anonsailor

In a single word "Tariff", each country sets the tariff for such things. Thailand's tariff structure is most likely high, similar to Canada, which is near 100%

Here's another thought, not sure about Thailand, but in the Philippines, DNA testing will not help you as they tend to ignore the results, it was one of the points of contention during the base renewal talks.

looks like they are catering to the new Asians with money crowd...

I think Owen has a nice accounting of costs, but I do wonder if that is really taken into account fully, as I see far too many "retired" guys in LOS with limited means and a lousy health outlook. I can think of at least one individual I know that is in LOS on a "retirement" visa, but I note that he leaves the country every 90 days or so and returns after 90 days...hmmmm Again, back to my point of means...if you can not afford to leave your medical (and other) benefits in you home country, it's not worth the risk for going to a country where you WILL drop down on the health scale as a resul

My sister and her husband had looked into retiring in Costa Rica, but due to her husband's declining health (read self-inflicted here), they are looking to stay in the US, the underlying theme here is STAY in good health, most of the stuff I read on the board here are mostly self-inflicted health issues, left's start with being grossly overweight, smoking, and far too much drinking (read I start at 10 AM and stagger home about 6 PM)...or as one board member here made the excuse of..."part of the LOS experience", in reference to drinking until passed out! Guys, grow up! That's w

You're quite welcome!

If it is an A340, get the window side seats as they are only 2 up, if you are taking a B747, ask for seats 59+ A or B, starting at row 59 back to about 68 they are two up only. If you are not a Dynasty Gold card member, you can pick your seats only within 24 hours and then from the web site, when you book your ticket on the CA site, ask for window/aisle at that time. If you are planning on traveling a lot on CA, sign up for the flight miles program, well worth it. The airport in Taipei as a lounge with a shower, always nice after a long flight.

Nice place, family and foreigner oriented, NOT BG friendly, in fact BG hostile

Yep, true but Dells are he one's virtually exploding, not just catching on fire...Apple recalled the CG Chem batteries in a number of PowerBook 12" and 15" for a SUSPECTED problem and then only as a precaution to the Dell issues. Dell ignored the problem for months until someone pointed out they a liability problem at hand... quit picking up free lancers...

and the batteries are on fire...Hmmmmm!

My choice would be a Apple MacBook Pro or MacBook, I prefer and use the MacBook Pro 15", I'm using it on the road, gave my company PC back as the thing weights far too much, mostly from all the bits and pieces required. On the MacBook Pro I carry it in an Oakley vertical style bag with the small power brick, Bluetooth mouse, and a small portable 100 Gb firewire hard drive...the unit is very thin with a large screen...work fine lasts a long time...better better life than my company supplied PC. I'm running Adobe Photoshop CS2 and Apple Aperture (photo management app).

CI is just following the rules...unlike most US carriers which allow you to carry-on your car

Interesting, I got the same flight for a total of $713 late May also.

The EVA fare you saw does not include taxes, which when added makes it a $765 fare

try www.cheaptickets.com and then cross check the low fare airlines on their own site. I did this for a flight in May, got a $150 savings by going direct to the airline site (China Air).

Well, not having checked this out (good luck), I'm going memory. But I think it's 90 days to execute the visa, not 90 days from entry. If your friend is a IL, then I'd ask him/her. There is no implied statement on the application that you intend to marry (you can download the form). But I do know that you will be under intense review if you file for more than one visa in a reasonable time period. BTW, I work with the local INS guys here as part of my work. During some discussions with them it's amazing just how tight they are on you bringing in some 100 lb. gal from Thailand but let 200 l

yes, but you have to get married within 30 days. This visa had major changes on it to avoid just the thing you state. At one time you could get a visa and have her in the US for a year, then send her back, then apply again, one year and so on. INS got wise and changed the visa process to prohibit bringing over your "girl" and then sending her back. Under the new rules if you send her back, even after 30 days, you'll be hard pressed to get another visa. If she over stays her visa, you'll have even more trouble.

just remember too that the US CDC is a very political body...

WallyC, May I ask just how you got the FLB discount? And the safe....

has anyone stayed at the above hotel?