Episodes
Monday Feb 27, 2012
The Expat Files
Monday Feb 27, 2012
Monday Feb 27, 2012
-The sad, hard truth about the oligarchs that subtly milk each Latin country (called Criollos). Here’s the scoop on the ten to twenty ultra-rich families that have historically owned and operated traditional industries like coffee, tobacco, sugar as well as owning monopolies on basic products like beer, liquor, steel cement, etc. They, not the politicians, have held the real power since Spanish colonial times and remain a somewhat hidden force behind all high elected officials. And despite lip service to the contrary, they pull the strings that keep the majority indigenous poor population barely educated and as unorganized as possible. Criollos have become rich on dirt cheap indigenous labor and intend to keep it that way. -Here's one easy way that rich Latin families keep score on who they grant (and withhold) their favors -You thought bowling was a lower-middle class, somewhat borderline white-trash pastime? Not in Latin America! Just check out all those bodyguards and late model SUV’s in the parking lot and you’ll see what I mean. -Here’s a good question: if most Latin countries have an indigenous underclass of up to 50% of the total population, and they hate being treated as second and third-class citizens by the rich upper classes in power- then how come they just don’t just organize and vote out the old corrupt regimes and put in their own indigenous leaders? These are democratic countries after all and the Indians certainly have the numbers to pull it off. Answer: it’s complicated! -More reasons why I don’t recommend living or doing business in Mexico (except if you want a nice, cheap vacation) -Some thoughts about driving a car from the states down through Mexico and then on through Central America
Friday Feb 24, 2012
The Expat Files
Friday Feb 24, 2012
Friday Feb 24, 2012
-The truth about those famous “pensionado” programs for first worlder’s in places like Costa Rica, Panama and Chile. And why you should think twice about applying for that dubious status yourself -10 reasons why its not a great idea to move to Panama these days no matter what you’ve read on the internet. In fact, it can be dangerous to your (financial) health -To bank in Panama or not- an IRS trap meant for you to fall into -The many, many untold advantages of sending your kids to a very high-end Latin American Private University (besides the fact that tuition is only $5000 a year compared $30k in the states) -Email me on questions about Latin America at theexpatfiles@gmail.com
Monday Feb 20, 2012
The Expat Files
Monday Feb 20, 2012
Monday Feb 20, 2012
Friday Feb 17, 2012
The Expat Files
Friday Feb 17, 2012
Friday Feb 17, 2012
Monday Feb 13, 2012
The Expat Files
Monday Feb 13, 2012
Monday Feb 13, 2012
Friday Feb 10, 2012
The Expat Files
Friday Feb 10, 2012
Friday Feb 10, 2012
Monday Feb 06, 2012
The Expat Files
Monday Feb 06, 2012
Monday Feb 06, 2012
Friday Feb 03, 2012
The Expat Files
Friday Feb 03, 2012
Friday Feb 03, 2012
-The Politically incorrect truth about how the “Gringo Advantage” affects mating, dating and romance between First World men and Latin Women. -The scoop on internet dating and mating services that promise love and romance with beautiful Latin women, and why they generally don’t pan out. -The US divorce rate is well over 50% and the divorce rate in Latin America is below 20%. And it remains below 20% even when Expats marry Latinas- as long as the couple DOESN’T move back to the USA! -Romantic advice to lonleyheart Expats: don’t set your sights on wealthy Latin women or the daughters of wealthy or upper class Latin women. If you fall into that trap you’ll be sorry. -Ten reasons why you should NEVER bring the Latin love of your life back to live with you in the USA -Email me on questions about Latin America at theexpatfiles@gmail.com