The Life of an Expat Wife

Not always luxury and fun

So your husband has been transferred overseas. Many of your friends may envy the exotic, glamorous lifestyle they visualize you having. You may not have to work, you may be appointed a maid and a driver, your husband may receive a pay raise, leaving you time and money to shop, go to the salon, and enjoy long, boozy lunches with other expat wives. If this is your actual life and you are fulfilled by it, more power to you. Enjoy.

But many times the life of an expat wife is not all luxurious and fun. There are many factors commonly overlooked why an expat wives may have a much harder time adjusting to living overseas than their spouses.

You may be an independent woman with a solid career of your own that you are being asked to leave in order to make the move. You may have an incredibly hard time securing work in the new country for many reasons. Work visas may be extremely difficult to obtain. The new culture may frown upon strong, intelligent, powerful women taking jobs away from the men. Or depending on the local currency and salaries, it may not even be worth your time to get out of bed in the morning to make what works out, upon conversion, to be roughly 28 cents per hour.

Relocating Your Pet Overseas

Ready to Go!

Relocating your pet internationally is a time consuming, expensive process that requires specialized knowledge of import and export documentation, necessary veterinary procedures and ensuing paperwork, airline policies, travel crate requirements, quarantine laws, boarding accommodation in the new country, proper animal identification, and more.

To correctly handle the required paperwork, it could take a full six months before you even move to get everything in order.

To make sure that you have all of the correct, up-to-date information, as rules and regulations can change quickly, your first order of business should be to contact the consulate of the destination country for their specific requirements. Some countries may require that your pet be quarantined upon arrival for up to six months, and that may alter your decision of whether or not you want to take your pet overseas. Other countries only accept pets at certain airports, which you will want to know to coordinate your flights.

When you contact the consulate, here are a few basics that you will want to be sure to ask:

1. What documents are required to import my pet?
2. Are there any special vaccinations or tests required?
3. What are the quarantine requirements? Are the quarantine facilities available at the planned time and place of arrival?
4. Are their age restrictions on imported pets?
5. How will my pet clear customs? Does the owner need to be present for the pet to clear customs?
6. What costs will be involved?

Once you figure out all of the import requirements, you need to find an airline that will work with you. Get to know their pet policy inside and out, especially when it comes to the crating requirements. On the day of travel, ask a flight attendant to confirm that your pet is indeed on board. You will want to know of any possible mix-ups sooner rather than later.

Make sure you pack your pet´s crate efficiently and effectively. A blanket or special toy from home will help to ease the transition. The number one health problem for pets when they fly is dehydration, so look into buying some dehydration gel. The gel form keeps them hydrated and cuts down on the number of times that they will have to use the bathroom, making the trip overall more comfortable for your pet. As much as you may be inclined to indulge them with extra treats before the big trip, try to limit food intake the day of and the day before the trip for this same reason.

Taking your pet overseas is not easy and not cheap. To move one pet, it could easily cost thousands of dollars. In some cases, pet relocation is tax deductible as a moving expense.

Once you factor in cost and effort, be honest with yourself on the life that your pet will have in the new country. Will the stress of quarantine be too much on a sensitive or older pet? Will your pet have access to green space near your new home? Would they (even if it would make you sad) be better off staying with a relative or friend in the old country?

If you decide that you could not possibly move overseas and leave your pet behind, please check and double check all details. Nothing could be worse than having your pet impounded overseas or lost because or a simple oversight or lack of knowledge.


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According to Chinese Tradition

If you are or are planning to be an expat living in China, beware that superstitions are a big part of everyday life.  To narrow it down to some of the most common ones (lest you invite ghosts into your life unknowingly!) here are some general ways to keep safe, healthy, and prosperous in your new life abroad

To keep ghosts far, far away where they belong:

• Wear a strand of forty-nine garlic bundles on your head.  This effectively deals with vampires, too.  One can never be too careful.
• Wear jade when possible
• Wear crystal
• Wear a safety charm that you buy at your local Buddhist temples
• Carry seven pieces of leaves from a banyan tree
• Carry 36 pieces of glutinous rice.  I am assuming they mean uncooked.
• Wear red shoes and underwear.  It was never specified if this is all you should be wearing……

 Did you know that Chinese ghosts especially like to hang out at hotels? To keep them at bay:

• Knock before entering the room, showing respect to anyone or anything that may reside there.
• Flush the toilet. This means to flush out any bad influences.
• Don't place socks or shoes neatly by the bed.  It will be easier for ghost to find the bed and bother your slumber!

 Basic Feng Shui for the home to keep the good energy flowing: 

• Mirrors should not reflect out through a window.
• Never place your desk so that your back is to the door.
• Never place a bathroom above a dining room.
• Never place the master bedroom above the garage.
• Never face the gate directly to the road.
• Don´t even think about building a house so that it is facing North.
• Be careful about using even and odd numbers.  Stairs should always have an even number. 

Especially for New Years:

• Make sure all doors and windows are opened at midnight to allow the old year passage.
• Ensure a good New Year by refraining from eating meat on the first day of the New Year.
• The longer the noodles you serve on New Years, the longer your life. This one could be fun.   
• Make sure plants in your home are blooming during the New Year celebration, especially on New Year’s Day.  You can not even help but be prosperous then.
• Ensure good luck remains with you throughout the New Year celebration by making sure that dirty floors are swept inwardly, and the soil is stored in the corners where it will remain until the New Year has passed.
• Pay back all of your outstanding debts by New Year’s Day.  Maybe we should adopt this one in the US and see what happens. 
• For a happy, healthy, wealthy future, make sure everyone in the family wears red clothing on New Year’s Day.  If anything else it makes for coordinated family photos.

Admittedly, this is a lot to remember, and these suggestions are just the tip of the iceberg.  There are literally thousands and thousands of other common superstitions still used today in China.  You must admit, it does seem a small price to pay lead a life free of ghosts, to find love, safety, wealth, health and happiness.  And if all else fails, if you have a concave navel, you can relax.  You are way ahead of  many others.  You are a chosen one and your life will be much easier than the other unfortunate souls who have convex ones.  Phew!


Are you an expat in China? Do you have any stories to tell.  I would love to hear from you. Email me susan@expatdailynews.com

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Unconventional Housing

You are already a big thinker with a sense of adventure by being open to the idea of moving overseas. But why stop there?

Have you ever dreamed of walking away from living in a cookie-cutter house that does nothing to feed your spirit? Between the synthetic materials, boring right angles, either indifferent or intrusive neighbors, and stifling mortgages, why bother?

When you were a child, you may have envisioned building the coolest tree house ever, complete with separate bedrooms, different levels, and a rope ladder that could be retracted upon climbing to ensure your privacy. Sadly, it probably never happened. Now that you are an adult with resources and do not need to rely on your parents permission, why not go for it? Go big!! Have you thought about living on a boat, or in a teepee? A shipping container? A furnished cave? People all over the world are living their dreams in untraditional ways. I urge you to think outside the box for a few minutes, tell the rational left side of your brain to shut up and let your imagination go wild! Only you limit yourself and what is possible for you.

Boat Life: So you are being called to the water. You can choose to live on a sailboat, a houseboat, a yacht, or anything in between. You can choose to live permanently moored to one spot, or you can opt for the more nomadic existence of taking to the open water. It demands a certain mentality to enjoy living a life constantly on the move, never staying in one place for more than a couple of weeks. Many people find that they love the closeness that they feel with nature, and the distance that they feel from the modern, busy world. Is living on a boat for you?

Converted Semi Truck: Why not? It may have a lot more open space than a more traditional RV, and when you get bored, you can still pick up and keep on trucking! Furnish it how you like, put in skylights, and hit the road!

Shipping Containers: Many people use these sturdy, nearly indestructible metal boxes as rooms of their new home. They are surprisingly spacious, and relatively cheap to buy. You can use one, link them together side by side, or stack them on top of one another to crate a home as large or small as you like. When you are bored of one location, you do not even have to pack up house…have it shipped to your new location anywhere in the world and you are ready to start over!

Tree Houses: From Seattle to Bali, Colombia to Japan, people are building amazing homes in trees. You can not get much closer to nature, and every time you walk in your door you will probably feel giddiness and sense of possibility in this world that you may not have felt since you were a child. Imagine drinking your morning coffee from up in the treetops, as the birds are literally chirping all around you.

Yurts: Originally from Mongolia, the yurt is one of the number one choices of homes for nomads. Designed to be assembled and disassembled quickly, a typical yurt is round and anywhere from 12´to 30´ in diameter, usually made from a very thick, waterproof cloth to be draped around a frame. The circular structure leads to a very open floorplan, and you know if you get bored you can easily pack up and direct your nomadic existence in a different direction.

Teepees: Nope, you do not have to be Native American to enjoy this classic. Designed to be warm in the winter and cool in the summer, a teepee is an inexpensive choice that can also be easy to set up and take down.

Cave Life: From Andalusia to Turkey to Missouri (of all places!), people are buying land with caves on the property and taking advantage of the already built roof, walls, and floors. A cave does not have to be the dark, damp existence that you may think. Some are luxuriously cozy homes, decadently furnished. Cave life can also provide unparalleled protection from the elements, and gives you maximum privacy.

Converted Airplanes: Several people tout the virtues of living in a converted airplane. Multiple windows offer much light. The metal structure protects against the elements and unwanted bugs and rodents. The fact that the plane is sealed and pressurized makes for a long life of the home.

This list is ridiculously small compared to the ideas that are available. You may even come up with something that has never been done before. Obviously, check with the local laws and regulations, but you may find that, especially overseas, housing rules may be more relaxed and many more things are possible in terms of living structures. Thousands of people around the world have decided to pass on living a traditional existence. Why not join them? Remember, if you can dream it you can do it!

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Can My Ex Move our Children Abroad Without My Consent?

The short answer…it depends.

Usually, if your ex has the idea of moving your children abroad, and you share joint custody, a relocation order needs to be approved by a judge. You can state your case to the judge, but if the court deems that it would not be a harmful move to the child, you will have to comply and let the move overseas happen. And if you share joint custody and your ex moves abroad with the kids without this order, it could be considered abduction.

If you are in the middle of a divorce which is not yet finalized, in most cases neither party is advised to move until the proceedings are completed. To do so could be considered contempt of court.

If you are not divorced yet, but fighting or informally separated, remember that both parents listed on the child's birth certificate need to sign passport paperwork. You always have the choice in this case to not approve your child getting a passport, in which case they can not leave the country.

Sadly, the State Department is plagued by thousands of cases of very serious parental international child abduction cases. These usually involve toddlers and pre-school age children being taken to countries that have do not respect US court custody papers.

This can of course happen to both fathers and mothers alike. Usually, the woman takes the children to Japan, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, or Brazil, which have more lenient pro-mother laws. But the male's usual destination is to the Middle East or Pakistan, where they are pretty much granted immunity and the mothers have little to no rights.

There have been many examples where the husband serves divorce papers on the woman, then pretends to want to reconcile the marriage and tells the wife that the divorce is cancelled. But when the woman doesn't show up in court, thinking the divorce is cancelled, the husband wins the divorce by default. Based on just the interlocutory papers, but not the final divorce papers, he takes the children out of the country.

If you feel that your spouse has wrongfully taken your child overseas, please contact your embassy and a family law lawyer immediately.

Other resources:
P.A.R.E.N.T. (Parents Advocating for Recovery through Education by Networking Together)
PIPCA (Preventing International Parental Child Abduction
Hague Convention

As always, open communication and two parents working together for the best interest of the child are always ideal. Please do not try to stop a move that could be an amazing opportunity for your child just to make life difficult for your ex. But know that in the majority of cases, you have legal rights and should do everything in your power to explore all of them.

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Arts, Culture and Festivals of Ireland

Ireland is a country rich in arts, culture and festivals. As a holiday tourist, you are welcome to ancient old tradition and customs that have defied modernity by preserving their unique presentation of the ideals of the Irish people.

Though a visitor to Ireland may come across a lot of cultural expressions, the most notable of these are real Irish music, art, literature which can be found in the capital city of Dublin and other towns. No matter how these customs are expressed, the vacationer will recognize the deep roots of Irish heritage.

A cultural tour to Ireland will introduce you to the woks of literary luminaries such as Jonathan Swift and Oscar Wilde who have produced marvelous pieces of writing. These authors have brought glory and honor to Irish literature and are celebrated in the country. On a holiday in Ireland, you will be able to take part in festivals that celebrate the literary masterpieces of these renowned writers.

A tour to Ireland will also get you listening and dancing to Irish music. Though music forms part of the social life of these people, it is composed and played with a different purpose – to bring talk about the culture of the people and how they treasure it. From rural cottages to large pubs in the cities, you will find musicians with local instruments performing to the admiration of audiences.

You will also come to appreciate the dynamic and superb theatrical performance of the country’s rich culture and tradition. You can visit the Barabbas Theater Company in Dublin, Yeats Theater Company in Sligo, the National Folk Theater of Ireland in Kerry County, the Lyric Theater in Antrim, the Grianan Theater in Donegal and the Town Hall Theater in Galway to watch opera or Irish drama.

Your visit to Ireland must include a visit to the Belleek Pottery. This is one of Ireland’s oldest and most fascinating attractions. The pottery makes original and unique pieces of clay products using traditional methods passed down from generation to generation. One of the most collectable and prized sets is the Black Mark range. The Belleek Pottery was established in 1857 and is recognized as holding a central place in the cultural heritage of County Fermanagh. It is located n the picturesque village of Belleek on the banks of the Lough Erne. This attractive building is home to the world famous Belleek Fine Parian China and Belleek Visitor Centre. As a tourist, you can take part in guided tours, walk around the on-site museum or visit the audio visual theatre. Additionally, there is the gift shop where visitors can purchase authentic Belleek products.

A holiday trip to Ireland offers many picturesque attractions and cultural sites for the visitor. To get the best, you need to walk most of the time so you can interact with the people, learn about their customs and appreciate their traditions which are mainly expressed through music, theater arts and festivals.

Get More information : holiday Ireland, holidays Ireland - http://www.holiday-ireland.net/

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Prostitution is Legal in New Zealand

Do you want to move overseas, but you are not quite sure to which country? Consider New Zealand, which in addition to its spectacular nature and an overall laid back vibe, offers legal prostitution.

I want it known that I personally am not supporting the idea of someone moving across the world to for the sole purpose of having paid sex with strangers. This article is meant to set aside moral judgment and just lay out the facts. So no scathing, raging emails, please, about how both I and this website are evil. It is just information, people!

In 2003, New Zealand passed The Prostitution Reform Act, which effectively decriminalized brothels, pimping, and solicitation of sex. Although before 2003, New Zealand had several laws meant to suppress prostitution, there has always been a high degree of tolerance for the sex trade here.

Where there is no tolerance is with child prostitution. All members even remotely involved in the sex trade must be over the age of 18.

A fundamental part of the success and overall positive reputation of the New Zealand sex trade is the establishment of the New Zealand Prostitutes' Collective (NZPC). A small group of sex workers started this initiative in 1987 as a means of providing support and education for sex industry workers.

Today the NZPC advocates for, and provides support and services to, sex workers all over New Zealand. Organizers regularly attend international conferences, participate in research ventures, and have been seconded by WHO (World Health Organisation) to act as safer-sex educators in the Asia-Pacific region. NZPC has successfully obtained Government funding for an extensive outreach program providing STD testing, health education, and condom distribution, while also working in conjunction with a drug and needle exchange program. Records have shown that the number of HIV positive New Zealand born prostitutes is extremely low, and through the efforts of the NZPC, the AIDS epidemic throughout the New Zealand sex trade is on the decline.

Although numbers are hard to nail down, national estimates are that there are over 8000 sex industry workers in New Zealand. The industry is made up of all types of people, varying widely in religious, ethnic, educational and financial backgrounds. Many like the abundant free time that this job offers them, as many can make more selling sex in one night than they could working an office job for a week. Many are self-employed, or choose to work for a brothel which provides more security and regulation.

New Zealand is usually regarded as a laid-back, tolerant country, and its attitude towards the sex industry only helps to strengthen that reputation.

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Comments On Using Electric Power Overseas

Everything electronic including computers requires an electric current converter in most foreign nations. A step up, or a step down converter is the most important tool in the world; especially when you don't have one. There is no better advice than to say you should get one before you go. ... those that do not can tell you why.

Surge Protectors and adapter plugs. Bring them with you - don't expect to find them when you land. The locals don't need them, and in many backwaters these devices are simply not available.

What adapter is needed where is occasionally a lesson in past colonialism. Many countries have a multitude of electrical outlet configurations, some to ridiculous proportions. Usually they are island nations, or countries which saw a rapid influx of wealth as their infrastructure was developing.

For lots more information and tips on using electrical power overseas click here to read the full article by Roger Gallo

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Hollywood and the Oscars Come to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Since the filming of "The Night of the Iguana" with Richard Burton, Ava Gardner, and Deborah Kerr in 1964, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, with its scenic Sierra Madre and Pacific Ocean coastline, perfect winter climate, and proximity to the US and Canada, has been a favorite vacation destination for Hollywood celebrities and dignitaries.

This past week was no exception as Lori Anderson-Scherrer, a longtime resident of Vallarta, hosted her annual Oscar party at her magnificent hillside villa in Conchas Chinas, "The Beverly Hills of Vallarta". Lori, a former actress/model in her own right, entertained distinguished guests from around the world including Gerry & Janie Goraieb, Bob & Tina LaFlamme, Pina Carlini, and as a special guest, Diane Mountford from Hollywood.

Diane, as a child actress, played roles such as Helen Burton in The William Wyler directed Children's Hour with Audrey Hepburn, and Shirley McClain, Gabrielle, the blind girl in Bonanza, Gail in Family Affair, Chip's girlfriend Laurie Palmer in My Three Sons, Susan in Leave it to Beaver, Janet Layton in Perry Mason and many others. Perhaps you best remember Diane when she played Trudy in The Remarkable Mr. Pennypacker or when she co-starred with Bill Williams playing the role of Patty Greer in 11 episodes of the TV series Assignment Underwater.

The festive evening began as the guests were served champagne and hors d´oeuvres in Lori's opulent reception salon. With four wet bars and numerous TVs located throughout the villa, the 82nd Academy Awards programming was always present as were plenty of refreshments. From the reception salon, the guests moved to the media room where they watched the Red Carpet fashion show and placed bets on the winners.

As the presentations began, the guests moved to the formal dining room. The table settings were absolutely stunning with hand painted cobalt blue and gold trim on white Wedgwood china from the set given by Canada to Queen Victoria in 1887 in celebration of her Golden Jubilee (The balance of this set is currently on display at the National Art Gallery in Ottawa and the Museum of Civilizations in Hull, Quebec). The cobalt blue with gold leaf crystal wine and water goblets beautifully complimented the china. A number of hand painted Limoges eggs were strategically positioned on the dining table around a pair of crystal candelabras with a gorgeous crystal chandelier overhead, the scene was set for a royal feast before the Oscar celebration in Puerto Vallarta.

Prior to dining, each of the guests were presented with their own Oscar; miniatures that were brought to Vallarta by Diane. Consequently, the entire party of "winners" enjoyed their fine dinners and desserts.

Upon completion of dinner, the entire group returned to the media room to view the final and most important awards presentations. For the most part, their favorite actors and films won as the evening ended with a bunch of happy (and full) faces; each with their own miniature Oscar in hand.

After stating their preference to watching the Academy Awards presentations in Puerto Vallarta rather than in Hollywood, they bid their farewells and departed into the comfortable evening air with fond memories that will last a lifetime.

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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Introducing Expat Daily News - South America

Ladies and Gentlemen, expat friends from all around the World…I am so proud to introduce the latest expansion of Expat Daily News. We really are beginning to take over the world!

As you can probably guess, expat life in Colombia is different than expat life in Scandanavia or in the United Arab Emirates. In the works, to serve your specific expat needs and questions better, is a project to branch out and have separate Expat Daily News sites covering different regions of the world. This will be in addition to the original EDN site, not in replacement of…so breathe easy, all you loyal EDN followers.

The first of these sites is now up and running. It is  Expat Daily News South America  and the fabulous editor is none other than yours truly. I am Cathy Brown, and I moved to Argentina from the US with my three kids a little over a year ago. My only regret? Not having come here sooner! I honestly think at times that I am much more naturally Latina than I am North American, and have fallen head over heels in love with this continent. I am excited to be covering all parts of South America for you, and would love your input and ideas for stories. You can also follow on twitter, the twitter name is SouthAmerExpats. 

So help get the word out to any of your contacts living, or wanting to live, in South America that there is now a site out there written specifically to meet their needs. One more time for you in case you forgot… www.expatdailynewssouthamerica.com. Please let me know what you think of the new site, and send any comments, questions, or story ideas to cathy@expatdailynews.com. Gracias!
Click here to visit Expat Daily News - South America

Editors Needed for our other Regional Blogs

I do not want expats who are not living in South America to feel left out. In the works are specific sites for those of you living overseas in Africa, Asia Pacific, Canada, Caribbean, Central America and the Middle East.

Currently, Expat Daily News is searching for editors around the world who may want to head up one of these regional sites.  Experience required would be that the editor is a hard worker, self-motivated, has some internet savvy, has great English language skills, and has a passion for the expat life.  Benefits include flexible work hours, a supportive Expat Daily News team to help get you on your feet, and the opportunity to connect with other interesting expats in all parts of the world (and for your job!  I usually try to do that just for fun!). 

As the editor of the new South American site, I can tell you from personal experience how wonderful it is to be part of the Expat Daily News family.  I have been given the freedom and encouragement to mold my site to my interests and my personality, but also receive the endless support and wisdom from the veterans to make sure that it is successful.  If you have any interest whatsoever in editing a new site for Africa, Asia Pacific, Canada, Caribbean, Central America or the Middle East, do not hesitate to click here and contact Susan via our online application form. 

This is so exciting!  We really are, and will continue to be, one of the top resources in the world for expat related news and information.  Come be a part of it!

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Getting a second passport

Getting a second passport can make travelling easier, it can also enable you to do interesting, asset protection things, like open bank accounts without your government finding out about it.

So how can you get a second passport?


Simple, you can buy one! Now we’re not talking about something you’ve bought at the local pub that means you have to spend the next ten years travelling with a fake beard, red hair and answer to the name of Antonov. There are government programs in various countries where you can literally buy yourself dual citizenship and receive a second passport without, in some instances, even having to reside in the country.


Dominica, known as the “nature island of the Caribbean” is one such country offering an easy way of acquiring a second passport. Ok, it’s going to cost you a bit more than one down the pub, but at least you can ditch the beard. They’ll also throw in a free meeting with the Prime Minister…well…it’s not quite free!


For a family donation of US$100,000.00 (about £70,000) into the Dominican economy in the way of a donation to the government, you can receive full citizenship of Dominica and second passports for yourself your spouse and 2 dependant children. The donation for a single person is US$75,000.00 (about £52,000). There are a few other requirements to be carried out as well, such as letters of application, copies of passports, birth and marriage certificates, police checks, income tax returns and a recommendation from your banker, but lets face it, if you’re going to donate US$100,000 to the Dominica Government you’re probably on pretty friendly terms with your bank manager. Once all of the paperwork’s been carried out (costing between US$15,000 – US$25,000) and due diligence checks completed (costing between US$ 3000-US$10,000) it’s time to meet the Prime Minister of the Commonwealth of Dominica or with the Special Commission appointed by the Prime Minister for a personal interview.


It should then just be a 30 day wait to receive dual citizenship, your second passport and the advantages that’s going to bring. The Government of Dominica recognize dual citizenship, you’re not required to reside in Dominica and what’s more they won’t tell the country of your current citizenship or residency anything about it. A second passport from Dominica also allows visa free travel to over 100 countries. Dominica, by chance, also happens to have no inheritance, capital gains, gift or wealth taxes.

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Summer Tours Jobs in Europe

At the request of the author this article has been removed.


For jobs overseas please visit http://overseasjobs.escapeartist.com/

Ten Good Reasons to Retire in Panama

Are you looking for a new country to retire to? Why not consider Panama as it has considerable advantages over most places.

1. Stable Government and Modern Infrastructure
Panama is a democracy and with no armed forces and a low crime rate.
Panama’s highways, communication system, shops and banks are all very modern even in remote areas.

2. Growing economy
In addition to the Panama Canal and its expansion program, Panama's GDP has major contributors in International banking, maritime services, manufacturing, shipping and has the second largest free zone in the world.

3. Friendly people
Due to the major presence by the US military prior to the handover of the canal in 1999, Panamanians are accustomed to foreigners. They are most helpful and will try their utmost to help even if language is a barrier.

4. The currency is the US dollar since 1904
Obviously there is a benefit for Americans not having to worry about currency exchange risks but the major benefit is that the Panamanian Constitution forbids the government from printing paper currency. This ensures there is no mega inflation experienced by other developing countries.

5. The climate and environment
Panama gives the settler the choice of City living, a more temperate mountain climate or a tropical sea-side location – either way it is difficult to live more than one hour drive from the beach.

6. The cost of living in Panama is far less than in the US or Europe.
Government statistics show that most of retirees will not be able to sustain their current standard of living by relying on savings, assets or pensions. Panama is still relatively inexpensive compared to the U.S., Europe and other retirement destinations.
Most international products can be sourced at real market prices.

7. Affordable medical care
Health care is also both inexpensive and modern. Good-quality health care and modern hospitals are available throughout the country. Many Panamanian doctors are U.S.-trained, and hospital standards are on par with what you would find in North America or Europe. Both private health insurance and prescription drugs are readily available and much less expensive than their U.S. equivalents.

8. Flexible taxation system
Panama is famous for its taxation regime. Highlights include:

• Residents pay no tax on foreign earned income
• Panama is one of the best offshore havens in the world
• Foreigners can buy and own property in Panama with the same rights and protections as Panamanians citizens.

9. Inexpensive Real Estate
Whether you are looking to live in a Panama City high-rise apartment, a condo in a beachfront community, or a house in the temperate mountain region, you will find very reasonably priced real estate to suit your needs. Most people who retire in Panama find themselves enjoying the property they have always dreamed about but couldn't afford in the U.S., Europe, or Canada.

10. Fantastic benefits program
The best retirement program in the world.

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Working Overseas as a Volunteer

For many people today, the decision to engage in travel abroad volunteer work means that they will have to adjust to a number of changes in their lifestyle from what they are familiar and comfortable with in their current home environment.

It probably also means quitting or taking a leave of absence from a job, being away from family and friends, and also being courageous enough to embark upon a path that is much less traveled.

Even with all of these major considerations and changes, venturing out on a volunteer work project abroad will more than likely turn out to be the experience of a lifetime for those who put their heart into their charity volunteer work overseas. Charity work abroad gives people unique opportunities to live and work in another land and experience the people and the culture, not as a tourist but on the same level that the local citizens live their daily lives. This in and of itself provides those who undertake overseas volunteer work with a unique perspective on the world and other countries that will be with them throughout their lives.

Those who take advantage of the opportunities to engage in travel abroad volunteer work programs will not only be able to long enjoy the experiences they had and the point of views they gained, they will also find their lives enhanced through the relationships they developed with those they served and with the other volunteers, learning a new language in many cases, and also gaining the feeling that they have a second country which feels like home to them. With these things being considered, it is understandable why international volunteer work is something that more and more people are interested in getting involved in, if they are able.

Choosing to participate in a volunteer work program abroad is a wonderful idea for a number of very positive reasons. On a more self-centered note, anyone who gives up their time and energy to offer their services and expertise to a voluntary charity organization will have a wonderful entry to include in their resume. At the same time, most administrators of charity work overseas programs are more than happy to write you a glowing letter of recommendation as a token of thanks for the services you rendered.

For those who are planning to go on to graduate school of some type after their overseas volunteer work, it can be noted that volunteer work is something that is well respected in school admissions offices. This one factor alone can be something on which your whole future hinges in the most positive of ways. There are many people who have returned from a break from schooling or a sabbatical from work where they took advantage of a volunteer work opportunity to find that their school or job prospects had improved greatly because of their desire to use their time serving other people.

Travel abroad volunteer work opportunities are plentiful these days. No matter what your area of interest is or what kind of voluntary charity organization you want to be involved with, there will probably be a number of options to choose from. While simply serving those in need through charity work abroad is rewarding in and of itself, it will be even more rewarding if you have a special affinity toward the people or the charity itself.

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International Women's Day in Belize

I have lived in quite a few countries but never before have I known International Women’s day, on March 8, to receive so much attention as it does here in Belize. Not only do we celebrate on Women’s Day, but the entire month of March is dedicated to women. There are activities ranging from free self-defense training to forums on Crime and Violence; from a 15% discount for women at the hardware store to Women in Art exhibitions.

The women’s month kicked off with the first-ever US Embassy Belize Women of the Year 2010 award ceremony. When political officer Kelly McCarthy received a request last year to nominate a Belizean for the US International Women of Courage award, she quickly realized that her embassy had no process for identifying outstanding women in Belize. One evening, after watching CNN’s heroes, she thought: hey why don’t we start something with nominations from the public. And so it began.

Yesterday I attended the ceremony. I dressed up for the occasion as it felt a bit like going to the Oscars, and well, any occasion in Belmopan to dress up should be taken, because they are few…

And the nominees were - to name just a few:

• Jewel Quallo, for her work to promote sexual reproductive health and family planning as basic human rights
• Beverly Swasey, as president of the cancer society in Belmopan
• Carolyn Trench, the first and youngest women ever to head a governmental department
• Kimberly Vasquez: the only screen writer and film producer in Belize, who often volunteers to teach creative writing to children
• Phyllis Cayetano from Dangriga, always at the fore front to preserve Garifuna cultural customs and values
• Margaret Bradley, a retired nurse but still tirelessly involved in voluntary counseling and testing of HIV positive people
• Sonia Lenares: a retired teacher and principal who became the head of YWCA, protagonist to help out-of-school and at-risk girls.
• Phillipa who started the Emmanuel scholarship fund for deprivileged children, which she regularly complements with her own salary
• Judy Krieg, better known as nurse Judy from Hopkins, who opened the House of Equity where she tirelessly provides health care 24 hours per day 7 days per week

And the award went to:

Sonia Lenares (pictured above). Honored she was! Her daughter had flown over from Miami for the occasion, lucky her. I remember when my mom received an honorable award from our Queen (!!) I was unable to fly over from Zimbabwe. Anyway, Sonia Lenares accepted the award with grace.

About her 18 years working with young women she said: It’s not a job, it’s an honor. That truly deserves an award if you ask me. Hats off to all strong Belizean women who are examples to others!

Susanne van Lieshout
Belmopan - Belize

For more stories about expat life in Belize visit www.dutchinbelize.blogspot.com


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How to Retire Overseas: Everything You Need to Know to Live Well (for Less) Abroad

Have you ever dreamed of selling everything and moving to Paradise? Well you’re not alone. And there has never been a better time to learn about and plan for making this fantasy a reality. The effects of the economic downturn on IRAs, 401ks and other retirement savings plans has forced many to rethink their plans and move due to financial necessity. And thankfully, HOW TO RETIRE OVERSEAS: Everything You Need to Know to Live Well (for Less) Abroad (Hudson Street Press; Hardcover; March 2010) by Kathleen Peddicord is set to become the definite guide to finding, relocating, and getting all the benefits of a stateside retirement, while living overseas.

Retiring abroad has never been more accessible or appealing. In addition to a sense of adventure, the allure of an idyllic locale, and the excitement of learning a new culture, living in an unconventional retirement destination can cost less than a traditional home in Arizona or Florida.

HOW TO RETIRE OVERSEAS is a prescriptive guide that answers every essential question that potential ex-pats will encounter, from setting up a bank account, purchasing local or international health insurance, and provides advice on even more ways to save money. Once you determine if retiring overseas is the next move for you or someone close to you, Peddicord answers critical questions and expertly guides you through the process of establishing yourself in a new country. Some of the invaluable tips she shares include:

* Finding a home to own or rent overseas
* Researching and understanding your tax liability
* Establishing secure bank accounts
* Obtaining health insurance
* Avoiding common pitfalls and mistakes

Drawing on over two decades of experience in the field of living overseas and travel, Kathleen Peddicord was the Editor and Publisher of International Living for 22 years and two years ago founded liveandinvestoverseas.com, an essential website for those living and looking to retire abroad. Having traveled to over 50 countries, invested in real estate in 17, established business in 7, and renovated properties in 6, Peddicord is without a doubt qualified to provide advice on retiring, investing and living abroad. A full-time expat herself, she lives in Panama City, Panama with her family.

Whether you’re looking to relocate to a remote haven such as Nicaragua or Kuala Lumpur, or a well traveled city such as Rome of Buenos Aires, HOW TO RETIRE OVERSEAS is the ultimate guide to living and retiring abroad.

About the author: Kathleen Peddicord is the founder of liveandinvestoverseas.com. A full-time expat herself, Peddicord lived in Ireland with her family for several years before relocating to Paris and, most recently, Panama, where she currently lives with her husband and son.

For more info about the author and this title, check-out:

http://kathleenpeddicord.com/ & www.liveandinvestoverseas.com

For more info about this and other HSP/Penguin Group titles please visit us on the web at: www.us.penguingroup.com

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The End of the Siesta?

A recent report by a Spanish Government backed commission urging the country to switch its clocks to Greenwich Mean Time will, no doubt, strike at the very heart of Spanish culture and tradition, if not the Spanish psyche. The proposal is aimed at shaking up the typical Spanish daily existence – with its lengthy coffee breaks, two-hour lunches and late evening meals and is the result of a survey conducted at Spanish embassies in other European countries into host nations' daily timekeeping.

It has taken me several years to adjust to the idea of the siesta and, I have to confess, it has been one of the most difficult adjustments that I, as a Brit, have had to make in Spain. However, the initial irritation of finding that shops, offices and the like have all closed at the time when I need them most has all but disappeared, as I too have adjusted and now take part in the siesta tradition.

The siesta is a very sensible idea in a hot climate when the temperature is at its fiercest. What better than a snooze after a leisurely lunch? The siesta was born not just out of the necessity of slowing down in the afternoon heat, but the fact that, traditionally, many Spanish men and women have two, relatively low paid part-time jobs, with the second job beginning after the siesta. Typically, the Spanish working day begins at about 8.00am, with a 30-minute break at 11am, then lunch usually starts at 2.00pm or 3.00pm, with people returning to work about two hours later, then often working on to 8pm, dinner as late as 10.00pm or 11.00pm. It is a long day and the siesta has become an essential way of life for many Spanish working in towns and villages, although much less so now in the cities than in the past. However, returning to the recent report, Spain has been identified as one of the least-productive countries in Europe despite the fact that, in theory, it is the European country where most hours are spent at work.

In the Canary Islands we already have Greenwich Mean Time and the pattern of life is very similar to that on the Peninsular, so I doubt that a change to GMT would make much difference to the local way of life there either. I well recall visiting our newly built property in Gran Canaria early one afternoon to take some measurements before completion. Although the property was unlocked I could see no one working there. Initially alarmed by the lack of security, I entered the property and went upstairs only to find four workmen fast asleep on flattened cardboard boxes in the main bedroom. It was siesta time and I didn't have the heart to disturb them!

Reports such as this latest one from the strangely named, ‘National Commission for the Rationalisation of Timetables’ come and go and, if I am not greatly mistaken, it will take much more than a report to wrench the beloved siesta from the hearts of our newly adopted countrymen. Forgive me, I must go now, it is time for my siesta!

About the Author: Barrie Mahoney was a teacher, head teacher and school inspector in the UK, as well as a reporter in Spain, before moving to the Canary Islands as a newspaper editor. He is still enjoying life in the sun as a writer and author.

If you enjoyed this article, take a look at Barrie’s website: www.barriemahoney.com and www.thecanaryislander.com or read his latest novel, ‘Journeys and Jigsaws’ (ISBN: 9781843865384).

© Barrie Mahoney


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Name Your Deposit, Name Your Term at Turkey’s Horizon Sky

This bold statement comes from the developers of Turkey’s most sophisticated resort – Horizon Sky. The customer can name their deposit, name their preferred term (from five to ten years) and Horizon Sky will adapt a plan to suit. One even borrows a tactic from the car industry in the shape of a ‘balloon payment’ – is this a glimpse into the future for overseas property?

Daniel Dias for developer Signature International comments, “We’re conscious of the challenges posed by the current financial climate and try to eliminate any worries clients may have over buying at Horizon Sky. Payment terms tend to emerge as a ongoing concern so we’ve decided to throw the ball back in the buyers’ court and ask them to tell us how they want to pay. Some are cash-rich and want to pay a large upfront deposit, others prefer to spread the load as thinly as possible. The ‘balloon payment’ will appeal to those who envisage selling or re-financing at the end of the term. In every individual case, we should have it covered.”

Horizon Sky’s non-status payment plans are particularly interesting as they demonstrate the developer’s unwavering commitment to the Bodrum resort as it’s their risk, not bank risk. Signature International is solvent and willing to stand by Horizon Sky for the long-term – through construction phases and beyond. If a buyer fails to keep up the monthly installments then they risk losing their property, but the developer has every confidence that their quality product is a viable long-term investment so are happy for the property to act as security.

At Horizon Sky there are an infinite number of plans available dependent on the deposit paid. Interest rates vary between 0% for the five year plan through to 4.9% for the ten year plan, both available with a deposit from zero upwards. Clients shouldn’t baulk at the 4.9% as the alternative, arranging a mortgage in Turkey, is both complicated and expensive with interest rates currently higher than 7% if the loan is fixed in sterling. Similarly, flick through any newspaper Money section and you’ll see that even the best first-time-buyer product in the UK will not be without deposit (max. 95% LTV) and certainly not carry an interest rate lower than 5%.

Keys in hand, for the most affordable Phase Three apartment of £89,891 (a two bedroom duplex apartment with a generous 87m² internal space) monthly payments are sub £1,500 GBP for a zero deposit zero interest five-year term. A £20,000 GBP deposit would bring that down to a little over £600 GBP per month based on a 45% final balloon payment. The choice really, is yours.

Contact Horizon Sky direct on telephone 0800 988 9256, email sales@signatureinternational.co.uk or visit www.signatureinternational.co.uk


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Expat Lifestyles - Working in Uruguay as a Writer and Actor

By David Hammond -

Jonathan Lamb was born and raised in England, where after studying at Bradford and Oxford he began a career with the British Foreign Office, moving in 1993 to the European Commission. But in 2005, after 23 years of having his life directed by others, Jonathan Lamb went off script: finding the opportunity to follow his personal passions of writing and acting in the small South American country of Uruguay.

Jonathan’s first exposure to Uruguay was in 1984, when he was assigned to the British Embassy in Montevideo. He found life cheap, sunny and above all friendly. During his two-and-a-half year post, Jonathan witnessed the country’s first free election in almost 12 years, following the military government. At the local tennis club he also met a lovely Uruguayan woman named Beatriz, who would become his wife and leave the country with him.

Over the next 19 years Jonathan worked in Europe, starting in England, then Romania during the Revolution, and finally as a Head of Unit in the European Commission in Brussels. However, throughout his education and formal career Jonathan held onto his creative interests. As a student he wrote revues and satirical articles, and while at the European Commission he made time to write short performances of comic verse.

It was in 2004 that Jonathan realized that starting a new life in the sun provided the potential to live without the job. He was eligible for a small pension that could go a lot further in Uruguay than in Europe (especially since Uruguay does not tax foreign source income). Also, selling his mortgaged home in Europe and buying a home in Uruguay for cash provided even more financial freedom.

Besides the financial benefits, Jonathan loved the culture of Uruguay and was willing to trade some British efficiency for Latin warmth. He acted on the opportunity, and in 2005 the Lamb family moved from Brussels to Montevideo. They have never looked back.

In Uruguay Jonathan found a demand for gringos in TV commercials and doing voiceovers in English and became a professional actor. He also wrote, directed, composed and played the music and acted in the play Drama of the River Plate, which sold out when it opened in early 2009 in Montevideo and Buenos Aires theaters, and is still running in a Spanish translation.

The Drama of the River Plate is the historic account of the Battle of the River Plate, the first major naval battle of the Second World War, which took place off the coasts of Uruguay and Argentina. The play focuses on the questionable decisions of Hans Langsdorff, the gallant and humane captain Aof the German pocket battleship Graf Spee. For some reason Langsdorff, whose orders were to sink lone merchant trade ships, engaged in battle with three Royal Navy cruisers at the entrance of the River Plate.

I asked Jonathan his opinion of why Hans Langsdorff went against orders to engage in such a risky endeavor? He responded that he believes Langsdorff was reaching to a higher ambition than his mission required - a sentiment that Jonathan Lamb seems to understand.

Samples of Jonathan’s CD of poem’s titiled Lamb Couplets can be heard at his website www.jclamb.com - Read by actors like Prunella Scales (Fawlty Towers), Robert Hardy and Imelda Staunton (Harry Potter), as well as Uruguay’s ex-President Luis Alberto Lacalle who reads Jonathan’s poem “Uruguay” in Excellent English.

A very sweet Uruguayan TV commercial in which Jonathan does the voice over: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ilweMcin6bo.

Contact Jonathan Lamb at: lambfam@adinet.com.uy


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