Intellectual Ideas

What About Living Globally?

Since I started this blog last summer, I have been doing some serious thinking about moving abroad.  I have always loved to travel and the more I think about it, the better the idea seems.

My parents went Expat 7 years ago, so the idea isn’t new in my family.  They live in Boquete, Panama and love it.  My mom started the Boquete Gourmet website which is an “Elevated Connoiseur’s Perspective of Panama”.  They have a wonderful life in a beautiful community which my mom is sharing in the blogosphere.

My parents are very social and often meet travelers in Boquete. In the past month, two different couples crossed their path and they both had a unique twist to their journey. Both couples (mid 30s) are internet entrepreneurs and are traveling around the world.  I suddenly became insanely jealous when I mom was telling me their stories. The first one picqued my interest, the second one made me think I could do it too.

Hey, why don’t I do that?  What’s stopping me?

It’s a lifestyle that many people consider CRAZY!!  “Why would you want to leave America?” asked my friends when I mentioned it to them.  It’s not so much that I want to leave America, it’s more about going out into the world, exploring everything around the globe.

Maybe it’s my gypsy spirit, but I can’t stop thinking about this idea.  I am traveling to Panama for the holidays and have to do more research into this idea.  My list of questions is lengthy, but I’ll find the answers. If you’re in Panama, we’re having a party in Bocas del Toro for New Year’s – let me know if you can attend.

If you are an Expat – will you please tell me what made you decide to do live abroad?  I’d love to hear your stories!  All the best, Joy

Related articles by Zemanta

• Which Panama is right for you? (cnn.com)
• Panama: Offering Enticing Incentives to Foreign Investors (newswire.ca)

7 Reasons To Get A Passport TODAY!

Traveling is the best way to truly understand the people and cultures of our world.  We can visit on-line, but the experience is much greater in person.

If you don’t already have a passport, today is the day to go and get one!  You’re probably thinking that you don’t really need one because you don’t have a travel adventure planned, but nothing could be further from the truth.

Consider these 7 reasons and go take your passport picture!

1. A passport is the ultimate identification.  It is more than just a driver’s license – it proves who you are to everyone around the world.  Be proud of your identity and where you live and make it official.
2. A passport is for the long-term.  It is valid for 10 years – just think, the picture you take today will look fabulous as the years roll by.  You can stay ___ years old, at least photographically!
3. Having a passport is one of your constitutional rights.  Some countries restrict travel – having a passport represents our freedom.  Back in 1776, the new US Government handed out passports to represent the formation of the new country.  We were originally recognized as citizens because of our passports.
4. You can go anywhere at anytime.  Let’s say you win the lottery and want to jet-set to Paris.  There’s no waiting for the State Department to process the paperwork (typically 4-6 weeks).
5. Our immigrant ancestors traveled and braved great dangers to create a better life.  There is no better way to see where you family came from than to get a passport and travel.
6. Your passport becomes a stamp collection, or your memory book.  When you travel between countries, the customs officers stamp and date your passport.  It’s fun to watch your passport fill up with adventures.
7. A passport makes you a Jet-Setter!  Being able to travel is sexy.  When you have a passport you join the international, glamorous, living global crowd!

It’s a very easy process – you need to have a current picture taken, get a copy of your birth certificate, complete the application and send it to the State Department with $100. Follow this link to the US Post Office which coordinates the application process for free.

How can you consider these 7 reasons and still not have a passport?  What are you waiting for?

I got my first passport when I was 7 years old and I saw the Eiffel Tower.  My first passport is so special to me, it’s full of stamps and memories of wonderful journeys.  It’s sorta funny, but I love being a US Ambassador and my passport is my golden ticket!  Joy

World Peace Day in 2009

Today is the United Nation’s World Peace Day – so I have to do something special to further the mission.   One of my main goals with this blog is to promote peace by learning about and appreciating other cultures.  So, my apologies for diverting my attention from Morocco, but this song means so much to me I have to play it today.

I think U2 and Bono are brilliant at mixing politics and music together.  Their latest CD is heavily Middle Eastern influenced and makes a powerful yet peace-oriented statement.  They are on a global tour promoting No Line on the Horizon and I can’t wait to see them in about 3 weeks.

This clip was recorded at the Live 8 concert held in London on July2 , 2005.  The Live 8 concert brought together 150 bands in 10 concert venues around the world.  It was estimated that 3 Billion people watched the concerts and joined the movement to help end global poverty.

The mixing of artists and cultures was incredible for Live 8.  Concerts were in:  London, Cornwall UK, Paris, Berlin, Rome, Philadelphia, Barrie Canada, Tokyo, Johannesburg, and Moscow.  On Wednesday July 6 2005, the Final Push concert took place in Edinburgh, Scotland.

The Live 8 Promoters, Bob Geldof and the Band Aid Charitable Trust, began over 20 years ago working to end the famine in Ethiopia and Sudan.  Their mission continues today as they bring together people and music around the world – still fighting global poverty.

This year marks the 40th Anniversary of the Woodstock concert held in New York in 1969.   As I watched the media surrounding the historical event, I can’t help but smile at how far we’ve come.  In 1969, the Vietnam War was a huge controversy of unclear objectives and unknown conclusions.  Popular culture was changing with the “hippies” and music from new artists such as Jimmy Hendrix, Jefferson Airplane and Bob Dylan.  Woodstock brought over 500,000 people together for 3 days of music, love and peace.

Tonight I’m listening to music from Woodstock, Band Aid and Live Aid.   Mixing music and politics for the betterment of society is a really good idea.  I hope you enjoy my favorite song  “One” and think about how you can promote peace in your life.  Maybe listen to Bob Marley’s “One Love”, that’s another favorite of mine!    Peace, Joy