Glo'buZz - July 2007
Paguro Newsletter - To stay on top of everything expat
Issue # 2 - July 2007
Glo'buZz, Paguro’s brand-new newsletter that keeps you up-to-date on worldwide events, travel advisories, news and information, etc. is brought to you by www.paguro.net
*************
SAVING FACE
Why is everyone staring at me like that? Nothing on my face, my fly is up… was it something I said?
SAVING FACE is dedicated to Faux Amis [fohz-a-mee] (adj.): used to denote a pair of words that are similar in form but differ in meaning.
Read along if you wish to spare yourself future embarrassments
*****
“Est-ce que je peux utiliser ton string dentaire?”
You said: Can I use your dental g-string underwear?
You meant: “Can I use your dental floss (fils)”
****
“Est-ce que vous baisez la première fois que vous rencontrez quelcun?”
You said: Do you f*** the first time you meet?
You meant: “Do you kiss on the cheeks as a greeting (faites les bises) the first time you meet?”
****
WORLDWIDE TIDBITS
- Travel updates
- Health updates
- Expat survival guide
- July bank holidays worldwide
TRAVEL UPDATES
• As of June 13th, passengers traveling to Spain from non-Schengen Treaty Countries are required to submit their full given names, surname, nationality, d.o.b., and travel document # prior to all flights. Don’t know what the Schengen Treaty is? Find out more
• The liquids regulations are still in effect. Carry-on liquids cannot exceed 100mL (3.5 oz) and must all fit in a transparent resealable freezer-type plastic bag (20cm x 20cm). Regulations even apply to baby’s milk and food. If you are nursing, don’t forget to bring powder formula if you don’t want to breastfeed.
• The European Union has blacklisted all Indonesian airlines, including national carrier Garuda, as unsafe. The EU list also includes carriers from Angola, Bulgaria, Moldova, Russia and Ukraine. Find out more
• In October, the price of a British passport will increase to £72 from £66. Find out more
• Paris, France: Charles de Gaulle no longer offers storage lockers due to security concerns.
HEALTH UPDATES
PERGOVERIS™ FERTILITY TREATMENT APPROVED IN THE EU
The European Commission authorized Pergoveris™ for use in fertility treatments. Pergoveris™, manufactured by Merck Serono S.A., is used to stimulate the follicular development in women with severe luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) deficiency. If you’re under 40 and eligible for French Social Security benefits is something you might want to consider. In many other countries, like the US, these procedures can really break the bank. Find out more
STUDY RESULTS ON TRAVEL AND BLOOD CLOTS
The World Health Organization (WHO) found that the risk of developing venous thromboembolism (VTE) almost doubles after flights at least four hours long. However, the risk remains relatively low: about 1 in 6000 if seated and immobile for at least four hours. So don’t feel embarrassed as you make your 6th trip to the bathroom, it’s all in the name of good circulation. Find out more
EXPAT SURVIVAL GUIDE
• Gearing up for the school year in a new country? Heartbroken at the thought of your kid sitting at the back of the class long-faced and not understanding a word of what is going on? Paguro has compiled a list of English, French, Italian, and Dutch-speaking schools worldwide to make your transition easier. Check it out
• We’d prefer not to think about it, but disasters happen. From Death, to divorce, to identity theft, it’s never an easy situation. You can prepare yourself by keeping all your paperwork together and organized. Paguro has assembled a list of possible situations and tips to help you out.
JULY - BANK HOLIDAYS WORLDWIDE
AFRICA
Independence Day: Barundi 1st, Algeria 5th, Cape Verde 5th, Comoros 6th,
Malawi 6th, SaoTomé and Principe 12th
Republic Day: Ghana 1st, Somalia 1st, Tunisia 25th
Revolution Day: Gambia 22nd, Egypt 23rd, Libyan Arab Jamahiriya 23rd
National Day: Rawanda 1st, Liberia 26th
President’s Day: Botswana 16th& 17th
AMERICAS
Emancipation’s Day: Dutch Antilles 1st, Saint Eustatius 1st, Bermuda 26th
Canada Day: Canada 2nd
Constitution Day: Cayman 2nd, Puerto Rico (USA) 25th
Flag Day: Curaçao 2nd
Independence Day: United States 4th, Venezuela 5th, Argentina 9th,
Colombia 20th, Peru 28th-29th,
Liberation Day: Nicaragua 19th
Victor Schoelcher Days: Guadeloupe, Martinique , Saint Martin and St. Barthelemy 21st
National Revolution: Cuba 25th & 27th
ASIA
Bank Holiday: Bangladesh and Pakistan 1st
Special Administration Region Day: Hong Kong and Macau 2nd
Constitution Day: Armenia 5th
Independence Day: Mongolia 11th-13th, Maldives 26th-27th
National Day: Iraq 14th
Presidential Election: India 18th
Parliamentary Election: Turkey 22nd
Martyrs’ Day: India 13th, Myanmar 19th
Victory Day: Korea- D People’s Rep.- North 27th
EUROPE
Civil Servants Day: Hungary 1st
Independence Day: Belarus 3rd, Belgium 21st, Brazil 2nd (Bahia only)
Bastille Day: France 14th
Bank Holiday: Spain (Basque Country) 25th
Parliamentary Election: Turkey 22nd
PARIS, la ville lumière (the city of light)
PARIS NEWS
NICOLAS SARKOZY ELECTED PRESIDENT OF FRANCE
France ushered in a new president on May 6th. In the hotly contested election with an unusually high voter turnout of 85%, Nicolas Sarkozy, of the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP), beat out socialist candidate Ségolène Royal with over 53% of the vote. Furthermore, in the parliamentary elections of June 17th, the UMP won a predicted majority in the National Assembly (54%). However, rather unexpectedly, the Socialist Party gained 36 seats. Find out more
EXPAT FAMILY MEMBERS WILL FIND IT EASIER TO WORK IN FRANCE
Chauvinists beware! As of May 11, 2007, the French government will allow spouses and family members of skilled international staff (intra-group transferees and persons with a residence and work permit for “competences and talents”) to work during the course of an assignment. Find out more
PARIS EVENTS
* May 11th to September 8th – DALIDA
Paris pays tribute to Dalida, former Miss Egypt who became the Queen of Disco. In the historic French city hall Hôtel de Ville. Free Admission. Find out more
*June 9th to July 29th – Paris Jazz festival
Concerts all throughout the month at the Parc Floral of Paris. 5€ regular 2,50€ 7-25 yrs, free under 7 yrs Find out more
*June 27th to August 4th – The Soldes
The sales have already started and clothes are flying off the racks. However, there’s still time; better hurry-up though before all the best stuff goes. Find out more
*June 29th to August 26st – Romeo & Juliette
Performances in the beautiful Shakespeare garden in the Bois de Bologne. Find out more
*July 3rd to14th – Paris Cinéma
600 screenings, 450 films, presented by more than 200 French and foreign guests, talents and professionals. Unlimited CinéPass for 20€ or 1 showing for 4€. Find out more
*July 19th to August 20th – Paris Plage
Feel the sand between your toes as you relax on a beach chair in the warm summer breeze under a palm tree on the banks of the Seine. Find out more. *If you’re looking for a summer read try one of the bouquinistes (used booksellers) who flank Seine (right by Notre Dame).
*July 29th – The Tour de France
The world’s most famous cycling race comes to Paris for the grand finale! Find out more
*Ongoing – Paris summer garden concerts
With so many concerts to chose from we thought it’d be better if you got the full picture and had a look for yourself.
PARIS PRACTICAL
Although Paris may be teaming with tourists during the summer, many native Parisians have left the city in hordes. Paris nearly shuts down so watch-out for business closings! Also, be warned that few French apts. and homes have air conditioning and the metro definitely doesn’t (Asking yourself: “do I smell?” Don’t get too worked up over it, you’re not alone)…try a movie if you’re sweltering.
Looking for a funny summer read full of French/ American cultural scenarios? Try David Sedaris’ Me Talk Pretty One Day
MEXICO CITY
• LOOKING TO JOIN A GROUP OF EXPATS IN MEXICO CITY? Check out our list
• Click here for a list of suggested readings about Mexico and Mexican culture
• **Beware of the frequent strikes; they may make commuting difficult check the Metro website for updates. Also, like in Paris, there is a mass exodus during the summer meaning fewer events than normal.
EVENTS
*April 36th to July 29th – The Atlas Group
An artistic project by Walid Raad that investigates the history of Lebanon with emphasis on the wars of 1975-1990. At the Museo Tamayo, Mexico City’s modern art museum. Find out more
*May 25th to August 12th – México, destellos en plata
Exhibition of small silver sculptures and filgree’s. At the Museo de Franz Mayer. Find out more
*June 28th to July 2nd – Mexico City Pride
See what draws millions to the streets of Mexico City in this colorful week of pride. Vibrant bar scene. Find out more
*Now to August 19th – Frida Kahlo exhibit
Palacio de Bellas Artes honors their local artist. 35 pesos, free on Sundays. Find out more
*August 22nd – The Scorpions in Concert
Check them out at the Auditorio Nacional. Find out more
HOUSTON
MOVING TO HOUSTON AND THINKING ABOUT IMPORTING YOUR CAR? READ THIS FIRST
All imported vehicles must comply with U.S. safety, fuel savings, and air pollution control standards. You will be asked to show valid proof of ownership (an original or certified copy, of the certificate or title) and will be required to declare the vehicle to Customs upon its arrival. Read the full article
EVENTS
*July 4th - Freedom Over Texas Festival
come celebrate the City’s official Independence Day with fireworks, food, and thousands of other people at the Eleanor Tinsley Park. Admission is $6 and free for kids under 10. Find out more
*July 5th to 8th – Houston Caribbean Festival
Celebrate cultural diversity with Caribbean entertainment: song, dance, and other fun activities. Find out more
*July 14th - ArtHouston
Day-long art walk where about 40 galleries open their doors, many evening receptions. Find out more
*August 4th to 6th – Houston International Jazz Festival
Treat your ears to the soothing sounds of jazz from all over the world in various locations around the city. Find out more
FIND, CONNECT, SHARE with PAGURO
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Tune in for then next Issue of Glo'Buzz that will feature
Hong Kong
Munich
Singapore
---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Paguro’s mission is to establish a multi-lingual network of networks whose scope is to enhance the quality of life of expatriates and their families by providing relevant information, support and a collaborative space both to expatriate families and corporate.
CONTRIBUTE
Want to feature your event on a Paguro newsletter? Or do you have a suggestion for us? We’d love to hear from you. Drop a suggestion into our box and look out for it in the next issue!
To unsubscribe just hit reply and put UNSUBSCRIBE in the subject