Jeff Ashmead Offers Travelers 5 Words of Wisdom in TROPICAL DELUSION

In the 2012 book "Tropical Delusion: Misadventures in Paradise" (published by iUniverse), author Jeff Ashmead shares his comical experience of leaving it all behind for a Caribbean beach in Mexico. He bought a small hotel on a secluded bay only to be greeted by a hurricane, the neighbor from hell, another hurricane then the major remodel and the ensuing construction nightmare. He had found paradise at last with the new boutique hotel... then another hurricane.

Ashmead's five words of wisdom to travelers are:

"Bribes: At some point you are going to meet your local traffic officer, most likely thru the rolled down window of your car. Don't panic, after he informs you of your "serious" infraction and takes your license hostage, just remember these 11 words. 'Is there some way we can take care of this here?'

"Building: To keep things on schedule and to get in the rhythm of the third world, throw away your watch. Your new house will eventually get done but since the workers are still using 1000 year old building techniques (the same used to build the Mayan pyramids) it's going to take a while.

"Banking: The most important document you need in Mexico is not your passport; it's your electric bill. If you want to open a bank account, get insurance, have cable TV or even rent a video at the local store, you will need your most recent bill. Always pay your electric bill.

"Security: You just built this beautiful home in paradise and now you have to put bars on the windows. 'I know it's a shame but you can do it before you have a theft or you can do it after. I recommend from personal experience, before.'

"Sanity: Your friends should have names other than Jose Cuervo and Don Julio. These guys should only be around when you have a party and never around when you are just bored. Find some fellow expats to share your trials with, before you know it you'll be best buddies or at the very least cell mates."

"Tropical Delusion" is an educational and humorous account of difficulties facing Americans wishing to retire abroad. See book details at http://www.TropicalDelusion.com or at Amazon or Barnes and Noble.

About the Author
Jeff Ashmead lived in Mexico for three years, overseeing the construction of two beach properties on the Caribbean. He lives in the Pacific Northwest.

iUniverse, an Author Solutions, Inc. self-publishing imprint, is the leading book marketing, editorial services, and supported self-publishing provider. iUniverse has a strategic alliance with Indigo Books & Music, Inc. in Canada, and titles accepted into the iUniverse Rising Star program are featured in a special collection on BarnesandNoble.com. iUniverse recognizes excellence in book publishing through the Star, Reader's Choice, Rising Star and Editor's Choice designations-self-publishing's only such awards program. Headquartered in Bloomington, Indiana, iUniverse also operates offices in Indianapolis. For more information or to publish a book, please visit iuniverse.com or call 1-800-AUTHORS. For the latest, follow @iuniversebooks on Twitter.

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