February 4, 2010
Teotihuacan, Mexico
Today I’m writing to you from the base of an ancient, Pre-Colombian pyramid in Central Mexico that pre-dates the Aztecs. Frankly this wasn’t part of my plan at all, but the reason I ended up here has a lot to do with living free.
Freedom is something that I think all people want more of in their lives– freedom of choice, freedom from financial constraints, freedom from bureaucracy and fear, etc.
One of the burdens of freedom, though is knowing what to do with it once you have it. When the artificial handcuffs are finally broken, what are your real priorities?
In this case, for me, my priority was taking a stand.
You see, I had just spent the last two weeks in Panama– it was a great trip; I concluded quite a bit of business and attended the wedding of a close friend. Now I’m headed back to Thailand to work on a large deal out there that I hope to tell you about soon.
The most direct way from Panama to Thailand would be connecting through Los Angeles. But I absolutely refuse to transit through the United States anymore, unless I plan on staying for a while.
In my opinion, the US border is truly a “rights-free zone,” and it’s something that I simply will not subject myself to, at least on a short transit. The sneering, the suspicion, being treated like a criminal by some gun-happy bureaucrat… I refuse to participate.
Consequently, when I was booking the ticket for this flight, the conversation with my travel agent went something like this:
Me: I need to get to Bangkok from Panama City on the 2nd or 3rd, what do you have available?
Her: Well, I can send you through LA, and then on to Bangkok after a short connection.
Me: Negative. I won’t go through the US.
Her: Uhhhh… OK… <checking> The only other thing I can do is send you through Mexico, but you’ll have to spend the night. Then connect the next evening through Vancouver, but you’ll have to spend the night again. On the 3rd day you’ll fly from Vancouver to Bangkok.
Me: Sounds good.
Her: Wait, so you’d prefer to spend 3-days traveling rather than take one stop through the US???
Me: Pretty much.
Her: Wow…
Some people might call me stubborn, or suggest that ’security’ at the US border is for the common good. I don’t buy it, so I decided to take a stand. In exchange, it is costing me extra time, but I have the freedom to trade time for my principles.
After a three and a half hour flight from Panama City, I landed in Mexico this morning without the slightest idea of how I would be spending the next 30-hours.
Unfortunately, it was raining and the weather was miserable… but I have an American Express card. Problem solved. Again, I had the freedom to choose my desires– in this case, better weather.
30 minutes later I was in a rental car, throttling down the highway in the direction where I could see sunlight breaking through the clouds… no plan, no destination, just looking for a bit of better weather. And that’s how I ended up at this pyramid eating the best quesadillas I’ve ever had.
Freedom is a great thing, and fundamentally, this is what our conversations are all about: how to achieve more of it. Planting multiple flags gives us freedom of choice and security; business and investment opportunities give us financial freedom and control of our time.
There’s an old saying that I find absolutely true: “Freedom isn’t free.” Achieving more freedom requires effort, it requires investment, it requires dedication, it requires a long-term outlook. Most of all it requires the will to pursue it.
As always, I’d love to hear your feedback. What’s important to you and do you have the will to pursue it? Post your comments below.
{ 71 comments… read them below or add one }
Freedom might not be “free,” but the fringe benes seem worth it – including great quesadillas! Salud! Sante! Prosit! (I assume something went with the quesadillas…)
Freedom might not be free, but there are some great fringe benes, including great quesadillas. Sante! Prosit! Salud! Skoal! (I assume something went with the quesadillas…)
AN “FYI”…Youe e-mails from today & yesterday have come thru
with smudging in the left side of the message..(my left facing the screen)
YOUR E-MAILS OF @/3 & 2/4/10 have smudging in the left side of your
message.
Hey Simon,
Excellent post. I hope more people will see what it’s really like traveling in the U.S. It should be freedom first, safety second.
Anyways, I have a question for you about multiple flags. I run a freelance company that can be run from anywhere, but I’m a U.S. citizen and have filed sole proprietorship/self-employment taxes here in the U.S. Is there any way I could plant this freelancing operation in another country and then run it from anywhere? It’s a solo operation right now.
Thanks.
I am with you on freedom and I live with that as my first priority in life. To basically be able to do what I want when I want. I don’t have the financial freedom to do it 12 months of the year but I can live with the amount of work I do now to mostly live how I want. For sure it is not completely easy but it is easier than living a “normal” way. I have learned that if you let your life come to you, it will. And living with a balance of “head” and “heart”, if you take the first step to follow your heart(freedom), things line up to let you follow that path. It has worked for me for 30 years.
I like your idea of the community in Panama. How about in Asia? Asia is more my style than Latino.
Keep on, amigo.
I absolutely refuse to fly again, period, unless it’s an absolute emergency. I will not subject myself to the hassles that the US has imposed on the world for air travel. If I can’t drive, take the bus or a boat, I’ll stay home. (Thankfully, I no longer live in the US.)
Mr Black,
I am on the verge of checking out. I live in LA and I can’t wait to get out of here. I have been planning my escape and will soon be shopping for residences in Colombia, Panama and Thailand. I can’t stomach the jobs bills, stimulus plans and government budgets…this country is a nightmare.
Your writing is beyond motivational. I hope to inspire my circle of influence who continue to drone about in their meaningless suburban lifestyles, void of passion, void of purpose. They think they are free. They are not. And with this government, it will only get worse.
Thank you for taking a stand. I stand with you.
Simon,
I agree with you 100%! I left the US for Thailand in 2008 because I saw the handwriting on the wall. My only problem now is telling my folks that I won’t be coming back to the US for a long time (unless things change for the better), so they won’t be seeing their grandson any time soon.
With you again Simon on this one. We should have met. I was in Cancun on the 31st (the roads were like rivers) on my way back from Belize, sussing out some land/property and opening a bank account; going for the dual citizenship badge! The UK is as bad for treating their citizens at airports as ‘baddies’ unless proved otherwise and I have frequent short conversations with those who work in this business; they often say how depressing it is; apart from living in the most surveilled country, their remit is constantly changing, with more stringent ‘rules’. The terrorists have won haven’t they? And we are all paying ….
Dear Simon,
On your negative comment about Belize.
I plan to go there for some personal reasons, don’t much worry about gun control, and wonder if you can’t give some other feedback on the place.
The reefs are world class.
The economy is stable, taxex fine, lots of benefits.
Karl
Hi Simon,
I live in Bangkok mostly these days and also very much hate going thru the USA to go to Panama. I usually wind up having a fight with either some rude arrogant US Immigration Official or overly patriotic Policeman that almost gets me in trouble. I usually go right to the line with many of these people who provoke. It always ticks me off to go thru LA (or anywhere in the USA for that matter). I usually try to avoid going there like the plague. I have done some research recently (but have not concluded it yet) but think there is a better more efficient way from Bangkok to Panama thru Europe. I have spent most of my life believing “the Government is the Enemy of the People” (and that goes for wherever I choose to reside or hang my hat) and that being a Resident of the World enjoying my true Freedom in search of countries to reside (where the people are very friendly, kind and well mannered) is what it is all about for me. Yes and also protecting ones wealth as I have been doing for some 10 years mostly by the way you have been describing to your readers.
I am now in Panama looking for some farm land in Chiriqui. I have been very interested in your recent articles concerning Panama and what to watch out for in purchasing property here. I just obtained my Permanent Residency in Panama which took about 2-3 years but that is OK. It is just one more place I can easily come and go from when I want to.
Do you know from your last adventure to Panama what is a good deal these days per hectare for farm land in Chiriqui area with river or stream thru the property, undulating with some significant flats, electricity and bitumen road (sealed) nearby, Titled of course, picturesque AND away from foreigners (ie Americans and Europeans)?
Anyhow, I look forward to hearing about your Bangkok adventure. Have fun!
Cheers,
Wayne
Hello Simon,
If it’s OK by you, please let Wayne who responded to this post know he can buy my 4 hectare coffee farm in Chiriqui’ which meets his prerquisites for a fair price. After 5 years of Panama I am ready to return to my beloved Philippines for retirement living.
Thanks, Pieter
When you have to make it obvious to a regular citizen that you’re avoiding the U.S. in a pass-through flight and would go to seemingly irrational lengths to do so, do you have a plausible explanation so they won’t quickly assume that you might be a criminal who is avoiding the law there and cause trouble for you with an investigation to check whether or not you might be a criminal there? Like maybe the possibility of a flight bound into or exiting the U.S. being taken down by a Muslim terrorist?
Besides not flying in the U.S. any more (nothing like being patted down by someone who probably hasn’t passed as many FBI background checks as I have), I’ve also turned down a very good job with people I enjoy working with – due to it being for a company that provides training tools to (amongst others) the TSA.
I also shut down my single-person consulting corporation, since I refuse to put up with paperwork and general attitude from all the taxing authorities who seem to think I went into business so I can be leeched upon. I will never start a company in the U.S. again.
My current plan, pending advice from someone who actually knows about this type of thing, is to set up a foreign corporation for my consulting work, live overseas, and use the FEIC to reduce my U.S. tax liability to zero.
Very good, I enjoyed this one. I actually think that the powers that make things the way they are can be fought. It just requires that structures are created to do so. It is not as impossible as people think. The intense hatred of the rigging of the system by and for the banks and other special interests is enormous. The Libertarians have failed not in their ideas but in their execution of the ideas. There are practical methods to achieve the goals. Wouldn’t it be better to have at least one place where everything works? Anyway, great writing.
I’ve taken a similar stand regarding healthcare……being that the insurance companies, healthcare industry and gov’t have us between a rock and a hard place, I simply refuse to participate…to the best of my ability. I carry only very minimal catastrophic coverage in case I’m unable to communicate and I’m subjected to a hospital stay. I accept this means I have to pay more $$$$ for the alternative healthcare I prefer…. I also hope to have the means and ability to travel outside the country for any procedures or surgeries.
……including getting away from the ever-increasing “sneaky” taxes from the Fed’s spending $$$$$$ they don’t have and spending time on a yacht internationally (see web site).
Way to go Simon. I love your lifestyle and freedom. We are now living in Panama and my husband who is American refuses also to go through all the high security in the US. I look forward to your daily letter and comments.
Simon, great article, but it should be noted: stubborn isn’t necessarily bad; if you combine it with rebellion, you have a magic potion for “progress.”
Your comments were very timely. I just had a discussion with a friend who just returned from Thialand and he says the only place he encounters any security problems is when entering into the U.S. Since Thailand is known for its sex tourism, my friend (U.S. Citizen) not only had his person and possessions searched, he had to wait while some flunky went thru all of his laptop files looking for child pornography (none found). Apparently traveling to and from Thailand constitutes “reasonable cause” for this search. Actually it is just that the Bill of Rights has no validity at the border.
I know exactly what you’re talking about, Ron! When I came back from Thailand two years ago. I was in San Francisco airport (SFO). A hideous looking customs agent with a shiny badge on her chest asked me where I had arrived from. I made the mistake of telling her “Thailand.” She immediately demanded to see what was on my laptop. I had to take it out, turn it on and open up my iPhoto program (that seemed to be the only icon on my desktop she recognized). I waited for five or ten minutes while she opened EVERY folder and photo she could find! Even photos taken in Las Vegas, California, etc! She was going to get herself some sort of merit badge that day….and it would be at my expense of course. She seemed truly disappointed when she didn’t find anything to pin on me. While I was leaving, she told me to take one of the glossy flyers sitting on her desk. It said something about the US government’s need to “protect the people.” I slapped that flyer down on her desk and left. I was one of “the people,” yet if this flunky had found any photos she thought were incriminating -I would have been looking at detention, jail, etc. This government is starting to scare me, and I’m not even doing anything wrong!
Mr. Simon Black as you can see this my 2nd reply to you ,however you are right,freedom isn’t free,I Born and raise in Monterrey City Mexico,northern part of the country like 2 & 1/2 hrs drive to the border with Laredo or Mcallen tx and Brownsville,and let me tell you one thing about the U.S. is not that I against them at all,(my Daughter is American Citizen and Half of my family are in U.S.A. Colorado),but their system and how things that Mr. Bush screw up on last 8 years I think thats the bottom line of all this,I remember when the Iinmmigration officers were friendly and courteous at the bridges of crossing borders,at the airports and anywhere else,I left the U.S. cause the Inmmigration locks that put to many people from all over the world that we had Living in the U.S. for more in 10 years,there is anymore friendship with this people at all( U.S. gov),even cops if you walking in the streets or driving and they see you and you dont look white enough for them,they put you out of the car and start searching for any kind of excuses to call I.N.S(Inmmigratrion Dept) that happen to a native friend from Colorado the state patrol tough that was a Mexican and well the Cop got what he deserved a law suit from my friend (LOL),my country Is nice and like I says before if you looking for trouble you will find it,Freedom is not free,I’m in Canada(rith now),working hard starting from 0’s,but let me tell you one thing too before l get ready to go to work,People are nice and friendly like in my own country the Cops are nice even the Inmmigration officers are too,and I miss the sunshine from my city but freedom is not free,I’m Looking forward to have a great Quesadillas Rest. one day (hope Jeff don’t see this
, and excuse my English if I mispeled any words in Here,have a great day everyone in here.
HOLA SIMON,
I TRAVEL A LOT LATELY, AND I WOULD DODGE THE US BORDERS ALSO LIKE YOU, BUT IT IS VERY DIFFICULT TO DO IN MANY CASES.
FORTUNATELY MOST OF MY TRAVEL IS IN SO AMERICA, HOWEVER ,HERE YOU RUN INTO OTHER PROBLEMS.
THE USA HAS UNFORTUNATELY BECOME INCREASINGLY MORE LIKE A POLICE STATE AND IF IT CONTINUES ON THIS PATH IT WILL NOT BE THE COUNTRY OF CHOICE FOR MANY PEOPLE.
KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK , I READ EVERY REPORT YOU SEND AND I APPRECIATE ALL YOUR GOOD HONEST REPORTING.
Simon…your postings are generally inspirational and this one in particular. With the latest Supreme Court decision opening up the floodgates to more and more corporate money in elections, the USA has become of, by and for the corporations and most of their allies haven’t a clue as to what our Constitution is truly all about nor interest in civil rights and liberties. I am moving to China in April, opening a company with likely registration and/or banking in Singapore
Simon, I’m with you brother.
I live in the remote bush, but work in the oil patch on a shift rotation.
I must travel back & forth every couple of weeks.
My time off is precious to me, but for years now have opted (as you did) to spend an extra day with layover on both ends of my trip, travelling via a small carrier prop plane with no on-board bathroom or refreashments, narrow sling seats and longer in flight time, but which doesn’t run you through the insulting humiliation of “security”.
The alternative is taking the larger carrier with direct connections and faster jet engines and submit to the pawing and inane disrespect.
The added expense of my time and hotels, I count as “the cost of doing business”. In reality my one man boycott no doubt has no effect on their economics or policy making, but not everything revolves around money.
There is, love of freedom, principle, and self respect.
I am greatly heartened to read of your noble choices, and those of others posted here.
Well done, all.
Hello Simon,
Greetings from Jomtien Beach, Thailand.
Just wanted to let you know about 2 things..
#1–Your last few emails have something wrong with them. I have to scroll down 20 miles to see any text…Am using Google Chrome browser, so it may be me………..Though this is a new issue for me on your emails & have been using Chrome for 6 months..
#2 I don’t blame you for by-passing the USA & all their invasive TSA rules. I missed an Orlando-Chicago-Tokyo-Bangkok flight once because I had a P-38 c-Rations can opener on my keyring……Something that was a hand-me-down from my father.
Zero brains involved with the TSA. It was a pointy metal thing about 5mm long (it was a CAN OPENER).
Zero brains involved though……..Nothing but RULES….That means we rule out ALL common sense.
Best,
Ken
Well, it is sunny in Vancouver right now, but by the time you get here tomorrow it may be raining again…typical Vancouver weather just for you!
Ah, YES, F-R-E-E-D-O-M…!! Talk about INFRINGEMENT OF RIGHTS, it is EXTREMELY DEMEANING and it is MEANT TO BE SO, for “they” want us to BOW-DOWN so that we will know “who’s really in charge”. It is RIDICULOUS !!! Wake up PEOPLE…..AND SAY not “NO”….BUT “HELL NO !!” . Give an ELITIST BUREAUCRAT AN INCH…….AND HE’LL (or SHE’LL) TAKE A THOUSAND MILES !! It is all part of THEIR MOST RECENT “TRAINING/INDOCTRINATION PROGRAM” in how to be….”GOOD LITTLE SUBSERVIENT CITIZEN-SUBJECTS” And NOW, they WANT TO SCAN US…??? These are GUSTAPO TACTICS. I will FLY AROUND…..OR DRIVE…..OR TAKE THE BUS…….OR …..WALK, THANK YOU !!!
What a great piece, Simon. I posted it on my website in the hopes of driving more people to yours.
Freedom isn’t free, and it’s certainly worth fighting for. We can restore sanity and Constitutional restraint of our Federal Government if enough people will demand of their elected representatives obedience to the Supreme Law of the Land, the U.S. Constitution.
If Senators and Congressmen say they are not willing to be bound by the constraints of the Constitution, then we can go ahead and start the impeachment proceedings.
The Politician’s Defund Pledge does just that. Congressmen either sign it, or we remove them from office. It realy is that simple.
Defund and disobey dot com.
All the best, Simon. Reading your Notes from the Field is a welcome part of my day.
Kind regards,
Mitch
Good for you, Simon.
Easier for a guy like you with no kids, though.
Family & “stuff” has a tendency to trap us here, and “they” know it.
Regards,
Will
You know, it’s only a problem if you make it a problem. I know several families living the PT lifestyle (and these are families with several young kids!).
Best.
–Brent.
I would disagree with Will regarding the “family” excuse. If you want to move abroad and take up a multi flag lifestyle, you can. It is a decsion. One that I, and my wife and 3 kids, don’t regret. Currently I am living in Estonia. Next year we will be making a permanent move somewhere in South America. I operate my consulting practice and investment fund from any location. All it takes is a bit of professional and personal planning.
I have been in Zurich this week and cannot tell you how many Swiss people I have spoke to that echo your same sentitment. They are sick of the treatment they receive when entering and exiting the US customs.
Just in the past month, I have spoke to at least 10 friends, mostly with families, that earn at least $200k/year and all of them are in process of moving abroad. What will the US do when all of its productive taxpayers decide to leave? Who will prop up the govt then?
well,it’s nice for people who make over 200k-and perhaps you fall into an income bracket like this. but for those who do not,those w/family and children,and who cannot afford international schools,and for whom extended family is very important to their children (hence cannot afford to travel back and forth to see grandparents,siblings,cousins,etc.),I think it is NOT an excuse.
It is a choice,though,you are right.
But a very real choice.
I don’t think it need be seen as a ‘trap’,either.
Most people on the planet choose to stay in their own culture/geographical area.
I’ve lived in many countries,and even somali refugees i’ve met would have preferred to stay in somalia. One older woman whose children were in the US and thriving now,chose to live in the ‘hood’ in nairobi,b/c she did not want to leave that region-too far from home.
It’s a difficult decision for people who feel forced to leave,such as the breach of rights we are all discussing-but perhaps one would prefer to stay in the US,in an ideal world.
I myself love travelling and prefer many aspects of other cultures over the US.
But this is not true for everyone.
Add to this real homesickness for some,a lack of fudns and therefore a lack of options for their children,in another country,and yes,it can feel like you are trapped into staying.
Money isn’t everything. But currently the world is most certainly organized around it.
Simon had a recent post about a brittish guy in venezuela-and the only reason he stayed,despite chavez,was b/c of his wife and extended family/children. His circle is in caracas. He has his escape hatch planned,however,if need be. But he even said if it were nto for family rooting him there,the conditions already exist that tell him to get out now.
For some reason,we don’t give credence to these same concerns when an american expresses them. As though,b/c this country/culture has become so ‘awful’,personal relationships are not valid.
I don’t even think we all realize how PC indoctrinated we’ve become,even those who think they are ‘thinking freely’.
Situations are usually shades of grey,is all.
Certainly, freedom is not free, and your ideas are sound. But taking 3 days for a 1 day trip just to avoid transit in the USA? Seems just a bit of a stretch!!
Simon:
You need to contact your Web Master. The last two emails from you had a blank white space that must have been two pages long before your story started.
LP
Well, Simon, you did it again! You made me cry. I so want to join your style of living, but I don’t have the money. Right now, I am unemployed, no savings, just barely holding on with unemployment benefits, which will run out by May if Congress doesn’t extend them. I would really love to get out of here, but without resources, I can’t. I feel so trapped.
You never write about those of us without resources left standing on the shore watching you and those with money escape. What about us stuck here? Please write about us! We want to go, too, but don’t know how to get out without having the financial means.
Please, give us some advice.
Thank you.
Jeffrey,
You have a tough challenge, but a common one. Many people have started from scratch, but it means biting the bullet to scrimp and save. You do need to find a genuine source of income however small. I truly believe committing yourself to serving others also makes a difference. But, you can’t do it without a real fight. Because you will have to save when most people would feel they did not have enough to eat. We have to patiently build capital. It’s the only way. Go for it, brother!
or,patiently get training in a field where you are in demand and hopefully are interested in…and can be ‘hired’ abroad. perhaps not the most sovereign or first choice option for most,but an option for some. and we still have the educational choices in the US to do so. Even if said training is in the end used to begin one’s own business abroad—gets the ball rolling in a direction,and this can be part of scrimping and saving for some.
As always Simon, spot on.
And, as someone looking to create that freedom, I was wondering if you had any suggestion/pointers on creating true passive income starting from a positon of being a normal average everyday working man?
Thanks for the time and the updates.
Hi Simon, As a U.S citizen. I can see your point. I would like do the same in near furure. I have one question to pose. Have you had any luck in persuing any information of adult adoption in certain L.A countries where you can easier to obtain citizenship without the high economic means that are offered in some Carribbean island countries?
Hi Simon,
I’ve seen you come quite often to Mexico City, if you ever need any assistance (good places to eat quesadillas, or any other thing) just drop me a line. I live here most of the time (at least for the last 4 years), I run a film production company based in Mexico and I am also seeking to increase my freedom, although it may cost me!, I really love to read everyday your newsletter, it’s definitely inspiring.
Pablo
Great article Simon! I too look forward to the day when I can enjoy true freedom and live like you do. I enjoy reading your articles. Thanks for sharing and keep up the good work.
I received your daily letter on Freedom Isn’t Free in a yahoo mail account and it was partially blacked out, so much so that I could not read it. Fortunately, I just recently got a Fastmail account and the letter was in perfect condition. Thank you for the great information that you put out.
See you downrange,
Kenny
Simon
Great article. I wish everyone would take a stand for freedom. I am not flying anymore because of what they do at the Airports. Instead I just go where I can drive to myself. Not really true freedom, but it is their loss. I chose to vote with my dollars.
Hey,
Panama to Bangkok…. How about connecting in Europe through Mexico or in Toronto or London through Jamaica or Trinidad (all via Copa on the first leg)? Lots more choices…, but too many flying hours?
Or how about KLM Panama-Amsterdam-Bangkok?
Very interested to hear about what you have planned in Thailand….an easy place to retire but not so easy if you still want to earn.
Geoff Reid.
Dear Simon,
I have been living in Japan for eighteen years. When I first arrived here I felt the immigration here was pretty unfriendly, but efficient. The first few times I went back to the States to visit I never really had a problem but after 9-11 things have really gone down hill. I have never been subjected to a body search, but I have been sneered at and treated as if there were something wrong with me. “What are you here for?…. Why did you leave this country?…. Have you ever been to Las Vegas?….” It seems since about three years ago I fit the description of someone they have been looking for. Once after 9-11 I brought a musical instrument (a flute) with me as carry-on and they checked it to see if it had been in contact with explosives with the spectrometer that was on the table ” you can’t be too careful”… the people that are working for the TSA have less training than a security guard working at a department store, yet have the power to intimidate and harass thousands. If it weren’t for family and friends I would’t subject myself to such draconian treatment.
Best,
John
Simon, I also choose not to travel through the TSA… I mean USA.
Hola, Simon: Good on you! I have also decided that I’ll avoid flights that transit through any US airport. I cannot abide the “need” to get off the aircraft, pass through US Customs and Immigration, then back out through security to the same waiting room for the same flight I was on for another (non-US) airport.
It makes life a bit more difficult, flying between Ecuador and Canada, but its worth it for my personal freedom.
Ron
Freedom – It appears that the present time period that there are only two tyoes that can be classed as true FREE. The drifter, who has not and cares even less and the real rich that can aford to wander and feels comfort from the wandering.
My friend has sent me some of your e-letters. Hmm, while i have no love
for many of the policies of the US i think you live in fantasy land & have more b—s— than Carter has pills. I’ve lived in many places around the world, Mexico, PR, Virgin Islands, Europe, Australia(the only place i would recommend) and visited many others for an extended time. I’am now living in mainland China(can’t wait to leave). This is what my experience
tells me – if all the world really does go to hell, all you white boys living in
all those obscure countries in Asia, South America and other banana republics are in for a very rude and extremely unpleasant awakeining. If their is one thing i’m an expert on in all my life experiences it is human behavior and brother if the world goes to hell in a hand basket there is only place i want to be, the USA. Just try and protect your own ass in any of the places i’ve read about in your letters. My 2 cents!
Simon,
Your letters are informative and I sympathize with your complaints about government customs. However, I have had notiably worse experiences in the U.K., Paris, and Munich than in the U.S. And last week in Montevideo I had my lunch (no liquids) and a bag of cookies thrown away after the pat down. In Seattle, I still am able to bring a lunch and cookies right through the check in point for both domestic and foreign flights. And this is after my handgun was found in my carryon when I forgot to remove it after a local road trip.
Where you do have a really major point about lack of freedom is with getting out from under the long arm of the IRS when one moves out of
the U.S. Please fill us in on how to get into some non dollar investments in order to avoid the devastating hyperinflation that the U.S. government is sending our way.
Simon,
Good post, I like your thinking about what to do once you have total freedom, what your priorities are.
I am with you on avoiding the US airports.
On my way to total freedom myself.
Keep it up.
Spaniard
Freedom to choose is all important. You think American airports are bad? Try Schiphol, Brussels, & Heathrow. I travel regularly between Abu Dhabi (where one is not entirely free to choose) & UK & visited US a couple of times last year. Transition through Abu Dhabi airport – if you have the right papers – is painless & pretty relaxed; Schiphol is nothing but bad; Brussels – the home of bureaucracy & control – is diabolical. Heathrow unmentionable. At least when I went through the States the controllers were polite.My son called me yesterday from somewhere north of Byron Bay on the Australian east coast. Sounds good to me.
Enjoy your articles.
It’s true freedom is about choices,etc. When someone has money it gives them choices. But all of these thoughts are relative to what a person can accomplish. If a person makes the right health choices, food, exercise, etc, then their overall health will improve and they won’t be shackled to a “system”. Money can improve someones lifestyle by providing the means to achive these goals. Health comes first in my view and then the rest of the issues can be settled. If you are worried about security buy your own private jet and there will still be annoying regulations but money can always solve that. Look at all the so called “communist” nations, China, USSR, and many other places but if you look deeply all these placed have something in common. The educated wealthy people usually survive. Money can be used as a means to achieve many thing but it’s only relative to what an individual can utilize with it.
Right on, Simon.
In deciding how to get to Panama from the Philippines in April, when I go (hope to see you there, by the way), my NUMBER ONE priority was not cost, or time…it was avoiding going via the US.
Initally I was going to do a leisurely trip, on a “round the world” ticket, go down to see family and friends in Australia, then go across to Santiago on LAN Chile from Sydney and on up to Pananma City on Copa from there.
In the end, though, I found that I could get from Hong Kong to Amsterdam and then Panama City on KLM … the long layover in Amsterdam is a hassle … but I’m sure the KLM business class lounge has some good newspapers, magazines and booze to keep me entertained.
Looking forward to hearing about your Thailand “project” … I’m there next week too. Maybe we’ll be able to catch up.
Simon – I was wonderering why you did not consider flying the other way via Europe i.e. MEX-AMS or CDG or FRA or LHR – BKK. Avoiding the US I can understand but do you feel uneasy about EU countries?
Kjell
Great work. Unfortunatly Vancouver airport is probably the worst of any as the Olympics are starting soon. I travel and don’t find much difference from Canadian and U.S. airports. The city of Vancouver is planning on leaving their 90 street video camera’s up after the games for our own protection.
Would be interested in your thoughts after going through YVR.
Why would any sane non-US person travel to the US or even transfer there if they all get fingerprinted on arrival like a common criminal.
Even flying thru US airspace is a risk as the plane could need to make an emergency landing and you would again be fingerprinted.
Japan is also a no-go since they started fingerprinting visitors in 2008.
The UK now requires “advance passenger information” before you fly (both arrival and departure which goes onto a permanent database) – this could cause problems for arriving dual passport holders – as you must declare the passport number you leave on and arrive in the UK with the same passport. (Example – Australians leaving Australia on an Aussie passport but arriving in the UK with an EU passport)
Simon, what’s your take on these body scanner machines which strip you naked and could also be a health risk? The machines are “mandatory” at London Heathrow or you don’t fly.
Simon,
For your next Q & A session, would you be able to provide a contact for a Swiss bank account that doesn’t require a huge chunk of change to open one? I’m working on our multiple flag strategy and want to get our CA pension income out of the US banking system, and into a Swiss bank (or any other bank) where they won’t give up my info, or worse, our money, if anyone tries to get into it with some newly crafted law for legal theft. . .that is, as long as our pension continues to pay, which from the looks of it, could be compromised shortly! I don’t know if it would really help, but it would add another step to anyone coming after it. It appears the Swiss are trying to buck the PTB in the US, and will continue to have the strongest banking privacy out there for the time being. I am half Swiss, but do not have any relative ties to assist. Ideas or contacts would be great if you have any. As always, thanks for the awesome thoughts you share weekly. They have become an addiction. Cheers!
Had you routed through LA , your trip wouldn’t have been as short as you imagine (at least if you were a non-US passport holder). Why? Because the border gestapo never has enough staff on duty, and the huge lines take hours to clear, with the inevitable result that you would missed your connection.
So yet one more reason to avoid transiting through the US.
Hi Simon, awesome principles of energy aesthetics…boycott bullshit?
You might want to check out Gaviotas in Columbia as you build your community in Panama. They built a 40 year old community out of the imagination.
http://www.friendsofgaviotas.org/Home.html
http://www.treehugger.com/files/2009/10/las-gaviotas-a-sustainable-community-cut-off-from-the-world-over-40-years-ago.php
Simon,
This does not make sense. If you are making connections thru LA on an international flight you do not have to go thru customs or immigration. If you do not wish to enter the US you have other reasons.
Dave- you are completely wrong. EVERYONE who enters the US, even on transit, has to go through US customs and immigration. Simon has the right idea… skip it altogether.
Simon,
Do you have any input on the inflation/deflation debate for the U.S. Bob Prechter makes a great case for deflation. He is about the only one. All others including Casey are calling for hyperinflation. Where do you stand. And you haven`t mentioned Brazil as far as I know. How do you feel about that country.
I`m very interested in your sustainable community in Panama.
Gary
You hate to transit through the US and you carry an American express card. Weak.
G, that’s pretty shallow – one wonders if you are a 13 year old behind that keyboard? I’m pretty sure that Simon despises his freedom/dignity being violated in US airports when in transit; he has no problem with a legitimate U.S. credit card company. You’re comparing apples and oranges to a point beyond belief.
ah…money buys freedom!
Simon,
In reading the comments here, it’s interesting and refreshing to see how far reaching your audience is. And to hear how many find US airports a very unfriendly place to traverse – as do I. I’m also going through the process of acquiring a Canadian passport (under the ‘one small step for man’) plan of action, and also because my mother is/was Canadian, and Canada now says my brothers and I (while we all were born in the US) can also become Canadian citizens as well. Be interesting to see how this all turns out.