siddlobo   28 December, 2009 09:26

It’s that time of the year again. Events of the past 12 months are assessed and plans for the next 12 are made. Read on to find out some of the top New Year resolutions people make every year and top up on some tips to help you keep at them.

1. “I will spend more time with family”

This tops the list of New Years resolutions. In a recent survey, over 50% of Americans took the pledge to spend more time with family this year. Call friends home instead of meeting up at the pub, leave work earlier at least once a week and then try doing it more often.

2. “I will fit into my high school jeans again”
New Year is a great time to start the battle against the bulge. In fact, surveys show a massive rise in gym memberships in the first three months of the year. This unfortunately tails off some time in the beginning of the second quarter.

3. “ I will quit smoking/ stop drinking”
New Year resolutions are a popular way to aim for sobriety. Many also drink their way into the New Year with the promise that this is the last they’ll have for the rest of the year. But as the saying goes, how you start the New Year probably determines how the rest of the year turns out. So if you’re planning to bid adieu to the cigarettes and the booze, plan a more sober New Year’s eve party.

4. “I will do more fun stuff  this year”
Plans for the New Year inevitably involve doing better than the year gone by. And one of the most oft cited gripe is that people have been so busy coping with the monotonous routine of everyday life, they forget to enjoy and celebrate it. So plan a holiday, pick a hobby, do something you’d feel good about and make sure you enjoy.

5. “ I will get my finances in order”
Money woes especially in recent turbulent times have made this another top New Years resolution. At the start of the year, people vow to cut their credit card bills, save more, make better investments and reduce their debt. But just hoping that it will sort itself out isn’t enough; make sure you have a plan to see you reach your financial goals by the end of the year.

Some tips to help you keep your resolutions alive well into the year and beyond.

1. Keep it real
It’s one thing to be excited about a goal, it’s another to achieve it. Make sure you set reasonable goals and have a plan to make it work through the year.

2. Tell the world
It’s harder to smoke that cigarette when you’ve told all your friends, family and colleagues that your New Year Resolution is to quit smoking. Better still, team up with someone who also wants to quit and help each other kick the habit.

3. Don’t overload yourself
Pick one or two goals and stick with it. Resolving to change 20 different aspects of your life in one year is only going to give you more things to worry about and fix at the end of the next year.

4. Be specific
Details matter; make a plan. If your resolution is to reduce smoking, decide on what’s realistic and how much you want to reduce it by. Also break down larger goals into smaller ones so they’re easier to achieve. E.g. from 15 cigarettes a day to 12 in the first month, 10 in the second month etc. This will help you set clearer and more achievable targets.

5. Find alternatives
Dig deeper into why you’re doing something you don’t want to do. If you’re smoking because you’re stressed all the time, take up a hobby. If you’re constantly coming home late because you’re not organized, get more organized. Start by reducing clutter and work your way through to a more efficient system.

6. Reward yourself
Every time you reach a goal or a mini goal, treat yourself. You’ve done a good job, you need to enjoy it so you can keep at it and hit the next milestone.

Good luck with your New Year resolutions and make sure you make them work.

Sidd Lobo
Freelance writer

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siddlobo   26 December, 2009 08:51

It’s that time of the year again…  as we usher in the New Year here are some of the biggest and most talked about parties from around the world.

New York – Times Square
New Year's Eve at the symbolic center of New York City has become more than just a celebration - it's a global tradition. The world holds its breath...and cheers as the clocks strike twelve. That’s when the famous New Year's Eve Ball descends from the flagpole atop One Times Square. Join the estimated one million people in Times Square in ushering in the New Year at one of the most watched and famous New Year’s Eve gatherings.

Find more information about expat life in New York on Easy Expat.

London
Do something different this New Year’s Eve. Usher in the New Year with a cruise along River Thames. Enjoy the spectacular fireworks, the special menu and the extra glass of bubbly as you soak in the festive celebrations from your unique viewpoint.

Find more information about expat life in London on Easy Expat.

New Year’s Eve Imperial Ball, Vienna
Ring in the New Years’ in style. The New Year’s Eve Imperial Ball is a world renowned gala that takes place in the halls of the Hofburg Palace. Celebrate the beginning of the year 2010 in the state apartments of the ancient imperial winter residence. According to the motto of this year “Johann Strauß, the king of waltzes” will entertain you through the evening. Tickets range from 170 euros to 700 euros per person and it’s your chance to dress to the nines.

Find more information about expat life in Vienna on Easy Expat.

Tokyo
Be one of the first to usher in the New Year by joining in the celebrations in Tokyo. Watch as the ‘night bell’ is struck 108 times of the last night of the year in temples across the city. This custom of bell ringing draws its origins from Buddhism where it’s understood that human beings possess 108 worldly desires. By striking the bell 108 times, these desires are said to be gotten rid off.

Find more information about expat life in Tokyo on Easy Expat.

Los Angeles
With hundreds of parties and pubs and discos to choose from in L.A, this will be New Year’s Eve a party you don’t remember. Whether you prefer to rub shoulders with the glitterati or party loud at one of the city’s many street parties, you won’t have a shortage of options for the big day.

Find more information about expat life in Los Angeles on Easy Expat.

Berlin
Usher in the New Year in one of the world’s most beautiful and famous streets near the Brandenburger Tor in Berlin. Every year, over one million people join this street party that signals the start of the New Year. From international music stars to famous rock and pop bands, expect non-stop entertainment through the night.

Sydney
From fireworks to parades, aerial shows to non-stop music, Sydney’s geared up to promise a fantastic New Year’s Eve experience. For some of the best views, make your way to one of the many vantage points across the city. Make sure you head out early as access is limited and sites will be closed once they’re filled.

Find more information about expat life in Sydney on Easy Expat.

Rio de Janeiro
New Year's Eve is one of Rio de Janeiro's most important celebrations, second only to Carnival in popularity. It attracts people from all over the world, and Brazilians from all states. The festivities are concentrated in Copacabana, with 2 million people every year. Stages are set along the beach with live music shows starting at 8 p.m., featuring everything from traditional Carnival songs to rock and dance. Join in the fun and dance the night away.

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siddlobo   18 December, 2009 11:23

It’s the busiest time of the year and everyone’s got some place to be. The earlier you plan your party, make a guest list and get onto people’s calendar, the more time you have to organize things accordingly.

2.    Decide on the budget:

Plan your budget and always allow for a 10 percent extra for last minute things that pop up. Once you have a budget in mind, you’ll be able to decide on a lot of other things… like are you going to cook or cater, is your friend spinning the music or are you getting a professional DJ to do that etc

3.    It’s all about the food:

The menu is important. Are you going for an informal Christmas party where alcohol is more important than food? Or are you aiming for something more formal? Catering or cooking? Remember, caterers are booked out well in advance at this time of the year, so once again… book in advance. And for expats missing home... use the party to infuse a touch of home. Whether it's chicken tikka masala if you're Indian  (or British) or a tapas styled menu if you're Spanish, adding a local touch will spice up your Christmas party. 

4.    Make sure there are non alcoholic drinks:

Be responsible. Make sure there are sufficient non- alcoholic drinks available for those who aren’t drinking. Also keep taxi numbers ready for those who’ve had one too many.

5.    Decorate:

Music, food and company get people in the Christmas spirit. Make sure the decorations are fun, music is good, the Christmas tree is well lit and the mistletoes are up. Also, a little goodie , especially  a token from your home country, will make a great gift for others to remember your and your party by. 

6.    Plan some entertainment:

Keep the kids entertained and the parents will have a good time. Organising some colour pencils and sketch books or carol singing for the kids will be a great way to keep them occupied. If there are any particular local Christmas traditions you follow, make sure you share them with your guests. It will make your party that much more special.

7.    Feel good, do good:

You can add to the spirit of giving by adding a few extra touches. Like asking your guests to ‘pay’ for their admission with a toy or a blanket or socks. Set up a basket near the door where guests can place their gift and you can drop it off at a shelter for the homeless or needy. If you'd like to do something for an organisation back home, set up a donation box and tell your guests who and what you'd like them to contribute to and make sure you send them an update after the party with a link to the organisation they have contributed to.

8.    Enjoy:

Sometimes, people get so caught up in organising the perfect party and making sure everyone else is having fun, they forget to do so themselves. At the end of the day, it’s a party and it’s Christmas… so relax and enjoy the good times with your loved ones.

Sidd Lobo
Freelance writer

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siddlobo   11 December, 2009 15:33

Moving to a new country? Travel frequently? Need to make impromptu trips? Whatever the reason for being on the move, it’s best to be covered by an international insurance. Needless to say, navigating the murky world of insurances can be a complicated affair. Below are some of the key players in the industry to get you started.

Ihi Bupa
A well reputed insurance company that boasts of over 30 years of experience specializing in international travel and health insurance. One of the leading players in the international insurance market, the company caters to both private and corporate customers.

Healthcare International
Another reputed company with 25 years of experience. They offer products that specialize in travel, medical insurance and life cover and income protection. Products are specifically designed for the needs of expatriates.

International Medical Group
Provides medical insurance to families, individuals and groups who are either travelling or living abroad. IMG offers worldwide coverage, multi-lingual customer service representatives and 24 hour on-site medical staff for emergencies.

HTH Worldwide
This insurance provider specialises in medical and accident protection. It might be a preferred option for travelers to high risk countries as it also offers evacuation coverage and medical benefits of up to $1,000,000.

Pacific Prime International
Pacific Prime works with insurance companies around the world to tailor a plan depending on customers requirements. They offer health coverage plans for individuals, families, groups and a specifically designed programme for teachers.

Global Health Insurance
This offers a wide range of packages from an annually renewable medical plan for expatriates to short- term travel coverage. Also offers expatriates access to US medical facilities and doctors.

Internationalcitizens.com
This international insurance broker offers online health, medical and travel insurance plans. It offers flexible options that could come in handy for travellers and global expatriates. It also has special plans designed to cover student insurance needs, visa F1J1 insurance plans and au pair insurance plans.

You can also have a look at our previous articles sponsored by William-Russell:

• Focus on skin care: medical tips for a healthy expat lifestyle
• Protect your family finances
• Prevention rather than cure – reap the well-being advantage

Good luck with your travel plans and stay safe.
 

Sidd Lobo

Freelance writer

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siddlobo   01 December, 2009 17:54

India is playing an increasingly important role in the global economic scene. More and more international companies are setting up operations in the country, Indian companies are strengthening their positions globally and its reputation as the preferred offshoring hub continues to go strong. Whatever the reason may be, if you find yourself heading for a meeting in India, here are some tips that may come in handy.

1. Make that presentation longer: Indians have read the epics, they can handle more than 10 slides of your presentation. Indians are high context people so you never give them too much information. Instead of sticking to the core essentials, make your presentation a story and offer up a lot of details on the company.

2. Dress modestly: While Bollywood boasts of a lot of prancing around in skimpily clad clothes, most of the regular Indian population dresses modestly. Pants are a good bet for women. If wearing a skirt, make sure it’s at least knee length. Avoid tight fitting tops and low cut blouses and always carry a shawl. The air conditioning, when working, will be turned on to the maximum to ensure Alpine temperatures in the conference room.

3. For the love of processes: Indians love processes and will spend more time detailing how to get to a certain point rather than what to do when you get there. So if you’re presenting, make sure you have the process worked out to the last detail and if you’re being presented to, ensure that as much thought  goes into why you’re doing what you’re doing and what happens when you get there.

4. Expect delays: Punctuality is not an Indian strongpoint. In fact, Indian Standard Time (IST) has been affectionately dubbed ‘Indian Stretchable Time.’ And for good reason. While in India, you can expect meetings to start later than planned and go on for much longer. You’d do yourself a big favour by fixing some buffer time between meetings. Also, bear in mind that a10 kilometer distance in a major city will take a lot more than 10 minutes to cover.

5. Small talk is big: Indians like to know and feel comfortable with the people they work with. So expect much small talk and questions about your education and background. Feel free to do the same. Showing an interest in cricket will make you an instant hit with the local crowd. Don’t worry if you don’t know too much about the sport… enthusiasm is more important than knowledge.

6. The boss is king: In many Indian organizations, hierarchy is still the norm and the boss has the last word on all important issues. It’s in your best interest to identify this person early in the meeting and make him/ her your new best friend. If invited for a meal or drink, make sure you accept as turning down the invitation could be a lost opportunity to make those important inroads to a personal relationship.

7. Saving face: It’s important for Indians not to lose face in front of their friends or colleagues. When in a meeting make sure that you are respectful and courteous with all people present. Being blunt will make you look unsophisticated.  A kind gesture will earn you a place in the Indian heart.

Find more information about expat life in India on Easy Expat with our guides on the cities of Bangalore, Delhi and Mumbai.

Sidd Lobo
Freelance writer

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