In 2016, 209,000 expats were living in Shanghai, enjoying a lifestyle that encompasses change, innovation and technology. It’s a metropolis of diversity, with a unique blend of old and new, eastern and western culture, business and play, along with a fascinating rate of development. But why else is Shanghai such an attractive option for Australian expats? Why should they go – and more importantly – why should they stay? A thriving … [Read more...]
Exploring Thailand, Using Bangkok as my Hub City
I have been visiting Southeast Asia for years using Bangkok as my 'home base'. This prominent city in the region offers two airports, one of which is a major hub for International flights especially from Europe and the USA. The second older airport is home to a number of budget airlines that can be used to easily and quickly reach a number of destinations within the country. Bangkok is best explored in small doses - over a few days at a … [Read more...]
10 Things You Need to Know About Costa Rica
Most people know Costa Rica for its biodiversity, adventure tours, and beautiful beaches. But its landscape and various terrains doesn’t make it any different from neighboring countries such as Nicaragua or Guatemala. So do you REALLY know Costa Rica? Here’s a list of 10 things you probably don’t know, but should. It’s Not Cheap Visitors tend to think that because Costa Rica is located in Central America, it must be cheap--Wrong. There are … [Read more...]
Expat Advice on Starting a Business in Belize
Belize is all the buzz these days for expats looking to downsize their expenses, live the simple life and retire in a picturesque setting sure to be the envy of their friends and family. So you’ve got the itch to pack your bags, but maybe you’re not ready to hang your hat or your nest egg isn’t quite ready to hatch? If you’re considering the good life in Belize and wondering what it takes to start a business, here’s some advice from 4 expats that … [Read more...]
9 Best Travel Blogs for 2018
Getting the jump on another year and perhaps seo considering its only 2017 here in Thailand, the last time I checked - here are a few of our favorite travel blogs for 2017 and 2018. Refreshingly, this list does not incorporate the same travel blogs you seen on many of the top 10 travel blog lists. We pulled them out of our 8,000+ and always growing travel blog directory that we have maintained for many years. All About … [Read more...]
Chasing Waterfalls in Samana
There is a famous song in the 90's by TLC which advised not to chase waterfalls, but to stick with the rivers and lakes that you are used to. But what if you could have it all? I believe that we should chase waterfalls, metaphorically and physically. If we don't chase after waterfalls to places and dreams we aspire for, then how would we ever reach paradise? I set out on a journey to Dominican Republic in June for the first time to a … [Read more...]
Notes from Latest Trip to Thailand
I hopped on the skytrain at Victory Monument in Bangkok sporting my "Tintin in Vietnam" shirt and a camera holstered around the neck and was quickly greeted with an old expat standing next to me who said out loud to no one in particular, "there are so many F*(&&ing tourists in town right now". This was the same expat who then pushed out a rather large chubby boy when a seat opened up as both were heading towards one of the empty seats. The young … [Read more...]
Maybe Montserrat, Maybe Not?
Caribbean Chic and Volcanic VIPS in the Dead Zone "Lifestyles of the rich and famous" spokesman Robin Leach has nothing on budget jetsetter John M. Edwards. A West Indies "Old Hand" -- One who cannot sail, surf or fish - he still says Montserrat can't be beat for ATMO. If you don't mind destruction and destitution in the wake of a deadly volcanic eruption ... Maybe Montserrat? You plan your next Caribbean vacay around a disaster of … [Read more...]
The Mauritian Chronicles: Paradise Lost and Found
John M. Edwards grabs his “Beachcombers Card” and does Divali (Festival of Lights) on delicious Mauritius, a paradisiacal Indian Ocean isle--once the roost of extinct dodos, now the boast of professional beachbums--which initially he can’t place on a map! “Incredible!” You are from New York?!” boomed Willy Van Damme, a friendly Belgian restaurateur and former soldier of fortune, in the sleepy resort town of Péreybere. “Very rare! We get almost … [Read more...]
Dispatch: Elysian Fields Forever
In Search of the Elusive Rare Blue Morpho Butterfly, Monte Verde Cloudforest - Costa Rica John M. Edwards compares Costa Rican ecotourism vs. narcissism I awake from a Magic Realism dream, evaporating. I am once again surrounded by evil anacondas in the charmed atmosphere of Costa Rica’s “Monteverde Cloud Forest,” breathing the bracing air of golden pre-Colombian pagan gods talking in exceedingly loud voices. I astounded myself by the … [Read more...]
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