-There was a big 7.2 earthquake in Guatemala some days ago (the last big one was in 1976- 36 years ago). When it hit, I was less than 100 miles from the epicenter and on the second floor of a gringo-built structure. So what happened to me and the building itself, with an estimated force of about 6.2 on the richter scale where I stood? Absolutely nothing happened. Sure, it was a 60 second white-knuckle rock and roll but no real damage. Meanwhile very nearby, about 100 died, 2000 homes were destroyed and 20,000 people were displaced. So how do you you explain my dumb gringo luck?...
-There was a big 7.2 earthquake in Guatemala some days ago (the last big one was in 1976- 36 years ago). When it hit, I was less than 100 miles from the epicenter and on the second floor of a gringo-built structure. So what happened to me and the building itself, with an estimated force of about 6.2 on the richter scale where I stood? Absolutely nothing happened. Sure, it was a 60 second white-knuckle rock and roll but no real damage. Meanwhile very nearby, about 100 died, 2000 homes were destroyed and 20,000 people were displaced. So how do you you explain my dumb gringo luck? Nope, it wasn’t luck at all. Its like the old children’s story of “the 3 little pigs”……. I’ll huff and I’ll puff…
-A few words about high-rise residential and commercial construction in Latin American earthquake zones (practically all of Latin America is in or near one). So, if you live in a 17 floor high-rise in Panama City, Caracas or Cartagena should you be worried?
-What about those Latin American mega 6 to 8 Richter scale earthquakes- the ones we often see on the first world 6 o'clock news? Are they in any way predictable, and how often might they actually strike the average Latin American city? (You’ll be amazed)
-More discussion about GMO’s and their penetration, or lack of it, in Latin America
-Do first world product recall notices filter down to Latin America? (ha ha, don’t make me laugh)
-Did you know that airpane-like black boxes are to be installed in all new cars sold in the USA as of 2015? It will track your speed, the way you drive, your trips, stops and movements for the life of your car. What a revolting development that is; but no such thing will happen in Latin America. (another good reason to move down here).
-Recent car theft statistics in Latin America and suggestions on how you can greatly shift the the odds against theft in your favor.
-MY JANUARY 2013 LATIN AMERICAN SEMINAR IS OPEN FOR REGISTRATION: Go to www.ExpatWisdom.com to get complete details. There may be one or two spots left, so don’t miss out.
-I’ve put together a mixed media program specifically for expats and wanabees called the 'New 5 Flags'. Just head over immediately to ExpatWisdom.com and get all the details. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
-Follow the link on the main page at www.ExpatWisdom.com to schedule a consultation with me. If you want to discuss the details of living, working, playing, doing business and/or retiring in Latin America, now you and I can talk about your situation one on one.
View more
