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travelintom69

Diplomat, Retired Chief Information Officer for the U.S. Dept of State, National Nuclear Risk Reduction Center - Travel Advisor, blogger, Snow Bird

How I Built Cash-Tales: A Global Writing Competiti

How I Built Cash-Tales: A Global Writing Competition Powered by Imagination and AI

If you are smart, prove it.

That is the tagline for Cash-Tales, a new kind of competition I am building—one where creativity is the currency, imagination wins prizes, and everyone from kids to grown-ups can step up and tell their tale. This is not just a writing platform. It is a worldwide creative challenge.

Today I want to take you behind the scenes and tell you exactly how it came to life—from a little idea in my notebook to a full platform powered by AI and built for the world.

The Spark That Started It All

For years I have been surrounded by stories and ideas. I have written them, edited them, and encouraged others to write them. As a traveler and expat, I have seen how storytelling connects us across cultures and languages.

But something always bugged me.

Kids were losing interest in writing. Adults were giving up on their creativity. And the people who wrote often had no one to share their work with.

So, I thought: what if we could turn writing into something exciting again?

What if we made it competitive, fun, and rewarding?

What if we created a place where everyone, no matter their age or background, could write a short tale, get judged fairly, and maybe even win some cash?

Enter: Cash-Tales

That is when the idea hit me. A writing platform that would:

Offer weekly prompts to spark creativity.

Let users submit short tales anonymously.

Have a fair peer judging system that is balanced through anonymity.

Track streaks, reward progress, and offer real cash prizes.

Welcome users of all ages—kids, teens, and adults

Rewards educators.

Rewards educational institutions.

And most importantly?

It would not require anyone to be a published author though you could be. You just need a good story and the guts to share it.

I called it Cash-Tales.

Building Vision (With Help from AI)

Now here is the twist: I did not have a dev team or a big budget.

But I had something better—ChatGPT.

Over the last few months, I have been working side-by-side with AI (who I have named Hal) too:

Build the website and co

Thinking of a sunny escape? 🌞 Explore Kyrenia’s charm this spring & summer. Here’s my honest experience!

#KyreniaCyprus #SpringTravelVibes #SummerEscape #HiddenGemsOfEurope #TravelBloggerLife #SoloTravelDiaries #BeachDestination #MediterraneanVibes #CyprusAdventures #TravelHonestReview #CherryExpatTrips #TravelStories #TravelMoreWorryLess #WanderlustDiaries #ExploringEurope

The picturesque harbor of Kyrenia (Girne) is truly

The picturesque harbor of Kyrenia (Girne) is truly the jewel of Northern Cyprus! 💙 Surrounded by Byzantine architecture and topped with an impressive medieval castle, this historic port offers some of the Mediterranean's most charming views.
Expat tip: Visit early morning to catch local fishermen bringing in their catch, then enjoy fresh seafood for lunch at one of the harbor-front restaurants. The castle is worth the entrance fee for panoramic views!
Have you visited Kyrenia? What was your favorite spot along the harbor? Share below! 👇

#CherryExpatTrips #Kyrenia #Cyprus #NorthernCyprus #CyprusTravel #ExpatLife #MediterraneanLife #TravelTips #KyreniaHarbor

Pre flight Trip Report for Kyrenia, Cyprus 03 Marc

Pre flight Trip Report for Kyrenia, Cyprus 03 March 2025

This is my first blog post, so please bear with me on this one. I hope after a couple of trips; this will go smoother and easier. Let’s talk about the first flight from Washington Dulles to London Heathrow. The first ticket was just under $500.00 for a round-trip ticket from Washington D.C. to Larnaca, Cyprus. That is $250 each way. I don't think you can go anywhere in the US roundtrip for that other than Southwest.

I upgraded a month or so after the first purchase to economy plus which gives you two bags of 51lbs. So, for under $200.00 to upgrade to economy plus, you get a bag which would cost $75.00 each total of two would be $150.00. The extra $50.00, I am paying for a nicer seat which you get to pick and some things like a pre-flight drink, menu for dinner and pre landing meal (breakfast). The seat I chose was in the front row as the emergency exit was not available in premium economy. The front row offers more leg room. So get it.

The plane is a new airbus 350, which was much quieter than other planes I have flown. The plane is also faster than older planes. I don’t know if this is a faster or a more efficient route, which is good and bad. The flight was normal, and we arrived above London in a little over six hours, which is not bad. The bad news is that flying into Heathrow early, you will almost always end up circling above the airport, while they sort out a time and a place for the plane to park. As usual the first class and business class passengers exit first. I recommend staying on the left side of the aircraft if you are facing the front of the plane as that tends to empty out sooner unless you have a lot of people in front of you that cannot get to their overhead luggage in a timely manner because they had to put their overhead bags further back than over their heads. Not being able to put your bags directly overhead is caused by people trying to avoid checked bags and carry as much as possible with them. Nothing against it, if you are trying to save money, but just a heads up when you need to get your bag above your head and there is no space.

The walk from the plane t

5 Best Countries for Retirement Abroad: Where to E

5 Best Countries for Retirement Abroad: Where to Enjoy a Comfortable and Affordable Life
Retiring abroad is an exciting way to stretch your savings while enjoying a new culture, better weather, and a slower pace of life. But where should you go? The best countries for retirement abroad offer a mix of affordability, high-quality healthcare, and an expat-friendly environment. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy your golden years stress-free, here are the top destinations that promise comfort and financial ease.

Retiring abroad can also provide the opportunity to learn a new language, enhance your cultural experiences, and make international friends. Many retirees find that immersing themselves in a new culture enriches their lives beyond what they could have imagined. Engaging with local communities can lead to fulfilling social connections.

1. Portugal – One of the Best Countries for Retirement Abroad

Faro, Portugal

For instance, in the Algarve region, retirees can enjoy vibrant local markets, exquisite seafood, and breathtaking coastal views. The historical towns, like Lagos and Tavira, offer a glimpse into Portugal’s rich past, making every day an adventure filled with exploration and enjoyment.

Portugal consistently ranks as one of the best countries for retirement abroad due to its affordable cost of living, pleasant climate, and welcoming expat communities.

This not only allows for a more comfortable lifestyle but also promotes mental wellbeing as retirees enjoy more leisure time in the sun.

Many retirees also benefit from the public healthcare system, which has been rated highly by international standards. The affordability means that even those on a fixed budget can access necessary medical care without financial strain.

Moreover, expats can take advantage of various tax incentives offered by the Portuguese government for foreign retirees, making it an appealing option for many.

Cost of Living: Rent, food, and healthcare are significantly cheaper than in the U.S. or Canada.

Healthcare: Portugal has a world-class healthcare system, accessible to expats through public and private options.

Residency Options: The D7

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