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.

American Medical Tourism Rep Undergoes Emergency Surgery in Colombia



Today

Three days after surgery

I was admitted on Saturday, August 25. I had not eaten for two days and only sipped water and broth. The pain had increased from about a 6 (scaling from 1 to 10) to about an 8 overnight. Doctors and nurses checked on me about every 2 hours, and added severe dehydration to my symptoms. My lips and mouth were completely white from what everyone said-mirrors were not in my vocabulary at that point. That weekend was one I wish never to relive. Before the pain medication wore off, I was literally crying in agony. The doctors were not certain about my diagnosis and mentioned several ranging from kidney stones to a bowel obstruction. All equally as frightening and painful to me. Finally Monday arrived and I was quickly taken to get a sonogram. Although four very pregnant women were waiting ahead of me, I was taken right away to the exam table. The technician was as gentle as he could be, and when he captured the image of a large mass at the top left of my abdomen, he showed it to me on the screen. He didn't make me wait hours for the doctors to read the results and share the same information. Although I was shocked and disturbed, the tech was comforting and assured me I had the best team of physicians working on my case. Everyone shared this same sentiment with my husband and I, and it was true as we soon realized. But the waiting game wore on all of us. My family in the states and my father in Ecuador grew concerned as my pain severity was evident over the phone. My husband was staying strong for all of us but after weeks of seeing me in pain he could not sleep or eat.

Which made two of us. I was not even allowed water so of course it was all I thought about. Watching the Food Network was definitely out. Sleeping came about an hour and a half at a time until the pain woke me. I wrote in broken Spanish to Ledys, my favorite nurse, I never experienced pain this severe in my entire 44 years. And I have given birth 3 times naturally. My youngest was born 9 1/2 pounds. I am about 5'4" and 125 lbs. Yea, I know what pain is.







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.

Colombia Wants Your Business-Ranks 3rd in Ease

After the Sixth Summit of the Americas in Cartagena this past April, interest and attention in Colombia continues in multiple segments especially in commodities (coffee, oil, mining), social development, and economic impact worldwide.  As we have found living here, the people are greatly concerned about changing its image with the Western World and the implementing of a conducive business environment is evident.  Doingbusiness.org puts Colombia at #3 in its studies of business regulations ease for its region, giving yet another substantial reason to consider Colombia Now!

Ratings improve as Colombia sees strong economic recovery

Ratings improve as Colombia sees strong economic recovery
Great forum for Grings (gringos+gringas) with info on major cities and towns. Thank you Gringos.com

Colombia Ranks in Top Ten Happiest Places!

The ENTIRE country, not just a city, Quebec, is on the top ten happiest places in the world.  Colombia certainly is making alot of headlines and gaining a favorable reputation.  If you are looking for friendly, appreciative people mixed with a diverse geographical landscape, this country has it all.  This self-sufficient country really is proving to the world its culture, history, and climates have something for everyone.  We have met Canadians and Japanese here, and we all agree-it is true, you never want to leave as their motto says.   Oh, one city in the states also qualifies for obvious reason.  Congrats Happy, Texans.  Find the article at Lonely Planet

Colombia-the next Panama? We think its Better!!!

The Sovereign-Invester is a plethora of info on life outside America.  If you catch the news and see the CHANGE implemented in the states, maybe you have or are considering what we did.  We left.   
Now, as my husband and I have known, another confirms.  Yes, Colombia is the next Panama we believe.  We have lived in both countries and both have advantages, but we prefer Colombia resort life.  I can be reached for questions in regards to our experiences at colombianowpd@gmail.com The info in entirety is found at this link http://sovereign-investor.com/2011/03/28/the-next-panama/
It's not your parents' Colombia!

Colombia-Happier Than America Twice??

Ever hear of the Happy Planet Index?  Wikipedia sums it up stating "The HPI is based on general utilitarian principles — that most people want to live long and fulfilling lives, and the country which is doing the best is the one that allows its citizens to do so, whilst avoiding infringing on the opportunity of future people and people in other countries to do the same."  As much as the U.S. might think they know of Colombia, it might be time to reconsider.  The Happy Planet Index, Wiki states is "Countries with relatively high levels of life satisfaction, as measured in surveys, are found from the very top (Colombia in 6th place) to the very bottom (the USA in 114th place) of the rank order."  Yes, Colombia has a higher level of life satisfaction than the United States in 2009.  Way back in 2006, Colombia was #2 and the U.S. #150!  Wonder why or how this can be possible? You are at the right place.  Our focus on this blog will cover much more Colombian truths and our experiences living here about 11/2 years (YES WE REALLY DO LOVE IT HERE!!).  This information will be taken from online sources, our own life among the most loving people we have encountered, and what we believe the future to be for Colombians and those who are leaning towards its many resources and opportunities for a "high level of life satisfaction ".  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Happy_Planet_Index

Map showing countries shaded by their position in the Happy Planet Index (2006). The highest-ranked countries are bright green; the lowest are brown