World Expats Blog October Archive

The seasons in the Philippines

10/16/11 22:13

Filipinos and probably a few tourists who have experienced the climate and season in the Philippines will readily tell you that there are only 2 seasons in this country: wet and wetter. That's because the rainy season has become so unpredictable that all you remember are those days when you had to brave the tropical storm.

Take the people of Catanduanes up there in the northern part of the Philippines, for instance. They have been so used to typhoons and strong winds passing by their province throughout the year.

Link: The Winds of Catanduanes (catanduanes); Philippines

Trying to teach the host culture how to behave can be dangerous for yourself and others

I live in Japan and while women basically are treated the same way as this article describes, the women here are rather complacent about it. Aside from women, there are other things here that opened my eyes that not all developed countries are the same. Simple things from covering your mouth when you sneeze or cough and larger ones like openly reading pornography included with the daily newspaper are but some examples. When you first arrive in the new country, it is so tempting to start preaching about your old way of life to the natives. Guess what? After being here for eight years, people still read porn on the trains and don't cover their mouths at all. Change will only come from the natives and only when they are ready.

Link: Designer Chauvinism: Life as a Professional Expatriate

Learn Spanish: The Good Way

Hi there! I think that this is what I exactly need. This is a great way to learn the language and not to mention the services you will render as a volunteer.

Read more: Learn Spanish: The Good Way [click]

Federal views versus State views are always tough to reconcile

On a macro scale, perhaps the halting of overly discriminatory immigration laws might make sense but the issue isn't on the macro scale but the micro scale. The States that are trying to pass these laws have an overwhelming amount of issue related to illegal immigration compared to other States. When looking at the issue federally, it is important to realize that the country isn't uniform and the reason these States are trying to pass stricter laws is because they are looking at the issue everyday in their jurisdictions and not on a perch somewhere far away.

Link: Federal judge halts Alabama immigration law  | ajc.com

Enjoying life by traveling

The best way to see, enjoy and learn about the world is by traveling. World fashion icon Carolina Herrera certainly knows this and does it several times a year. Of course, she can afford to do it and she has definitely seen the best of the world through her luxury travels.

Read more: Enjoying life by traveling [click]

Class A retirement and vacation

The kind of vacation and retirement that we have is a result of our hard work and how we played our cards right. Of course, if we made the right investments and worked hard to get the right job and have a flourishing career, we would have the means to afford a luxury vacation.

Read more: Class A retirement and vacation [click]