Generated by All in One SEO v5.0.0.1, this is an llms.txt file, used by LLMs to index the site. # nomad4ever Life is what you make it! ## Sitemaps - [XML Sitemap](https://nomad4ever.com/sitemap.xml): Contains all public & indexable URLs for this website. ## Posts - [@nomad4ever is on Instagram](https://nomad4ever.com/nomad4ever-is-on-instagram/) - Please follow me on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/nomad4ever Please follow @nomad4ever on Instagram - [1001 Natural Wonders you must see before you die.....](https://nomad4ever.com/1001-natural-wonders-you-must-see-before-you-die/) - Recently I found this interesting book in Borders Bookstore at Wheelock Place in Singapore. It's an amazing composition of beautiful photos and short descriptions of interesting places on our planet. It includes from Niagara Falls, Grand Canyon to Krakatoa Volcano or the Great Barrier Reef and even some (not so known) sites in my home - [Dreamland: what a dream of a beach!](https://nomad4ever.com/dreamland-what-a-dream-of-a-beach/) - I didn't know until now that Bali is blessed with some internationally competitive beaches. Due to its natures of its volcano origin, most popular beaches in Bali are of black or gray sand with sandy waters with either no waves at all or strong currents, making it a strange experience when swimming there. The only - [12 Tips How to score Cheap Flight Tickets with AirAsia](https://nomad4ever.com/12-tips-how-to-score-cheap-flight-tickets-with-airasia/) - Regional Flight Travel in Asia has come a long way over the last decade. While flights around the region used to cost hundreds of Dollars until still in the late 90’s, this changed dramatically with the introduction of Budget Airlines in Asia, just a few years into the new millennium. Nowadays, brands like Jet Star, - [What NOT To Bring Backpacking: 10 Things To Leave At Home](https://nomad4ever.com/what-not-to-bring-backpacking-10-things-to-leave-at-home/) - When setting off a long-term trip for the first time, it's common for people to bring far more than they need; the uncertainty of what the trip may bring can lead to a mentality of packing things "just in case", or for comfort. I remember my first 2-week trip to Thailand, hundreds of full moons - [Visa Extension in Bali - how does it work?](https://nomad4ever.com/visa-extension-in-bali-how-does-it-work/) - If you are coming to Indonesia on a Visa-on-arrival procedure, you have no choice but to travel out and back in to Indonesia to re-new your visa. This usually after 3 days (USD 10) or maximum 30 days (USD 25), depending on how long a visa you paid your US Dollars for. Visa on-arrival or - [Cost of Living Chart - Philippines (in Peso, Dollar and Euro)](https://nomad4ever.com/cost-of-living-chart-philippines-in-peso-dollar-and-euro/) - The Philippines is a country in South East Asia with breath-taking natural features and scenery on over 7.000 islands. You will find pristine beaches, volcanoes, rice terraces, hot springs and waterfalls aplenty in a very pleasant tropical climate. People are genuinely friendly and most of the Pinoys can speak English, so easy communication is guaranteed. - [Three Tips On How To Score Cheap Flights To Perth](https://nomad4ever.com/three-tips-on-how-to-score-cheap-flights-to-perth/) - Travelling to Perth is sometimes imagined to be expensive, but with a bit of clever planning, this doesn’t have to be the case. Flights to Perth are generally very affordable and you don’t have to wait long to avail them. Here are three of the best tips for finding a great deal on flights to - [Medical Tourism in Asia - Boost your Healthcare and Reap the Cost Savings!](https://nomad4ever.com/medical-tourism-in-asia-boost-your-healthcare-and-reap-the-cost-savings/) - I used to pay around 400-600 Euro for my Health Insurance - per month! Not that I didn't try to reduce that or even get around it at all. Why not pay for what you use only? But back in my home country Germany, you have no choice. You have to pay for a health - [Cost of Living Chart - Bali (in Rupiah, Dollar and Euro)](https://nomad4ever.com/cost-of-living-chart-bali-in-rupiah-dollar-and-euro/) - In general, Bali is a beautiful place on our planet, where you can survive pretty well on a very small budget. The Cost of Living here is dramatically lower than in the US, old Europe, Australia or even some other parts in Asia. I was asked many times by readers how much I spend here - [Funny Aliens: Only in Indonesia](https://nomad4ever.com/funny-aliens-only-in-indonesia/) - If anyone still had any doubts, that for the right amount of money everything is for sale in Indonesia, here is to prove that theory. Most tourists certainly experience the sellers and hawkers on Bali’s beaches and beyond. ‘Rolex, boss? Transport, transport? Girls? Magic Mushrooms?’ – it seems they are everywhere. You can’t avoid them - [6 Months Goa - The Best, The Good, The Ugly](https://nomad4ever.com/6-months-goa-the-best-the-good-the-ugly/) - 6 months here in Goa are coming to an end; wow - the time was really flying! The season is ending also, many shops and restaurants shut down already, while the temperatures are rising every day. The coming monsoon is showing its hot side. Everyone is waiting for the rain to fall. Time for a - [How much money do you need to retire?](https://nomad4ever.com/how-much-money-do-you-need-to-retire/) - USD 1 Million? 2 Million? 5 Million? Or just 200.000? Are you kidding me - how can I *retire* now!? How shall I finance my retirement? I will need *loads* of Cash, Gold, Insurance or Credit! I need my Hummer, the BMW X3 for the wife, my penthouse for the mistress, the Wanker's Club Membership - [Medical Tourism - 5 Reasons to consider Goa](https://nomad4ever.com/medical-tourism-5-reasons-to-consider-goa/) - It's been a while since I wrote about Medical Tourism. Meanwhile I had a bit more experience with medical services in India and I'm impressed with what is available. If you are an Expat, living in Asia without health insurance or a holiday maker from Europe, Australia or the US - it could be interesting - [Review: Honda Vario Techno 125ccm PGM-F1 Matic](https://nomad4ever.com/review-honda-vario-techno-125ccm-pgm-f1-matic/) - When living a while in one location, you establish a base, from where you can travel to other places. What mode of transport you prefer, is up to you, in Asia's equatorial weather, for me the best way to get around is by motorcycle. Driving 20.000 km around Bali and surrounding islands over the last - [8 Tips to Fool Keyloggers in Public Internet Cafes](https://nomad4ever.com/8-tips-to-fool-keyloggers-in-public-internet-cafes/) - If you are traveling without your own laptop for an extended period of time - chances are you will use Computers in public Internet Cafes to stay in touch with loved ones and friends around the world. Using a computer in any Internet Cafe in Shanghai, Vientiane or Fiji sounds like a comfortable form of - [Cost of Living – Bali 2010 (in Rupiah, Dollar and Euro)](https://nomad4ever.com/cost-of-living-bali-2010-in-rupiah-dollar-and-euro/) - I was asked many times over, to update the Cost of Living spreadsheet on this page. Time is definitely ripe for an update, as prices in Bali soared over the last 3 years. The economic crisis, a weakening Euro and an Indonesian Inflation (unofficially in the double digits) did all their part as well to - [55 Nations - Stereotypes that will Ruin or Make your Day](https://nomad4ever.com/55-nations-stereotypes-that-will-ruin-or-make-your-day/) - Inspired by an idea of Mon earlier on this post, I searched the net far and wide to find the most common stereotypes about Nationalities. Generalizations about cultures or nationalities can be a source of pride, anger or simply bad jokes. Some people say that in all stereotype there is some basis in reality, as - [Visit the gorgeous Islands and Beaches of the Philippines](https://nomad4ever.com/visit-the-gorgeous-islands-and-beaches-of-the-philippines/) - I was asked by Arelle to write some more about the Philippines. Especially the beaches of the Philippines. So here we go: Are the Philippines worth visiting? You bet! It's an amazing country. With friendly people, cheap accomodation and 7.000 islands to chose from. Lonely Planet calls the Philippines the 'forgotten islands of South-East Asia', - [How many Ogoh-Ogoh did you shoot? (Bali Nyepi 2012)](https://nomad4ever.com/how-many-ogoh-ogoh-did-you-shoot-bali-nyepi-2012/) - It's this time in Bali again, the beginning of the New Year 1934 following the Hindu calendar. This is celebrated with a parade of paper mache Ogoh-Ogoh monsters followed by a day of silence. During Nyepi Day, noise and light pollution have to be avoided, to not make the monsters, demons and ghosts flying over - [South Vietnam - The Best, The Good, The Ugly](https://nomad4ever.com/south-vietnam-the-best-the-good-the-ugly/) - On a recent short trip to Vietnam I had the chance to explore the country anew, after having not visited for over 7 years. The Vietnam Lunar Festival Tết Nguyên Đán was just in its last few days, when I touched down in Ho Chi Minh or Saigon. Over the course of almost 2 weeks - [A 'Super Bridge' from Cebu to Bohol?](https://nomad4ever.com/a-super-bridge-from-cebu-to-bohol/) - Cebu and Bohol are apart from Boracay and Manila maybe the most valuable assets for the tourism industry in the Philippines. Cebu has the second biggest international airport in the country and is a great hub for island-hopping, entertainment options or simply coming back to Civilization after having successfully toured the surrounding islands or provinces. - [Visa Run Thailand to Myanmar](https://nomad4ever.com/visa-run-thailand-myanmar/) - Just came back from a 12-hours trip from Phuket to Ranong/Kaw Thaung. It's about 350km from Phuket and some companies are specialized to take you there and back in 1 day - to renew your Visa for Thailand.Of course you can go to Malaysia as well, but currently there is a bit of civil unrest - [Discover Nature And Adventure In Hong Kong](https://nomad4ever.com/discover-nature-and-adventure-in-hong-kong/) - Beyond the hustle and bustle and the bright lights of its city life, Hong Kong has a lesser-known asset that is no less alluring - its hidden gems of natural beauty. These sanctuaries of nature are hidden in and around the city and spread among Hong Kong's island territories, waiting to be discovered. For those - [Philippines and Bali soon directly connected](https://nomad4ever.com/philippines-and-bali-soon-directly-connected/) - The Philippines and Indonesia are 2 of the favorite travel destinations in South East Asia for the readers of this website. Quite a few islands in the Philippines, as Bali in Indonesia are very valid options for Expats and early retirees to stay long-term and enjoying the good life in those equator paradises. The times - [Club 66 (Doublesix) Bali goes out with a Bang - RIP!](https://nomad4ever.com/club-66-doublesix-bali-goes-out-with-a-bang-rip/) - 24 years ago, when Kuta in Bali was a small fishing village with bamboo huts and mud tracks, only known to late Hippies and a handful of adventurous low budget tourists, something interesting happened. Amidst the serenity of its 8km long stretch of sand and (back then) clean waters a night club opened opened in - [Essential Tips For Self-Sustainable or Permanent Travel](https://nomad4ever.com/essential-tips-for-self-sustainable-or-permanent-travel/) - Monday morning, 8am. Diiiiiiinnng! Is that your alarm? Wouldn't it be nice to not having to go to work today? How about traveling in Guatemala, Mexico or Asia instead? Here is the news: You can! Just follow nomad4ever's essential tips for self-sustainable permanent travel. For permanent sustainable travel and living at a young age, you - [nomad4ever.com featured in GQ China 07/2011](https://nomad4ever.com/nomad4ever-com-featured-in-gq-china-072011/) - When things like this happen, it makes me feel that it’s all worth to maintain a website like this over the period of now more than 6 years. This May, GQ China interviewed half a dozen Bali and Phuket Expats for a July Special Print Issue about people who left the city life behind. It - [As I Grew Older](https://nomad4ever.com/as-i-grew-older/) - It was a long time ago. I have almost forgotten my dream. But it was there then, In front of me, Bright like a sun-- My dream. And then the wall rose, Rose slowly, Slowly, Between me and my dream. Rose until it touched the sky - The wall…Shadow. I am black. I lie down - [It’s A Cruel Cruel (Corporate) World...](https://nomad4ever.com/its-a-cruel-cruel-corporate-world/) - The modern working climate is unforgiving. In its never-ending strive for higher productivity and efficiency, employees are a mere cost factor in a firm’s calculation. A cost factor, that constantly has to be optimized, downsized and monitored for return on investment; restructured and adjusted to fit the firm’s strategies and policies. What happened to the - [Racial Profiling at Bali Airport – Necessity or Harassment?](https://nomad4ever.com/racial-profiling-at-bali-airport-necessity-or-harassment/) - In spite of the recent Immigration Experience at Denpasar Airport by 2 female travelers from the Philippines, I was wondering, what your opinion might be about Racial Profiling at airports. Currently a story is making waves on Blogs and Facebook, how 2 Filipina were allegedly obtained, held and questioned for 1.5 hours upon immigration without - [I Was Born Free](https://nomad4ever.com/i-was-born-free/) - I’m currently researching for a more in-depth article about some new exciting technology making its way to Bali. While this might take another 1-2 weeks for the next update, I noticed that the motivation category also hasn’t seen some new input in a longggg time. When I surfed on my friend Jerm’s website I found - [5 Tips when hitting Whale Shark Alley in Donsol, Philippines](https://nomad4ever.com/5-tips-when-hitting-whale-shark-alley-in-donsol-philippines/) - Whale sharks are the most amazing gentle creatures of the sea. They are huge, blue-grey monsters with white dots; big like trucks – but they are moving and gliding so effortlessly through the seas. The thrill you will get when swimming with them is unbelievable and indescribable. The best place in the world to see - [Burger King and Domino’s Pizza arrive in Bali](https://nomad4ever.com/burger-king-and-dominos-pizza-arrive-bali/) - In a recent development that may seem like a two-sided sword, 2 of the most famous and notorious American Fast Food Giants make inroads by coming to Bali. While that would certainly mean more options for fast food and pizza lovers, some might argue also that the original character of Bali might get spoiled even - [Nightlife in Bali - Selective Fun paired with Racism?](https://nomad4ever.com/nightlife-in-bali-selective-fun-paired-with-racism/) - If you are a bit longer in Bali, you might notice that the whole tourism industry is based on double standards. Tourists pay more than local residents or Indonesians; as tourists seem to be loose with their money. After all it’s their holiday and they are just out to spend and to have fun. Shops - [How to get your Electronic Gadget Fix in Bali](https://nomad4ever.com/how-to-get-your-electronic-gadget-fix-in-bali/) - If you are into Electronic Gadgets, you might think that a holiday destination like Bali is not the right place to buy or bargain for the latest toys. Tech hubs like Singapore, Hong Kong and Bangkok dominate this area in Asia. In general, you are better off purchasing your new Laptop or Android Smartphone in - [Comment Login and Threading Under Construction!](https://nomad4ever.com/comment-login-and-threading-under-construction/) - I’m currently trying to implement the long-requested threaded comments and an easier identification option via Facebook Connect. The old Avatars and MyBlogLog Profile Pics will go, as they are outdated and too geeky. Please bear with me, if site or comment formatting is currently distorted, as am doing open heart surgery at the site. Hoping - [nomad4ever.com eradicates Hunger and World Poverty](https://nomad4ever.com/nomad4ever-com-eradicates-hunger-and-world-poverty/) - Just a short note, that this website won an Award of Excellence by IGLU, one of the biggest travel companies in the UK with millions of people visiting their portal site every year. IGLU has won many awards based on their hard work and dedication to the traveling customer, who they offer many holiday destinations - [Funny Aliens: An Athlete ‘Til The End](https://nomad4ever.com/funny-aliens-an-athlete-til-the-end/) - Bali is located just below the equator. That means the weather is tropical, humid and constantly hovering around or above the 30 degrees Celsius mark. Being a sporty person usually means you will be doing your workout or running sessions early in the morning before the sun reaches its summit, or in the late afternoons. - [Will Indonesia sell its women soon?](https://nomad4ever.com/will-indonesia-sell-its-women-soon/) - Currently in Indonesia a bill is mulled by local conservative politicians, that foreign men who want to marry an Indonesian woman would have to pay the equivalent of USD 55.000 to the government. Many observers and especially Mixed Couples who are willing to tie the knot in the near future are left dumbfounded. They say - [Noynoy Aquino wins Philippine Presidency – by a Landslide](https://nomad4ever.com/noynoy-aquino-wins-philippine-presidency-by-a-landslide/) - When I made my assumptions last October, that Benigno (Noynoy) Aquino III might be poised to become the 15th president of the Philippines, nobody expected that the results would come in so clearly and undisputed. Usually laughed-off Aquino as a ‘mental’ or bespectacled pseudo-intellectual, who only came to political power due to his name, proved - [Explore El Nido Palawan, The Last Frontier of the Philippines](https://nomad4ever.com/explore-el-nido-palawan-the-last-frontier-of-the-philippines/) - Even by Philippine standards, El Nido is far off the common map. It’s not easy to get there cheap or uncomplicated. You either can shell out big bucks for one of the few and overpriced flights by SEAIR or go the ‘hammer route’ – via MiniVan or Bus from Puerto Princesa via Roxas and Taytay - [Gili Islands near Lombok – to go or to avoid?](https://nomad4ever.com/gili-islands-near-lombok-to-go-or-to-avoid/) - Over the years, the 3 Gili Islands in the north-west of Lombok have been famous with backpacker tourists. White sand, crystal-clear cyan-blue waters, no police on the islands and a carefree attitude and tolerance of the locals drew budget tourists in droves. Recently, the islands also attract a different crowd, disco or party seekers who - [6 Months Philippines – the Best, the Good, the Ugly](https://nomad4ever.com/6-months-philippines-the-best-the-good-the-ugly/) - Can you really grasp a whole country by just staying a couple of months there? For sure not. That’s even more the case with the Philippines, guess I never felt the time passing faster than here – or is it maybe that I’m getting older? ;-) Either way, the Philippines is a beautiful island nation, - [Wanted: Your very own beach paradise island - Bohol or Bantayan?](https://nomad4ever.com/wanted-your-very-own-beach-paradise-island-bohol-or-bantayan/) - Aside from Boracay, the famous island with the ‘whitest beach in Asia’, the Philippines have many more paradise islands with white sandy beaches to offer. 2 of them can be found in the Visayas, a region relatively protected from the onslaught of countless Typhoons, with the worst this year, Ketsana (Ondoy) and Parma (Pepeng) causing - [Is this the next President of the Philippines?](https://nomad4ever.com/is-this-the-next-president-of-the-philippines/) - With the current sitting-duck president Gloria Macapagal Arroyo (GMA) trying to pull all strings to extend her 10 years in office by changing the constitution; a clear frontrunner emerges among the presidential candidates for the scheduled 10th of May 2010 election. His family heritage and legacy give hope to millions of ordinary Filipinos and big - [Never again Asus Computers!](https://nomad4ever.com/never-again-asus-computers/) - When I moved away from Singapore on to Thailand and Bali a few years ago, I also gave up on desktop computers. Until then I mainly used self-customized desktops with the graphic cards, mainboards and components I wanted. Asus always was close to my techie heart then, so I didn’t waste too many thoughts, when - [Which San Miguel Beer type are you? Poll is up...](https://nomad4ever.com/which-san-miguel-beer-type-are-you-poll-is-up/) - Beer is one of the most popular alcoholic drinks in Asia. Travelers, Expats and Locals alike are known to happily give it a rest and enjoy a cold one, when leaving the office, sitting in their hang mats, a lively bar or at the many beaches in the region. The Philippines are blessed with one - [3G/UMTS Internet - SmartBro or Globe Tattoo in the Philippines?](https://nomad4ever.com/3gumts-internet-smartbro-or-globe-tattoo-in-the-philippines/) - The Philippines were one of the first countries in Southeast Asia to embrace wireless 3G or UMTS technology for internet access. Blessed (or punished) with more than 7.000 islands, digging and laying down landlines was naturally a big endeavor for this developing country. So all the way until the mid 90's the country was one - [Bicol Region - a natural beauty to settle down and grow old](https://nomad4ever.com/bicol-region-a-natural-beauty-to-settle-down-and-grow-old/) - The southeastern end of Luzon is a region of plenty. Rich oceans with an abundance of marine life to excite every hobby scientist, volcanic activities in the form of mountains, hot lakes/springs and picturesque bays to shoot your very own postcard photos, wrecked galleons to dive to, caves to explore - Bicol certainly has it - [A Volcano on an Island in a Lake on an Island in an Ocean?](https://nomad4ever.com/a-volcano-on-an-island-in-a-lake-on-an-island-in-an-ocean/) - Sounds strange? The Taal Volcano definitely is. Readers, who follow this site a bit longer, probably know that I'm a fan of Volcanoes. So far I've visited quite a few of them around Indonesia; the famous Krakatau, Lake Toba on Sumatra (a huge volcano crater lake), Mount Rinjani on Lombok and Mount Batur and Agung - [Tricyle Diaries - over at liveinthephilippines.com](https://nomad4ever.com/tricyle-diaries-over-at-liveinthephilippinescom/) - Robert Martin - better known as 'Mindanao Bob' is one of my online friends here in the Philippines. He is a workaholic with dozens of websites and offline businesses and an authority and institution about everything Philippines. No wonder, since he is married to a wonderful Filipina and living in Mindanao already for over a - [The Tricycle Diaries - Severe Road Punishment](https://nomad4ever.com/the-tricycle-diaries-severe-road-punishment/) - This post actually should've been about the fine roads of Panay Island. Following the National Highway, you can enjoy marked middle lines, clear sidelines, an abundance of street and road direction signs and a smooth asphalt/bitumen surface, not the cheaper concrete surface, that only lasts a year or so. It's really a pleasure to drive - [The Tricycle Diaries - RoRo from Negros to Panay and on to Guimaras Island](https://nomad4ever.com/the-tricycle-diaries-roro-from-negros-to-panay-and-on-to-guimaras-island/) - Getting from Negros to Panay Island had us first use the RoRo service which connects the major islands here in the Philippines. It's actually an easy and straight-forward process. You arrive at the RoRo terminal, buy a ticket for your vehicle, pay departure or port tax and off you go. Drive your car, bike, tricycle - [The Tricycle Diaries - an Idea becomes Reality](https://nomad4ever.com/the-tricycle-diaries-an-idea-becomes-reality/) - If you chose a base in a host country you basically explore the surrounding area only in a certain radius. That means, even if you have a rented motorcycle, you always have to return to your point of origin. Of course you can do a daytrip or even multiple daytrips, but still you are limited - [Boracay or Puerto Galera?](https://nomad4ever.com/boracay-or-puerto-galera/) - Boracay is without any doubt the most famous and well-known travel destination in the Philippines for international travelers. It features the whitest beach in Asia, crystal-clear blue waters, resorts and restaurants in all price ranges. Puerto Galera is not so known outside the Philippines, but has some great beaches too, countless bays to explore, mountains - [Mambukal Waterfalls and Sulfur Spring near Bacolod, Negros Occidental](https://nomad4ever.com/mambukal-waterfalls-and-sulfur-spring-near-bacolod-negros-occidental/) - Just a daytrip from provincial capital Bacolod on Northern Negros in the middle of the Philippines is an idyllic resort in the mountains. It's called Mambukal and offers 7 (!) cascading waterfalls, a nice climb through jungle forest along the waters, treetop climbing in the canopy, a sulfur spring basin to rest your aching bones - [Siquijor Island - let its magic enchant you!](https://nomad4ever.com/siquijor-island-let-its-magic-enchant-you/) - I first heard of Siquijor island back in 2002 from a Dive Buddy when visiting Alona Beach on Bohol. Sitting in the 'Safety Stop Bar' on Panglao, drinking a few San Miguel, he told me especially about the exciting Coral Gardens and abundant Marine Life - truly a paradise for divers! The beaches were said - [Driving around Dumaguete, Negros Oriental](https://nomad4ever.com/driving-around-dumaguete-negros-oriental/) - Negros is one of the larger islands in the Philippines. It features 4 volcanoes and is divided by a high mountain range, thus almost completely separating the western part - Negros Occidental - from the eastern part - Negros Oriental. Dumaguete is the largest city almost at the south-eastern tip of Negros. You can drive - [nomad4ever interviewed for JetSetCitizen.com](https://nomad4ever.com/nomad4ever-interviewed-for-jetsetcitizencom/) - John Bardos asked me recently to answer some questions for his website JetSetCitizen.com. The site is about people who live a nomadic lifestyle; the modern gypsies of this world who create the lifestyles they want to live. So it was a no-brainer for me to comply. You can find the interview here. If you liked - [50 Life Lessons](https://nomad4ever.com/50-life-lessons/) - Travis Ryan Floyd @ MySpace published 50 Life Lessons. The list was originally created by Regina Brett for 'The Plain Dealer' in Cleveland, Ohio. It's simply a great read and motivating like hell, even if you don't believe in god, family or money. ;-) 1. Life isn't fair, but it's still good. 2. When in - [Manila oh Manila!](https://nomad4ever.com/manila-oh-manila/) - Is there anything that isn't said already about Manila? The Capital of the Philippines, once dubbed the "Pearl of the Orient" or "City of our Affections" (I prefer the latter, hehe!), has all the right and wrong ingredients to star in its very own city-flick thriller. Asked anyone who've been there about this city and - [Know these strange Inventions?](https://nomad4ever.com/know-these-strange-inventions/) - Visiting family and friends here in Germany over the last 14 days, I ran across 2 practical inventions, which struck me as quite odd. As I've never seen any of them before in Asia, I naturally assumed that some crazy German came up with the idea. After all, can you imagine a true-blue American or - [How an Indian Airline blows Tiger Airways out of the sky](https://nomad4ever.com/how-an-indian-airline-blows-tiger-airways-out-of-the-sky/) - Flying from Singapore into Chennai, India, we took Tiger Airways, one of Asia's most successful Budget Airlines. Operating out of Singapore you should be able to bank on its efficiency and service quality. It seems with Tiger Airways efficiency is going sometimes a bit too far, up to the point when you as the passenger - [Hey Fatty! Get in Shape with these 5 Asian Diet Tips](https://nomad4ever.com/hey-fatty-get-in-shape-with-these-5-asian-diet-tips/) - Back in the days, when still living in Germany, I used to eat very irregularly. 4 days a week on the road, you just stuff anything edible in your mouth. Mostly things like Fast Food, Pizza and some 'German Classics' like Doener Kebab or Currywurst. Needless to say I always had a bit more pounds - [Top 10 popular Foods of Asia explained](https://nomad4ever.com/top-10-popular-foods-of-asia-explained/) - After losing some pounds following the tips in this article - it's now time to put some of them back - NOT! Asia is such a vast area with many different influences, flavors and cultures, that it's hard to pick out typical Asian dishes. Fortunately there are Asian dishes that are popular in more than - [Living the Good Life in Bali - a Wrap up after 2 Years](https://nomad4ever.com/living-the-good-life-in-bali-a-wrap-up-after-2-years/) - Living the last 2 years in Bali were surprisingly smooth sailing. Originally we wanted to stay here 6 months only - now I almost can't believe, how quickly time passed on this lovely island. Coming from Phuket, the first impressions were quite mixed. What stroke me most initially, was the chaotic traffic and the colder - [Funny Aliens: Brad Pitt's got some Business in Singapore](https://nomad4ever.com/funny-aliens-brad-pitts-got-some-business-in-singapore/) - While waiting for the Indian Visa, the last few days were spent here roaming around Singapore, eating plenty of Malay, Chinese and Indian food. And watching some new movies in the Cinema. Amongst those new flicks was one starring Brad Pitt, directed by the Coen Brothers, called "Burn after Reading". What an amazing little film! - [Cost of Living Chart - Goa, India (in Rupees, Dollar and Euro)](https://nomad4ever.com/cost-of-living-chart-goa-india-in-rupees-dollar-and-euro/) - I was practically glued to the TV last week when the events in Mumbai happened; couldn't believe what I was seeing. Hard to get in front of a computer again, didn't feel like posting anything at all about long-term traveling in India. But then, isn't that what those terrorists tried to achieve? To paralyzing the - [Cost of Living Chart - Phuket, Thailand (in Baht, Dollar and Euro)](https://nomad4ever.com/cost-of-living-chart-phuket-thailand-in-baht-dollar-and-euro/) - Ahhh! Thailand, the famous Land of Smiles. A wet dream for many, yet a fulfillable one if you see the influx of Farangs, who find a place to live long-term in Thailand over the last couple of years. Great tropic weather, friendly and beautiful people, relaxed beach life and a cuisine to die for - - [Anthony Bourdain about his passion for Asian food](https://nomad4ever.com/anthony-bourdain-about-his-passion-for-asian-food/) - Our friend Anthony Bourdain is surely a unique character. He is an honest and down-to earth guy - fully respectful of other cultures or traditions - yet he speaks out his mind if something is horrible or brackish. They don't call him "Rogue Chef" for nothing. And he is practically a living Nomad. He enjoys - [Javanese Food - a simple and healthy cuisine extraordinaire](https://nomad4ever.com/javanese-food-a-simple-and-healthy-cuisine-extraordinaire/) - As mentioned earlier - people around the world love and crave Asian food. I'm not talking about your standard Chinese Restaurant. There is more to experience and taste out there. Let's start to introduce some of the many delicious dishes you can find around this vast region. Where to begin? As I'm currently residing in - [Khaima Bali: Where Orient meets Asia](https://nomad4ever.com/khaima-bali-where-orient-meets-asia/) - The thing I like about a place like Bali is the sheer variety of venues on where to eat, drink, relax or just hang out. One of those special places where you can do all of the above is Khaima. What's the venue? Khaima is a chilled restaurant in Jalan Laksmana/Oberoi, the new 'IN' area - [Anthony Bourdain Is Right About Pigs](https://nomad4ever.com/anthony-bourdain-is-right-about-pigs/) - Coming back from Ubud just to eat some roasted pork on rice over there, I must say, Anthony Bourdain, the famous author, culinary in-your-face adventurer and self-proclaimed hedonist is right. You really have the best Babi Guling (which is 'Spanferkel' or Roasted Suckling Baby Pig) in Ubud/Bali! Just ask anyone in Ubud for Warung Ibu - [Funny Aliens: 'MSG anyone?'](https://nomad4ever.com/funny-aliens-msg-anyone/) - It's been a while since japanese food chemicals giant Ajinomoto first started to mass-produce MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) to 'enhance' the flavour of our food. It's almost certain, that an overuse of MSG these days can harm your health. Or maybe not? Europeans and Americans speak of a so-called Chinese Restaurant Syndrom, which is something like - [Sooo hot! Am I dehydrating yet? Here is the solution...](https://nomad4ever.com/sooo-hot-am-i-dehydrating-yet-here-is-the-solution/) - Countries around the equator are very different from each other. Latin America is a green jungle-hell and Central Africa is as diverse a landscape as it can get; ranging from deserts to dense forests, savannahs, high peaks and deep valleys. The Indian Ocean with its Maldives and the scattered Pacific Islands are a different story - [Amazing Knowledge: Why do food carts in Bali make different noises? ;-)](https://nomad4ever.com/amazing-knowledge-why-do-food-carts-in-bali-make-different-noises/) - In Bali, as in most parts of Indonesia and other asian countries as well, you have people who earn their living by selling food. They push a small cart up and down the streets, selling everything from Nasi Goreng (Fried Rice), Bubur Ayam (Rice Porridge with Chicken), Bakso (Beef Ball Soup), Cendol (sweet jelly dessert - [Try these 7 incredible Indian dishes for your instant OM! moment](https://nomad4ever.com/try-these-7-incredible-indian-dishes-for-your-instant-om-moment/) - To describe the best Indian dishes is not an easy task. Indian cuisine is rich in spices, tastes and influences from different cultures. And no dish tastes the same if you visit a different restaurant in another town. But there are certain fixtures, for instance that mainly more vegetables than meats are used. The most - [The Secret of getting pure Beer in Goa](https://nomad4ever.com/the-secret-of-getting-pure-beer-in-goa/) - Beer in Goa is a strange creature. As observed before, most local brews here taste all similar due to preservatives added to ensure a longer shelf life in the tropics. Unfortunately this spoils the taste of a beer completely, even for normal beer drinkers with more insensitive tongues. Luckily there is light at the end - [5 Must-try Restaurants in North Goa with Great Value for Money](https://nomad4ever.com/5-must-try-restaurants-in-north-goa-with-great-value-for-money/) - Eating out in Goa can be a science. There is so much choice! As established here, you can indulge yourself in various delicacies all over the state. Now we will shed a bit more light on where you can find those tasty dishes. North Goa alone is a vast area and you can spend hours - [Q&A #1](https://nomad4ever.com/qa-1/) - I regularly get e-mails from readers with questions related to my lifestyle, which I try to answer as exhaustive as possible. Some of them could be interesting for other readers as well. Here we go with a new section of this site. These are the first questions answered: You are a German but write in - [Indian Gazette Oddities - a tongue-in-cheek Overview](https://nomad4ever.com/indian-gazette-oddities-a-tongue-in-cheek-overview/) - India has a wealth of daily newspapers, many of which are in English. I simply love sitting in a beach shack, a smooth sea breeze blowing, having my coffee shake and reading up what happened over the last couple of days. Most newspapers in India are surprisingly well put together, having a nice mix of - [Funny Aliens: Hypnotic Forex Services](https://nomad4ever.com/funny-aliens-hypnotic-forex-services/) - If you didn't know by now that India is a spiritual country - here you have the proof. Hypnotic Forex Services as seen here in Miramar in Goa should definitely ensure that you always have the best exchange rates for your traveler checks. If your money or credit cards get lost, they can surely help - [Funny Aliens: Traffic Management by Rumblers - drive slow or take off](https://nomad4ever.com/funny-aliens-traffic-management-by-rumblers-drive-slow-or-take-off/) - India is notorious for its crazy and congested traffic, as well as for constant electricity brownouts. Both issues together would make for a catastrophic combination during rush hour. Just imagine traffic lights at intersections out of electricity, leaving commuters suddenly all to themselves to regulate who has the right of way. Right of way also - [Funny Aliens: Sex Determination punishable by law](https://nomad4ever.com/funny-aliens-sex-determination-punishable-by-law/) - Actually - todays picture isn't so funny after all. It's more a really sad story. In many poorer countries it is considered bad luck, if your child is a girl rather than a boy. The century-old perception is as follows: a boy will be able to work and support mother and father one day, thus - [Only We Know Why](https://nomad4ever.com/only-we-know-why/) - Whatever God you believe in, or even none at all - the recent economic crisis can shatter your beliefs and make you doubt the roads you are walking in life. Here are some calming lyrics most people can relate to. Who knows, why we are doing what we are doing? Let's just keep moving on, - [Goa's famous Trance Parties - still going strong... maybe only just](https://nomad4ever.com/goas-famous-trance-parties-still-going-strong-maybe-only-just/) - Goa became famous in the 60's and 70's, when Hippies from all around the world discovered this smallest state of India to live a carefree life of love, peace and happiness here. 2 decades later in the early and mid 90's - Goa Trance Techno Parties were invented here and with the help of Paul - [The Hole in Man](https://nomad4ever.com/the-hole-in-man/) - And a Man sat alone... Drenched deep in sadness And all the animals drew near to him and said: "We do not like to see you so sad Ask us for whatever you wish and you shall have it." The Man said: "I want to have good sight." The Vulture replied: "You shall have mine." - [Funny Aliens: The Laziest Beach Guard ever](https://nomad4ever.com/funny-aliens-the-laziest-beach-guard-ever/) - Goa's beaches are famous for its calm waves, soft sand and shallow waters. That doesn't mean that it can't be dangerous, as there are undercurrents present at most of the popular beaches. Every year around 50 tourists drown (or are declared drowned - but that's another story). So it's generally advisable to go swimming in - [The Best of Nomad4ever in 2008](https://nomad4ever.com/the-best-of-nomad4ever-in-2008/) - Only a few more days and this year is history again. Gosh - time was really flying the last 12 months! I certainly lost a bit of track of what had happened over this period. In January we were still enjoying the easy-going life in Bali, then spending a few weeks in October in Singapore, - [Keeping up-to-date with Hepatitis Vaccination in India](https://nomad4ever.com/keeping-up-to-date-with-hepatitis-vaccination-in-india/) - Living in Asia the past 6 years, I regularly try to stay up-to-date with Immunizations and precautions. As a pampered and spoiled European you naturally don't have the immune system or the antibodies to fight diseases like Hepatitis, Typhoid, Polio, Malaria or Dengue. Not that it's recommended you do that at all. But while you - [Girls beware of Perverts at Goa's Beaches!](https://nomad4ever.com/girls-beware-of-perverts-at-goas-beaches/) - Ahhhh - a sunny Sunday afternoon! No clouds in the sky and the sun slowly going down a bit, taking the heat of the day away. What better to do than relaxing a bit at the beach, having your after-lunch nap, swimming in the calm waves or catching a few of the last sun rays - [Simplify your life](https://nomad4ever.com/simplify-your-life/) - "Go confidently in the direction of your dreams! Live the life you've imagined. As you simplify your life, the laws of the universe will be simpler; solitude will not be solitude, poverty will not be poverty, nor weakness weakness." "Our life is frittered away by detail... simplify, simplify." "The cost of a thing is the - [If Asia were a Woman...](https://nomad4ever.com/if-asia-were-a-woman/) - Can you imagine the capitals or countries of Asia as women? No? That is what blogger Indcoup did recently. What a funny idea! But it gets better. Why not start with that and add the vitae of more and other visited places? Here is how it goes - read on: "I think it would help - [Indonesian Rupiah slides further - Expats and Travelers celebrate](https://nomad4ever.com/indonesian-rupiah-slides-further-expats-and-travelers-celebrate/) - The Indonesian Rupiah declined over the last couple of weeks substantially. This week it even hit a new 7-year low of less than Rp 12.000 for 1 Dollar, exchange rates not seen way back in 2001. Just this week it lost almost 7% of its value against the US Dollar, while the exchange rate to - [Moving to Goa - 11 early Impressions](https://nomad4ever.com/moving-to-goa-11-early-impressions/) - Setting up home in Goa the past 8 days, it's about time to post some first observations. With a rented scooter it's a pleasure to explore the beaches, towns and hinterlands to get a first feel for the place. Traffic is surprisingly moderate, I was expecting more mayhem, but then it's not high season yet. - [3 oddities in Bali, which would raise some brows - anywhere else](https://nomad4ever.com/3-oddities-in-bali-which-would-raise-some-brows-anywhere-else/) - When reading the last issue of The Bali Times, I had a few good laughs. This weekly newspaper is actually known for portraying the Bali Life from an Expat point of view. Mainly you can read about foreigners arrested on Drug Charges (amazingly still plenty of tourists think they can get away doing drugs in - [Bye bye Bali - Welcome Singapore!?](https://nomad4ever.com/bye-bye-bali-welcome-singapore/) - I'm currently in my 2nd home country, my home away from home - Singapore! Bali lies now behind and being back one day is definitely on the list of things to do - but for now there are other destinations to explore. And yep, Singapore is more or less only the stepping stone, as it's - [Will the Pornography Bill grab Bali Tourism by the Balls?](https://nomad4ever.com/will-the-pornography-bill-grab-bali-tourism-by-the-balls/) - If you have been reading any Indonesian newspaper or internet website lately, chances are that you have heard about the new Pornography Bill. This is an initiative, which could come into law in October to 'protect' Indonesia from decadent western influences like pornography and overly sexual displays in public. It shall ensure and uphold public - [Funny Aliens: Authentic Native English Speakers - from Australia](https://nomad4ever.com/funny-aliens-authentic-native-english-speakers-from-australia/) - Found this sign in Jalan Teuku Umar Barat in Bali and it left me a bit puzzled. Are Australians really authentic native English Speakers? I mean, of course our beloved Aussies grow up speaking English as their first language. But is that the real, authentic English you want to learn to improve your language skills, - [Dreamland Bali - another Paradise Lost?](https://nomad4ever.com/dreamland-bali-another-paradise-lost/) - Around 2 years ago I was raving about the so-called Dreamland Beach in Bali, situated at the west coast of the Bali Bukit, the dry hilly area south of the airport. It's one of the closest candidates for a Dream Beach, which Bali unfortunately doesn't have in the abundance of let's say Thailand or the - [Update: XL's 3G Internet Problems - it's seriously broken in Indonesia](https://nomad4ever.com/update-xls-3g-internet-problems-its-seriously-broken-in-indonesia/) - Over the last couple of months I was a glowing supporter of XL's 3G service in Indonesia. Check out my promoting report here. Not only did it work neatly fast for the last 12 months, it had good stability, decent coverage and reliable download speeds. Unfortunately all this has changed over the last 2-3 weeks - [Where are you going? Some thoughts on forward motion](https://nomad4ever.com/where-are-you-going-some-thoughts-on-forward-motion/) - Samuel Johnson said, 'do not suffer life to stagnate; it will grow muddy for want of motion: commit yourself again to the current of the world.' Motion, or change, is the one constant in life. We are always moving, whether it be forwards, backwards or in circles. Most of us would, I imagine, want to - [5 Travel Movies that will give you Goose Bumps](https://nomad4ever.com/5-travel-movies-that-will-give-you-goose-bumps/) - Most people love to watch movies. Travelers are no difference. In most Bars in Thailand, movies are shown every sunset on a TV or even on big screens. In Vang Vien in Laos, Travelers sit in restaurants and watch "Friends" episodes all day and night long; surely the smoky atmosphere there helps a bit to - [Would you travel into Space?](https://nomad4ever.com/would-you-travel-into-space/) - With all the 'Dark Knight' propaganda these days, it's refreshing to see another Knight coming along. Yesterday another step was taken to soon bring tourists into space. Not in a galaxy far far away, but here on our planet Earth. Does that sound like Science Fiction to you? Jule Vernes anyone? I would rather say - [Goodbye Asus Eee PC! The Uber Gadget for Travelers is something else](https://nomad4ever.com/goodbye-asus-eee-pc-the-uber-gadget-for-travelers-is-something-else/) - ...that is called ECS G10IL. And what is that? The successor of R2D2? No, it's the new Netbook PC of Elitegroup with a strange name - it weighs less than 1 kg and it speaks 3G. While Asus can lay claims of having invented a complete new line or range of small, budget notebooks - - [Volcano Power instead of Nuclear would put Indonesia ahead in Green Energy Actions](https://nomad4ever.com/volcano-power-instead-of-nuclear-would-put-indonesia-ahead-in-green-energy-actions/) - Indonesia is planning to build 4 Nuclear Powerplants by 2025, with the first one going into service no later than 2016 in Jepara/Central Java, on the slopes of Mount Muria, despite strong opposition from local residents and environmental activists. Due to its growing economy, there is demand for an additional 5.000 megawatts of electricity, building - [12 Questions for Gloria Arroyo in the light of the latest Philippine Ferry Disaster](https://nomad4ever.com/12-questions-for-gloria-arroyo-in-the-light-of-the-latest-philippine-ferry-disaster/) - Dear Gloria, I just saw you on CNN, asking the US and the international community for helping the families and finding survivors of the latest ferry disaster, which hit the Philippines just 2 days ago. The "MV Princess of the Stars" ran aground, capsized and sank just a mile off Sibuyan Island in heavy storms, - [Around Lombok in 4 days - if you are insane enough](https://nomad4ever.com/around-lombok-in-4-days-if-you-are-insane-enough/) - Lombok is an Indonesian island just east of Bali. It is slightly smaller and not so densely populated but features breath-taking sceneries and amazing landscapes. Outside of Asia, nobody probably heard of this island, which is said to provide a pleasant holiday experience; sort of an "unspoiled Bali". Let's change that a bit! While both - [Roundup of ISPs - Internet Service Providers in Bali](https://nomad4ever.com/roundup-of-isps-internet-service-providers-in-bali/) - When you stay a bit longer in one place - basically when you are a traveler, not tourist - internet cafe's tend to lose their appeal to surf the internet. The disadvantages are many you have basically shared bandwidth, therefore slower connection they tend to be more expensive than own dedicated access (of course; they - [Funny Aliens: Land for Sale, Invest in your Future in Lombok](https://nomad4ever.com/funny-aliens-land-for-sale-invest-in-your-future-in-lombok/) - Just coming back from a few days driving around Lombok. What an adventure! The detailed trip report will follow shortly. The picture to the left was taken near the Gangga Waterfall in the North of Lombok, about 2 hours away from Senggigi. The sign says the following: "Land for Sale - Come and invest for - [Cutting Subsidies - Indonesia's Government will raise Fuel Prices by app. 30% in June](https://nomad4ever.com/cutting-subsidies-indonesias-government-will-raise-fuel-prices-by-app-30-in-june/) - Fuel prices in Indonesia are fixed by the government and don't float according to market conditions. This leads to unbelievably cheap costs of fuel of Rp 4.500 per liter (app. USD 0.50). While that was basically great for the population and led to an increased use of fuel - making oil-rich Indonesia basically an Oil - [Karaoke - dirty little secret or Asia's favorite pastime?](https://nomad4ever.com/karaoke-dirty-little-secret-or-asias-favorite-pastime/) - For Westerners it is sometimes difficult to understand Asia's obsession with Karaoke. What's so exciting about embarrassing yourself in front of your friends or even strangers with your non-existing singing skills? Fortunately - Karaoke is more than that, it can be a favorite pastime or your dirty little secret. Once you take your time to - [GPS Tracking Devices for RTW Travelers - useful Gadgets or Waste of Money?](https://nomad4ever.com/gps-tracking-devices-for-rtw-travelers-useful-gadgets-or-waste-of-money/) - Many RTW (Round the World) Travelers have the problem of keeping track of their journeys around the planet. Of course you will keep a notebook, write a blog, shoot thousands of photos or mark your tracks on a small world map you carry around with you. That's usually okay, but what if you have a - [Long Plea about Corruption, Freedom of Speech and Indonesia's road towards 'real' Democracy](https://nomad4ever.com/long-plea-about-corruption-freedom-of-speech-and-indonesias-road-towards-real-democracy/) - Freedom of Speech and Expression are cornerstones and the lifeblood of any democracy. For a free people in mature societies to govern themselves - they must be free to express themselves - openly, publicly, and repeatedly; in speech and in writing. How else can one put the finger in the wound and take part in - [A Bali Waterfall and Hot Spring no Travel Guide will tell you about](https://nomad4ever.com/a-bali-waterfall-and-hot-spring-no-travel-guide-will-tell-you-about/) - The best spots in Bali are in regions away from the touristy areas. The island is rich in beautiful nature spots. For instance the cascading waterfall at Git Git in the northern part of the island is very popular with tourists and locals alike. The Banjar Hot Springs near Lovina are another famous spot, with - [African-style Robinsonade in Java's Baluran National Park](https://nomad4ever.com/african-style-robinsonade-in-javas-baluran-national-park/) - Yup - in case you were wondering why nothing happened at this site for the last couple of days - we just came back from an Outback trip with the bare essentials. The location was Baluran National Park in Eastern Java. It's a mystic explosion of nature and wild life. African-style Savannahs, just without Elephants - [Adam Air Indonesia grounded!](https://nomad4ever.com/adam-air-indonesia-grounded/) - While some of Indonesia's famed airlines obviously try their best to get their acts together - this can't be said about the most notorious suspect - Adam Air. Over the last 2 years, there were various rumors that Adam Air's license might be revoked, if they didn't clean up their mess and come up with - [A Word about Malaysian Politics and the surprising Election Results](https://nomad4ever.com/a-word-about-malaysian-politics-and-the-surprising-election-results/) - Malaysia is a great country! Unspoiled beaches, excellent diving spots, mountains surrounded by misty fog, exotic fauna and flora and a healthy, vast rain forest are attracting plenty of visitors. Islands like Pulau Langkawi, Tioman, Penang, the Perhentians or locations like Genting Highlands have a legendary reputation with travelers. The country embraced tourism already many - [It's Ogoh-Ogoh time again! The Hindu New Year (Nyepi) Celebrations in Bali](https://nomad4ever.com/its-ogoh-ogoh-time-again-the-hindu-new-year-nyepi-celebrations-in-bali/) - I wrote last year about the colorful creations called Ogoh-Ogoh, which are paraded just before the begin of the Hindu New Year in Bali. This year was even more crazy. I've never seen so many quality monsters in one place. The rainy season is almost over and for the Hindus, the New Year is about - [Nomad's Snippets - Credit Card Secrets, Political Compass and new Poll](https://nomad4ever.com/nomads-snippets-credit-card-secrets-political-compass-and-new-poll/) - Wanted to share with you quickly some interesting web sites I found recently: "The Secret History of the Credit Card" is an outstanding documentary and interesting piece of investigative journalism. The critically acclaimed and award-winning show is now available online as a 5-part Video Streaming Series. It's an in-depth look into a secretive yet very - [9 Surefire Strategies NOT to Retire Early](https://nomad4ever.com/9-surefire-strategies-not-to-retire-early/) - A while ago we established a concept, that it doesn't take you necessarily heaps of money to retire early in your lifetime. If you don't have high demands, are happy to live a simple but fulfilled life in a low-cost-of-living country, plan ahead and have some savings which will provide you with passive income in - [Checklist for going RTW - your Round the World Trip](https://nomad4ever.com/checklist-for-going-rtw-your-round-the-world-trip/) - Many people dream of doing a 'Round the World' Trip (RTW) at least once in their life. There are many excuses why they don't do it in the end. The fact is: more and more of travelers ARE able to fulfill this dream - and they DO it. They plan a route, give up their - [Need Alternative to Kuta Beach during Wet Season? Read this...](https://nomad4ever.com/need-alternative-to-kuta-beach-during-wet-season-read-this/) - It's currently rainy season in Bali. That doesn't mean that you have rain all day. It's still mostly sunny all-day-around, warm temperatures and a mild breeze with clouds building up during the day. You may experience some showers in the afternoon, but the main load from the clouds comes down only at night. That's good - [Hilarious Sailing Trip 3 times around the world - 1000 Days at Sea](https://nomad4ever.com/hilarious-sailing-trip-3-times-around-the-world-1000-days-at-sea/) - Yesterday Captain Reid Stowe and Soanya Ahmad started on a hilarious Sailing Trip, which should lead them 3 times around the oceans of this planet in the period of 3 years. This is not only one 'Round the World Trip' (RTW), but 3 in 1 - even though only on water. Sounds amazing? It surely - [Nomad's Snippets: Hileud and Nurul, Google PageRank downgrade](https://nomad4ever.com/nomads-snippets-hileud-and-nurul-google-pagerank-downgrade/) - I wanted to take the chance to hand out a bit of link love and introduce the sites of 2 Bloggers in Bali, who I know personally: Hileud is a young and talented Sundanese woman, who writes in both English and Bahasa Indonesia. She is very good at using Wordpress and besides her great content - [How-to Guide to Store, Access and Sync your Data safely while Traveling the World](https://nomad4ever.com/how-to-guide-to-store-access-and-sync-your-data-safely-while-traveling-the-world/) - Traveling the world, most people take plenty of pictures, need access to their business or private contacts, want to make mid or long-term appointments, have to write letters to Visa or Immigration authorities or simply want to stay in touch with their loved ones. While bringing a laptop or notebook computer is an option for - [What is Your Favorite Country in South East Asia? Poll's up!](https://nomad4ever.com/what-is-your-favorite-country-in-south-east-asia-polls-up/) - South East Asia is a vast region with gorgeous landscapes and everlasting impressions. Wandering her many cities and countries - looking for adventure, pleasure, luck, love, business or plain relaxation - you can see travelers from all over the world flocking to our favorite region. Of course, somehow we all have our favorite countries here - [Want to escape sticky-hot Jakarta? Try Puncak Highlands!](https://nomad4ever.com/want-to-escape-sticky-hot-jakarta-try-puncak-highlands/) - Jakarta - the capital of Indonesia - is a huge bustling Moloch of 23 million people, almost as many cars, motorbikes, exotic smells, street dogs and clouds of pollution. Currently you can add flooded streets and houses, which increase the usual chaos even more. Still it's an amazing city, a mix of many cultures and - [Cloudless Sky ahead for Lion Air?](https://nomad4ever.com/cloudless-sky-ahead-for-lion-air/) - Going to Bogor and Puncak over the festive days, we were taking Lion Air to get to Jakarta from Bali and back. Apart from being competitively priced (around Rp. 350.000 one way/person), I was positively surprised about the Lion Air flights. The plane used was a spanking-new Boeing 737-900ER, one of the newest mid-range/single-aisle planes - [The Best of Nomad4ever in 2007](https://nomad4ever.com/the-best-of-nomad4ever-in-2007/) - The year is almost over and thanks to your continuous support - it was an exciting and successful year, which saw phenomenal growth for nomad4ever.com. Checking over at problogger.com, I noticed an interesting list of his best articles in 2007, copyblogger.com has a similar one. I liked the idea and simply 'copyblogged' it, so much - [Thailand 1st Post-Coup Election - the Return of Thaksin?](https://nomad4ever.com/thailand-1st-post-coup-election-the-return-of-thaksin/) - As the election booths were closed earlier today following the first election after the Coup of the Thai Military - the smoke is slowly starting to clear up. It looks now like the Allies of then deposed former PM Thaksin Shinawatra are headed for a victory. This would come as a double blow to the - [US feels the Heat at Bali Climate Conference - horrifying numbers!](https://nomad4ever.com/us-feels-the-heat-at-bali-climate-conference-horrifying-numbers/) - Currently the 12th UN Climate Change Conference in Bali, a follow-up meeting of world leaders to decide on a successor agenda for the Kyoto Protocol (which was ratified by 172 countries but expires in 2012), is receiving a lot of media coverage. Kyoto was the first international treaty to pledge to legally-binding commitments to reduce - [Psychic predicts devastating Sumatra Earthquake for 23/12/2007](https://nomad4ever.com/psychic-predicts-devastating-sumatra-earthquake-for-23122007/) - As it wasn't enough that Sumatra was horribly affected by the Tsunami of Christmas 2004 - with more than 150.000 people perished around Aceh alone - things could get bad again. While the reconstruction of the region from the devastating effects just recently came close to completion, even the separatist rebels in Aceh made their - [Mixed Relationships in Asia - a Status Quo](https://nomad4ever.com/mixed-relationships-in-asia-a-status-quo/) - Asia is a melting pot of different cultures, religions and values. Ever since Marco Polo made his way to this part of the world, people had their own ideas, misconceptions or prejudices without even knowing some basic facts first hand. Some of those prevail even today, especially about mixed relationships. With this I mean relationships - [Site Maintenance - up for something new?](https://nomad4ever.com/site-maintenance-up-for-something-new/) - I'm currently upgrading the site to the latest Wordpress Version (2.3.1). Therefore you might see some funny effects or a non-complete site layout. Don't worry though - it's not your computer, but mine being responsible for that. I hope everything will be back to normal by tomorrow. Will take a few hours though to check, - [20 Tips to get 100.000 Visitors in just 11 months...](https://nomad4ever.com/20-tips-to-get-100000-visitors-in-just-11-months/) - Being in the same lucky position just recently, I was asked by many readers, if there are any tips and tricks to share. Okay, here we go. I started out as a true-blue beginner to blogging, just learning things along the way. It's truly amazing, what one can learn in a very short time about - [Website Unavailability Problem!](https://nomad4ever.com/website-unavailability-problem/) - For the last 2 days nomad4ever.com was experiencing constant Access Troubles. You probably saw the following errors (if you could access the site at all): X.500 Internal Server Error, Website not accessible - or MySQL Wordpress Database Errors In General - ultra-slow loading of Website or some pages not shown at all I want to - [Krakatao Volcano erupts once again!](https://nomad4ever.com/krakatao-volcano-erupts-once-again/) - Volcanoes are a fascinating species. They are usually huge and quiet and suddenly can become very grumpy. That's when they start to spit out smoke and ashes. But when they really are in a bad mood - all hell can break lose. There were plenty of Volcano warnings recently in Indonesia, with Mount Kelut on - [In the beginning...](https://nomad4ever.com/in-the-beginning/) - ...the world was without form, and void. After that, there was light. And then a lot of work for mankind. Right? Yeah, rrrright! ;-) Are you kidding??? We all have a choice here! That's why I started this Blog. I currently live in Thailand after 3 years Singapore and extensive travels on 5 continents. The - [Funny Aliens: 'Big Mak' in Philippines...](https://nomad4ever.com/funny-aliens-big-mak-in-philippines/) - One of the the new unofficial McD outlets somewhere on Cebu/Philippines. - [Jakarta Post interviews Bali Bloggers](https://nomad4ever.com/jakarta-post-interviews-bali-bloggers/) - The Jakarta Post published today an article on how Blogs and the Internet can help to promote Bali as a travel destination. It shed some light as well on the positive and negative effects of Online Media as Journalists, Blog Experts and Amateur Bloggers, who happen to live in Bali, were interviewed. Surprisingly I was - [Hindu ceremonies - a feast for the senses!](https://nomad4ever.com/hindu-ceremonies-a-feast-for-the-senses/) - Having watched the Melasti and Nyepi Processions here in Bali over the last couple of days; it leaves me still in awe with its colours and sounds. Thousands of people processing from temples to the beaches on the 'Island of the Gods'. Bali as the only Hindu oasis in a sea of 17.000 Muslim islands - [Swimming with Dolphins - a Dream come true?](https://nomad4ever.com/swimming-with-dolphins-a-dream-come-true/) - Some people dream of flying to the Moon. Others dream to retire early. Other humans would give an arm and a leg, if they could fulfill their dream of Swimming with wild Dolphins. While at least the first dream is quite unlikely, if you are not happen to be Charles Simonyi, or any other Billionaire - [Funny Aliens: Don't pee at the Holy Bamboo Tree!](https://nomad4ever.com/funny-aliens-dont-pee-at-the-holy-bamboo-tree/) - While I know funny kind of signs aka "Don't pee in the elevator - Fine 2.000$!" from Singapore; I wasn't aware that other countries are worried about their citizen's hygienic toilet behaviors as well. It came a bit as a surprise to see a similar sign at Bali's beautiful Water Temple - Pura Ulun Danu - [3 Secrets to Early Retirement (and Life like a Nomad forever)](https://nomad4ever.com/3-secrets-to-early-retirement-and-life-like-a-nomad-forever/) - Most people still believe that they are dependent on what Government pension plans or their previous company will provide for them when they are ready to retire. Or that they have to work until 65, 68 or even until they drop dead to the floor. That debt, cost of living and steady consumerism and expenses - [The Ancient Mystery of the 'Plain Of Jars'](https://nomad4ever.com/the-ancient-mystery-of-the-plain-of-jars/) - Maybe you noticed already, that I'm a fan of Laos. This has a number of reasons, one being, that Laos is today, what Thailand was 20 years ago. It's a laid-back secluded country, with lot's of mysteries, unique activities and quirky originalities. Can you imagine a place on earth, where huge stone jars are scattered - [Mel Gibson - Wild Party in Bali after attending Alcoholics Anonymous](https://nomad4ever.com/mel-gibson-wild-party-in-bali-after-attending-alcoholics-anonymous/) - And then there were the reports about Mel Gibson visiting the Island of the Gods, letting his hair down like Mad Max during his best times. Actually attending a seminar of Alcoholics Anonymous, it didn't appear to be his motto later on that evening. He was seen taking part in wild table-top dancing and heavy - [What a Poor Fisherman Can Teach You About Retirement](https://nomad4ever.com/what-a-poor-fisherman-can-teach-you-about-retirement/) - One day a rich Westerner who had made sqillions from speculating on the stock market was strolling along the beach and saw the fisherman pulling in his boat with his meager catch.The rich Westerner stopped and remarked "not much of a catch today". The fisherman replied "yes not much" but explained that his small catch - [Smoked a Joint? 10 Years Jail! Killed 200 people? Get FREE BBQ!](https://nomad4ever.com/smoked-a-joint-10-years-jail-killed-200-people-get-free-bbq/) - Today is the 5th anniversary of the Bali Bombing in 2002, where 202 people got killed. It was a sneaky attack, with a suicide bomber storming into the Paddy's Club in Kuta, setting off his TNT-filled vest, devastating the Club. The survivors who made it to the outside weren't better off: Outside was a parked - [Why can't Christians, Muslims, Buddhists and others coexist peacefully?](https://nomad4ever.com/why-cant-christians-muslims-buddhists-and-others-coexist-peacefully/) - If you think in stereotypes - religion is one of the thinnest ice to walk on. Watching the World News these days, it's hard to not think in stereotypes, as you could come to the belief, that all Muslims preach Jihad against Christians, Christians can't accept the existence of other religions besides their own and - [nomad4ever.com reaches 100.000 Visitors - thanks to YOU!](https://nomad4ever.com/nomad4evercom-reaches-100000-visitors-thanks-to-you/) - nomad4ever.com reached the 100.000 Visitors mark today! I want to thank all my Readers for their Interest, Comments and Support over the last 11 months! You fantastic people bring this Place alive! I'm very happy that so many people are interested in this small Niche of Travel & Lifestyle and hope you guys continue to - [Internet in Asia Offline 99.9% - Sea-Cables Broken near Taiwan due to Earthquake](https://nomad4ever.com/internet-in-asia-offline-999-sea-cables-broken-near-taiwan-due-to-earthquake/) - Actually I wanted to post this one here 3 days ago. But nothing worked - obviously. ;-) An earthquake disrupted internet services in Taiwan, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Indonesia and Japan. I currently still have heavy problems accessing my e-mail not to talk about websurfing. Seems to be one of the biggest disaster since - [Are You A Pretender?](https://nomad4ever.com/are-you-a-pretender/) - Keep you in the dark You know they all pretend Keep you in the dark And so it all began... Send in your skeletons Sing as their bones go marching in... again The need you buried deep The secrets that you keep are at the ready Are you ready? I'm finished making sense Done pleading - [Life of Single White Caucasian Males in Asia [PIC]](https://nomad4ever.com/life-of-single-white-caucasian-males-in-asia-pic/) - Found that picture in this week's issue of the 'Lombok Times' and it reminded me, that I still owe you guys the 2nd part of Sex, Lust and Foolishness in Asia. Unfortunately the article - which was 90% done - was a victim of my recent computer problems, as Draft Articles in my Zoundry Blog - [Life in Bali, Indonesia - Expat Interview](https://nomad4ever.com/life-in-bali-indonesia-expat-interview/) - I was asked by Lizza from expatinterviews.com, if I could fill out their questionaire about people living abroad from their home country. While surfing their website, it's really interesting to compare the different interviews of other people, who are in similar situations but have different experiences and encounters in countries around our globe. On further - [Funny Aliens: Nasa Burgers in Thailand...](https://nomad4ever.com/funny-aliens-nasa-burgers-in-thailand/) - ....as seen in Kata Beach, Phuket/Thailand.Looks like NASA doesn't sell that many burgers here. The Kerosin taste may be a turn-off. - [Funny Aliens: Electrocution Warning in Laos...](https://nomad4ever.com/funny-aliens-electrocution-warning-in-laos/) - Electricity is not only an achievement and benefit of civilization, but can be a danger, too. Electrocution can await you around the corner. Especially if you have seen the adventurous cabeling often used in asian countries. At least in Laos - don't say you haven't been warned! . - [Never Trust A Money Changer...](https://nomad4ever.com/never-trust-a-money-changer/) - I usually don't use Money Changers at all. Other than the ones at Singapore's Changi Airport or big, official Banks with receipts and all I just don't trust them. It's what you read and hear, that most of the time people get cheated or aren't paid the agreed rates or simply have less money at - [How to obtain local currency when traveling abroad](https://nomad4ever.com/how-to-obtain-local-currency-when-traveling-abroad/) - When traveling to other countries, you will most likely have to deal with local currencies. Baht, Rupiah, Rupee, Peso, Dong, Remimbi, Won, Riel, Yen and various kinds of Dollars are only a few currencies you can run across Asia. Depending on what your home currency is, you have to exchange your home money from time - [Featured: Overland from Germany to India](https://nomad4ever.com/featured-overland-from-germany-to-india/) - Some of you may have found the site already in my Links: www.overlandtours.de, this is my good friend and ex-colleague Steffen, with whom I worked several years (6,7 or 8? Oh my!) in Germany and Singapore, when we both were still employed. He is currently on his way to India, with a couple of old, - [Retire young, retire rich...](https://nomad4ever.com/retire-young-retire-rich/) - Recently I was surprised about its clarity of content, when I stumbled about this book in a book store. Retire young, retire rich. It's very compact and an easy read, yet Robert T. Kiyosaki gives useful views on how everyone can retire young and rich. It's all a matter of your context. The core problem - [Hitler got it all wrong...](https://nomad4ever.com/hitler-got-it-all-wrong/) - When Adolf Hitler chose the Swastika Symbol for his National Socialist German Workers Party, better known as NSDAP or the Nazi party, he was actually already a failed Politician. He was involved in the Munich Beer Hall Putsch (Coup) of 1923, but got arrested 3 days later and had to spend 8 months in jail. - [Funny Aliens: Too much Smoke in Laos](https://nomad4ever.com/funny-aliens-too-much-smoke-in-laos/) - There was this guy who painted this picture to mark the toilet entrances for male and female in Vang Vien, Laos. He obviously smoked too much Marihuana, as he couldn't remember, which side was for which gender. Nothing unusual so far. Not in Vang Vien. But laziness comes with it as well. So instead of - [Nomad's Snippets - De-Clutter your Life, Travel Story Sites](https://nomad4ever.com/nomads-snippets-de-clutter-your-life-travel-story-sites/) - Wanted to share with you quickly some interesting reads I found recently on the web: The Case For De-Cluttering Your Life Right Now Over at Brave New Traveler, which always has great, original and inspiring write-ups about travel in the 21st century, Jenn DiPiazza wrote a great article about the 'hoarding and gatherers instinct', which - [What should I do with my life?](https://nomad4ever.com/what-should-i-do-with-my-life/) - That is probably a question everyone of us was asking him/herself already. When walking around in Jalan Doublesix a few days back, I passed a stall of used books and this one literally just "jumped into my eye". So I had to buy it for Rp 30.000, which was well worth it. Reading through it - [The Magic of the Chocolate Hills](https://nomad4ever.com/the-magic-of-the-chocolate-hills/) - On the Philippine Island of Bohol, just South of Cebu in the Central Visayas, there is a 'Magical Place on Earth'. An Area of low, conical and dome-shaped hills, known as the Chocolate Hills. They are an unusual geological formation which is composed of almost 1.300 perfectly cone-shaped hills of various sizes (30-120 meters high), - [Experiencing Flight Turbulences? Pray or Crash!](https://nomad4ever.com/experiencing-flight-turbulences-pray-or-crash/) - I know that religion is a controversial subject but a powerful force in the lives of many. Just sometimes a little prayer is all that it takes, right? Here we go again. Oha - I'm proudly presenting the official prayers for all major faiths, to prevent your aircraft from crashing down. It's up to you - [Libertarianism](https://nomad4ever.com/libertarianism/) - Found some food for thought recently. I didn't know that there is even a word for self-sustainability, independence and 'live and let live' philosophy: Libertarianism is a political philosophy advocating that individuals should be free to do whatever they wish with their person or property, as long as they do not infringe on the same - [Thailand: 6 Months After Coup - Little To Show](https://nomad4ever.com/thailand-6-months-after-coup-little-to-show/) - In Thailand's current political arena, things don't look so bright after all anymore - just 6 months after the 'bloodless coup' over there. Of course Tourism seems to look stable and the Sex Industry isn't effected at all - as usual. After the first doubts, if Thailand has a democratic future; the view of the - [My 'Ogoh Ogoh' Monster Collection](https://nomad4ever.com/my-ogoh-ogoh-monster-collection/) - Ogoh Ogoh monsters are colourful monster sculptures, which are made from bamboo frames and paper mache. They are made in the form of creatures of the underworld known in Balinese as buta-kala. The creatures are based on characters taken from traditional myths and legends, however in modern times many also take the form of modern - [Vatican To Allow Use Of Condoms?](https://nomad4ever.com/vatican-to-allow-use-of-condoms/) - There is definitely something going on in Rome. I know, the topic is a bit far off from this site, but I couldn't believe my eyes when reading this. Is there really some movement in these old halls, amongst this stiffness and under those religious stolas? Okay, I don't mean this kind of movement, but - [Bali: Waves Claim Life at Tanah Lot Temple](https://nomad4ever.com/bali-waves-claim-life-at-tanah-lot-temple/) - Now it really happened! Strong waves at Tanah Lot swept a group of 11 relatives out to sea on Sunday as they were performing a ritual cleansing; one of the group drowned, the family said. "We were praying in front of the temple, and it was low tide, but suddenly a large wave crashed down - [Computers can be a Royal Pain...sometimes](https://nomad4ever.com/computers-can-be-a-royal-painsometimes/) - When I was going to Singapore for my bi-annual Visa Run last week, I brought my Laptop with me, because it showed occasionally some flickery display. Sometimes white colours would turn into green light shining through the LCD, pretty strange behavior. Looked like a cable inside the thing was loose or not properly installed. No - [Watch the Total Lunar Eclipse coming your way...](https://nomad4ever.com/watch-the-total-lunar-eclipse-coming-your-way/) - Our planet Earth is set to see a rare Total Lunar Eclipse on the evening of 28/08/2007, which can be seen almost around the globe with the naked eye. No telescope is needed provided the sky is clear just before dawn. If not - a telescope wouldn't help either. :) Just make sure you have - [Thai View of Coup changes?](https://nomad4ever.com/thai-view-of-coup-changes/) - Slowly even the Thai supporters of the bloodless coup begin to realize, that having martial law in a 'democratic' country is a paradox per se. Here a reporter of 'The Nation' is wondering what changed having the coupsters instead of Thaksin. What an interesting read: The good (about Thaksin) ... Having never been a Thaksin - [Sex, Lust and Foolishness in Asia (Part 1)](https://nomad4ever.com/sex-lust-and-foolishness-in-asia-part-1/) - Asian women inspired the fantasies of men around the world for ages. In recent times you can see more and more Asian actresses like Lucy Liu, Gong Li, Zhang Ziyi, Michelle Yeoh on the big screen as well; as Hollywood got aware of their obvious features and attraction to the male population of this planet. - [Funny Aliens: Waiterrrr! Xhek Daniels and Xhin please!](https://nomad4ever.com/funny-aliens-waiterrrr-xhek-daniels-and-xhin-please/) - This is what happens, if you drink too much of some special alcoholic beverages. Be it Jim Beam, Johnnie Walker or others. The author of this drink menu had obviously too much of Jack Daniels or Gin. And why not? Life in Albania might be soooooo much easier, with oiling your throat properly. The picture - [Easy](https://nomad4ever.com/easy/) - Know it sounds funnyBut, I just can't stand the pain Girl, I'm leaving you tomorrow Seems to me girlYou know I've done all I can You see I begged, stole, and I borrowed! (yeah) Ooh that's why I'm easyI'm easy like Sunday morningThat's why I'm easyI'm easy like Sunday morning! Why in the world would - [ADAM Air out of business by next week?](https://nomad4ever.com/adam-air-out-of-business-by-next-week/) - This could be a quick response to the latest disasters of the last 3 months in Indonesia. As reported last evening, the airline braces itself for possible closure next week. It wouldn't come to no surprise, as clearly something has to be done to improve the safety of Indonesia's Airline industry. Nick, over from Baliblog - [A Leap In The Dark](https://nomad4ever.com/a-leap-in-the-dark/) - Too many of us are not living our dreams because we are living our fears. We must walk consciously only part way toward our goal and then leap in the dark to our success. They say that time changes things, but you actually have to change them yourself. All change is a leap in the - [5 retirement tips for 20-somethings](https://nomad4ever.com/5-retirement-tips-for-20-somethings/) - If you're a typical 20-something, you've got a college loan payment, a cellphone payment, and one or more credit cards that you're making minimum payments on, not to mention food, healthcare, and rent. But there is one thing that you have going for you: You are in the best position of your life to start - [Still paying off corrupt Traffic Cops? Try this instead...](https://nomad4ever.com/still-paying-off-corrupt-traffic-cops-try-this-instead/) - If you stay a bit longer in Bali - longer than just a few days that is - and plan driving a vehicle like a Scooter or Car here, it's almost unavoidable that you will be stopped by the police once in a while. If you are wearing your helmet how it should be or - [Want to stay longer in the Philippines? Now you can!](https://nomad4ever.com/want-to-stay-longer-in-the-philippines-now-you-can/) - Over the last few years, some countries in Asia made it more and more difficult for long-term tourists (or none-working Expats) to stay longer than just a few months in country. Thailand only recently made their Visa Rules more difficult and complicated; before that monthly Visa Runs to the neighbouring countries were quite common. Indonesia - [No-Frills Flights are taking off for Long-Haul Routes!](https://nomad4ever.com/no-frills-flights-are-taking-off-for-long-haul-routes/) - Awhile ago we were discussing, if it's a wise or safe decision to fly a Budget Carrier long-haul. However your opinion is about that subject - luckily time didn't stop and some of the usual suspects seem to follow through with the idea. Even if you don't like the idea to fly long-distance or intercontinental - [Asia: How to Drive...and Survive](https://nomad4ever.com/asia-how-to-driveand-survive/) - In Singapore or Hong Kong, traffic follows designated laws and common sense rules, issuing driving licenses requires that you learn driving and prove your skills first and pass a driving test afterwards. The rules are enforced by a proper funded and highly motivated Police Force as well. So far so good. Unfortunately, this rosy picture - [The Marlboro Man - a Muslim soon?](https://nomad4ever.com/the-marlboro-man-a-muslim-soon/) - It's astonishing how western multinational companies invested their time and money around the globe to build their brands as easily recognisable as they are today. Nobody says Cola anymore but Coke and you are used to dine at Mc Donald's or Burger King and know that your Big Mac or Whopper will taste the same - [The Meaning of Life](https://nomad4ever.com/the-meaning-of-life/) - Things are not the same they used to be. There was a time you had Seers, Wise Men, Gurus or Oracles who could predict the future or at least give you some outlook and hints on how to live your life the righteous way. Nowadays we have DIY guides for that. Guides for Dummies. Just - [Consortium admits Qantas bid over](https://nomad4ever.com/consortium-admits-qantas-bid-over/) - The private equity group trying to take over Australian airline Qantas has admitted that its bid has failed. Airline Partners Australia (APA) said that while it had valid claims to revive the deal, it would avoid a long litigation process and pull out now. APA had bid A$11bn ($9bn) for the airline, but missed a - [3G Wireless - finally affordable Internet for the Island of the Gods?](https://nomad4ever.com/3g-wireless-finally-affordable-internet-for-the-island-of-the-gods/) - Since my recent review of private Internet Access Options in Bali from January 2007, things have changed quite a bit. Telkom Speedy (a DSL variant) is heavily promoted everywhere for land lines with analogue connections. And a few months ago, a few operators started to roll out 3G, that is 3rd Generation for Mobile Networks. - [10 Things Money Cannot Buy](https://nomad4ever.com/10-things-money-cannot-buy/) - 10. Money can buy a bed, but it cannot buy sleep. 9. Money can buy books, but it cannot by brains. 8. Money can buy food, but not appetite. 7. Money can buy finery, but not beauty. 6. Money can buy a house, but not a home. 5. Money can buy medicine, but not health. - [Miles and More Or Less?](https://nomad4ever.com/miles-and-more-or-less/) - Found this picture in a local newspaper: These days with Windows Vista around you never know what can happen when you plugin a new gadget into your laptop! Some crashes just can't be avoided... I guess we all heard a story about that guy who brought a jumbo down, because he had to use his - [Things happen for a reason in Indonesia](https://nomad4ever.com/things-happen-for-a-reason-in-indonesia/) - Things happen for a reason in Indonesia. While I didn't trust my eyes, when reading about Jusuf Kalla's recent statements regarding Marihuana in food; the EU's ban of Indonesian airlines flying into Europe didn't come as a surprise at all. After all the recent incidents surrounding Garuda Airlines, Adam Air and others, the EU probably - [How to free your spirits, body and mind. Completely!](https://nomad4ever.com/how-to-free-your-spirits-body-and-mind-completely/) - Francesca Parmesane Ketututututut is the sister-in-law of famed Ukulele player/condensed milk wholesaler/land broker Made Ketututututut. She has been a fixture on the Ubud art scene for 30 years, ever since she left her native Ligurian fishing village and descended upon Bali to breathe new life into Ubud's artistic life. Famous for her holistic interpretation of - [Nomad's Snippets - Tribe Wanted, ECUA Traveler and Dumb Little Man](https://nomad4ever.com/nomads-snippets-tribe-wanted-ecua-traveler-and-dumb-little-man/) - Wanted to share with you quickly some interesting web sites I found recently: TribeWanted: Vorovoro What a great idea! People from all over the world "buy" a piece of paradise in form of an island (Vorovoro) in Fiji and build an Eco Community. Literally and Online and Offline/Real Life Experiment with a purpose. With your - [Lost in Translation: Hide your drugs!](https://nomad4ever.com/lost-in-translation-hide-your-drugs/) - Drug Use or Possession are serious offences in Indonesia and Bali as well. There are usually harsh penalties handed down to those involved in drug cases with Marihuana, Heroin or Cocaine, as Schapelle Corby (4.2 kg of Marihuana were found in her luggage), the Bali Nine, model Michelle Leslie and others experienced in the last - [Laos: Coup Attempt Prevented](https://nomad4ever.com/laos-coup-attempt-prevented/) - Laos is a great country to visit. As you might know, I'm a big fan of Laos, as it's still cheap, unspoilt, great scenery, with friendly people, delicious food, tasty beer and a relaxing and free atmosphere. Sort of Thailand 20 years ago, as some things are pretty similar and most Lao people can speak - [What is normal?](https://nomad4ever.com/what-is-normal/) - "Is normality getting dressed in the clothes that you buy for work, driving through traffic jams in the car that you are still paying for, in order to get to the job that you need so you can pay for the clothes, the car, and especially, the house that you leave empty all day in - [Advantages & Disadvantages of Offshore Banking](https://nomad4ever.com/advantages-disadvantages-of-offshore-banking/) - Advantages of Offshore Banking 1 Offshore banks provide access to politically and economically stable jurisdictions. This may be an advantage for those resident in areas where there is a risk of political turmoil who fear their assets may be frozen, seized or disappear. However, developed countries with regulated banking systems offer the same advantages in - [Homecoming or Reverse Culture Shock?](https://nomad4ever.com/homecoming-or-reverse-culture-shock/) - When traveling or living in foreign countries there always comes a time, when you go home. Be it for a while or for a longer visit, or simply to get back to your life or to start a new chapter of it. Most people feel homesick after a while in foreign countries and cultures, others - [Go fly a Kite! Cultural insights into a favorite waste of time](https://nomad4ever.com/go-fly-a-kite-cultural-insights-into-a-favorite-waste-of-time/) - Flying kites is as old an tradition as mankind. Wikipedia says that kites were probably first invented about 3.000 years ago in China, made from materials like bamboo and silk. It's a popular past time and pleasure activity in most countries around the globe, although I believe, that some Asian Countries truly have an obsession - [The Fascination of Wreck Diving the 7 Seas](https://nomad4ever.com/the-fascination-of-wreck-diving-the-7-seas/) - If you are a diver, chances are that you are interested in Ship Wrecks, which scatter the oceans of the 7 seas. Ever since human beings sailed the seven seas, ships went missing due to storms, enemies at war, technical failure or just plain human error. The Bermuda triangle is said to be one of - [The Boys of Summer](https://nomad4ever.com/the-boys-of-summer/) - Do you sometimes get melancholic and think about lost chances and past adventures? Wonder how things could have turned for you, if you would just have taken the other turn at one of life's crossroads? After 'The Eagles' - Don Henley wondered that as well some day in 1984 and came up with that great - [Qantas Takeover in sight?](https://nomad4ever.com/qantas-takeover-in-sight/) - Stalking The Flying Kangaroo - Texan tycoon seeks Qantas takeover; what's in it for SIA? by Tor Ching Li (chingli@mediacorp.com.sg) QANTAS Airways - which proudly touts itself as "the Spirit of Australia" - said yesterday that it could be bought over by a private consortium, including a Texan maverick who specialises in Extreme Makeover-style takeovers - [Is a Nomadic Lifestyle for you?](https://nomad4ever.com/is-a-nomadic-lifestyle-for-you/) - A Digital Nomad is a person who needs mobile technology to conduct business while on the road which could be within a city, between cities or from other countries. Nomads are not location dependent except through personal choice and could be employed by a business or be freelancers. This is a growing trend with the - [Do Bangkok Taxi Drivers Drive You Crazy?](https://nomad4ever.com/do-bangkok-taxi-drivers-drive-you-crazy/) - Driving with a Taxi is still a very affordable version of transportation in most parts of Asia, even in Singapore or Hong Kong. If you've ever been using a Taxi in Bangkok (which Asia Traveler hasn't?) you probably can relate to Ali's observations of the various types of Taxi Drivers. Ali over from Thai Tales - [Funny Aliens: An Acquired Taste](https://nomad4ever.com/funny-aliens-an-acquired-taste/) - Different regions different habits. Different tastes too. The Italians are practically brought up on Pizza, Pasta and Lasagna only while for Americans the equivalents are Big Macs, Whoppers, Marshmallows, Steaks and for Californians and Mexicans maybe Nachos, Tacos, Salads, Red Beans and Burritos. How do I know? There are strange tastes out there as well. - [What would you do for the Love of your Life?](https://nomad4ever.com/what-would-you-do-for-the-love-of-your-life/) - '"Where you staying?" the Bedouin asked. "Why you not stay with me tonight - in my cave." He seemed enthusiastic. And we were looking for adventure.' Thus begins the story of an adventure of a life time, a life-changing decision and a love overcoming boundaries and differences of birth, language, society, distance, culture and values. - [I want to get away!](https://nomad4ever.com/i-want-to-get-away/) - I wish that I could flyInto the skySo very highJust like a dragonfly I'd fly above the treesOver the seas in all degreesTo anywhere I please Oh I want to get awayI want to fly awayYeah yeah yeah Let's go and see the starsThe milky way or even MarsWhere it could just be ours Let's - [Guns don't kill people. Bush, the Weapon Lobby and Uncle Sam do](https://nomad4ever.com/guns-dont-kill-people-bush-the-weapon-lobby-and-uncle-sam-do/) - Today something off subject. Saw that CNN Special about the wake for the victims of Virginia Tech in Blacksburg during the weekend and it's somehow still in my head. Truly disturbing! George Bush held a speech about that shocking tragedy, offering condolences and I wonder how can anyone still believe anything this crazy man says. - [Would you fly a Budget Carrier long-haul?](https://nomad4ever.com/would-you-fly-a-budget-carrier-long-haul/) - For a couple of years now so-called no-frills Airlines are mushrooming around the planet. Starting with the mother of budget airlines - Southwest - in the US. In Europe there was a tough fight of competition with the likes of RyanAir, Aer Lingus, Easyjet, GO and others for the last few years. Low-cost, no-frills carriers - [Monday Morning Blues? Here is what you can do!](https://nomad4ever.com/monday-morning-blues-here-is-what-you-can-do/) - Don't you just hate it? To wake up every Monday morning and drag yourself to work? With your Clubbing Hang Over still on your back or the memories of that weekend trip with your friends 'Into the Great White Open'? (Don't you just have to hum that song now for the rest of the day, - [No plan after Coup? Visit your fortune-teller and you are set!](https://nomad4ever.com/no-plan-after-coup-visit-your-fortune-teller-and-you-are-set/) - I almost feel sorry, for having to write another post about Thai politics. Don't want to mock them all the time - I really love that country - but I can't help it. This story could be really funny, if it wouldn't be the sad but dead-serious truth. If anyone was still in doubt about - [Have you found that Perfect Beach yet?](https://nomad4ever.com/have-you-found-that-perfect-beach-yet/) - Ever since having read Alex Garlands 'The Beach' in a bamboo beach hut on Honduras' Roatan island in Latin America, I was possessed with the idea that there must be a 'Perfect Beach' for everyone of us on this our beautiful planet. So I began to look out for nice getaways in white sandy bays - [Funny Aliens: Worldwide shipping per bicycle in Singapore](https://nomad4ever.com/funny-aliens-worldwide-shipping-per-bicycle-in-singapore/) - While running around this week in Singapore, I found this interesting vehicle advertising an "Overseas Courier Service - Shipping made easy around the world in 103 countries with 247 offices since 1957". I wonder how they are operating? Anyway, the picture quality isn't so great, I just had the phone camera at hand. The picture - [Adam Air escapes license revocation](https://nomad4ever.com/adam-air-escapes-license-revocation/) - Just yesterday we speculated about the airlines to be closed. And here comes the news from the Jakarta Post this morning: Despite experiencing a series of accidents, Adam Air escaped license revocation as it was only categorized Thursday by the Ministry of Transportation as one of the worst airlines in the country that fail to - [3 Indonesian Airlines Risk Closure](https://nomad4ever.com/3-indonesian-airlines-risk-closure/) - Regarding the improvement of the safety of Indonesia's airlines, there seems to be some consequences finally on the way. Indonesia's Adam Air, Wings Air and Dirgantara Air Service could fall into the Transportation Ministry's lowest rating category when the results of a recent audit are announced, an official said. "It is possible that those three - [What is currently the safest airline in Indonesia?](https://nomad4ever.com/what-is-currently-the-safest-airline-in-indonesia/) - After the recent air travel disasters in Indonesia, things get really tricky to evaluate the safest airlines in the country. Sooner or later you have to fly in or out of the country or will use a plane to travel between one of the 17.000 islands. What are the latest scores? just today a Garuda - [5 reasons why I blog](https://nomad4ever.com/5-reasons-why-i-blog/) - There is not only one chain letter going round the internet. There are thousands or even millions of them. Most of them are plain stupid and I don't even know, why some people still fall for the Nigerian Money Digger Mafia, the Penis 'Extensionists', Lottery Agencies or lost daughters of Saddam Hussein or Thaksin Shinawatra - [Facts about work versus prison...](https://nomad4ever.com/facts-about-work-versus-prison/) - I had a good laugh, when finding this little comparison at Yahoo Answers. For sure - no one on their death bed wishes they had spent more time at the office. Compared to prison - at least after work *you* chose who to have sex with. Therefore, wouldn't it be better to skip work but - [Wondering how Thailand was 20 years ago? Look no further...visit Laos!](https://nomad4ever.com/wondering-how-thailand-was-20-years-ago-look-no-furthervisit-laos/) - What's the fuss? Laos is still a mysterious country, dominated by sheer nature, dense jungles, vast empty spaces and remote villages, 'Karst' mountains, waterfalls, hot springs, bat swarms, endless muddy rivers and rice paddies. It only opened up from communist isolation in recent years in the 1990's. Through Laos runs the mighty river Mekong, which - [Funny Aliens: Beer company sponsors hospital in Th...](https://nomad4ever.com/funny-aliens-beer-company-sponsors-hospital-in-th/) - Sponsoring is more and more important these days. Who can finance the ever-exploding costs of the healthcare systems? Naturally those companies who contribute in large parts to these kind of costs. In Thailand, especially Phuket and even particualarly in Patong - those surely must be alcohol producers and breweries. Even better and how-so-responsible are the - [Funny Aliens: The Mystery of Purple Toilet Paper i...](https://nomad4ever.com/funny-aliens-the-mystery-of-purple-toilet-paper-i/) - Nobody knows, why toilet paper in Laos is of a certain purple colour. Could it be a reference to the old 'rough' paper of former communist countries (to make even the last bum a Red)? :) Certainly the information for the case here is not available. Funnily you can find the same paper and colour - [Life is a beach....](https://nomad4ever.com/life-is-a-beach/) - ...if you have to decide every "morning", where to go swimming. - Rough waves or calm water?- Light blue or deep green?- White or yellow sand?- Softy smooth or pebble stones?- Just walk or do a 10 minute bike ride?- Shady pine trees or burning sun?- Packed with Bikini models or lonely shores? Better not - [New: Nomads + Vagabonds' Selection](https://nomad4ever.com/new-nomads-vagabonds-selection/) - Most things are difficult to describe in just a few words. It takes a book or even more. When travelling the great outdoors, maybe a book or map is not enough. Enhance your travel experience by using GPS or other gadgets. If you are interested in more information regarding Nomadic Travel, Investment and Early Retirement - [Laos - mysterious land...](https://nomad4ever.com/laos-mysterious-land/) - I'm still amazed by the laid-back atmosphere of Laos. Unbelievable is the beauty of Vang Vien, where we stayed 4 days, just sitting at the river admiring the landscape and environment. Nature aplenty, with rice fields, caves, mountains and mud tracks. The changing light coming over the mountains, the fog, the flowing river, the swarms - [Funny Aliens: No Electrocution Warning in Thailand...](https://nomad4ever.com/funny-aliens-no-electrocution-warning-in-thailand/) - This is just one example for Electric Cabling in Thailand. You can see that at any road, outside every house, even in the larger tourist areas. Countless accidents over the years happened. Workers or Electricians falling from roofs of buildings - but death is anyway only a short intermezzo and some day every single one - [Funny Aliens: Chocolate Copycat in Thailand and La...](https://nomad4ever.com/funny-aliens-chocolate-copycat-in-thailand-and-la/) - Surprise struck me, when visiting one of the local supermarket here in Phuket recently. I thought I found my alltime favorite chocolate Ritter Sport for an unbelievable dirt cheap price (15 Baht only!). Corn Flakes and even Marzipan flavor, the one kind you rarely can find here in Asia! (Don't know why it's like this, - [The flavours of Sex Tourism in Thailand and Bali](https://nomad4ever.com/the-flavours-of-sex-tourism-in-thailand-and-bali/) - It's funny to watch and compare the two genders dance around each other in Thailand and Bali. While in Thailand, mainly in Bangkok, Pattaya or Phuket; most of the sex tourists are usually the old, saggy type of men in their late 50s up, it's almost unheard of that women travel to Thailand for Sex. - [Thai Coup - Non-Event in Phuket?](https://nomad4ever.com/thai-coup-non-event-in-phuket/) - Last night's Military Coup in Thailand (latest news here), to oust still reigning 'autocratic' prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra, seems to be a non-event at least in Phuket. Although there seem to be tanks in Bangkok around all governmental buildings and martial law has been declared - no sight of any unrest in Phuket. Here - - [Update: Thai Coup - 1 Military Vessel, but so far so calm in Phuket...](https://nomad4ever.com/update-thai-coup-1-military-vessel-but-so-far/) - Just some update from Phuket: everything is business as usual. No plane delays, no military in the streets, the dealers in Phuket selling their fake Rolex's, 'branded' T-Shirts and Suits like every other day. The only difference is a small military vessel anchoring in the 'famous' Patong Bay, but patrolling up and down every half - [Does Thailand Have a Democratic Future?](https://nomad4ever.com/does-thailand-have-a-democratic-future/) - The english pages of Spiegel.de host an interesting discussion about democracy in Thailand after the recent coup. Click here to read more. I am really thinking, that the Thais are about to losing it for the tourists this time - at least for this high season, which is about to start in 3-4 weeks time. - ["Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin dies of Stingray at...](https://nomad4ever.com/crocodile-hunter-steve-irwin-dies-of-stingray-at/) - What a tragic death! While filming a new documentary called "Ocean's Deadliest", 'Crocodile Hunter' Steve Irwin was today fatally pierced in the chest by a stingray barb, while diving off Queensland's Great Barrier Reef. "He came on top of the stingray and the stingray's barb went up and into his chest and put a hole - [New Asia Pictures added to Flickr.com](https://nomad4ever.com/new-asia-pictures-added-to-flickrcom/) - Added some more travel pictures from all around Asia here: Bali:http://www.flickr.com/photos/nomads-vagabonds/tags/bali/ Thailand:http://www.flickr.com/photos/nomads-vagabonds/tags/thailand/ Philippines:http://www.flickr.com/photos/nomads-vagabonds/tags/philippines/ Laos:http://www.flickr.com/photos/nomads-vagabonds/tags/laos/ - [Funny Aliens: Drug Warnings in Indonesia...](https://nomad4ever.com/funny-aliens-drug-warnings-in-indonesia/) - Drugs are a no-no mainly everywhere. Death penalties are executed all over Asia, to foreigners too. In Indonesia people do drugs sometimes, even though most of its 15.000 islands are muslim-oriented. Seems like everyone knows at least the famed 'magic-mushrooms' of Bali or the 'E'-holes of Batam, just a weekend getaway in close proximity to - [Vollidiot!](https://nomad4ever.com/vollidiot/) - Du weißt nicht mehr wie Blumen duften,kennst nur die Arbeit und das Schuften-...so geh´n sie hin die schönsten Jahre,am Ende liegst Du auf der Bahreund hinter Dir da grinst der Tod:Kaputtgerackert - Vollidiot! Joachim Ringelnatz1883 - 1934 - [Funny Aliens: Hippie Check in Thailand...](https://nomad4ever.com/funny-aliens-hippie-check-in-thailand/) - If you ever wanted to find out, if you meet the criteria of being an "Hippie", check out this official Notice of Thailand's Immigration Authorities. - [Best mode of transportation to get around in a big country](https://nomad4ever.com/best-mode-of-transportation-to-get-around-in-a-big-country/) - What the best mode of transportation, if you stay more than a few months in one location? Flying? The Train? By Ship? Take the bus? Taxi? Walk? Yeah right! :) What then? The best modes of transportation are still the ones you can handle yourself and use as you like and whenever you want. That - [Indonesia: On-Arrival Visas up to 120 days soon?](https://nomad4ever.com/indonesia-on-arrival-visas-up-to-120-days-soon/) - There are some rumours lately that the current Visa-On-Arrival scheme, which was put in place in 02/2004 will soon be eased in an effort to boost tourism in Indonesia. Sounds too good to be true? Currently citizens from most countries receive a Visa for a maximum stay of 30 days, when you arrive at any - [Google Earth for Travelers](https://nomad4ever.com/google-earth-for-travelers/) - I'm sure most of you have checked out Google Earth already. Google Earth is a virtual globe program that provides satellite maps and images to interact with. Apart from being able to zoom into famous sightseeing places like the Las Vegas Strip, Miami Beach, the Mount Everest, you can even search for addresses, enter coordinates - [...weigh my Horse Rides at Sunrise to your Italian Suits and Ties.](https://nomad4ever.com/weigh-my-horse-rides-at-sunrise-to-your-italian-suits-and-ties/) - That is what true freedom really means for me. Freedom of time, mind, action, day in and day out. Freedom to do, what you want to do - when you want to do it. May it be a jog at sunrise, staying in bed all day, swimming at dawn or horseback riding at sunset. Thankfully - [Have you ever tried fresh Coconut? Simply fruitylicious!](https://nomad4ever.com/have-you-ever-tried-fresh-coconut-simply-fruitylicious/) - Wednesday morning, 10am. Or is it 11am already? Doesn't matter! You are just about to wake up. Ahhh, another nice holiday in paradise. ;-) The temperatures hover already steadily above 30 degrees centigrade (in the 100's Fahrenheit) and the sweat is running down your back. Your tongue is dry and feels like it's stuck swollen - [Exploring Bali's beautiful East Cost](https://nomad4ever.com/exploring-balis-beautiful-east-cost/) - Having a few days at hand and nothing better to do, we decided to explore Bali's East Coast a bit and go for a 2-day ride. How to get there? Nothing easier then that: hop on your bike or rent a car and off you go. As we were 2 couples and in the mood - [Using Mobile Phones when traveling abroad](https://nomad4ever.com/using-mobile-phones-when-traveling-abroad/) - Do you use your mobile phone when traveling in foreign countries? Yes? No? Apart from the comfort of not having to change your SIM card and just calling and getting called like you'd do everyday; the usually outrageous roaming charges will surely knock you out of your travel budget soon. But - it doesn't have - [Sunset, Drums and Fire Dancers - just any Sunday Evening's Beach Life!](https://nomad4ever.com/sunset-drums-and-fire-dancers-just-any-sunday-evenings-beach-life/) - Last night we joined our friends Nurul and Esti for a real highlight in Legian in Bali. It happens every sunday and is some kind of many Magic Moments at once - not to be missed! The place to be is in front of Zanzibar and Blue Ocean Restaurant at Jalan DoubleSix Beach, right infront - [Beckham goes to Hollywood - downshifting!](https://nomad4ever.com/beckham-goes-to-hollywood-downshifting/) - It came as a surprise for most European Soccer Fans, but somehow it was clear all the way: David Beckham is downshifting! He is leaving the most famous Club on Earth, Real Madrid, going to a nobody. With his move to the unknown Club of LA Galaxy in even more unknown Soccer-nation United States of - [What does Yahoo want with MyBlogLog?](https://nomad4ever.com/what-does-yahoo-want-with-mybloglog/) - Rumours were there already months back (starting in november 2006 by techcrunch.com), but a few days ago it really happened. Yahoo acquired the Social Network MyBlogLog for USD 10 Mio. It will be soon accessible via your one Yahoo Account as well, like other services like Yahoo Answers, del.icio.us and Flickr.com before. While Google is - [The Cubicle. An icon of todays economics or a mirror of society?](https://nomad4ever.com/the-cubicle-an-icon-of-todays-economics-or-a-mirror-of-society/) - Are you one as well? A modern worker, an office drone? Sitting the whole day in your amoeba-like cell, doing some work, which hasn't any real life value? 9-5, 8-6 or better 10-9? Numbers to define your life - time and space? Are you one of those 'busy bee' cells in this gigantic organism called - [What does it mean to be wealthy? And will it lead us to happiness?](https://nomad4ever.com/what-does-it-mean-to-be-wealthy-and-will-it-lead-us-to-happiness/) - Although 'wealthy' or 'rich' are terms a lot of people would interpret entirely different, it usually means that you have a lot of money. A load of money. Tons of money. Or at least more money than the guy next door, your neighbour. Even the United Nations had to evaluate in its latest study, what - [Fraud and Violence at club MBarGo in Kuta, Bali](https://nomad4ever.com/fraud-and-violence-at-club-mbargo-in-kuta-bali/) - ...because it is run by a bunch of fraudsters and violent criminals! Why, you might ask? Here is the whole story: My fiancee and me had a ball of a time partying the night away with friends on New Year's Eve in Jalan Dhyana Pura, Bali. After midnight, around 3-4am of the first day of - [Thai Baht Decline - Better Value For Travelers In Sight?](https://nomad4ever.com/thai-baht-decline-better-value-for-travelers-in-sight/) - It looks like the high rise of the Thai Baht is over for now. The Baht, with gains of more than 16% this year, was Asia's best performing currency in 2006 - thus making traveling to Thailand slightly more expensive than usual for foreigners. But what is that? Over the last 2 days it had - [How to Retire in your 30's](https://nomad4ever.com/how-to-retire-in-your-30s/) - Recently I found this practical guide on how everyone can retire in their 30's. It just requires a little planning ahead - and chosing the right path. It's nicely written and really a great "How-to", if you are in your early 20's and don't know which way to go. Most of it is truly common - [Reach your goals!](https://nomad4ever.com/reach-your-goals/) - The reason most people never reach their goals is that they don't define them, learn about them, or even seriously consider them as believable or achievable. Winners can tell you where they are going, what they plan to do along the way, and who will be sharing the adventure with them. (Denis Waitley) Technorati : - [How To Track Your Stocks, Funds And Other Investments When Traveling Abroad](https://nomad4ever.com/how-to-track-your-stocks-funds-and-other-investments-when-traveling-abroad/) - If you invest in stocks, shares, funds or currencies like me, you want to know constantly, how the markets stand. This way you know what the clock is ticking and are able to react quick, if necessary. When traveling in foreign countries, this can be quite difficult. Even more so, if you are a Permanent - [Stay connected abroad...](https://nomad4ever.com/stay-connected-abroad/) - To avoid bringing a laptop wherever you go - it can be easier to become friends with a so-called Pocket PC. With the new models which include also WiFi, you can practically stay connected in most cities even in less developed countries.Once you are connected to a WiFi network, you can use Skype for Pocket - [Why it doesn't necessarily pay off to buy your own house in the US, Australia or Europe](https://nomad4ever.com/why-it-doesnt-necessarily-pay-off-to-buy-your-own-house-in-the-us-australia-or-europe/) - For most people it's a dream to live one day in their own house, which they paid off with their own hard-earned money. Depending on where you live and how high your demands and your income are, this can actually result in you paying off a bank loan over the next 10-20 or even 30 - [Thai Central Bank pulls back - what a public embarrassment!](https://nomad4ever.com/thai-central-bank-pulls-back-what-a-public-embarrassment/) - What an earthquake @ Asian Stock Exchanges around the region, after yesterdays announcement! The Thais suffered the most of course. I monitor a few stocks and funds over there, mainly an ABN Amro Certificate (covering the SET50 candidates), which lost about 25% yesterday, with Siam Commercial Banking, Krung Thai Bank and Bangkok Bank all around - [Goa’s Environment Threatened by Tourism and Land Development](https://nomad4ever.com/goas-environment-threatened-by-tourism-and-land-development/) - PANAJI, India ~ The once low-budget tourist haven of Goa is facing a crisis, environmentalists say, as developers force up land prices and a tourism boom threatens the delicate coastal ecology. Environmental groups in this former Portuguese enclave, which became part of India in 1961, have joined ranks in an effort to slow the building - [Intruder Alert in the Yard - Man the Deck Guns!](https://nomad4ever.com/intruder-alert-in-the-yard-man-the-deck-guns/) - Today after lunch, I was just sinking in my arm chair to read 'The Bali Times' - it suddenly became a bit hectic in our yard. The cat was running around scared and began hiding combined with some desperate meowing, followed then by an awakening hunting instinct towards the bushes and palm trees in our - [Thailand: On-arrival visas: 90 days and you are out...](https://nomad4ever.com/thailand-on-arrival-visas-90-days-and-you-are-out/) - Thailand seems to tighten it's Visa regulations again: Phuket's Immigration Chief has confirmed that Thailand will crack down on foreigners working illegally in the country by ending its policy of issuing an unlimited number of consecutive "visas on arrival" - tourist visas that allow the holder to stay a maximum of 15 or 30 days. - [Australia's National Carrier Qantas To Be Sold For A$11.1b](https://nomad4ever.com/australias-national-carrier-qantas-to-be-sold-for-a111b/) - As circling rumours mentioned earlier, it now finally happened: Australia's iconic carrier accepts sweetened offer in world's biggest aviation buyout Qantas Airways yesterday accepted a sweetened A$11.1 billion ($13.4 billion) buyout by a consortium led by Australia's Macquarie Bank and US-based Texas Pacific Group in the world's biggest aviation takeover. The agreement was struck just - [Gone Crazy: Germany & Britain Raise Retirement Age To 67..68](https://nomad4ever.com/gone-crazy-germany-britain-raise-retirement-age-to-6768/) - Are those governments gone crazy? Instead of cutting their overhead and lowering government and state influences on economy, tax systems and benefit/welfare systems; they pass the buck - to the normal/everyday people who have to get the 'cart out of the dirt'. I wonder how long people are still letting things happen like that. Probably - [88 Tips to save money](https://nomad4ever.com/88-tips-to-save-money/) - Found this interesting site, which has listed 88 tips, tricks, ideas and tutorials, on how to save your hard earned bucks. A few of them are really astonishing and not that obvious. So over time you should be able to put some money aside and go on that Round-The-World-trip, no? ;-) Technorati : finance, greenbacks, - [Living an Independent Life](https://nomad4ever.com/living-an-independent-life/) - By now you probably know John Locke already. He is a freelance writer and the author of 'Ten Lies We Believe', which led to hefty and interesting discussions on this blog. John was so nice and wrote another guest post for nomad4ever. This one goes even a step further and shows the way, on how - [The Lone Wanderer](https://nomad4ever.com/the-lone-wanderer/) - Michele Koh, a Singaporean who currently studies in London, has an interesting blog called 'The 11th House'. She wrote a nice article about the best ways to explore a foreign country. I'm happy that she allowed me to re-publish that post here, as it fits thematically with my blog as well. It's best to read, - [Ordinary World](https://nomad4ever.com/ordinary-world/) - Came in from a rainy ThursdayOn the avenueThought I heard you talking softly I turned on the lights, the TVAnd the radioStill I can't escape the ghost of you What has happened to it all?Crazy, some'd sayWhere is the life that I recognize?Gone away But I won't cry for yesterdayThere's an ordinary worldSomehow I have - [Moving to Bali: Difference in expectations and reality](https://nomad4ever.com/moving-to-bali-difference-in-expectations-and-reality/) - Nick, over here at Baliblog, wrote an interesting post about moving to and living as a foreigner in Bali. He is now here about 4 years and compares the changes after his first visit in 1993 and today and covers a lot of interesting areas, like Getting hold of money Local transportation What's the food - [Malaysia mulls Internet Laws against Bloggers](https://nomad4ever.com/malaysia-mulls-internet-laws-against-bloggers/) - Malaysia may introduce tough Internet laws to control bloggers and prevent them from spreading "disharmony, chaos, seditious material and lies" on their websites, a report said Sunday. Deputy Science and Technology Minister Kong Cho Ha said moves such as registering bloggers would be difficult, but accused some writers of posting controversial articles to attract readers. - [Fiji military chief stages coup - Travel warning!](https://nomad4ever.com/fiji-military-chief-stages-coup-travel-warning/) - First Thailand, almost the Philippines and now Fiji. It seems that in Asia, coups are becoming more common in recent times again. So far it looks, like it could be a bloodless coup in Fuji as well. But one really has to worry, on what's going on in the heads of those militarists. It can't - [Top 10 Ways To Prepare For Retirement](https://nomad4ever.com/top-10-ways-to-prepare-for-retirement/) - The U.S. Department of Labor released some tips, on how to prepare for your retirement. It doesn't matter how old you are now; actually the younger you are - the better! Okay, some tips apply for US citizen only. Anyway, here they are: 1. Know Your Retirement Needs Retirement is expensive. Experts estimate that you'll - [Full-House Fiasco in Pattaya](https://nomad4ever.com/full-house-fiasco-in-pattaya/) - This is what can happen to you in Asia's red-light districts, even though you go with 2 or 3 persons. You can lose your wallet, mobile phone and - most important - your dignity. Here it wasn't date-rape by men, but more date-rob by some hookers, stupid ones on top of that, leaving their ID - [Walking on the moon...](https://nomad4ever.com/walking-on-the-moon/) - No, not the old Police Song! But why not? Our recent day trip around Bali took us to Lake Batur (Danau Batur) and Mount Agung (Gunung Agung), the highest peak (3014m) on Bali soil in the north-eastern part of the island. Amazing scenery! It really looks like your are on a different planet. But wait - [Does Happiness come with Money?](https://nomad4ever.com/does-happiness-come-with-money/) - A new report shows a boost in happiness for Britons after they win the lottery but others say the feeling is 'illusory'. Who wins the lottery anyway? But seriously - can money buy happiness? It is sometimes said that scientists have found no relationship between money and happiness, but that is a myth, according to - [A Spectacular Summer In Sydney](https://nomad4ever.com/a-spectacular-summer-in-sydney/) - Even those who live in the tropics will enjoy the city's unique summer offerings by Justin Cheongjustin@mediacorp.com.sg Living in a tropical, South-east Asian climate, we tend to take for granted the heat and humidity - things that dwellers in the temperate regions gladly welcome and call "summer". For Australians, it's a season everyone's been waiting - [Ten Lies We Believe](https://nomad4ever.com/ten-lies-we-believe/) - John Locke over there at 'Strike the Root - a journal for liberty' was so friendly and allowed me to re-publish his great article about 'Ten lies we believe'; that means LIES, which society puts on us. LIES, we hear, inhale and suck down with our 'mother's milk' in the societies we live in. LIES - [Lakes in the Clouds](https://nomad4ever.com/lakes-in-the-clouds/) - Bali is a rich island - and rich in natural wonders that is! You have volcanoes, resulting in black sandy beaches at the coasts, large green fields and valleys, jungle hills with deep rivers, cool water falls, hot springs and mysterious lakes in mountains of mist. To visit those lakes, you have to travel north - [11 Financial Lessons](https://nomad4ever.com/10-tips-financial-independence-the-good-life/) - To achieve Financial Independence, you can't just rely on making a lot of money fast. There is always 2 sides of the balance, so check your expenses too. Over time everyone develops habits, which can be sometimes contra-productive and hinder you on your way to Financial Independence. Habits are hard to beat, so remember some - [Bali Holiday For Former Thai PM Thaksin](https://nomad4ever.com/bali-holiday-for-former-thai-pm-thaksin/) - After shopping in HongKong, Thaksin jets off for 5- to 7-day vacation DENPASAR - Deposed Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra yesterday arrived on the Indonesian resort island of Bali for a holiday. Mr Thaksin, who was shopping in Hong Kong with his wife on Tuesday, was whisked into a limousine at the airport and left - [Are you ready to be a Perpetual Traveler?](https://nomad4ever.com/are-you-ready-to-be-a-perpetual-traveler/) - What is a PT?PT - The Perpetual TravelerPermanent Tourist, Prior Taxpayer = Perfect Thing!INDIVIDUAL SOVEREIGNTYIn a nutshell, a PT merely arranges his or her paperwork in such a way that all governments consider him a tourist. A person who is just "Passing Through". The advantage is that being thought of by government officials as a - [Bali: Expat Tries, Fails to Pay with Candy](https://nomad4ever.com/bali-expat-tries-fails-to-pay-with-candy/) - In Indonesia there is a widely accepted practice in stores country-wide, that instead of small change they give you candy. That means for every Rp 100 they owe you, you will get a piece of candy. Sweet or annoying? A welcomed treat for sweet tooths - annoying for some; as some Aussie smart pants tried - [Status and Importance](https://nomad4ever.com/status-and-importance/) - The strongest of all human drives is the desire to belong to an 'Inner Ring', an imaginary circle of 'The Important'. Though that ring is an illusion. Status is like an onion, comprised of endless layers, and no matter how many rings you cracked, you were still on the outside. C.S. Lewis about "The Inner - ['Friendly' coup in Thailand turned sour? 'Egg on the face' for coup backers...](https://nomad4ever.com/friendly-coup-in-thailand-turned-sour-egg-on-the-face-for-coup-backers/) - Pay Hike For Thai Coup Leaders, New Cabinet under fire for approving salary increase, top posts in several state firms - coupsters seem pretty close to expiry date... BANGKOK - The Thai coup leaders, who removed Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra to stop "rampant corruption", are now facing growing criticism themselves for receiving a salary increase - [How to downshift - learn to live more with less](https://nomad4ever.com/how-to-downshift-learn-to-live-more-with-less/) - Sally Lever sent in her latest newsletter some interesting ideas, on how to discipline yourself further to live more with less - without torturing yourself. In the end it always comes out to money matters, right? I.e. 1. How much money do I need in order to downshift? You would need to have an income - [Book Review: The Alchemist](https://nomad4ever.com/book-review-the-alchemist/) - Dreams, symbols, signs, and adventure follow the reader like echoes of ancient wise voices in "The Alchemist", a novel that combines an atmosphere of Medieval mysticism with the song of the desert. With this symbolic masterpiece Coelho states that we should not avoid our destinies, and urges people to follow their dreams, because to find - [Life](https://nomad4ever.com/life/) - When you were born, you were crying and everyone around you was smiling. Live your life so that when you die, you're the one who is smiling and everyone around you is crying. When the door of happiness closes, another opens, but often times we look so long at the closed door that we don't - [Bali Online - more or less](https://nomad4ever.com/bali-online-more-or-less/) - It's been a while. ;-) We are meanwhile settled in Bali, having found both accomodation and transport to get around here. The first 2 weeks we stayed at Jalan Legian in the Jimbaroo Inn, a simple, clean place for long-term stay, you can check-in here for Rp 700.000/month (about USD 78!). You can use a - [Money Management](https://nomad4ever.com/money-management/) - “Managing your money does not depend upon becoming wealthy or declaring vows of poverty. Rather, it is about creating stability and sufficiency – a balanced flow of monetary energy through your life.” Dan Millman - [Hazy in Singapore...](https://nomad4ever.com/hazy-in-singapore/) - The fires in Sumatra and Borneo still bring over a lot of smoke and haze to Singapore and parts of Malaysia, including Kuala Lumpur. Though it got better already in the last couple of days, it's still quite heavy, as you can see on this shot from Chinatown Point/Chinatown Park Center in Singapore. Usually you - [Bye bye Thailand - Welcome Bali!](https://nomad4ever.com/bye-bye-thailand-welcome-bali/) - After 8 months Thailand, mainly around Phuket, but with short visits to Koh Phi Phi, Bangkok and Chiang Mai, we are restless again. Nomads have to travel, so we decided to move on -> direction Indonesia. This sunday evening we will depart, with a 1-week stopover at our old home turf Singapore, to secure my - [Oh I'm on my way...](https://nomad4ever.com/oh-im-on-my-way/) - Oh I'm on my way I know I am, somewhere not so far from here All I know is all I feel right now, I feel the power growing in my hair Sitting on my own not by myself, everybody's here with me I don't need to touch your face to know, and I don't - [Phuket: Beach Chair Rates To Double](https://nomad4ever.com/phuket-beach-chair-rates-to-double/) - At the first day of the start into Phukets high season, the beach chair operators in Kata-Karon and Nai Yang announced they will double their rental rates to 100 baht per chair from tomorrow. A similar price hike in Patong was confirmed meanwhile. A mpien Thueathin, head of the Patong Beach Chair Operators’ Association, said - [THAI Airways calls for 3-hour check-in](https://nomad4ever.com/thai-airways-calls-for-3-hour-check-in/) - In another careless attempt without *any* regard to customer service or flexibility, 'Thailands mother of all airlines' is deflecting its own problems with the new airport to its customers. It's only our time, so where is the problem, right? Oh my goodness........read on: PHUKET: To ease congestion and ensure that passengers arrive on time, Thai - [Thailand: Coup's Dangers Have Been Downplayed](https://nomad4ever.com/thailand-coups-dangers-have-been-downplayed/) - This interesting letter from Jacob Tan was published in Singapore's Today Newspaper. It refers back to an article of Tham Chen Fye "Why this coup is different" (Sept 27): While I agree with some points he raised indicating that this coup is distinctive from the other coups in Thailand's history, I believe the dangers that - [Simple Living - the answer to work stress, frustration and despair?](https://nomad4ever.com/simple-living-the-answer-to-work-stress-frustra/) - Simple living (not Paris Hilton's "Simple Life") is a lifestyle individuals may pursue for a variety of motivations, such as spirituality, health, or ecology. Others may choose simple living for reasons of social justice or a rejection of consumerism. Some may emphasize an explicit rejection of "westernized values", while others choose to live more simply - [Phuket scattered by storms... surviving...](https://nomad4ever.com/phuket-scattered-by-storms-surviving/) - The last couple of days we had some stormy nights and windy days - although it's still warm, around 25 degrees centigrade. Some days of strong winds and heavy rain were expected - as the slow-moving tropical depression responsible for the unusually surly weather moved westward from central Thailand into Burma. Last night’s winds knocked - [Which Travelblog Website rocks the boat?](https://nomad4ever.com/which-travelblog-website-rocks-the-boat/) - Upon some research on the net I found some specialized websites, catering mainly travellers or travel bloggers. So far the following look quite interesting: http://www.virtualtourist.com/ http://www.travelpod.com/ http://realtravel.com/ all with similar features, more or less easy/complicated to use. Did anyone test out some of them or even others? The idea to organize your trips and have - [What is 'Downshifting'?](https://nomad4ever.com/what-is-downshifting/) - Are you fed up or is your job under threat? Do you dream of moving to the country? Is now the time to make a break? This time next year, will you have made the leap and be in control of your life? Here's how you can make it happen - successfully. Many people dream - [10 fantastic reasons for Downshifting](https://nomad4ever.com/10-fantastic-reasons-for-downshifting/) - Ten Fantastic Reasons for Downshifting by Tracey Smith 1) Eliminate financial stress Realise the equity that surrounds you, ditch the mortgage, dump the store and credit cards. Downshifting need not mean a smaller house, just smaller outgoings and less pressure on your wallet. 2) Live a healthier life Adopt a more 'outside' and active existence. - [The Rat Race](https://nomad4ever.com/the-rat-race/) - “The trouble with the rat race is, even if you win, you are still a rat.” - [Philippines - New Pictures on Flickr.com](https://nomad4ever.com/philippines-new-pictures-on-flickrcom/) - Having returned from our short trip, I put some pictures of Camiguin Island (Waterfall, Hot Springs, Sunken Cemetry) and Boracay (White Beach) on my Flickr.com Page. Check it out under: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nomads-vagabonds/ We arrived in Manila just a few days after a new coup alert was issued by president Gloria M. Arroyo. That meant more police - [Having Only One Income Stream Is Not Enough...](https://nomad4ever.com/having-only-one-income-stream-is-not-enough/) - ...found this interesting article in Singapore's 'Today' newspaper last week. It's written from a Singaporean perspective, but the validity is truely global. It goes in the same direction as "Retire young, retire rich"; that it's best to not (only) have a salary, but let your (and other people's) money work for you - thus earning - [How To Ride The Property Wave...](https://nomad4ever.com/how-to-ride-the-property-wave/) - ...in the same issue of 'Today', Valerie Law shed some light on REITs as well. REITs are Real Estate Investment Trusts, which have the advantage of letting you take part in the estate boom in areas around the globe, without physically investing there in form of buying an apartment or house. Thus, your investment is - [Pot of Gold](https://nomad4ever.com/pot-of-gold/) - "Sometimes it's essential to work for that pot of gold. But other times it's essential to take time off and make sure that your most important decision in the day simply consists of chosing which color to slide down the rainbow." Douglas Pagels - [Now...](https://nomad4ever.com/now/) - "We, the willing, led by the unknowing, are doing the impossible, for the ungratefull. We have done so much with so little for so long, that we are now qualified to do everything with absolutely nothing." - [The Men That Don't Fit In...](https://nomad4ever.com/the-men-that-dont-fit-in/) - There's a race of men that don't fit in, A race that can't stay still; So they break the hearts of kith and kin, And they roam the world at will. They range the field and they rove the flood, And they climb the mountain's crest; Theirs is the curse of the gypsy blood, And - [Funny Aliens: Never stop cleaning...](https://nomad4ever.com/funny-aliens-never-stop-cleaning/) - ...what a great idea! Every tourist cleans the sites he/she visits. That's the old diver's motto "Take only pictures, leave only bubbles" adjusted and extended for land rats. (Location: Prom Thep Cape, Phuket/Thailand) - [New destination: Camiguin/Philippines](https://nomad4ever.com/new-destination-camiguinphilippines/) - The travel bug did bite again, so we decided to go on a 12 day trip to Camiguin, an island south of Cebu in the Philippines. Having visited Boracay, Malapascua, Bantayan, Cebu, Cabilao and Bohol already - thinking about the fine 'Tanduay' Rum and countless Karaoke bars, makes the mood swinging in holiday tunes already. - [Visited Countries.](https://nomad4ever.com/visited-countries/) - Found a nice website this evening, where you can create your own world map of the countries you already visited. You can insert this map in your blog or website by just adding the html code. Just click here to start customizing. Our own example: create your own visited countries map or vertaling Duits Nederlands - [Complaining...](https://nomad4ever.com/complaining/) - "he complained that he had no shoes, until he saw a man who had no legs" - [Go nuts!](https://nomad4ever.com/go-nuts/) - Every oak tree started out as a couple of nuts who stood their ground. Go nuts!!!!!! Stand proud!!! - [Don't wait for me...](https://nomad4ever.com/dont-wait-for-me/) - friends and liars don't wait for me cause I'll get on all by myself put millions of miles under my heels and still too close to you I feel - Audioslave, "I am the highway" - [Dreamers...](https://nomad4ever.com/dreamers/) - All men dream, but not equally. Those who dream by night in the dusty recesses of their minds wake in the day to find that it was vanity: but the dreamers of the day are dangerous men, for they may act their dream with open eyes, to make it possible. - T. E. Lawrence, "The - [Happiness is a journey, not a destination ...](https://nomad4ever.com/happiness-is-a-journey-not-a-destination/) - Happiness is a journey, not a destination ... "for a long time it seemed to me that life was about to begin - real life. but there was always some obstacle in the way, something to be gotten through first, some unfinished business, time still to be served, a debt to be paid. at last - [Der Sinn des Lebens...](https://nomad4ever.com/der-sinn-des-lebens/) - Der moderne Mensch wird in einem Tätigkeitstaumel gehalten, damit er nicht zum Nachdenken über den Sinn seines Lebens und der Welt kommt. - Albert Schweitzer - [you are not your bank account...](https://nomad4ever.com/you-are-not-your-bank-account/) - this is your life, and it's ending one minute at a time. this isn't a seminar and this isn't a weekend retreat. where you are now you can't even imagine what the bottom will be like. only after disaster can we be resurrected. it's only after you have lost everything that you are free to - [It can't be done?](https://nomad4ever.com/it-cant-be-done/) - "It's not everyone telling me it can't be done that bothers me. It's them interrupting me while I'm doing it!" - [20 years from now...](https://nomad4ever.com/20-years-from-now/) - "Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn't do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbor. Catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover." - Mark Twain - [Going nowhere...](https://nomad4ever.com/going-nowhere/) - I don't mind going nowhere as long as it's an interesting path. -Unknown - [Wherever I may roam...](https://nomad4ever.com/wherever-i-may-roam/) - ...and the road becomes my bride I have stripped of all but pride so in her I do confide and she keeps me satisfied gives me all I need ...and with dust in throat I crave only knowledge will I save to the game you stay a slave rover wanderer nomad vagabond call me what - [God and Mountains](https://nomad4ever.com/god-and-mountains/) - It's better to climb a mountain and think about god, than going to a church and think about a mountain... - unknown climber - [Fear...](https://nomad4ever.com/fear/) - Fear is the number one problem we all have when facing the unknown, and another country is a big unknown until we've been there. I think most people who have "been there" will tell you it's great, go - and have a good time! Grant Johnson, Horizons Unlimited - [Caminante...](https://nomad4ever.com/caminante/) - In his greatest poem Antonio Machado once said: Caminante, son tus huellas Wanderer, your footsteps are the path, el camino, y nada mas. and nothing more. Caminante, no hay camino, Wanderer, there is no path. se hace camino al andar. We make the path by walking. - [Why?](https://nomad4ever.com/why/) - Why? "'Why do you do it?' friends often ask, perplexed, Brows raised, minds sorely vexed. 'The world out there is dangerous! Aren't you scared? Why do this? You need steady work, a house, two cars! You have only a motorbike, and sleep under stars!' Dear friend, if you must ask, you cannot know This curiosity ## Pages - [Awards](https://nomad4ever.com/awards/) - Recent Awards of nomad4ever.com: 07/2010 04/2011 08/2011 Please click on the image to open a new tab with the respective article or website. Further mentions: Interview by GQ China 07/2011 Print Edition Tricycle Diaries, Featured in GenSan Gazer Philippines 03/2010 (The starting article for the Tricycle Diaries Trip can be found here.) - [About](https://nomad4ever.com/about/) - Don't we all want to be somehow Nomads, Vagabonds, Roamers, Rovers, Pilgrims, Wanderers, Perpetual Travelers, Permanent Tourists, Tramps, Continental Drifters, World Citizens? What are you waiting for? Life is what you make it! Break the cycle, get out of the rat race, break the habit and peer pressure, downshift, retire young - trot the globe, - [Advertise here!](https://nomad4ever.com/advertise-here/) - Why advertise on nomad4ever? nomad4ever.com has an active and vibrant Readership and recently (03/2011) reached 1.200.000 Visitors in its 5 years of existence. The site sees currently about 1.200 unique daily visitors. nomad4ever.com is about Traveling & Living an Independent Life, about Money Management, Enjoying Life and Living your Dreams, Retiring Young and Living more - [Archives](https://nomad4ever.com/archives/) - Here is a Table of Content of all posts at nomad4ever, sorted from newest to oldest. Click on the month title to expand the posts for that month. The number in brackets behind the post title shows the number of comments for that article. - [Polls](https://nomad4ever.com/pollsarchive/) - [Why?](https://nomad4ever.com/why/) - 'Why do you do it?' friends often ask, perplexed, Brows raised, minds sorely vexed. 'The world out there is dangerous! Aren't you scared? Why do this? You need steady work, a house, two cars! You have only a motorbike, and sleep under stars!' Dear friend, if you must ask, you cannot know This curiosity that ## Categories - [retire](https://nomad4ever.com/category/retire/) - [asia](https://nomad4ever.com/category/asia/) - [rat race](https://nomad4ever.com/category/rat-race/) - [gadgets](https://nomad4ever.com/category/gadgets/) - [motivation](https://nomad4ever.com/category/motivation/) - [travel](https://nomad4ever.com/category/travel/) - [thailand](https://nomad4ever.com/category/thailand/) - [laos](https://nomad4ever.com/category/laos/) - [philippines](https://nomad4ever.com/category/philippines/) - [bali](https://nomad4ever.com/category/bali/) - [indonesia](https://nomad4ever.com/category/indonesia/) - [india](https://nomad4ever.com/category/india/) - [funny](https://nomad4ever.com/category/funny/) - [myanmar](https://nomad4ever.com/category/myanmar/) - [visa](https://nomad4ever.com/category/visa/) - [money](https://nomad4ever.com/category/money/) - [politics](https://nomad4ever.com/category/politics/) - [singapore](https://nomad4ever.com/category/singapore/) - [australia](https://nomad4ever.com/category/australia/) - [hong kong](https://nomad4ever.com/category/hong-kong/) - [china](https://nomad4ever.com/category/china/) - [fiji](https://nomad4ever.com/category/fiji/) - [malaysia](https://nomad4ever.com/category/malaysia/) - [health](https://nomad4ever.com/category/health/) - [internet](https://nomad4ever.com/category/internet/) - [religion](https://nomad4ever.com/category/religion/) - [food](https://nomad4ever.com/category/food/) - [vietnam](https://nomad4ever.com/category/vietnam/)