Modern, Friendly Care for my Eye Surgery in Mexico

Modern, Friendly Care for my Eye Surgery in Mexico

Earlier this year I had cataract surgery in Mexico. As an expat there on a valid residence visa, I could have gotten the surgery for free through Seguro Popular, Mexico’s national healthcare service. But, because I’d had eye surgery some time ago, I chose to go to the opposite extreme: To get the very best Read more...: Modern, Friendly Care for my Eye Surgery in Mexico

From Tropical Panama to Our New Life in Historic Portugal

From Tropical Panama to Our New Life in Historic Portugal

As we sipped wine at the corner café with friends, my husband turned to me with a big smile on his face and exclaimed, “We really live in Europe. Can you believe it?” Just then the waitress came over with the check, which our friend took. “I’ve got this one,” he said. Two wines, one Read more...: From Tropical Panama to Our New Life in Historic Portugal

Affordable Caribbean Beach Living in Fun-Loving Cabarete

Affordable Caribbean Beach Living in Fun-Loving Cabarete

I’m in the shade of a palm tree, watching three dozen kiteboarders careen across the Bay of Cabarete at full tilt, once in a while lifting on a whitecap and taking flight. The wind picks up in the mid-afternoon. This is something I was curious about when I planned my trip to this small beach Read more...: Affordable Caribbean Beach Living in Fun-Loving Cabarete

Asia’s Magical Kingdom—Discovering the Many Faces of Thailand Part 1

Asia’s Magical Kingdom—Discovering the Many Faces of Thailand Part 1

Picture an inky night sky filled with floating lanterns swirling haphazardly against a full moon. Or banana leaf krathongs decorated with flowers and candles drifting down a lazy river as the sun sets on a warm evening. Whether you love the energy of a big city or prefer a simpler existence among the green rice Read more...: Asia’s Magical Kingdom—Discovering the Many Faces of Thailand Part 1

Asia’s Magical Kingdom—Discovering the Many Faces of Thailand Part 2

Asia’s Magical Kingdom—Discovering the Many Faces of Thailand Part 2

Chiang Rai—A City for Nature Lovers The Kok River winds slowly through Chiang Rai, gently supporting wooden long-tail boats. Surrounding it are bursts of luscious vegetation—the natural surroundings are the star of the show in this city. Many of the higher-end restaurants and hotels sit along the river. This is a city that feels spacious Read more...: Asia’s Magical Kingdom—Discovering the Many Faces of Thailand Part 2

Panama City’s Next Great Wave of Transformation Is Upon Us

Panama City’s Next Great Wave of Transformation Is Upon Us

“No, I’m definitely not crazy.” My family didn’t look convinced. It was 2004 and I’d just told them I was going to Panama. “Why would you want to go there?” they asked. It was a several hours’ plane ride and somewhere none of them had ever been. At the time, all they knew about Panama Read more...: Panama City’s Next Great Wave of Transformation Is Upon Us

Alternative Investments to Conquer the Next Bear Market

Alternative Investments to Conquer the Next Bear Market

Are you prepared for a significant stock market decline? Is your IRA or 401(k) braced for a bear market? More importantly, are you planning on retiring during the next 10 years and drawing income from your stock and bond portfolio? Last year, the United States officially recorded its longest equity bull market in history, surpassing Read more...: Alternative Investments to Conquer the Next Bear Market

A Determined Expat Finds His Business Niche in Belize

A Determined Expat Finds His Business Niche in Belize

Kenny Guinn loves to laugh, even at himself. The owner of a thriving laundry service in tropical Ambergris Caye recalls telling his friends he’d bought the business: “They pointed out that I’ve never liked doing laundry. My reply was, ‘Yes, but nobody’s ever paid me to do it before.’” Ambergris Caye is a fascinating, fun Read more...: A Determined Expat Finds His Business Niche in Belize