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From Emperors to Xi Jinping: The Forbidden City, The Chinese Soul in a Palace

by Shamsul February 11, 2023

From Emperors to Xi Jinping: The Forbidden City, The Chinese Soul in a Palace

China has very few preserved monuments of the past. The Forbidden City is one of the exceptions. A monumental palace built in the heart of Beijing under the Ming dynasty. Today it embodies the pride of a nation that has become communist but honors its past.

The Forbidden City, seen from the northern entrance. It was the residence of emperors for 500 years during the Ming and Qing dynasties.



Built-in about fifteen years under the Ming dynasty in the 15th century, the Forbidden City is one of the rare testimonies of the past preserved in China. This palace, the largest in the world in area (720 hectares), is also one of the most visited place. Deng Xiaoping wanted all Chinese to discover it at least once in their lives. Before being opened to the public in 1925, however, the “dragon’s lair” was a closed.

Forbidden Place:

A city designed to embody the power of the emperor. He is the son of heaven, where the architecture and layout of buildings are never left to chance.

 

A Preserved Palace From Emperors to Communists:



“What surprises the Chinese is that the palace is still standing,” explains Cyrille Javary, sinologist, lecturer, and the author of several books on China and the Forbidden City. “The Forbidden City was built by Emperor Yongle, the third emperor of the Ming dynasty. It was built between 1406 and 1420, who moved the capital from Nanjing to Beijing in order to better control the northern border, where the Mongols came from. On the site of the City was the palace of Kublai Khan, former Mongol emperor of the Yuan dynast. This old building was razed to make way for the new one.

However, the tradition was that when a dynasty took power over another, it put seals on the old palace and they built a new one for itself. As they were wooden palaces, they disappeared. Thus, one no longer finds anything of the palace of the previous dynasties. The Han or the Tang, at the time when Xi’an was the capital of China”.

But in 1644, a change of dynasty took place, and the tradition was not applied. China was conquered by the Manchus, cousins ​​of the Mongols, who installed the Qing in power. “Like all the invaders of China, they had only one desire, to become Chinese. Therefore, they slipped happily into the palace of the Ming. They maintained and enlarged the Forbidden City, which is unprecedented in Chinese history because before, buildings were allowed to disappear”, says Cyrille Javary.

The Gate of Divine Might

The Gate of Divine Might

Over time, the City was maintained and preserved even when the Empire was overthrown with the 1911 revolution. This revolution established the Republic until 1949. Subsequently, the nationalist leaders went into exile on the island of Taiwan. At the same time, the Communists take possession of the country. On October 1, 1949, Mao Zedong proclaimed the People’s Republic of China from the balcony of the Forbidden City of ancient emperors. The curious symbol for the advent of a communist regime? “The Forbidden City has become a manifestation of national pride, of the country’s influence abroad. Moreover, modern China likes to take root in its past,” explains Cyrille Javary. “The Chinese government, Marxist, honors its ancestors. It is the principle of filial piety: the son honors his ancestors by doing better than them”.

“Today, all Chinese consider themselves to be the sons of the dragon. During the annual military parade on October 1, the head of state walks out through the Tian’anmen Gate, which was the southern forward defense of the Forbidden City. Henceforth, the Chinese call the Forbidden City the ‘old palace'”.

The contemporary seat of power is only a stone’s throw from the old one, the Zhongnanhai (literally, the “central and southern seas,” named after the lakes present there and which the Mongol invaders had taken for ). This place is sometimes called the “new Forbidden City.”

A closed palace, the embodiment of the emperor’s power.

 


The Throne Room in the Forbidden City.

The throne room in the Forbidden City



At the time of the imperial dynasties, few Chinese had the honor of entering the Forbidden City. Moreover, you cannot see the City”, according to Cyrille Javaryy, “it is a fortified castle protected by ramparts 10 meters high”. Around these ramparts, moats filled with water encircle the City over 3,800 meters long and 52 meters wide. The military function of the building is reinforced by the corner towers (Jialolou). They are four in number, which serve as a defense for the City and the walls and the ditch. Forbidden City has only four gates pierced through the ramparts: to the south, the South Gate is the main one and overlooks Tian’anmen Square. To the north is the “Gate of Divine Prowess.” We find the “gate of western glory” on the west and the “gate of eastern glory” on the east.

 

Dragon’s Lair in the Forbidden City:

Dragon’s Lair in the Forbidden City

“In imperial times, until 1911, the few people who had the right to walk along the Forbidden City were forbidden to turn their heads towards the palace”, says Cyrille Javary. “soldiers watched over the ramparts armed with crossbows. We don’t set our eyes on the dragon’s lair.” But inside, the imperial court is also cut off from the world. At the most populated time, more than 8,000 people resided in the City. “it took people to administer the country and organize the life of the court”. The north was made up of the sovereign’s private apartments. While the south was the part intended to accommodate outside visitors and show off the emperor’s power.

The palace is huge to accommodate all these residents. “We sometimes hear or read that the Forbidden City has 10,000 rooms, but that’s not true”, Cyrille Javary, “there are 9,999.5 surface units, ‘dien’ in Chinese. This does not correspond to several rooms with an area. In Japan, we would count in number of tatami mats and in France in square meters. So why not 10,000? Because this number has a very special meaning in China. It designates what is not neither infinite nor measurable. The number of hairs on the head, the number of stars in the sky, of species on Earth etc. However, magnificent he was, the emperor could not reach this number”. But he was close.

 

Taoism, Confucianism, Geomancy | The Chinese Soul in a Palace

Satellite photo of the Forbidden City




Additionally, The Forbidden City is the place where many Chinese spiritual principles apply: Taoism, imperial secular religion… In Chinese, the full name of the palace is “the Forbidden Purple City”, the earthly residence of the son of heaven, a replica on Earth of the constellation called the Crimson City, containing the only star that does not move, the North Star. “We could compare it to a cathedral of the imperial secular religion”, explains Cyrille Javary, “which applies Taoism, Confucianism, Fengshui. It must first be specified that there is no creator God in China, the word God does not exist in classical Chinese. The Taoists are interested in the invisible and the currents that sculpt the landscape, therefore in Fengshui, the art of geomancy. The Confucians are interested in them to the hierarchical organization of society and rituals”.

“As for the imperial secular religion, it is translated by the sky, an impersonal engine that makes the seasons turn, which delegates to his son, the emperor, the power to manage this on a daily basis. On December 23 at 3 a.m., after a week of fasting, the emperor went to the temple of heaven to ask his father heaven to bring back the creative influx of yang to make China green again and the harvests that would feed the people.

 

All These Truth can be Found in the Architecture:

The Forbidden City is oriented along the north-south axis. The palace is leaning on a hill to the north and the facades are to the south. When he had the palace built, Emperor Yongle asked his architects to look for their models in the Book of Rites, a collection of principles and traditions inherited from the Zhou dynasty, which reigned over China during the first millennium BC. -Christ. “Yongle believed that the Chinese had forgotten their principles and that this explained why the barbarians – the Mongols – had conquered the country”, decrypts Cyrille Javary. “Thus, the palace is a three-dimensional representation of the deepest principles of the Chinese soul.”

The throne room, which has no windows, has 72 pillars. “It is the product of 8 multiplied by 9: 9 being the number of the great yang and 8 the number of yin. On the edges of the roofs, we see funny characters, sons of the dragon, whose function is to protect the buildings magically. At the support of the terrace of the Yang palaces, there is also an enormous stone slab of 200 tons: it is a geomantic support with a role of protection. This slab was dragged over 35 km by 200 donkeys on a road that had been covered in frozen water in January”.

But apart from this slab and the foundations, the City is made of wood. Regularly renovated and maintained, it has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. The visit is extremely popular with the Chinese: in 2016 and 2017, the City received 16 million annual visitors, i.e. more than 40,000 every day. It received more than 19 million in 2019.

 
 
 

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WANT TO VISIT SRI LANKA – MY 3-WEEK ITINERARY

MIGRATION! LIFE AS AN EXPAT – THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW

FIVE TRADITIONAL SOUTH AFRICAN FOODS

February 11, 2023 0 comment
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Visit Sri Lanka
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Want to Visit Sri Lanka – My 3-Week Itinerary

by Shamsul February 6, 2023

Travel to Sri Lanka – My 3-Week Itinerary

Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) is an island located south of India and nicknamed the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”. Here is a nice nickname that makes you want to go sightseeing and visit Sri Lanka, right? For my part, I made two trips to Sri Lanka: the first time in winter, in February, and a second time in summer, in August. Yes, I liked the country so much that I wanted to continue to explore it and introduce it to you! If I had to sum up my experience in this country, I would say that I was impressed by the beauty and variety of landscapes and charmed by the ease of traveling in Sri Lanka. The locals are generally amiable and helpful (for those who would like to compare with India, the mindset with tourists is close to South India and has nothing to do with North India!

Summary


Weather in Sri Lanka – When to go?
What to do in Sri Lanka?
3-week itinerary in Sri Lanka
State of mind
Depending on the seasons
Itinerary day by day
Travel to Sri Lanka – Practical information
Transportation in Sri Lanka
Rent a car with driver or travel by public transport?
Train, bus taxi and tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka
trains
Bus
Tuk-tuks and taxis
Budget
Visa
Insurance
Vaccines and health
Security
Food
Clothes
Local SIM card
Guides

Weather in Sri Lanka – When to Go?


The weather in Sri Lanka is quite complex but has a great advantage: it is almost always the time to go to Sri Lanka! Let me explain: the country is subject to a humid tropical climate, but despite the island’s small size, its different regions are not affected by the monsoon at the same time. This is great news because whether you decide to go to Sri Lanka in December or August, you will always find areas with good weather! The weather is always nice somewhere in Sri Lanka

So, concretely, when should you go to Sri Lanka? Here is all the info I was able to gather (from reading, on-site experiences and discussions with locals)

If you want to visit the south and west of the island,

Choose the winter months, from November to March (during this time, the “Little Monsoon” is falling in the east of the country)


If you want to visit the east of the island,

Choose the summer months, from April to September (during this time, the “Great Monsoon” hits the south of the island). In general, the east is drier than the west if we compare the annual precipitation: the monsoon is less strong there, hence the fact that it is called small monsoon.


For the north,

we sometimes read varied things: it would approach the climate of the east, but locals told me that the weather was generally favorable all year round except for the months of October and November. I was there in February and had perfect weather!


For central Sri Lanka,

it depends on the corners. Basically, in the “north of the center” (let’s say the cultural triangle except Kandy, that is to say until approximately Dambulla), we are rather on the weather of the north of the country (in other words that it should generally go all the year) while in the “south of the center” (Kandy and the mountains of central Sri Lanka), we are rather close to the weather in the south of the country (rather to be avoided in summer).


The month of October is not recommended for traveling to Sri Lanka; it is really the month when it may not be terrible everywhere.

What to Do in Sri Lanka?

Places to visit in Sri Lanka


There are plenty of things to do and see in Sri Lanka! I went there for more than a month on my two trips and would still like to go back many times to continue traveling in this beautiful country! Among the things that I adored, I was struck by the diversity of the landscapes of Sri Lanka. So much variety on an island that is not yet huge; that is (in particular) what makes it a pleasant country to visit! Before giving you my itinerary, let me explain in broad strokes what you will see in Sri Lanka depending on where you will go.

Cultural triangle (in the “north center”): Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy, with Sigiriya and Dambulla at its center. In this part of the country, there are sites of major cultural importance classified as World Heritage by UNESCO. Totally unmissable to see absolutely, even if you don’t necessarily have to do them all!


Kandy and the central mountains:

The journey from Kandy to Ella is legendary, where you will find the famous tea plantations of Sri Lanka (Nuwara Eliya for example). There are also beautiful hikes to do there. This is an area that I would have liked to explore more!


East of the island:

The east coast, particularly Trincomalee and Batticaloa, is not very touristy. There are dream beaches and a certain sweetness of life. Falling for something!


Jaffna, to the north:

Jaffna is truly Sri Lanka off the beaten track. There are very few tourists. The atmosphere is super authentic.


South and West of Sri Lanka:

This is the most touristic corner, which apparently has very beautiful beaches. I say apparently because I only went there very quickly in February, to Mirissa to observe whales. I then made the choice not to go back because I wanted to discover less touristy areas and the weather was not suitable anyway when I went there in August.


National parks:

impossible to come to Sri Lanka without visiting its national parks and going on a safari to see elephants! There are many of them, spread all over the country.

 

3 Week Itinerary in Sri Lanka


Here is the itinerary that I recommend you do if you go for 3 weeks in August to Sri Lanka. This is not exactly the route I took on my trip, as I adjusted it based on two things. I added the places that I had already visited in February, that I had loved and which were doable in August and I removed some small things that I had not found ideal after the fact (we had stayed too long in the rain of Kandy). In summary, I reworked it for you to make it better while remaining optimal for the summer months.

 

State of Mind
The Route is Globally Around Two Axes:

The discovery of must-see sites such as the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka and a national park
the desire to get out of the most touristic corners (south and west) to discover the north and east of the country (Jaffna, Trincomalee and Batticaloa).


For the rhythm, we chose to do a circuit in Sri Lanka, combining relaxation and visits and, above all took our time by generally staying 4 nights in each place (with a few exceptions). I found this rhythm pleasant; it allowed us to see a lot of things while not having the impression of running, it was perfect! We, therefore, did not have the fatigue generated by the fact of changing accommodations too often and planned days that were not too busy, which allowed us to adjust the program according to our desires of the moment and/or to take advantage of the swimming pools of our hotels for bathing and reading!

 

Depending on the Seasons


This itinerary is suitable for a trip to Sri Lanka in the summer (August for me). If you choose to go in winter, you can generally keep this itinerary but replace the days in the east of the country (Trincomalee and Batticaloa) with days in the south, west or in the mountains of the center of the island. In this case, I really recommend the train trip from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, which is magnificent, and possibly going whale watching in the south.

If you are wondering if you can still try to go to the central mountains of Sri Lanka in August, I think it is better to be a little flexible on your itinerary and wait to see the weather there. For our part, we had originally planned a hike in the Knuckles Mountains but had to give up due to the weather.

 


Itinerary Day by Day


Click directly on the links in the itinerary to read the article on the destination you are interested in or click here to see all the articles written about Sri Lanka on the blog. There is reading!

Travel to Sri Lanka – Practical information
Transportation in Sri Lanka
Rent a car with a
driver or travel by public transport?


The most common way to get around Sri Lanka is to hire a car with driver. This is what I did on my first trip and it is clearly a good solution; it allows you to go from one point to another in the country easily. Just be careful of the distances, don’t reason like your country! The roads are often narrow, sometimes winding, congested, and under construction and speed is therefore minimal. The journeys can quickly be very long if you have not taken this into account.

Despite the ease of the car, I admit I had the feeling during this stay that I was missing something: I have trouble seeing the country from the window of a car most of the time. Do not see anything contemptuous there. I am not at all saying that this solution is terrible or that it makes you a “bad traveler”, absolutely not. Renting a car with driver is a practical solution that has many advantages. I will definitely do it again in other countries.

 

10 Days of Driving with a Driver in Sri Lanka

I’m simply expressing what I felt after 10 days of driving with a driver: I missed contact with the local population, the fact of sometimes struggled a bit to find the right bus or train, to get kind help from someone, to exchange smiles, to share a tiny seat with someone, to tell myself that the drivers really drive like crazy, to jump on a bus that doesn’t really bother to stop, to be able to observe the habits of the inhabitant. In short, I had the impression in the car that a screen had been put between the country and me. And this feeling was not pleasant at all!

In addition, I find that traveling by public transport has a lot of other advantages. First, it forces you to slow down. Not that you go much slower than by car (well, it depends on the roads, sometimes yes but sometimes not as the roads of Sri Lanka are sometimes tricky), but it is another state of mind. We were less likely to plan to do too many things because each trip requires thinking about it a little, which is not bad! Then, public transport is less polluting and causes less traffic problems on small roads. Last point, and not least, necessarily: the price of public transport is ridiculous and can considerably reduce the budget of your trip to Sri Lanka. To give you an idea of ​​the prices, a 3rd class night train trip from Colombo to Trincomalee costs us 1.70€ per person! On bus journeys of several hours, we were at around 1€ per person. You see it, the beautiful economy?

 

Train, Bus, Taxi and Raksha in Sri Lanka


I’m so enthusiastic about public transport in Sri Lanka because I’ve found it surprisingly easy to use.

Trains


It is possible to consult the train schedules in Sri Lanka on the railway company’s website, which is super practical for organizing your trip. However, trains cannot be reserved from other countries unless you go through travel agencies. I haven’t tested it but it may be worth it because the commission charged shouldn’t be huge given the price of train tickets, and from experience the trains are efficiently full if you try to book them once there! In August, we always ended up finding a train, but not always on time or with the comfort we wanted. Lots of info on trains in Sri Lanka on this site.


We were surprised by the comfort of the trains. Taking an overnight train and only being able to buy a 3rd class ticket with a reclining seat, we expected the experience to be really uncomfortable. In the end, it was very correct. Besides the fact that it is almost impossible for me to sleep on a reclining seat (plane included), there was nothing to complain about: correct seats, fan, assigned seats… A good surprise!


Bus


It’s not always easy to understand in advance how many buses there will be per day and what the schedules will be, but once there, it’s really simple! Just go to the bus station and ask. The Sri Lankans are really helpful and will always try to give you a hand. I must say that we were pretty amazed. This is also valid when you are waiting for a bus on the side of the road in the middle of nowhere (wondering if you really should have trusted the person who told you this place was a stop!). People waiting with you or passing by will always ask where you are going to be sure to stop the right bus for you: just too lovely!

Bus Sri Lanka

No need to book tickets (by the way, it’s not possible). We get on and pay directly to the seller on the bus (there is always a driver and a seller), who are always honest about the prices. Then we sit where we can and go for the adventure. When I say adventure; it is partly true because the bus drivers in Sri Lanka drive really fast. Although there are regularly large posters or statues of deities hung, we can not help thinking that there could be a miss at some point. If this stresses you out, avoid getting in front and watching the driver and the road. Drivers are usually chewing betel frantically; not sure that’s really reassuring. But it’s an experience just for the atmosphere inside!

Taxis & Rukshas


When traveling by public transport, there is a good chance that you will have to do the last kilometers in a tuk-tuk (Ruksha). It’s a great joy for me. I love riding in a tuk-tuk!! As everywhere, it will be necessary to negotiate the price. The prices announced at the start are sometimes very correct, sometimes disproportionate, depending on where you are. Finding out on Google Map to get an idea of ​​how many miles to cover helps to get an idea of ​​the correct price. In Colombo, I really advise you to download the Pick Me app, the Uber of the Tuk-tuk! Click here for Itunes and here for GooglePlay (you must have a local sim card, I believe but I always take one). The price is fixed in advance and you are therefore sure to pay the normal price (in cash, however, not like Uber), which does not prevent you from rounding up when you have a nice driver!

Tuk Tuk Sri Lanka

Taxi is also a possibility. We took it from the airport to Colombo on the first day (and took a tuk tuk back, but only do it if you really have time! We were for fun). All you have to do is go to the taxi counter when you arrive and you will pay a fixed price for the trip to Colombo, plus a supplement if you want to take the expressway, which I recommend (€1.50 to save 30 minutes, it’s worth it when you’re exhausted on arrival!).

 

Budget


The currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee. It is easy to find distributors in cities.

The cost of living is generally very low, with the exception of hotels which are surprisingly expensive compared to the rest of the expenses. There are not a lot of hotels in Sri Lanka and the prices are sometimes a bit excessive (depending on the location and the season). I advise you to book them in advance or risk seeing the best value for money slipping away.

 

Visa


Good news, there is no need for a visa to travel to Sri Lanka for French nationals who wish to stay less than 30 days! You still have to ask for an ETA per person, which is mandatory upon arrival at the airport. It is very easy to do online on the official website. It costs $35, and although it is always better to do this kind of process in advance, I have always obtained it a few minutes later.

For more info, check out the different websites for comprehensive details on the subject.

 

Insurance


I always take insurance when I go to countries outside Europe. As always, I took out Cap Assistance 24/24 insurance from Chapka Assurances. I’ve never had to use them (fingers crossed that it continues!) but they have a good reputation and the prices are competitive.

 

Vaccines and Health


The good news, there is no more malaria in Sri Lanka! Consult the agency and see the recommended vaccines or preventive measures.

Security

 

Sri Lanka is generally safe as of this writing. We felt very good there. Watch out for traffic; they tend to drive like crazy (especially buses). There are still sometimes some tensions in the north and east. It is always best to consult the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website before departure.

 

Food


Good news, you will eat well! It sometimes lacks a bit of variety (a lot of rice and curry, but luckily there are a thousand and one curry recipes!). It’s overall spicy but nothing terrible if you specifically ask for dishes that aren’t too spicy. Don’t hesitate to ask for sugar-free juices. They tend to add a hell of a lot of it to pressed fruit juices… If you’re vegetarian or vegan, good news, it should be easy! You can read many articles on food in Sri Lanka for more info. Anyhow, you can eat rice and curry in Sri Lanka.

 

Clothes


Getting dressed is easy. No real particular constraints apart from covering the knees and shoulders in the temples. Then, it depends a lot on the places where there are still few tourists. It can be wise to swim with a t-shirt so as no shock to anybody.

I prefer light clothes weather gets very hot quickly!

 

Local SIM Card


I recommend the Dialog network, which was recommended to me by Sri Lankans as having the best network coverage and which has prepaid card offers suitable for tourists (with a lot of data) for a very affordable price (6€ for 9 Giga and a certain volume of calls). It is very easy to recharge them in any small shop.

Guides


I haven’t compared all the guides to Sri Lanka, but here are the ones I liked:

Guide Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Guide
Best Thing to do in Sri Lanka

 
 

Need Help or Advice in Content Management:

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February 6, 2023 0 comment
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Migration! Life as an Expat – Things You Need to Know

by Shamsul December 13, 2022

Life as an Expat: Things You Should Know and the Must-Have Apps That Can Help

It is a dream of everyone to spend retirement years at a pleasant and exciting location. If you are considering your post-retirement life, you can consider plenty of offshore locations. After retirement, you can also work from home, but it requires stable internet and necessary apps. Life as an expatriate (expat) could be more demanding. But it could be easier if you plan everything correctly. There are so many things to consider. Before making a big move, check the following suggestions and apps that can help you greatly.

 
 

Prepare to Live Your Life as an Expat

As an expatriate, you have to arrange so many things. It is more complex than packing a bag and booking a plane. You have to consider so many things. The following things are crucial if you want to start your life as an expat.

 

1- Mark Locations You Like – Life as an Expat

Everyone has their own dream country or location. After retirement, think about your favorite offshore location you want to stay the rest of your life. It would be great to buy a house in your favorite location so that you can avoid the hassles of rent. Whether you want to move to a remote village, a fancy town, or an advanced city, it is totally up to you. If you want to spend the rest of your life growing fresh vegetables, then a remote village is the ideal location for you. You can also go abroad to live permanently. Think about the amenities, services, and qualities that you want in your home. In this way, you can easily select a country or location that offers your required services and amenities.

 

2- Learn About the People and the Weather

If you have so many options, then you can only narrow down your list by considering the climate or weather of different countries. You can also narrow down your options by considering the people of different countries. If you like summer weather, then you can consider Asian regions. If you like extreme cold, then Europe and North America are the perfect choices. But, countries with moderate temperatures are ideal for living as an expat. If you have selected a country, then you must learn about its people. If they are welcoming and really good for expats, then you can choose them without any doubt. In this way, you can make your decision easier.

 

3- Determine the Average Expenses – Life as an Expat

Living as an expat is not that difficult if you evaluate the average cost of living in a specific country. If you want to live a quality life, then you should consider a country that offers more in less. If it is affordable, then you can consider that country. But don’t forget to consider your income or pension. This factor can help you to take a decision about which country is better for living. Some countries require proof of your verifiable income if you want to live there as an expat. But, some countries do not require this kind of proof. If you are retiring next month or two, then you should determine your pension plan, social security, and other financial things. If you fulfill the guidelines of a country, it would love to welcome you and allow you to live a comfortable and happy life.

 

4- Settle on Housing

After determining a country, you should find out what kind of houses you need to live a happy life. If you are comfortable with a house with a fence, then you should have enough budget to buy one. You can also consider a rented house to live in, but it is totally up to you and your budget. Clear your doubts in this regard and choose the wise option for you and the family. Don’t forget to check the laws regarding buying or purchasing a house or real estate. These factors can help you to decide which country is more suitable for you.

 

5- Learn About The Culture and Language

If you are thinking to move to a different location after retirement, then you should learn about the language and culture of the country. Can you really fit into them? Whether their culture and living style is suitable for you or not. You can choose that country without hesitation if you feel welcoming and comfortable. You can play an important part of the country’s language is similar. Right now, English is the most spoken language in the world. So, you can select a country where people can speak English. You will not find a shortage of options in this regard.

 

6- Identify Your Rights as an Expat

As an expat, you must understand your rights in any county you want to go. If they offer the same privileges and facilities to expats as they give to their citizens, then you can take that country into your consideration. You must find out whether the country you want to go to offers citizenship. Before moving, you should identify all the necessary things in order to reduce the risk. If you want to do business in that country, you must also know your business rights. This is crucial to make your life in any country peaceful and wealthier.

 

7- Know Your Obligations

There are so many countries out there that offer amazing tax benefits to expats. They also protect your financial identity and allow you to spend your money with ease. As an expat, you can play an important part in making their economy stronger. But, you have to pay taxes in return for these amenities. Don’t forget to take the professional advice of an accountant before moving to any country. Also, check the visa renewal fees and other expenses to stay in that country. Knowing all the necessary obligations and taxes is imperative to avoid the danger of inconvenience.

 

8- Complete Paperwork and Visa Requirements

It is crucial to complete all the paperwork such as visa, bank account details, and other key documentation if you are going to any country to live the rest of your life as an expat. You should have a valid passport, identity card, medical records, work permit, marriage certificate, and birth certificate. These are essential to move to any country without any hassle.

Your documentation is totally dependent on the country you have selected. You have to produce the required documents to become a part of the country. If you have any criminal record, then you have to clear it from your country’s police or concerned department.

 

9- Open International Bank Accounts

You can easily manage your finances through your local accounts, but opening your international bank account is imperative to avoid financial problems. An offshore bank account will help you to make everyday purchases in any country. Open your savings and deposit accounts as well. You can also invest in businesses to increase your wealth. You can find so many banks and financial institutions according to your requirements. Choose the best in order to make everything clear and fuss-free.

 

10- Must-Have Apps That You Should Consider

  1. Packing Pro (for arranging and shipping your belongings)
  2. Nearify (for finding new areas where you want to live)
  3. Lianna and Meetup (for establishing connections with like-minded people)
  4. Google Translate, iTranslate, TripLingo (for reducing communication barriers)
  5. OpenTable, Time Out (for finding suitable places to eat)
  6. XE Currency (for knowing currency exchange rates)

Conclusion – Life as an Expat

Leaving your motherland could be difficult but it is exciting at the same time as you get a chance to know about different countries and people. Living as an expat requires so much paperwork and research, but you can make your post-retirement life happier by choosing a destination of your choice.

 
 

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10 Things Men Want From Their Romantic Relationship

by Shamsul October 12, 2022

10 Things Men Want From Their Romantic Relationship

 

While we often talk about women’s expectations for a romantic relationship, men also have their say. Let’s take a look at their point of view on this.

It is not always easy to live together and to make this union last over the years. Being in a relationship means dealing every day with another person, someone different from us, who does not necessarily have the same ways of reacting or the same expectations, either for the present or for the future. Fortunately, being in contact with the person who shares our life, we gradually learn to know them and understand what drives them and how they are likely to react to such a situation. You still have to be in a relationship with someone who agrees to give up easily!

If your romantic relationship is recent or you have a man in front of you who is silenced when it comes to communicating. Here, you will find a few guidelines to help you understand what your partner can expect from your relationship!

 

1- A Daily Complicity

A man is, of course, looking for a friend from his partner. Like the relationship he can have with his friends, he wants to feel perfectly at ease with his wife, to be able to understand himself without even needing to speak, not to have to play a role, to hide, and share good times with ease.

 

2- Laughter and Good Humor

It is rare to find great followers of conflict. Men generally want a happy, peaceful daily life and do not seek arguments. Deep down, we are children, and it is good to be able to share moments of games, jokes, and giggles with your partner.

 

3- Mutual Respect | Relationship

Both men and women require to feel respected in their relationship. They need to be heard and listened to and their opinion is taken into account in decisions big and small. They want to feel valuable and important as a couple.

 

4- A Physical Connection

Physical harmony is vital in a relationship. Beyond sex, it is essential to maintain gestures of affection for each other daily. Men often feel their wives’ love more easily with gestures than words. They, just like women, need this contact to feel good about their relationship and not feel like they are being rejected.

 

5- A Listening Ear

While some men have very close friends with whom they confide easily and in all sincerity, it is often to their partner that they turn and dare to reveal certain fears, desires, and plans. A man expects his partner to listen carefully, without judgment. He wants to be able to tell her everything without affecting his image within the couple.

 

6- Feel Reassured | Relationship

Lack of self-confidence is a very common evil! Men, too, need to feel reassured. They hope to find support from their wives. They need someone who reassures them, compliments them, and will be there in good times and bad times. Men draw strength and stability from their romantic relationships to move forward more serenely in life.

 

7- Protect Their Partner

It is common for a man they feel the need and the urge to position himself as a “hero” in front of his wife. This notion that the man should play the role of protector within the couple is still well anchored in mentalities and many men wish to occupy this position in their relationship.

 

8- Share Passions

When a hobby takes up a big place in our lives, it’s normal to want to share it with the person you love. For example, if your partner/husband is a football fan, he will undoubtedly like to invite you to the stadium from time to time! Both try to show some interest in your partner’s passion if you feel like it is something significant in their life.

 

9- A Motor to Move Forward | Relationship

Some men easily plan for the future and move forward without asking too many questions. Others, on the contrary, are more likely to live from day to day and not overthink for tomorrow. This male profile then finds someone to lean on in his partner, who pushes him to move forward and look and feel to the future with desire and determination.

 

10- A Little Independence

You will find very close couples. However, in general, men and women like to keep certain independence. It is not about continuing to live as a single person but instead maintaining activities to do alone or with friends, sharing moments as a couple, and having occupations outside your relationship.

There are as many male profiles as there are different romantic relationships. The above rules, therefore, do not necessarily apply entirely to your companion. However, you may find some traits of his character and some of his expectations in a Relationship.

 
 

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South African Food
Cooking & FoodsTravelWriting

Five Traditional South African Foods

by Shamsul September 26, 2022

Five Never-Missing Traditional South African Foods

 

Tourists prefer South Africa to appreciate the stunning landscapes, enthralling history, and miscellaneous wildlife. In addition, South Africa is famous for mouth-watering enjoyable foods that you cannot find in other parts of the world. You may have heard “The Rainbow Nation” description for South Africa. Cultural assortment gives an outstanding experience. While your honeymoon, vacation, or work trip in South Africa, do not forget to enjoy these delectable and traditional South African Foods:

 

1- Bunny Chow

Bunny Chow

It is excellent that many worldwide foodies have nominated Bunny Chow as the best food. It is a popular street food that has a delicious taste. Bunny Chow originated in the 1940s in Durban city, but it is available everywhere in South Africa these days. Definitely, you will be excited to know about the ingredients of this dish. It contains a hollow bread loaf that is overflowing with spicy chicken curry or lamb. Order the vegetarian option based on onions, tomatoes, lentils, and kidney beans if you dislike meat.

 

2- Biltong

Biltong

Most American natives are familiar with Biltong and take it as a snack; however, South African Biltong is totally different. To make the South African type of Biltong, it is necessary to dry out the meat. Besides beef, chicken, kudu, and ostrich are also used before adding spices. It is the favorite dish of South Africans, and you can easily find it in every restaurant. If you are planning a long road trip, keeping biltong and enjoying your trip is good. 

 

3- Pap & Chakalaka

Pap & Chakalaka

Chakalaka and mielie pap are the essential dishes that you can find on the dinner table of every South African. This simple and easy to make dish contains spicy vegetables, onions, curry, tomato, bell peppers, and baked beans. You are guaranteed to have selected highly delicious food filled with quality spices and various flavors. A porridge made with white corn maize, named Pop, is also served with Chakalaka. If you are in South Africa, do not confirm your tickets before tasting this food.

 

4- Koeksisters

Koeksisters

The list of the best African foods cannot be completed until and unless this dessert is added to the list. Koeksisters is a traditional confectionery that is created with fried dough dipped in honey or syrup. It is known as the best treatment to be served at tea time. It is better to please your sweet nature with Koeksisters if you have a sweet tooth.

 

5- Rooibos Tea

Rooibos Tea

Rooibos Tea is a type of beverage that is obtained from the leaves of South African plants. It is famous for brewing tea. It is a traditional beverage that has been enjoyed for many generations. Try this beverage in cold or hot form during your stay in South Africa. Definitely, you will miss the tasty tea. Many people bring home the leaves of the Rooibos tea plant and love to remember happy moments while taking the beverage, either in cold or hot form. 

 
 

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September 26, 2022 0 comment
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