The Banana Republic Diaries
Shangri-La: A fictional land of peace and perpetual youth. I have spent more than a decade in South America. Several years each in Paraguay, Argentina, Colombia and Uruguay. Plus about half a year in Peru and many shorter stints in Brazil and Chile. My last home base was in Punta
The Banana Republic Diaries
As a kid I was good at judging how long it takes to walk to a place. As a teenager I was good at judging how long it takes to ride a bicycle to a place. As a young adult I was good at judging how long it takes to
The Banana Republic Diaries
I like Mexico and have been to different parts of the country several times. Recently we spent an entire month on the Yucatan peninsula in Quintana Roo. On paper Mexico looked like a good candidate as a possible spot to spend more time or even something more permanent. Mexico, a
The Banana Republic Diaries
I have a confession to make. I'm a Banana Republic aficionado. Having foreseen the complete socialist disaster and authoritarian nightmare that is the European Union I had left my native Germany in 2005 for greener pastures. I prefer countries where the local mafia in charge is inefficient and badly organized