Costa Ricans: Most Happy People

Tim — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 22:28:16 +0000

Costa Rica has captured another pleasurable title. This time, as home for the world’s happiest people. According to the New Economic Foundation, the organization measured several aspects of what it called a “Happy Planet Charter.”

In addition to Costa Rica, the rankings included, in order, the Dominican Republic, Jamaica, Guatemala, Vietnam, and Colombia. According to an article on its website, www.amcostarica.com, the results seem to be correlated highly with the size of the country, although Brazil is rated highly, too.

Favorite International Alcoholic Drinks

Tim — Thu, 14 May 2009 15:00:08 +0000

“The Frenchman loves his native wine;
The German loves his beer;
The Englishman loves his ‘alf and ‘alf,
Because it brings good cheer.
The Irishman loves his ” whiskey straight,”
Because it gives him dizziness.
The American has no choice at all,
So he drinks the whole d—–business.”

[Circa 1903, "Hello Bill" Toasts]

People in countries throughout the globe have their own favorite libations. And some might surprise you. Here are a few toasts just to whet your appetite as we raise a glass to hospitality and good times.

Universal – Cheers!
Chinese – Gan Bei
Japanese – Kanpai
Thai – Che Loong
Armenian – Ge Natz
Serbian – Ji Ve Li
Spanish – Salud
German – Prost
Italian – Salute!
Hebrew – L’Chaim
French – A tes amours
Greek – ya’sou!

And here’s just a sample of the alcoholic beverage offerings of various nations.

In Peru, It’s “Chicha”
Take, for example, Peru, where their favorite alcoholic beverage is Chicha – said to be made solely of corn and water. The kernels are first germinated or sprouted, then boiled in water for three hours; this mixture is poured through a large basket lined with straw and set on a pair of wooden slats over a deep ceramic jar. The liquid ferments for 24 hours before it is boiled again with some of the strained corn mast, filtered and fermented an additional 24 hours. Villagers will often bury the jars in the earth, for the longer the brew stands, the stronger it gets.

Beer still Canada’s most popular alcoholic drink, but wine catching up
Canadians purchased $18.8-billion worth of alcoholic beverages in 2007-2008, up 4.3% from the previous year, Statistics Canada reported yesterday. The federal agency attributed the increase to three factors: increased sales of imports, only a slight increase in the price of liquor and a growing adult population. Beer remained the top choice for Canadians, accounting for 46% of alcohol sales, but its popularity is waning, StatsCan said. In 1993, 53% of alcohol sales were from beer. Wine accounted for 29% of sales in 2008, up from 18%, while spirits made up 25% of sales, dropping from 29%. Sales of red wine have more than doubled since 2000, statistics show. “Sales of red wine, which includes both red and rose wines, accounted for 62% of the total volume of red and white wine sold,” the StatsCan survey found.

In Costa Rica, Take Your Pick
Costa Rica has no national drink, but very popular in the cultural tradition is guaro, the campesino’s nearly-tasteless yet potent alcoholic drink of choice. But one libation continues to grace the palates of thirsty Ticos: ImperialBeer. You can find it everywhere.

A Survey of Europe and the U.S Reveals:
In Europe, Research and Markets (http://www.researchandmarkets.com) in a 2005 survey, reported that alcoholic drink represents almost 6% of total household expenditure in the UK, and a spend of around GBP 750 (EUR 1,080) per head of population over the age of 15. Consumption of alcoholic beverages in the UK exceeded 8 billion litres in 2004. Beer accounts for more than 70% of alcoholic drinks consumption, with wine taking almost 16%, and spirits marginally more than cider, at almost 7%.”

“Out of the five European nations covered in our “Drinking Habits in Europe” report, the British retain the highest propensity to drink alcohol – the 88% of adults in Britain who had drunk alcohol in the previous year was matched most closely by the French. Some 70% of Germans appear to drink alcohol on a regular basis compared to a mere 54% of Spanish adults.”

The United States produces the most beer but Germany, Denmark, Luxembourg, and England have a higher per capita consumption

Which Country Drinks the Most?
The Economist released a study on which countries drink the most, and guess which came in first? Luxembourg, the tiny, landlocked country nestled between France, Belgium and Germany. But why Luxembourg? “One explanation is that the duty on alcohol is relatively cheap in the tiny nation, encouraging booze tourism from its more heavily taxed neighbours.” There’s no explanation for Ireland being second, however. I guess they just drink a lot.
1. Luxembourg
2. Ireland
3. Hungary
4. Moldova
5. Czech Republic

To see the rest of the list, visit The Economist.

But, what’s the world’s most popular alcoholic dining beverage? Not surprising, it’s red wine.

But let’s not stop there. What’s your country’s favorite libation?

“ExPat,” “TransPat” or “TransNational”? You help decide.

Tim — Tue, 12 May 2009 17:40:33 +0000

We’re noticing conflicting opinions as to the use of the word “expat” when referring to those who have transferred to a new country. Some like the word. Some don’t. So, we’ve come up with some alternate words that might possibly seem more appropriate, like “Transpat,” or “Transnational,” and a few others. Which do you like? Or, maybe, you might have some suggestions of your own. Let us know.

Yourville.com Blog » Surveys

Costa Ricans: Most Happy People

Favorite International Alcoholic Drinks

“ExPat,” “TransPat” or “TransNational”? You help decide.