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5 Benefits of Living Without a Phone

5 Benefits of Living Without a Phone

Photo: The Addiction Continues by Lemuel Cantos, used under CC BY 2.0 / Cropped from original Before I left Chile, I sold my iPhone as part of an experiment to find out whether I really need to carry one. After a couple of months, I have a solid appreciation of the benefits of having a mobile communication device… but I’m also ... Read More
 
Day 518 of 1827: Bangkok

Day 518 of 1827: Bangkok

When I started Five Years Abroad a year and a half ago in Medellín, I was completely overwhelmed by all of the unfamiliarity of my surroundings. I didn’t know the language nor the culture, I had no idea what to expect, virtually no network to speak of, and it became obvious very quickly that I was ... Read More
 
Day 510 of 1827: Important Pieces of Paper

Day 510 of 1827: Important Pieces of Paper

Over the course of the past 500-odd days, I’ve had to overcome many challenges. I’ve been kidnapped by overcrowded buses; I’ve dealt with passive-aggressive homeowners; I’ve faced off against vicious attack dogs and poisonous spiders. But today, finally, I went up against my greatest adversary yet: The bureaucracy. So, last week,  I went to the ... Read More
 
Day 497 of 1827: 2014 Goals

Day 497 of 1827: 2014 Goals

I just got back from the US embassy after getting pages added to my passport. This thing looks ridiculous.  Moreso than usual, I mean. And no, visiting the US embassy doesn’t count as “setting foot in the US” during my Five Years Abroad.  That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it. So January’s past, 2014 ... Read More
 
Day 483 of 1827: 2013 Wrap-Up, Part 2

Day 483 of 1827: 2013 Wrap-Up, Part 2

So I’ve been getting my hair cut at this place in Providencia for a couple of months now.  They do a great job and are very friendly, but I forgot to find out what the place is called. The other day while I was walking past, I finally caught the name. It’s called Lovely Woman. ... Read More
 
Day 473 of 1827: 2013 Wrap-Up, Part 1

Day 473 of 1827: 2013 Wrap-Up, Part 1

So, as 2013 draws to a close, it’s time for me to look back at…. Argh!  Stupid jet lag! Well, anyway, it’s been long enough; let’s take a look at my goals for last year and see how I did! Strap in, boys and girls; this is gonna be a long one! Successful full-time entrepreneurship: ... Read More
 
Day 460 of 1827: No Retreating Allowed

Day 460 of 1827: No Retreating Allowed

So… it just occurred to me today. Five Years Abroad has failed. The other day, I was talking with an acquaintance about Five Years Abroad, and she asked me why I picked 5 years. Actually, the number of years that I chose was completely arbitrary.  I could just as easily have picked 6 years, or ... Read More
 
Day 428: Back on Two Wheels

Day 428: Back on Two Wheels

So here I am, sitting on a leather sofa, wearing nothing but a robe while I wait to see how the photos came out. Ummmmmm, I probably should back up and explain this one. Earlier this week, I switched to a new place on Airbnb.  To say that this place is remote, would be… well, ... Read More
 
Day 412 of 1827: Puerto Vallarta

Day 412 of 1827: Puerto Vallarta

This week, I shopped at Wal-Mart, ate dinner at Chili’s, and now I’m staying at a touristy hotel. Apparently, I’m on vacation. Actually, I will say this:  If you are looking for a good place to visit, you should definitely check out Puerto Vallarta, especially if you currently live in North America. It’s absolutely gorgeous ... Read More