For many Americans, the death of Osama Bin Laden has brought both relief and closure. However, those of us who live overseas may be contending with other realities and emotions, particularly if we spend time in countries that are vulnerable to political instability and religious extremism. In fact, just hours after the news of Osama’s death broke, the State Department issued a grave statement warning U.S. citizens in areas where recent events could cause anti-American violence to limit their travel. Whether it’s terrorism, another nuclear disaster, a deadly pandemic or some other perfect storm, we live in an era of unprecedented turmoil. So, while millions celebrated the end of America’s Most Wanted, my husband and I finally took the time to update our emergency protocols and commence what I’ll call “the most uncomfortable talk in the world.” As an expatriate global traveler who has been in a few unsavory situations and who has written emergency preparedness manuals and related planning documents in a professional capacity, I thought it might be helpful to share 10 personal tips for emergency preparedness with you. Enjoy, prepare well, and be safe!
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Commentary Disaster, Emergency preparedness, emergency protocol, expatriate, Go Bag, Osama Bin Laden
“When you fall into a pit, either die or get out.” –Chinese Proverb
As I write this post following several months of consciously avoiding expressing what has been on my mind, a government shutdown looms in America which may result in the furlough of approximately 800,000 federal employees and the closing of national parks, museums and offices providing valuable public services. The social and economic toll of this shutdown will be widely felt. Tens of thousands of federal workers and service providers may not receive their paychecks during this time. Popular destinations like the Grand Canyon and the Smithsonian will be empty at the height of the tourist season. And, if you tally up the federal workers and private sector employees who will be directly impacted, we’re talking about a million lives- and salaries- being put on hold indefinitely. Simultaneous to this fiasco, the U.S. is spending $4 million a day on the war in Libya- add that to the more than $1 trillion in military spending in Iraq and Afghanistan. And yes, America may be closed but the wars will still go on.
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Commentary American decline, government shutdown, living abroad, unemployment
Insecurities lead to pretty weird behavior. For instance, I recently had a meeting with a few extremely bright, young game changers who made frequent reference to their Ivy League pedigrees and all the infinite things they’d accomplished during their three decades on Earth. Lo and behold, one of those nasty rats that hibernate inside my head began to stir. “You shouldn’t be here!,” it squeaked. “You’re way too stupid! C’mon, make them laugh! Say something!” And there I suddenly was, a grown woman sitting in the back row of Miss Frosty’s fourth grade class. I hung my head, passively agreed with everything that was said, and promptly clammed up. I haven’t had an experience like this for a long time and I’m generally pretty confident, so I’ve been examining my weirdness for much of the week. How did this happen? And, why the heck am I admitting this to you?
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Commentary Amy Chua, Hu Jintao, Insecurity, Tiger Mom
If there is anything I love more than writing, it is exploring. Since moving to Singapore, I’ve spent most of my free time doing just that. While it’s a small and relatively new nation, the Lion City offers an abundance of activities to keep you mesmerized. Therefore, I’m always surprised when I meet expats in Asia who view Singapore as merely just a visa pit stop, a place to do business, or a hub to fly out of. Travelers, allow me to influence your next vacation destination with my pick of fifty things to see and do in the place that I now call home, based on my own exploration and the recommendations of new friends. Play, eat, party, relax and stay awhile! It may be the most orderly nation in the world, but Singapore is full of surprises.
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Commentary chicken rice, Lion City, Mint Museum of Toys, shisha, Siberian Tiger Feeding, Singapore, Singapore Flyer, Singapore Sling, T3
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