association of Real Estate Professionals (AMPI), Pedro Trueba, and president of AMPI Riviera Maya, Wilberth Gutierrez discussed the significance of AMPI for Mexico Real Estate and the advantages Mexico offers over other retirement destinations. Gutierrez likewise discusses the advantages offered by Playa del Carmen Real Estate, such as resistance to the depreciation that many other real estate markets are suffering due to the recession.

In the interview, Trueba and Gutierrez both drew attention to AMPI's efforts in improving education and professionalism in the field. AMPI has a code of ethics for its members, but also offers a number of courses, diplomas and educational programs.

"One of the principal activities of AMPI," said Gutierrez, "is to professionalize the members, the people, the real estate agents who are dedicated to this profession."

Trueba continued to give some details about a new real estate degree which has recently been implemented. He pointed that only the States of Sonora and Cohuila have license requirements and laws regulating the interaction between realtors and clients. But with the introduction of the new real estate degree, realtors who gain the degree will also be given a professional identification number ("cedula profesional") which is a special identification for highly trained professionals such as doctors and lawyers. While the degree and professional identification number are not yet required for practicing realtors, they provide another manner for property buyers to confirm the professionalism of agents.

"People who have the degree," points out Trueba, "have demonstrated their capacity in the field and are professionals" who have received thorough, formal training.

Thomas Lloyd, the interviewer, was one of the first real estate professionals to receive the new degree. This accomplishment by Lloyd reflects TOPMexicoRealEstate's commitment to both experience - "thousands of Property transactions & years of assignments in Mexico AT WORK" and to formal training and education in real estate.

Trueba also discussed the significance of the AMPI logo on display at a realtor's office. The key point for Trueba was "safety." A buyer can feel secure that a realtor who displays the logo will carry out real estate processes correctly and professionally.

Trueba also mentioned AMPI's agreement with the National Association of Realtors (NAR.) The connection shows that NAR has the same confidence in AMPI's members, and can lend further credibility to AMPI realtors for non-Mexican buyers.

Lloyd proceeded to ask about the advantages of retiring in Mexico, as opposed to popular U.S. destinations such as Florida and Arizona. Trueba focused on the warmth of the Mexican people, the proximity of Mexico to U.S. - with inexpensive, short flights to major cities - and the excellence of the infrastructure and healthcare that Mexico's retirement destinations offer. While these services are considerably cheaper than in U.S. destinations, the equipment is top of the line, and the service is highly professional.

Gutierrez emphasized the benefits of real estate in the Playa del Carmen area, referring to the area's natural beauty and the stability of real estate investments; real estate in the area has maintained its prices during the recession, in contrast to the U.S. real estate market which has taken a "brutal fall."

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International Travel Insurance & H1N1

Back in June 2009 when news first broke about a flu pandemic that was potentially of threat to us all, panic began spreading around the world far faster than any influenza type virus ever could! This was because global media jumped on the bandwagon when the World Health Organisation declared that the flu was of the H1N1 class, but that this time it came from a new strain of swine origin.

All of a sudden there were news reports about the mass culling of pigs in Egypt, there were images shown of people at international airports in America wearing facemasks, and stories spread about people in the UK being quarantined in their own homes if they were thought to have contracted ‘swine flu.’

During this initial period of panic, calls to international health insurance companies went through the roof as people living all over the world wanted to ensure that they had the right cover in place to protect them if they were to succumb to the virus. However, since this initial period of global concern, media interest in the story about an H1N1 pandemic has fallen away, and so has people’s awareness of the fact that we are still at threat from this virus – and all strains of it – particularly as winter approaches in the northern hemisphere.

For those of us who are strong, fit and healthy, a dose of the flu is of no great concern. However, for those who have respiratory problems as simple as mild asthma, for babies and children, the elderly, pregnant women and perhaps even more worryingly, for those of us who have an as yet undiagnosed condition that could be exacerbated by a particularly strong case of the flu, serious concern needs to be taken. What’s more, concern needs to be intensified if we’re away from home, perhaps living in a country with reduced access to essential medicines such as Oseltamivir, (trade name Tamiflu), and where levels of basic hygiene are not particularly high.

Swine flu and other strains of the H1N1 virus spread easily and with speed when basic hygiene standards are poor. Symptoms are made far worse and can result in devastating consequences when proper care is not taken of any patient suffering with such an illness. Therefore it is essential to ensure that if you’re living abroad, about to go traveling, if you’re thinking of working overseas or you’re just off on vacation, that you have a good level of comprehensive insurance in place that will support you whilst you’re away from home.

You need an insurance company behind you that can guide you to local medical facilities that can assist you if you fall ill abroad. You need a hotline that you can call 24 hours a day. You need a company behind you that will pay for you to get the drugs and treatment you need if you do become sick – and ultimately, if you succumb to any serious illness, whether that is as a result of swine flu or not, you need a level of health insurance in place that will always get you to the care and treatment you need – even if that means you have to be medically evacuated.

The world’s media alerted us to the fact that a virus as common as the flu can have globally devastating consequences – therefore we should all use this newfound knowledge and take responsibility for our own health and wellbeing no matter where in the world we’re living. We should get the right, comprehensive health insurance policy in place now so that we have the peace of mind that comes with knowing no matter what ills may befall us, we will always get the medical treatment we need.

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Invest in the Turks and Caicos – 12 Good Reasons

1. Buying is easy and realtors here abide by the TCI code of conduct.

2. All business associated with buying and selling property is underpinned by British law.

3. It is English speaking with many professionals living and working here so from architects to lawyers to construction companies, engineers, interior designers, one can always find a reliable and trustworthy company.

4. The Land Registry ensures that your title to land and property is guaranteed by the Crown and is registered with the Government

5. The Government Planning Department oversees plans and building codes.

6. The market is open to all regardless of nationality and there is no personal income tax, inheritance tax, property tax or capital gains tax.

7. Property is hot and seemingly not affected by the worldwide downturn.

8. Private jets fly in every day and the enlarged private jet airport appears full with ever increasing bigger planes.

9. Private islands are being developed to cater for those who wish to belong to an elite group of owners who want exclusivity coupled with the use of a private airstrip and port of entry facilities on site.

10. The new hospital that will be the envy of many a nation, has broken ground.

11. The new health system will be introduced to cater to all.

12. The celebrity set mingles with the rest of us, as they know we will respect their privacy. It’s chill time here every day.

About the Author: Jan Hull offers prospective buyers an individual attentive service coupled with plenty of local knowledge from all viewpoints. Having bought, sold, rented and tenanted all over the island, there is little she has not experienced firsthand. She is authorised to show any property for sale and is a member of the Turks and Caicos Realtor Association.

http://www.caribbeanhomefinder.net/

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Wildlife Adventure in Belize - Meeting Indy

Susanne van Lieshout in Belmopan – Belize

When I was young my family used to play a board game called Wildlife Adventure. Players would go on global expeditions on the board to locate rare and endangered species of animals. To rescue them you could buy them, like monopoly but with animals. Each continent had its own amazing creatures. In North-America you could locate the Californian condor, in Africa the ring-tailed lemur, in Australia the hairy-nosed wombat, Asia had the Arabian oryx and in Latin America there was the mountain tapir.

It was probably while playing this game sometime in the eighties that I first heard the word 'Belize'. Because that's where the mountain tapir was located and it was one of the most valuable beasts on the board! As a child I was fascinated by its picture on the game card... I could not imagine that a creature like that really exists.

But it does! His name is Indy and he lives at the Belize Zoo. He is a handsome little tapir. In Belize they also call them ‘mountain cows’, but to me he looks more like a cross between a pig and an elephant (sorry Indy!).

My daughter Soleine got to feed him his bottle...how cool is that.

The zoo in Belize is a gem. It was set up and is run by Sharon, an American lady who came to Belize some years ago to shoot a wildlife documentary. Something happened and the project had to be canceled, leaving her with 20 rescued, semi-tame animals. What to do? Set up a zoo. Sharon is now the proud 'mother' of about twenty different species, all endemic to Belize.

We met Indy the Tapir, Brutus the Crocodile, Junior Buddy the Jaguar, the only jaguar in the world who can do somersaults, Panama the Harpy Eagle who likes to fly up close to you just to say hi (and scare the shit out of you), Polly the speaking Parrot who says in his squeaky voice: 'I am a parrot, my girlfriend works in a bar’ (seriously!!!) and many more.

They have all been rescued from the illegal pet trade or captivity as this zoo has never taken any animal from the wild. It is an impressive conservation achievement and a great educational opportunity to meet Indy and his friends. It’s like killing two birds with one stone…but that would not be an appropriate expression in this animal-friendly story, would it now?

www.dutchinbelize.blogspot.com

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What not to Wear in Dubai

Judy Rickatson

Since the infamous “sex on the beach” case hit the headlines last year, residents of Dubai have been hotly debating the issue of appropriate dress and behaviour. Dubai promotes itself as a cosmopolitan, 5-star destination offering a liberal, western lifestyle, but visitors and new residents should be aware that this is a city which still cherishes traditional Islamic values.

Historically Dubai was a trading port and has always been hospitable to foreigners but the huge influx of tourists and expatriate workers in recent years, while an economic blessing, has caused consternation about the erosion of the local culture and sent mixed messages to newcomers.
This past year has seen several moves to clarify the situation. The government issued a Code of Conduct and articles were written in the local papers. Signs about appropriate dress and behaviour started to appear in many hotels and shopping malls and a local TV station has just announced a show called “Dubai 101” aimed at new arrivals.

Although the official code of conduct, in typical Emirati style, is a little vague, outside of the beaches and resort hotels, women should have their shoulders, cleavages and midriffs covered and skirts should be no shorter than just above the knee. For men, cropped or full-length trousers are preferred and vests or tank tops should not be worn in public places. Short shorts and skin tight or see-through clothing aren’t appropriate for either sex. On the beach, swimsuits and bikinis are fine, so long as they’re not super-skimpy thongs.

Passionate embraces are deeply offensive not just to the locals but also the many Muslim residents from other parts of the world, although married couples holding hands is tolerated. Western visitors are often surprised to see men holding hands, but this doesn’t indicate anything more than friendship.

It may be tempting to photograph the locals to send back home to friends, but here more than in other countries, you should always ask before taking a picture.

Alcohol is available to tourists and non-Muslim residents in licensed outlets but it’s illegal to drink alcohol in public, including parks and public beaches. There’s zero tolerance for drinking and driving and if you’re involved in a road accident after drinking, you’ll automatically be at fault and your insurance will be invalid.

The recent case of a British man, who was deported for making an indecent gesture while driving, was a wake-up call that insulting and abusive behaviour are frowned upon in this part of the world. Take a deep breath and count to ten.

In summary, the vast majority of visitors and residents need to modify their dress and behaviour very little when in Dubai. Its liberal acceptance of other cultures is a model for the region and a poster child for the Muslim world. Just accept the extended hand of friendship with respect.

http://expatriatelife.wordpress.com/

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Mystical Piriapolis - Uruguay

Piriapolis, a picturesque coastal town, just an hour’s drive east of Montevideo was one of the original tourist hot spots in Uruguay. The city is surrounded on one side by lush-green rolling hills, and on the other, by white-sand beaches, perfect for swimming, sunbathing, and water sports—it’s the only place in Uruguay where the mountains touch the ocean.

Piriapolis is also known to be a mystical place. This is rooted in the childhood and adolescence of the city’s founder, Mr. Francisco Piria. While under the care of his uncle, a Jesuit monk, in Italy, Piria studied Kabbalah and Alchemy.

Many years later, Piria returned to Uruguay, his birthplace, to begin the creation of a city-resort of his own design. Piriapolis would become one of the few cities in the world to be conceived and designed from the outset.

The place chosen by Piria to settle his work captivated him with its natural beauty and the hills that surrender before the ocean, but this was not what led him to build in this precise place. There is an extra ingredient—the combination of strong energy spots that are said to have positive energy fields.

This high level of energy concentration responds to the radiations that come from deep within the Earth and their cosmic correspondents, which bring about higher vibrations than usual to these places—a science that we now know as geobiology. It was precisely through the knowledge of this technique that countless spots of high energetic concentration were found in Piriápolis.

Piria left a monument, a building, or a symbol in each of these spots. Actually, every monument and building is a symbol in itself. Perhaps the most impressive one is the “Argentino hotel”, a living symbol of the mysticism that surrounds the city.

If you come to Uruguay, we urge you to discover for yourself the energetic reality of the city of tomorrow…to walk its roads letting the fresh air fill your lungs, the warm fire of the sun comfort your soul, and the clear water renew your body in the most subtle way, in this magnificent combination of natural properties.

Piriápolis truly is a mystical city… Or should we say magical?

About the author: Carlos Rodriguez is a holistic therapist, reiki master, and geo-biologist, and he has studied in the disciples of Kabbalah and Alchemy

Carlos does “Mystical Tours” of the area that include tours of historical sites with discussion on why Piria chose the area to build the city; guided meditations and relaxation techniques in natural settings; bio-energetic trekking; harmonization; and mantrams.

Source:http://www.olauruguay.com/

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What to Look for in a Health Insurance Provider

Whether you’re planning to spend next summer traveling the world or you’re about to begin an assignment abroad, one of the most important things that will probably strike you very early on in your planning will be your lack of access to home based medical care should you fall ill or need treatment when overseas.

Few American based insurers will extend their coverage outside the country, and so immediately you will need to delve into the probably unfamiliar world of international health insurance plans…but where on earth do you begin?

In this report we’re going to guide you through what you need to look for in a heath insurance provider to cover your international needs – because as a bottom line you will need peace of mind that whoever you choose to insure your good health will come through for you if ever you need to call on them. So here are the 10 essentials that you need to seek out from an international health insurance provider to make sure that all your needs will be covered when you’re living, working, studying, traveling or just enjoying time abroad.

1. You need an insurance company that can open doors for you, no matter where in the world you are and no matter what type or level of treatment or care you need. Therefore, you need an insurer who has an extensive list of treatment centers and providers around the world that you can gain access to immediately should you need to.

2. To that end you also need an insurance company that you can speak to 24 hours a day 7 days a week; a company that will always pick up your call, help you find a doctor, help you get treatment and then pick up the bill at the end of it all.

3. Wherever possible and whenever you can, call in advance and inform your insurer about the treatment you are going to need, you will want an insurer who can arrange to pay for your care directly.

4. You need an insurance company with US regulation behind it so that your rights are protected and you know that you will be well cared for at home and abroad.

5. Ideally you will want to find an insurer who can cut a swathe through waiting lists because of the network of healthcare centers and providers they have an association with globally.

6. If you have a pre-existing condition and you can show proof of prior creditable insurance, you want an insurer who will consider waiving any pre-existing condition exclusions.

7. No pre-certification would also be an advantage…

8. And coverage for injuries or treatment required following a terrorist act would be a benefit in today’s world.

9. No limit on the amount of time you either spend in or out of America would be an advantage for many people too, because for most of us our lives are not so prescriptively regulated that we necessarily know how long we’re going to be in the US or abroad in any given year!

10. And finally, you will be best served by a recognized leader in international health insurance and medical assistance services which already serves hundreds of thousands of world travelers annually and who knows all about the services that you’re likely to require even before you need them!

In conclusion, you need a dedicated health insurance team behind you when you spend time abroad, because the last thing you want to be worrying about is protecting your health! With such a team behind you and permanently poised to assist you should you need to call on them, you can forget all about your health insurance needs and get on with having the time of your life overseas, safe in the knowledge that if you do get sick, you have absolutely the best team behind you and absolutely the best insurance available.

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Property Investment Overseas - Back on Track?

There’s plenty of talk of green shoots in overseas property investment, but house price indices are probably the only true indicators of what is really happening in the markets. Indices recently released by Knight Frank and The Economist appear to show that property investment abroad is indeed taking a turn for the better.

The Knight Frank Global House Price Index for Q2 this year opens with the affirmation that ‘global housing markets show signs of tentative recovery’. The Economist titles its index, ‘House prices are creeping up again’. However, in spite of their upbeat beginnings, both indices are cautious about announcing definitive recovery.

The Knight Frank Q2 report finds that property investment in almost half the locations in the Index is positive. House prices rose in 15 countries during the April to June quarter. Further good news comes from the fact that there were no falls in house prices of over 10% anywhere. (Several countries – headed by Dubai’s spectacular tumble of 41% – saw double-figure decreases during Q1.)

But like Q1, the Q2 Index sees unusual destinations topping the best returns from property investment abroad. In the quarterly table, Scandinavia dominates the top five with Norway, Finland and Sweden in first, fourth and fifth places respectively. Australia, a perennial relocation favourite, takes second place and Israel is third. When it comes to year-on-year figures, Israel, Switzerland and Indonesia make up the top three. Israel’s annual price rise at 12.5% is particularly impressive with Switzerland’s 6.1% more modest.

Switzerland is also top of The Economist house price index, although the year-on-year increase in property quoted is 4.6%, slightly lower than Knight Frank. Half the countries surveyed in the Index showed increases in house prices during this year’s second quarter.

However, in spite of this, The Economist warns that rising property prices may not last and points to several caveats such as the huge decline in affordability in many countries and ‘fears of a new supply glut’. Knight Frank is equally cautious, claiming that ‘further falls are always a possibility’, although the real estate company is ultimately optimistic – ‘it does appear that the worst is behind us’.

Both indices are useful indicators, but many countries that are commonly part of an overseas property investment portfolio are missing. Brazil, a hot favourite for real estate, and the Caribbean countries are examples. Brazil publishes no official property market statistics, but the general impression is that prices are still rising. Last week’s ‘Househunting’ article in the New York Times featured Brazil and quoted real estate agents as expecting prices to rise this year as much as 5%, even in the slower economy. Proof that property investment in Brazil would rank high in any index.

And there are also alternatives to bricks and mortar property investment. In the current economic climate, many investors have chosen to diversify and include other types of property within their portfolio. Agricultural land in Ukraine or dairy land in New Zealand are two possibilities. Returns can be just as high (or higher) than more conventional property and you keep your eggs in several baskets.

For more information on overseas property investment and to find out about Obelisk's latest projects, contact Obelisk on (+34) 952 820 319.

Obelisk also produces its Absolute Guide Series which contains the most recent investment information on 30 of the world’s top emerging markets. They can be downloaded free of charge at http://www.absoluteguideseries.com

Email: info@obeliskinternational.com or visit our website: http://www.obeliskinvestmentproperty.com.


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International Communication - Comparing VoIP to International Prepaid Phone Cards

In today’s increasingly connected world, more of us, than ever before, are making international calls. Whether it’s for communicating with business associates or staying in touch with friends and loved ones, the need for affordable, high quality long distance phone service has become essential for many individuals.

When shopping for a phone service provider that provides long distance service, there are a variety of options, and it can be tricky to determine the best solution for your particular needs. With hundreds of long-distance companies and countless calling plans, it pays to shop around.

Two options for long distance service that have gained significant popularity over the last several years are Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) and international prepaid phone cards. Both deliver quality service, but there are distinct differences between the two that are worth comparing.

International Prepaid Phone Cards
Commonly used by students and travelers, international prepaid phone cards offer a convenient way to make calls while away from home. Calling card users benefit from 24/7 coverage and the ability to make prepaid phone calls from both pay and regular phones.

There are plenty of international prepaid phone cards available to consumers, and rates, prices, and services can vary dramatically. To take full advantage of the benefits of prepaid phone cards, it’s essential to choose one that works well with your particular needs. When considering purchasing a prepaid card, you should consider the following questions:

What is the cost per minute of the card? (This can vary from country to country.)
Is there a sign up fee?
Is there a direct number for customer service if I need assistance with the card?
How reputable is the company?
How many minutes is the calling card worth?
Is there an expiration date on minutes purchased?
Is there any monthly fee?
Can the calling card be reloaded with minutes?

While international prepaid phone cards are convenient and sometimes affordable, they are not problem-free. In fact, many consumers have experience a number of problems with them including:

Providers going out of business leaving customers with unused minutes and without being reimbursed
Access numbers of personal identification numbers not working
Toll-free access numbers frequently busy preventing the use of the card
Hidden connection charges added to the card
Poor connections
Higher per minute rates than other international calling options

Although phone cards are by no means a perfect solution for long distance calling, they are considered to be a smart solution for individuals such as students, international travelers, and migratory workers who need flexibility and convenience to call home.

VoIP – An Alternative to Calling Cards
There is an alternative to prepaid calling cards that is rapidly growing in popularity because of its affordability, flexibility, and quality. It’s VoIP. This innovative technology enables users to take advantage of unlimited, free international calling along with a variety of value-added features that calling cards simply don’t provide.

VoIP works similar to a phone line, but instead of the line being plugged into the wall, it runs through an internet connection. By simply downloading VoIP software from a provider to your PC, you can literally call anyone, almost anywhere in the world for free. Calls can be made from a telephone linked to the Internet, a USB phone, or with a headset attached to a computer. If your computer already has a built-in microphone and speakers, you won’t need any additional equipment at all.

VoIP offers a variety of calling capabilities including PC-to-PC calls, PC-to-phone calls, and PC-to-mobile phone calls. To make calls, you just start the program on your computer and enter the phone number that you want to call. The call will be connected just like a landline or mobile phone call, but you’ll be able to talk for as long as you’d like without having to worry about expensive long distance charges. And, the connection quality is crystal clear.

Some VoIP service providers offer additional bundled features that can add even more value to your long distance communications. Instant messaging with presence is one of the most widely available of these tools. This feature notifies your friends, family, and business associates of your availability with a presence indicator and allows unlimited text messaging for free.

Another popular tool is multi-user voice conferencing that enables up to five people to communicate simultaneously. This is particularly useful for both personal and business applications.

Like with international prepaid phone calls, it’s important to do your homework before choosing a VoIP service provider. They do not all offer the same services or level of quality. When doing a comparison, you will want to look at the following:

Calling Options – You will want to choose a VoIP provider that offers flexibility in who you can call. Look for one that gives you the ability to call landlines and mobile phones, as well as PCs.

Pricing – Most providers offer free calling to certain countries but charge for other global destinations. Several of the industry leaders such as MediaRing Talk actually provide unlimited free PC-to-PC calling to anywhere in the world as long as both parties are using their service.

Features – Not all providers offer additional value-added services. If you want to take advantage of tools like instant messaging with presence and voice conferencing, you’ll need to look for a full-service provider.

Reputation – In general, the VoIP providers that are the most established and have been around the longest provide the most comprehensive, high quality service. They’ve invested in developing the robustness of their technology and have the most extensive distribution network. They will also deliver the highest sound quality.

Looking to the Future
There is no doubt that VoIP is changing the landscape of the overall communications industry. Businesses and consumers alike are reaping the benefits of the cost savings and innovative features that the technology offers. The newest frontier for VoIP applications will undoubtedly be in the wireless world. Dual mode cellular/voice over WiFi enabled handsets are becoming increasingly available, and VoIP service providers are positioning themselves to add wireless service to their existing offerings. These advances will ultimately benefit consumers who will soon be able to affordably and efficiently manage their communications from a single handheld device.

With promising new advances in communication technology, calling internationally will increasingly become something that is widely available and free to anyone. While there will continue to be a need for calling cards for some individuals, VoIP is becoming the preferred choice for a growing number of international callers.

Source:http://www.mediaringtalk.com/blog/

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Costa Rica -Coastal Communities announces Los Cabos de Caletas

Coastal Communities, a Costa Rica real estate company, is announcing Los Cabos de Caletas, a new upper class residential gated community that is currently under development in the central pacific coast of Costa Rica, nearby Jaco Beach.

Recent research has shown that this Central American country is one of the most sought-after realty markets worldwide, and important residential complexes are booming across the seaside regions in order to satisfy the demand of refined homes in these areas, and Los Cabos de Caletas is a clear example of it.

According to Claudio Cantillano, the general director for http://www.cccostarica.com/, this is a community aimed to the affluent class, and it counts with an extensive variety of amenities thanks to its closeness to important shopping centers, medical facilities, high cuisine, and more. Hotel Villa Caletas is situated just next to the residential complex, which allows owners to take advantage of the hotel’s high quality services, including spa, restaurant and vip beach club.

Los Cabos de Caletas offers two types of villas, both equipped with automated home control systems, double infinity pools, Jacuzzi and spacious green areas.

Construction plans are set and ready to take form in the hands of a well organized team of architects, builders, landscapers, and more.

Mr. Cantillano also mentioned an important factor concerning this deluxe project, which is the involvement of the owner in the development stages, ¨this will facilitate a more unique approach to the villa concerning details and special requests¨ he said.

Overseas citizens and nationals are both welcome to invest in these Costa Rica Real Estate villas:¨http://www.cccostarica.com/ is positive about local and foreign investment, and our professional background, which includes consulting and developing services for both of these markets, is a statement of that¨ said Mr. Cantillano.

Coastal Communities Costa Rica S.A. (CCCR) is a Costa Rican based corporation that researches and develops the Costa Rica real estate market. Costa Rica is a dynamic real estate market, and only by researching the trends and changes, can a worthwhile investment opportunity be offered. CCCR studies these trends to insure that you own a solid investment in a top location.

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