Brazil Economy 6th Best, Above UK

In 2011 Brazil's economy faired higher than the UK, and ranked 6th largest in the world, according to the National Institute of Economic and Social Research and the Centre for Economics and Business Research. This news announced by the Brazil Finance Minister despite forecasts and a decrease in economic growth. Brazil joins United States, China, Japan, Germany and France as the world's biggest economies according to the UK's online source The Guardian. Brazil's President, Dilma Rousseff and her staff have implemented lower taxes and raised the minimum wage, in an effort to boost economic growth. But with a 4.6 decrease in the economy's growth from 2010 to 2011, the country is optimistic as it plays host to the 2014 World Cup as well as the 2016 Summer Olympic Games.

Read more: http://www.voxxi.com/brazils-economy-overtakes-the-uk-quicknews/#ixzz286WD6JVs

I am glad I had Emergency Surgery in Colombia!

Tuesday, September 28 was day four of my visit in the Clinica de Hospital. I began dreaming of how wonderful the hospital breakfast would taste as it was wheeled down the hall and delivered to everyone else. I only had 15 hours sleep since being admitted, and counting the two days at home before admission I was growing weak without eating and drinking for 6 days. Because of the horrendous constant pain, I hardly noticed the hunger pangs. Ice chips would have been nice but were not offered. My only complaint during this entire 9 day stay would be bring on the ice chips. The doctors checked with me every morning and evening, and this morning they had ordered a tomography. The test was quick and I was more than happy to drink the two cups of contrast medium down. It was the absolute best barium and iodine I had ever enjoyed. I highly reccommend it if you have completely food and liquid fasted for 6 days and nights.
Pain PaIN PAIN!!!!!! I could not tolerate it. Medievel torture may come close to describing it. The constant stabbing from the side and back of my upper abdomen made every move agonizing, every position sitting or standing unbearable. That afternoon, Dr. A, my English speaking Urologist explained my test results. The collection was a 10 cm mass on my kidney. It was blocking half my large intestine, and they recommended a further test involving a puncture to obtain a biopsy. He explained the possible results ranging from a cyst to a malignant tumor. I refused to allow that word to even be considered. I seriously explained to everyone it was not allowed to be mentioned, because I did not want to speak it into existence. My dear, amazing Mommy in Pennsylvania was so worried she hadn't been eating or sleeping either. Thank you to her wonderful partner Carl who had the wisdom to have a doctor prescribe her anti-anxiety medication. As for my Daddy in Ecuador, he planned to immediately fly in to see me. His concern for me elevated his blood pressure and along with the headaches, his doctor recommended he not travel. Both my parents expressed feelings of helpless and fear. It was the first time I felt afraid through this process. Knowing my parents, my pillars of strength, my mentors, my caregivers and creators were terrified, was my low point. I cried so long and hard, from this mental anguish and physical pain I was given the highest allowed dose of morphine. I slept two hours before I was in pain again. I remember asking God several times if my life was really meant to continue. About that moment he would send a bird singing to me, or a child laughing down the hall, or a staff member with a smile coming to see how I was. My sleep deprived and distraught husband and I hardly slept that night. I began to look forward to the procedure tomorrow, even with my surgery phobia. Just a puncture. It did not even sound good.

Latin America draws Millennials and Baby Boomers

More and more Americans, especially the 'Baby Boomer' retirees are rethinking and relocating to Central and South America, and never looking back! With considerations such as difference in language, away from family and friends, and cultural contrasts, it must have a great deal of advantages. Here are a few from latinworld.com.:
-Cost of living is much lower. From rent/housing to food and services, you can expect around half what you spend in the US. Maids, security, and groundskeepers are an affordable amenity and are appreciative and hardworking.
-Stress free and relaxed way of life. In Ecuador, they told us "relax", and in Panama "take it easy". Here in Colombia, its "no problem". They actually tell you to be "tranquilo", a gentle reminder of where you are, and are not! Siesta, a two hour lunch break to eat and nap off your meal a bit before returning to the grind is taken very seriously! Well, that's probably the only thing that is!
-Unique natural environments. Each country offers a variety of Eco-scapes to choose from. Icy glaciers in Chile, Rain forests in Colombia, World class surf in Ecuador, Shopping in Panama, Offshore deep sea fishing in Costa Rica. These are just the activities I have recently ventured to. You'll easily find your favorites. latinworld.com covers tons of info and questions for newbies.
-Fiestas, Fiestas, Fiestas!! Here in Colombia, almost every other Monday is a national holiday. At Christmas, schools have a six week break and another break for summer. Nightlife and clubbing is very common in even the smallest towns, and starts when you get on the bus-lights, music, beverages, all can be enjoyed as your riding to your fave hot spot!
-Business and Investor Ready. Many governments foresee the trends already happening and have implemented fewer laws and less requirements for prospective business owners and investors. Panama has opened its borders allowing foreign nationals an "Immediate Permanent Resident" status. Find more info at sovereign-investor.com.

Colombia Now Third Largest Latin American Economy, Second in South America

Colombia has surpassed Argentina and is now Latin America’s third largest economy according to outgoing Finance Minister Juan Carlos Echeverry.  It means the country is third in the region behind Brazil and Mexico having overtaken oil rich Venezuela two years ago.  ‘Colombia is going forward with great momentum. We are doing well and moving forward,’ the minister said. ‘I can make the announcement that I retire leaving the Colombian economy as the second biggest in South America, and the third largest in Latin America,’ Echeverry declared.  According to Latin American experts it is Brazil and Colombia that are receiving the most interest from multi-national companies keenly looking to Latin America for business.

Wall Street Journal Calls Colombia "New Latin American Tigers"

According to the Wall Street Journal, Colombia's improvement of security conditions in the past years has been conclusive for the outstanding increase in foreign capital investment in the country.  The recently published article in the Wall Street Journal Americas, one of the most influencing economic media worldwide, has ranked Colombia and Peru as the “new Latin American tigers”, countries that given their current economic conditions, have become the new core for foreign investment in the region.  For more information check out Colombia's Proexport website.