bm108 Costa Rica, the Latin American Exception

While much of Latin America has clearly turned to the political left in the last few years, Costa Rica continues to be a nation that does things their own way. With all the hype surrounding hi-tech industry and eco-tourism, what’s in store for Costa Rica following these elections? Taylor Kirk of the LatinAmericanist blog joins me to talk about one of her favorite places.

AudioCommunique #108 (mp3)

Music:

El Guato – Linda Costa Rica
(Cant remember the artist) -Como Se Baila la Cumbia
Maria Esther Zamora, Polito Gonzalez, Jorge Lobos, Cuti Asse, Roberto Lindl – Chipi Chipi


Also: My condolences to the Accordion Guy, Joey Devilla, his father passed away over the weekend.

In the Streets of Bangkok

Now that late night TV no longer features the giant slalom, snowboarding downhill, curling, or any other winter olympics for that matter, I take in an extra dosage (to add to my already busting at the seems media diet) of BBC world in the evening. Last night I was quite taken by the images out of Thailand, of people in the streets of Bangkok, demanding that the prime minister step down.

It is a beautiful thing when people get together in the thousands in front of important buildings and collectively, peacefully, make their presence felt and demand action from representatives that no longer represent them. It reminds me of the Ukraine only a few years ago. Or when they chased the representatives out of parliament in Georgia not to long ago. Or what I think SHOULD have taken place in Baghdad without bombs and guns; people linked arm and arm marching in overwhelming numbers, despite the dangers.

I’m still researching to see if it’s a potential show topic and who the guest would be, but thus far, it is clear that multimillionaire prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra could certainly be involved in some very corrupt and illegal policy decisions that favor his own telecom companies. In some ways he reminds me of a certain Italian leader. But nevermind that, my eyes are fixed on Bangkok, in hopes that the corruption will be investigated and exposed, and a more competant and capable representative will be elected to take his place.

Depressed A Nice Girl

I think things were going well, til I started talking instead of drinking and then I swear I saw tears well up in her eyes…..

One thing you need to know, in case you didn’t already, about the difficulties of expat life, is to have visitors that you really enjoy, and that almost completely and un-noticably remove you from your daily life, routine, and people. Does that sound confusing? Stay with me.

You move to a different country where you don’t have family and you probably don’t have many friends. But you network, you get around, get involved, and over time, you find your buddy, or your preferred activity, and before you know it – you’ve got a life. Hopefully an interesting one. All the while, naturally you keep in contact with your old friends scatterred about the world, writing neverending lines of emails and frequent skype calls. You even hope those friends would visit, because it would be fun to have them here, to see and live in your world for a bit.

That’s where it gets complicated… in my twisted and very experienced opinion. They make that journey, and you clear your calender or conveniently forget previous engagements (as I have). Upon arrival you’re there, at the airport, trainstation, hotel – and you start leading them around, pointing to things, and buying them rounds. You think yourself lucky, to have your friend with you for awhile, and you do more partying then you otherwise would have all year. But it’s no problem. In fact, it’s fun, it’s easy, and you lose track of time, year, and tasks to be done.

So when a night like this comes round, when all the great visitors have left or will leave within hours and you’ve said your goodbyes. Sometimes… I’d say often times.. you find yourself sitting at a café after midnight, just you and your lovely companion for the evening, you start reminiscing. Then story telling. Then you don’t even have to say anything cause your lack of energy and temporary time-space insanity is understood. And somehow you may have depressed her, cause she understands the catch22 of life abroad:


When you get the visitors that you truely enjoy for days on end, it is very strange to say goodbye and return to life as usual, like nothings changed.

Photo by Tony, who’s jetlagged in LA right now.

bm107 John Aravosis of Americablog on Ports and the World Bank

Washington DC based writer, political consultant, and blogger @ Americablog.com, John Aravosis has been in Amsterdam for the past few days. During a recent walk back from the Albert Cuyp market we recorded this talk about the Port Sale issue, the fatal errors of the Bush administration, multinational corporations and the World Bank. Talk about hot button issues – olé!

AudioCommunique #107 (mp3)

Discussed:

Listen to the podcast you lazy shownotes reader.

Music:

Madeleine Peyroux – J’ai Deux Amours
Paco Ibañez – Como Tu

Vacations Scare off Readers

…. that’s the crux of one of the conversations we the bloggers have been having over the past few days. John says whenever he goes on trip somewhere, the less people read or comment. Tony has observed similar. Is it a coincidence? Maybe people don’t like to hear about nice places and how good life can sometimes seem when you leave your reality for a while and go live in another reality. Maybe some people don’t like reading my blog because I live in a picturesque place all year round? Nevermind this meta-talk, let’s move on to a recommendation.

I’ve been very actively seeking blogs from countries that I feel are under-represented in western media. Earlier this week I mentioned one from the Philippines, today I want to sing the praises of a blog from Liberia entitled “Liberia Stories.” I’m growing increasingly fond of this modest blog which is a wealth of snapshots and daily life snippets from Monrovia. While you may go through your average day never thinking about what’s happening in Liberia, it is still a special place, like many special places in the world, that deserve the quality of life, respect, and attention that we give to any other country. Gone are the days of being “too far” from a country to not be able to find out what’s happening there – search for it – it’s somewhere on the internet, for you to increase your knowledge and awareness of the world you live in.

Go forth… explore technorati…

Send Your ‘Dam Bloggers

You wouldn’t have to dig very far into my archives to find a story about how I enjoyed meeting another blogger or podcaster in person. I would probably write quite a bit about how often it seems like we’re old friends who have known each other for ages. And while last weekend I got to spend time with some very fun bloggers and friends, the second half of this week has brought 2 bloggers to Amsterdam that it is an even greater pleasure to lead around town.

Not only does it give me a chance to visit spots I haven’t stopped at in ages, it is a terrific source of brainfood/inspiration. Spending time with the likes of a blogger I’ve been reading for a few years – Tony Pierce of the Busblog, and a blogger who I have only very recently been reading – John Aravosis of Americablog.

I sometimes stop and look around during our conversations on the street, in restaurants, as the squat bar, checking to see if anyone else notices how elaborate and involved our discussions are. From the american political system, to addictive television shows, and from blogging to idiosyncracies of a city like this one – we cover it all, as only bloggers would.

Tomorrow I’m looking to lead a little bike tour through one of my two favorite neighborhoods, during which I’m sure we’ll discuss a wealthof topics that will shock the neighbors. Normally I’m a person of routines, even on my day off – Friday. But over the past few days I’ve simply forgotten my routine and replaced it with the enjoyment wandering the town with curious visitors. And of course, blogging made it possible.

also: “Amanda’s account of her visit, Tony’s Account of the evening at “Led Zepplin”, John’s Arrival
, etc etc.