Author Daniel Lee Reid joins the show to discuss Taoist sex practices and how they can revolutionize your relationship.
Five thousand years ago in China, a period of learning about the body and living longer was realized. Focusing on the body’s energy could lead to feeling better, staying healthier, and living longer.
What the Taoists discovered unlocked several different ways of increasing energy, including Chi Gong, Acupuncture, and Tai Chi. These practices have worked for thousands of years and today they are being proven effective, using science. One of these practices that is not as well-known is sure to change your sex life.
Today we discuss how the Taoists approached sex and why you might want to consider trying out their methods, which are guaranteed to improve your relationship and allow you to enjoy sex as often as you would like, even several times a day.
Tune in and listen as Daniel shares his knowledge and get set to boost your energy and your libido, and experience a whole new way to approach your sexual encounters.
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Tucked between the Pacific Ocean, Guatemala and Honduras, El Salvador is the smallest country in Central America. And yet, while this little country may not be as popular with expats as some other Central American countries, El Salvador is a treasure just waiting to be discovered.
Nicknamed “the land of volcanoes”, El Salvador has much to offer both tourists and expats, including stunning scenic beauty, kind and welcoming locals, unbeatable surf, and in recent years, the conversion of the national currency to the U.S. dollar.
So what else sets El Salvador apart from its neighboring countries, and what should potential expats experience if they’re considering a move to El Salvador?
1) Begin with a swim in the healing waters of Lake Alegria
Photo: Nacho Mendez
The pristine, flower-filled town of Alegria, El Salvador, provides visitors with breathtaking scenery in a laid-back small town setting. Once you arrive, the gorgeous Laguna Alegria is less than a 2 mile hike from town.
Laguna Alegria is a brilliant green sulphur lake that formed within the massive crater of Volcano Tecapa. Thought to have medicinal properties by many who swim in the soothing waters, there is a legend surrounding the lake about a mysterious siren who seeks out handsome young men from her home beneath the surface.
2) Next, follow El Salvador’s famous “Ruta de las Flores”
Photo: Smith Fischer
Running through lush coffee forests, this 40 km route (almost 25 miles) will guide you through some of the most scenic areas in El Salvador.
Named for the abundance of flowers growing along the road, which will bloom brightest from November to February, the “Ruta de las Flores” begins in Sonsonate and is easy to reach from the main beach town of La Libertad.
As you travel down the road, you will move through a handful of small, colonial towns. Juayua is first on the list and is a definite must-see.
The colonial homes in the town of Ataco are lavishly painted, and some are even adorned with intricate murals. The weekends are the best in Ataco when there is live music and food and craft stalls set up, but–be warned–the weekends are also the busiest.
3) Get a feel for colonial life in the town of Suchitoto
Photo: Adalberto Vega
A popular spot with tourists and a common weekend getaway for San Salvador residents, Suchitoto makes its home on the banks of Lake Suchitlan.
Located in the center of El Salvador, Suchitoto is rich in culture and tradition that can be experienced, from the cobblestone of the streets to the columns of the historic architecture.
Equipped with hotels, restaurants, museums, and art galleries, Suchitoto is a town to be savored.
Gaze upon the ethereal Church of Santa Lucia (built in 1853) and stroll through the weekend craft fair as you fill your bags with handmade hammocks, jewelry, ornaments, and ceramics.
4) Walk in the footsteps of the Maya at Tazumal
Photo: David Stanley
Tazumal in Chalchuapa, is a major Mayan archaeological site, and the ruins are considered to be the most well-preserved in the country.
Only 82 km (about 50 miles) from San Salvador, the remains of this ancient city date back to around 5000 BC with the main building standing at 24 meters high.
If you visit Tazumal, which means “pyramid where the victims were burned” in the Quiche language, you will observe jade and mud structures and sculptures as you walk in the footsteps of an ancient civilization.
5) Take a “do nothing” moment on the beach at El Tunco
Photo: Micheal Peters
Just 37 km (23 miles) from the capital city of San Salvador, or a one hour bus ride, the beach at El Tunco is located on El Salvador’s Pacific coastline.
Boasting sunny days all year long, the temperature here hovers between 27°C (80°F) and 35°C (95°F).
While many people flock to El Tunco for the unbeatable surf, the black sand beach is also the perfect spot to eat some good food and simply do nothing, as you stretch out and watch the sun set out over the Pacific.
Travel down to El Salvador
Although overshadowed by many other destinations in Central America, the small country of El Salvador should not be forgotten.
Follow the “Ruta de las Flores”, trek through the ruins of Tazumal, and finish your trip soaking your tired muscles in the emerald waters of Laguna Alegria.
North Americans are blessed (or cursed, depending on how you want to look at it) with the reality of never having to worry about staying connected or having access to reliable technology. As a result, the lack of dependable means of communication is one of the biggest concerns many potential expats have when preparing to make their move abroad.
They worry they’ll have trouble working if internet service is spotty, or that they won’t be able to access their bank account or favorite websites, or merely that they’ll lose touch with family and friends if communicating becomes increasingly difficult.
The good news is that–with improved phone and internet service in many developing countries and a whole host of apps that help simplify the expat lifestyle–Living, working, and communicating outside the U.S. has never been easier.
Here are a few must-have apps, devices, and services you need to embrace for a smooth transition abroad.
Shinichi Higashi
Start with a few key devices
Before you make the move, make sure you have at least a few of these devices in carry-on. Don’t think you’re going to be able to get a much better deal on one once you arrive in your destination, as electronics are often slapped with a hefty Value Added Tax (VAT), making them even more expensive than in the U.S.
Laptop computer
With a laptop, you can access the internet in order to email or Skype (more on this app later) with friends and family. You can also use it to watch TV shows, work remotely, and all the other things you currently use your computer to do.
Tablet
A tablet has the double benefit of handling many of the same tasks as a computer, while being smaller and more portable. It can also duplicate many functions of a smartphone, yet with a much larger screen for games, movies, or ebooks.
E-reader
There are a number of different brands of these available, each with its own unique benefits. The reason they’re helpful is that many U.S. publications, like books and magazines, aren’t as readily available overseas. Purchasing ebooks or subscribing to digital magazines are great options for keeping up with what’s current.
Smart phone
This one is easily the most important device to have when moving abroad. By unlocking your phone (which can be a breach of contract or void any warranties, so be careful), you swap your U.S. SIM card for a foreign one and then swap it again when you come back for visits.
There are a number of different phone and data plans available in most countries. You can opt for a U.S. based international plan that offers unlimited text and data. Another option is a pre-paid plan, which as it turns out isn’t just for teens and drug dealers.
Phone plans are generally cheaper outside the U.S. But you should still make sure you have a good understanding of how your plan works, including any roaming charges, data limits, etc.
Steve Douglas
Meet Your New Best Friends, VoIP and VPN
No matter what other services you subscribe to, like cable, internet, or cellular, you’re definitely going to want to familiarize yourself with these two.
VoIP
Short for Voice over Internet Protocol, this is a service that uses a device to allow you to make calls over the internet using a standard landline phone or your computer. One great example is magicJack which also has an app that allows you to access the service with your smartphone when you’re on-the-go.
VPN
A Virtual Private Network can be thought of as a private tunnel remotely connecting your computer with a server of your choosing, i.e. a U.S. one. There are a number of reasons why you’d want to do that.
For starters, many banks and retailers only allow access to their websites from within their own country. So in order to manage your U.S. accounts or stock up on J. Crew clearance, you’ll need to do so from a U.S. IP (internet protocol) address, which is only possible via a VPN.
Other benefits are that VPNs act as a secure virtual firewall, which is especially important if you’re using wi-fi hotpots. They also allow you to access sites that might be blocked by a particular country’s government.
Another little-known fact is that many travel-related businesses, like airlines and car rental companies, adjust their rates based on your location. So, the cost to rent a car in Germany might cost you more if you book from Panama than if you use a VPN based in California.
Sam Azgor
There’s an app for that…
No matter what your need when living or traveling abroad, as the slogan goes, there’s probably an app that can help you. Here are some of the most popular options in a few important categories.
Calls and Texting
Skype is a VoIP service that charges on a per call or pre-pay basis, rather than with a monthly subscription (unless you’re a business user), and has a very user-friendly app. Like other VoIPs, you can use the internet to call any number anywhere, for very reasonable rates.
If you’re using a VPN with a U.S. IP to make a call to a U.S. phone number, that’s considered a domestic call. You can also communicate for free with anyone else who has a Skype account.
Viber, for Mac users, mimics the free user-to-user calls and messaging of Skype. It also gives you the capability to transfer ongoing calls from one device to another. WhatsApp Messenger is a mobile messaging app that allows all smart phone users to send free text messages, images, audio, and video.
Social Media
If you don’t want to talk or text, the many social media sites and apps are a great way to stay on top of what’s happening in the lives of people you know or in the world. You can use apps like Facebook and Twitter to connect with other expats and keep abreast of developments in your area.
Blogs are another great way to record your new experiences as an expat and share them with friends and family back in your home country. WordPress and Tumblr are two popular ones.
Entertainment
Netflix is a great way of catching up with all the U.S. shows you were hooked on or seeing new releases before they make it to your new country. Make sure you’re using a VPN with a U.S. IP address, or those shows may be blocked.
If you don’t have an e-reader, apps like Kindle or Nook allow you to read your selections on your smartphone or tablet. Finding familiar music can often be a challenge abroad and, although Pandora doesn’t yet have widespread usage, there’s always iTunes Radio and TuneIn, which allows you to listen to almost any radio station in real time.
Translation and Conversion
Since you’ll likely have a new language to contend with in your new location, try the app Duolingo to help you hone your bilingual skills. It uses fun tools to teach several languages and is also kid-friendly.
For on-the-spot translation, try Google Translate. You can input words using your voice, the phone’s camera or keyboard, or even your handwriting to have them immediately translated into up to 90 different languages. A recent upgrade allows you to access saved languages even when you’re offline.
For currency conversions there’s XE Trade, an app that provides up-to-date exchange rates and a currency calculator to help you figure out prices and track expenses.
Finding Stuff
Worried about navigating a foreign country? Fear not. It’s good ole Google Maps to the rescue! However, you can forget not being pegged for a tourist, as the app’s avatar has an American accent and pronounces everything accordingly regardless of her location.
If you need to find an internet hotspot while you’re traveling, try Wi-Fi Finder which can find service anywhere in the world. Apps like Doctoralia can save the day, or maybe even your life, if you find yourself in need of medical care in an unfamiliar area. Not only can you find local health centers and professionals, you can also read reviews left by other users.
Or for those suffering from technology overload
Who knew there were so many options to allow expats to stay connected abroad? The only problem is if your idea of the perfect expat lifestyle involved a slower pace of life where you didn’t feel obligated to make yourself instantly available to anyone at any time.
If that’s the case, there are plenty of places where you can conveniently slide off the grid and under the radar. Even if you still find your expat destination a little too technologically accessible, feel free to hit the “Off” button on any or all of those essential devices. Even the most savvy expat needs a little time to recharge.
Imagine what you would learn observing a dolphin pod for over 30 years.
This is exactly what our guest Denise Herzing did for five months a year, over three decades, with a pod of Atlantic dolphins. What she learned will excite you about the power of nature and certainly shed light on how much intelligence these sentient beings have.
Tune in and hear her story as she discusses how dolphins families function, what it means to be part of a dolphin community, and just how bright they can be. We also delve into dolphin language and how technology is making it easier to learn more about how they communicate.
Anyone who loves the ocean will enjoy this show.
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The Show Notes
Denise is an author, scientist, and TED talk participant; learn how to support her work here.
Dark, mysterious jungle paths, breathtaking volcanic vistas, heart-pounding, high-adrenaline whitewater challenges; Tena, Ecuador is truly a gateway to Amazonian adventures. This colonial jungle village, southeast of Quito, can be a doorway to the kind of journey one might only expect to see on the big screen in a big budget movie.
Whitewater Ride
Ecuador is a country rich in history and filled with potential for expats and visitors alike. As a starting point for exploration of the Amazon basin and the Galapagos archipelago, Ecuador offers a rich and diverse selection of things to see, do, and become immersed in.
Tena, Ecuador – A Place of Amazon History
In 1541, Gonzalo Pizzaro, half-brother of the conquistador, Francisco Pizzaro, left Quito and headed east through the Quijos Valley in search of the fabled city of El Dorado. Although the search for the golden city failed, one of Pizzaro’s second-in-command, Francisco de Orellana, continued the journey downstream and, ultimately, discovered the mighty Amazon River.
Their route would have taken the explorers through what would later be the town of Tena. Founded in November 15, 1560, Tena quickly became an important colonial trading post and a gateway to the upper Amazon and the Amazon River proper.
Jumandy and the Quijos Uprising
As Spain continued its colonial expansion, the indigenous Quijo people began a revolt. Though successful in putting down the first insurrection in July, 1560, the colonial authorities were concerned about continued unrest.
In order to try and head off future attacks, two conquistadors, Andres Contero, the lieutenant governor of the region and Captain Bartholomew Marin sought out and met the leader of the Quijos, Jumandy.
After refusing Jumandy’s request to leave the area, the Quijos attacked and destroyed the Spanish towns of Avila and Archidona during 1578-1579. While trying to get assistance in his revolt from the Sierra tribes, Jumandy was betrayed, captured, and ultimately executed in Quito. The entry to Tena is marked by a statue of Jumandy, erected in his honor.
Tena Today
Tena has evolved from its colonial past as a key jungle trading post and point of departure for the Upper Amazon basin to the major commercial center and capital of the province of Napo. Tena’s atmosphere is still that of a small jungle community, retaining much of the rich cultural heritage and lifestyle of yesteryear.
Sumaco Volcano
Adventures In and Around Tena – From Mild to Wild
Surrounded by rivers with challenging rapids, dense rainforest jungles and towering volcanic peaks, it is not surprising that this former jungle outpost has become a hub for all kinds of visitors. Whether your interests run to the culture and history of the region, exploring the unique geological features and the rich biodiversity they contain, or raising your adrenaline levels with some extreme sports, Tena has it all.
Whitewater Challenge
Tena’s reputation as a great starting point for jungle kayaking and whitewater rafting has grown since hosting the 2005 World Rafting Championships. The surrounding rivers, Jatunyacu, Jondachi, Hollin, and Anzu provide what many consider the best rafting, not only in Ecuador, but the world.
The range of difficulty can run from very gentle rapids, ideal for families, to the daunting Class III+ and Class IV levels for experienced adrenaline junkies. The large number of tour operators can help visitors find the tour and difficulty level that they desire.
Volcano Hikes, Biodiversity and Caving Exploration
Soaring 12,244 feet above the Amazonian jungle, Sumaco Volcano has been called one of the most intense hiking experiences in Ecuador. The villages along Loreto Road, 30 kilometers north of Tena, are home to many guides who can help intrepid adventures navigate the challenging 5-6 day hike through jungle path and mountain trails to the summit.
The Jumandy Caves (Cuevas de Jumandy), a labyrinth of natural caves and tunnels a short bus ride from Tena, give visitors the opportunity for cave swimming and viewing the stunning underground collection of stalagmites and stalactites. Cave diving is offered to experienced and certified divers.
The cave system is also important from a historical perspective. It was in these caves that the Quito chieftain, Jumandy, lead the women and children of his tribe in an attempt to hide from the Spanish forces during his unsuccessful rebellion.
Jatun Sacha Biological Station is the second largest conservation organization in Ecuador. Located on a dirt road just outside Tena, the station offers a number of programs and exhibits that provide an educational perspective on the unique biodiversity that exists in the upper Amazon basin.
Immerse Yourself in Amazon Culture
There are many small villages and towns in and around Tena where large numbers of the indigenous Quichua, Quijos, and Chibcha groups still live. Visiting these jungle locations may provide the opportunity to experience and participate in the preparation of chicha (a beverage made from maize that can be either fermented or non-fermented) and, possibly local shamanic rituals or ceremonies.
The area in and around Tena has a number of festivals during the year. The week of November 15th – the day Tena was founded – is marked by live music and community events throughout the city.
Archidona, a colonial town just north of Tena, has a number of festivals during the year. April is the busiest month for these celebrations: on April 21st, the Chonta Folk Festival is held and on the 27th the Fiestas de Cantonización is observed.
Perhaps the most popular celebrations in Archicona are the beauty and cultural pageants honoring the Quichua people, their culture, language, and heritage. These events culminate in April when the “Queen of the Quichua” is chosen.
Scott Schuette
Tena Is Also Becoming an Expat Destination
Tena combines the atmosphere of a jungle outpost with the energy and development of the commercial center and capital of Napo province. This unique combination makes Tena a desirable investment location for expats seeking something different.
With a population just over 20,000, Tena is continuing to improve its infrastructure to accommodate new arrivals and investors. The city is home to a major regional hospital, a small airport, bus terminal, and many tourist related businesses.
As one of the top industrialized communities in Ecuador, Tena’s commercial potential is vast. Continued improvements to the highway between Quito and Tena will also foster increased accessibility for expats seeking to build a new life in the jungle.
Dogmunyo
Living in Tena – What to Expect
In spite of the commercial activity in the area, Tena is still, basically, a rustic community. Expats seeking to become part of Ecuadorian and Amazonian culture will find the area in and around Tena a perfect fit with an abundance of festivals, markets and celebrations.
The cost of living is less than Guayaquil or Quito. While budget-friendly (an important consideration for many expats), the trade off is that there are fewer amenities like those found in large cities.
Similarly, real estate prices (rental and purchase) are also lower than other more-developed parts of Ecuador. Importantly, non-residents have the same property rights as native Ecuadorians and are not restricted in buying property. Looking at property listings can provide a good picture of the potential that exists-both for developed and undeveloped parcels.
Getting There and Getting Around
Much like the explorers of the past, the journey to Tena can often be an adventure in and of itself. The main road between Quito and Tena is subject to landslides and other issues although improvements continue to be made. Regular bus service via Baeza does exist but must be reserved in advance as the buses fill quickly.
There is no commercial airport in Tena; only small private flights (usually just for a single passenger) are available. Once in town, there are local taxis that can get you from point A to point B.
There are a number of hotels in the city that are generally inexpensive. As elsewhere in Central America, the more amenities offered, the higher the nightly rate.
Tena holds the keys for those seeking to explore the mysteries and wonders of the Amazonian basin. Visiting this unique and exciting place can reawaken the explorer in everyone.
Map of Tena, Ecaudor
Tena, Ecuador Fast Facts
- Population: About 20,000
- Typical temperature: Mid 80’s
- Nearest airport with U.S. flights: Quito, Ecuador
- Nearest U.S. consulate: Quito, Ecuador
With more and more retirees, entrepreneurs, and families moving abroad than ever before, there are numerous websites and publications dedicated to the topic of international living – including, most notably, a print and online magazine that goes by that very name.
Their pages are filled with stunning photos of exotic destinations and bold claims about affordable living, ideal climates, and first-world amenities. While not entirely untrue, these assertions are often biased (at best) or completely misleading (at worst).
Before you buy into the hype about international living, make sure you understand the truth behind their claims. Here are a few tips to help you avoid being unsuspectingly led down the primrose path.
photo by Steve D.
1. Never rely on ANY single international living resource for all of your information, including our site.
This is one tip I can’t stress enough. Every expat blogger, travel writer, or international living expert has his own opinion. Some are more candid than others. A few may tend to gloss over the unpleasant parts of living abroad. Some may even have ulterior motives that drive their recommendations.
Before you make such an important decision as where to live or invest overseas, you need to know all the facts. Dig up all the research you can find on your prospective area, even the negative stuff. Chances are, if something about the place bothers enough people, it may affect you as well.
2. Understand there’s no such thing as a “top secret” destination.
News flash. A quaint little town that some international living website labels as its best “undiscovered” destination can just go ahead and toss that title in the trash just as fast as it earned it. Places dubbed as being “off the radar” will soon be “up-and-coming,” and the next thing you know they’re “expat hotspots”!
Don’t believe me? Just look at what happened in Boquete, Panama.
Don’t get me wrong. There’s nothing wrong with moving to the place that everyone else wants to be…unless you were truly looking for a more authentic expat experience. In which case, your best bet is to “discover” the place for yourself.
3. Realize phrases like “affordable living,” “spring-like weather,” and “modern conveniences” are relative terms.
These phrases are favorites among people who write about international living. They’re also incredibly ambiguous. What’s affordable to Donald Trump is entirely out of reach for the rest of us. Spring looks a lot different in Southern California than Northern Maine. And my grandparents would consider a phone modern as long as it doesn’t have a rotary dial.
Instead of naively believing these generic claims, look for actual data that supports them. Average temperatures and rainfall are easy enough to find. Expat forums and city-specific websites can give you more info on actual prices for things like rent and utilities. They can also tell you if there’s reliable cell and internet services.
4. While you may not have to learn the language, you’re going to want to.
While it may be true that it isn’t necessary to learn the local language, especially in places with an established expat population, I highly recommend that you do. If not, you may find yourself only associating with other expats or frequenting the same handful of expat-friendly establishments over and over again, never branching out.
There may be a handful of people who would be content with moving overseas and never experiencing what international living is truly about, but I doubt it. Unless your goal is to move hundreds or thousands of miles away, only to live a lifestyle that looks almost identical to your North American one, then plan to become bilingual.
5. Make sure your anticipated budget meets your needs.
One of the biggest international living mistakes new expats make is believing that estimated costs for various expenses are one-size-fits-all. Take housing for instance. Sure, you might be able to buy a home in Boquete for $200,000. But make sure you’re considering the whole picture.
If you have to move outside the city center to find a more affordable place, you may end up needing a car. If you’re accustomed to having a pool or gym in your building, consider whether a prospective apartment has those amenities.
The same goes for expenses like health insurance. Just because it’s inexpensive for most people, it’s best to make sure you can afford coverage for any special conditions or needs you have.
6. There’s no substitute for experiencing a place for yourself.
You would think most people would have the common sense not to move abroad without ever even visiting their destination of choice, but in fact we see it all the time. Not getting the full picture of your new city, before you move there, is one of the most devastating mistakes made by expats. It’s also the most easily avoided.
Once you’ve chosen where you think you want to be, or at least narrowed it down to a few, you absolutely must visit them. Once one wins out, spend even more time there. Interact with the locals. See what it’s like in all seasons. Try to get a feel for it as a resident, not just a tourist.
Only once you’ve experienced a destination for yourself can you truly feel confident in your decision to become an expat there. No international living magazine can give you that assurance. I don’t care how many seminars they offer.