tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1983725423878972682009-09-17T14:40:51.183-07:00Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526681431119792895noreply@blogger.comBlogger133125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198372542387897268.post-81477279661562944102009-06-23T08:18:00.000-07:002009-06-23T23:46:24.204-07:002009-06-23T23:46:24.204-07:00

I personally find social networking sites helpful in most ways. My lifestyle, I believe, compels me to join them. One in particular enthralls me and yes, you've guessed it, FB. Of my over 200 friends (yes, they are real friends I have interacted with in various degrees) in my network at the moment, more than 20 of them have sent me an invitation to join before I decided to see what the fuss is

Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526681431119792895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198372542387897268.post-59749912914012454132009-04-03T14:30:00.000-07:002009-04-03T14:32:42.141-07:002009-04-03T14:32:42.141-07:00

On my way back to Denmark, I try really hard to be fashionably disappointed about it but I can't. What is there to like...definitely not the weather, the prices, the taxes, the rules and sometimes not even the Danes themselves depending on which time of the year.A lot of my Filipino and expat friends in Denmark have heard me complain numerous times about how hard it is to get a foothold in

Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526681431119792895noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198372542387897268.post-91802159347954196762009-02-01T12:17:00.000-08:002009-02-01T12:31:03.068-08:002009-02-01T12:31:03.068-08:00

I have seen this video floating around the internet but have never really checked it out. What could a mom's song be anyway? A lullaby ala 'Rock-a-bye-baby' or something or other. I sure have heard them all or so I thought.Now, how it reached me is a totally different story. Busy, busy bee hubby (not me - the mom (operative word ahem) - in this case) not only received this on email but

Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526681431119792895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198372542387897268.post-50561190957341799302009-01-26T11:30:00.000-08:002009-01-27T10:18:19.662-08:002009-01-27T10:18:19.662-08:00

I thoroughly scan my favorite Expat Resources links - apart from occasional visits - as is my wont when getting ready to relocate to read up on relevant and up-to-date information. Yes, the 3 years we have given ourselves is up this September. Although the option to stay 1 more year seems appealing, we have opted to move on.In one of these forays, I stumbled on this old question in one of my

Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526681431119792895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198372542387897268.post-5574887201194579842009-01-17T12:19:00.000-08:002009-01-17T12:26:53.914-08:002009-01-17T12:26:53.914-08:00

Ladies and Gentlemen of the class of '97Wear sunscreenIf I could offer you only one tip for the future, sunscreen would beIt. The long term benefits of sunscreen have been proved byScientists whereas the rest of my advice has no basis more reliableThan my own meanderingExperience…I will dispense this advice now.Enjoy the power and beauty of your youth; oh nevermind; you will notUnderstand the

Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526681431119792895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198372542387897268.post-91220558089510507712009-01-16T07:10:00.000-08:002009-01-17T07:38:15.623-08:002009-01-17T07:38:15.623-08:00

My more favored phases in the life of an expat (spouse or otherwise) are the preps for expatriation and repatriation or just moving on to another post, while the process of settling or resettling comes a close second.Every 3 years or so I get to declutter my world in many ways. I do have a lot of 'crap' (as opposed to 'full of...' I hope).For a long time decluttering to me meant travelling light

Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526681431119792895noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198372542387897268.post-40570740968764121592008-10-28T16:33:00.000-07:002008-10-28T22:08:57.949-07:002008-10-28T22:08:57.949-07:00

I can almost (I said almost) relate to this forwarded email. I still believe that most children still hear this from their parents. There will be no translations because it is humor that only Filipinos can understand.But then again, I didn't turn out so bad, did I?Hinding-hindi ko makakalimutan ang mga mumunti ngunit ginintuang butil na payo na nakuha ko sa aking mga magulang: 1. Si Inay,

Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526681431119792895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198372542387897268.post-72996356771972508642008-10-23T21:51:00.000-07:002008-10-23T21:54:53.082-07:002008-10-23T21:54:53.082-07:00

It's never too early to celebrate anything....specially if it means partying!Happy Halloween everybody!

Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526681431119792895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198372542387897268.post-33291409072617643992008-10-17T09:39:00.000-07:002008-10-17T10:46:21.855-07:002008-10-17T10:46:21.855-07:00

Rain, rain go away come again another day...I'm not sure if the rainy season is supposed to be over but I sure know that it's still raining a lot here in Managua.Quite a few of us has had friends and /or family visiting especially from Europe. As October is Autumn break for the kids, a culture of long distance travel prevails on this month.I never thought of this last year, but this year, it is

Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526681431119792895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198372542387897268.post-69619576255034071002008-10-06T08:40:00.000-07:002008-10-06T11:56:07.587-07:002008-10-06T11:56:07.587-07:00

I have been, as of late, receiving an alarming number of hits on the 'Have You Received This' post listed under 'scams'. Googlers (from all over the world) somehow arrive at my blog via search results for the Barrister Mohammed Azim Ali or of the same 3 names in various orders.There are only 4 reasons I can think of as to why that is:1. The scamming 'entity' has been very busy spamming these

Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526681431119792895noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198372542387897268.post-59229375567470704672008-10-02T14:23:00.000-07:002008-10-02T16:39:25.158-07:002008-10-02T16:39:25.158-07:00

To complete our SJDS tour, below are other places around the town one can visit and enjoy. I will only describe those we have been to but as T and I are (apparently) whether we like it or not, creatures of habit as evidenced by the places we go back to over and over again, it is prudent to read more about others in the links provided.Beaches in SJDS (20 to 1/2 an hour's drive from town depending

Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526681431119792895noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198372542387897268.post-3702690053885984672008-09-30T21:59:00.000-07:002008-10-01T12:27:05.039-07:002008-10-01T12:27:05.039-07:00

I am a Filipino. I was born one and will die one regardless of where in the world I am. The Philippines has been known for many things both good and bad. Its 90 million perenially smiling, laid-back, friendly, service-oriented and welcoming populace, its overseas foreign workers (maids, nurses and engineers, technical talent, etc) who prop up the economy, the political and social strife plaguing

Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526681431119792895noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198372542387897268.post-60498520672148705812008-09-28T21:09:00.000-07:002008-10-02T12:59:59.177-07:002008-10-02T12:59:59.177-07:00

Again, recommendations long overdue. When one mentions Nicaragua, 2 places immediately pop into mind....San Juan del Sur and Granada.San Juan del Sur, a coastal town off the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua, 2-2 1/2 hours away South of Managua (Rivas Province) known for its moderate waves and otherwise, is one of the most visited place in Nicaragua. A 'gringo' town to quote the locals. Given its laid

Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526681431119792895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198372542387897268.post-13547445543111990642008-09-25T12:43:00.000-07:002008-09-30T21:25:03.169-07:002008-09-30T21:25:03.169-07:00

The unions "Frente Nacional de los Trabajadores" (FNT) and the "Central Sandinista de los Trabajadores" (CST) has for the longest time since after the advent of the economic 'crisis' (for lack of a better word) have been negotiating minimum wage increase, with the union groups demanding 20 - 35% while companies are only willing to compromise up to 11.75%, as that is what the businesses can

Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526681431119792895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198372542387897268.post-53054795429792372652008-09-20T15:57:00.000-07:002008-09-20T17:00:20.808-07:002008-09-20T17:00:20.808-07:00

I am obviously not inspired to write at all. Never mind that we have travelled at the meantime and have done quite a few things noteworthy, where useful information can and should be posted (in keeping up with this blog's theme and purpose).The only reason I'm at this is the song I have been reintroduced to by....surprise, surprise, my son. Kokomo by the beach boys:has recaptured the essence of

Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526681431119792895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198372542387897268.post-23141827858964585312008-08-29T15:09:00.000-07:002008-08-29T15:33:56.950-07:002008-08-29T15:33:56.950-07:00

I was forwarded by an acquaintance a commercial (in mpeg) for a Dutch insurance company which read: For you to smile a bit....well that was what the person who sent it to her said, anyway. She probably did and thought that she should spread the joy a little.The commercial was brilliant, albeit thought provoking and both with little and at the same time a lot to do with insurance. You probably

Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526681431119792895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198372542387897268.post-6704521155471444212008-08-27T17:55:00.000-07:002008-08-27T18:37:07.980-07:002008-08-27T18:37:07.980-07:00

This promotion is, in fact, long overdue. Robin Pascoe's Expat Expert website has tremendously helped me during my fledgling days as an expat spouse (not that I consider myself an expert now, far from it...just slowly getting into the groove). I have read many articles in her website that prepared me for life as an expat spouse (not trailing, mind you - it's as much my decision as his, truth be

Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526681431119792895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198372542387897268.post-73360745656069923942008-08-27T07:29:00.000-07:002008-08-30T17:39:58.589-07:002008-08-30T17:39:58.589-07:00

I sometimes, out of curiosity, check out the search words people use that land them on my blog and some results are:1. Funny2. Real needs seeking information3. Real problems seeking advise4. Travel information5. Unbelievably scary - although very few (thank god), I am still reminded that perverts do abound on the internet, lest I forget (which I do sometimes).The #5 people don't stay long in my

Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526681431119792895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198372542387897268.post-12741598171375297952008-08-26T13:33:00.000-07:002008-08-26T16:46:46.531-07:002008-08-26T16:46:46.531-07:00

As promised (better late than never, I always say) from 6 posts ago - I really should read about good blogging etiquette - am now finally writing about our favorite beach resort Hacienda Iguana, given that we've been there at least 6 times now in the almost 2 years in Nicaragua (and still cannot get a preferred customer discount).Located in Tola, Rivas and the Pacific Coast of Nicaragua......

Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526681431119792895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198372542387897268.post-77941215636229513822008-08-25T12:17:00.000-07:002008-08-25T13:00:47.729-07:002008-08-25T13:00:47.729-07:00

Have you ever wondered how you would have looked if you followed all hair trends during different eras? I only did it once (frizzy) and learned early on that I looked ridiculous in anything NOT straight (the last trend to catch on) short and more than 2 shades lighter than my own. That lone incident in my teens took a lot of heartache, tears and patience to rectify - had to wait for my hair to

Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526681431119792895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198372542387897268.post-3018382533944000922008-08-24T12:10:00.000-07:002008-08-24T14:30:44.579-07:002008-08-24T14:30:44.579-07:00

An impromptu day trip yesterday landed us in Laguna de Apoyo, an extinct volcano crater lagoon nestled between Granada and Masaya not more than a 45-minute drive from where we live in Managua, therefore, perfect for day trips or weekend get-aways. Although the rim of the lake is populated by various restaurants and resorts, we have so far only patronized 2. Norome Villas Resort (check updated

Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526681431119792895noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198372542387897268.post-65161668554979836022008-08-19T09:18:00.001-07:002008-08-20T14:24:37.245-07:002008-08-20T14:24:37.245-07:00

We may not have dramatic sunsets here like the ones they get in San Juan del Sur (Pacific Coast of Nicaragua - where the beaches are), but we do get our share of beautiful ones.It's amazing sometimes how the sky turns Orange that gives an illusion of a sky so near, it's tempting to reach up and disturb the clouds.More than watching the sun go down on the horizon, our sundowners (cocktail parties)

Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526681431119792895noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198372542387897268.post-40658118820343622252008-08-12T13:28:00.000-07:002008-08-12T21:25:14.355-07:002008-08-12T21:25:14.355-07:00

As mentioned in my previous post, Masatepe is where one can find local furniture shops lining the streets. I went there to look for a 'Mimbre' (wicker) set for la terraza, below are some of my finds:My choice would be the bottom-right photo (yes, I needed a model to see that), with D's help. They don't differ much from each other except in price and workmanship. This set costs around $C 13,000 (

Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526681431119792895noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198372542387897268.post-67342114930042830722008-08-11T17:02:00.000-07:002008-08-11T17:17:25.370-07:002008-08-11T17:17:25.370-07:00

I eventually found what I was looking for! I may have the gift of gab (sure, my mother said so)....which is really just that...gab, but definitely not the gift of articulation and prose. I have these jumble of thoughts and emotions yearning to be put into words....coherently, I might add, regarding being an expat spouse. Why it works for me in mysterious ways - I do know that I will not exchange

Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526681431119792895noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-198372542387897268.post-32693648283882420192008-08-10T11:26:00.000-07:002008-08-12T21:26:03.054-07:002008-08-12T21:26:03.054-07:00

So many things to share, not enough brain cells to process them all at once and less energy to put them in writing. I have been in a languid mood, to say the least, after coming back from the beach. I am in fact pushing myself to sit down and write, only to be able to say that there is indeed ONE thing that I have followed through with diligence, albeit intermittently....this Blog! I need a muse.

Melodyhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15526681431119792895noreply@blogger.com0