Author: Team_RyanSolomon

Recipe: Chickpea Curry

Posted on by Team_RyanSolomon

When it comes to flavor, one cannot overlook India. A country known for its amazing spices and unique dishes. And today, I want to share one of my favorite Indian inspired dishes. Bon appetit.

Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons coconut oil
  • 1 yellow onion (diced)
  • 4-6 Roma tomatoes (peeled and diced)
  • salt and black pepper
  • 16 ounces canned chickpeas drained & rinsed
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 ½ tablespoons garam masala
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • ¼ teaspoon cumin
  • 13.5 ounces canned coconut milk
  • 1 small lime

Instructions:

  1. In a large pot, saute the garlic, onions, and tomatoes in the coconut oil until softened.
  2. Add the chickpeas, garam masala, curry powder, cumin, and coconut milk. Stir to combine.
  3. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce to a simmer and cover for 10-12 minutes.
  4. Taste for salt and pepper, add the juice of the lime.
  5. Serve over rice.
  6. Garnish with cilantro and cucumber (optional).

6 Travel Tips

Posted on by Team_RyanSolomon

Travel—who doesn’t love it? Setting off to distant lands to discover the unknown and seize new opportunities. It’s freedom at its finest, but, like most great things, freedom and travel can come at a cost—both financially and mentally. However, there are ways to eliminate some of those daunting negatives and expand on the positive. Let me share with you some simple tips from over a decade of traveling to 120+ countries.

1. Rewards Credit Card (if you’re disciplined with your money)

Personally, I don’t play the points game. I’m not a hotel or airline points wizard and would rather focus on making money than saving nickels and dimes. However, I’m also not a fool. My happy medium is to have one rewards credit card, one hotel booking website, one home-sharing website, and be a part of airline programs just in case. Remember, it’s a big world and although they try through various partnerships, the hotel chains and airlines you’re used to aren’t everywhere. My rewards credit card on the other hand is and it rewards me wherever I go. The point being, whether it’s paying for office supplies in London or that small charter plane through West Africa, I know I’m earning points —points that provide me with free travel regularly.

Note: This approach is primarily due to the areas of the world I travel being so sporadic. If you’re mainly a domestic traveler and/or frequent the same locations, being loyal to a hotel rewards program and airline may be a smart move.

2. Saving On Flights

We have all heard the myths:

  • Searching for flights while in incognito mode.
  • The day of the week or the time of the day matters.
  • Websites can predict prices.
  • Certain websites have better prices than others.

Unfortunately, these are myths and nothing more. You’re not going to get the deal of the century simply because you’re buying tickets at 11:00 PM on a Tuesday. The good news is there are still legitimate ways to save on flights.

  • Be flexible. Supply and demand exists and you can see it front and center with commercial flights. If you want to save some money, I recommend being flexible with your departure dates, times, and locations. For example, instead of visiting Paris in the summer when it’s pricier (and crowded), try Paris in the fall. Instead of Spring Break in the Yucatan Peninsula, wait until schools are back in session and then go. As for which day to book your flight, booking sites like expedia.com allow you to see day-to-day price comparisons.
    **In 2013 a last-minute business deal had me leaving the World Cup in Rio De Janeiro 2-days early. The flight back was 60% off and I was 1 of 12 people on the entire plane. The road less traveled had significant perks.
  • Embrace Layovers. I know, I know. Long layovers- it sounds horrible. But, long layovers often come with price breaks and give you the opportunity to explore. In my early 20’s I saw the Mona Lisa in Paris and explored the streets of Istanbul during long layovers.
  • Get Across The Pond. As I previously mentioned, longer trips can help save on accommodations, but they can also help keep your overall flight expenditure low. For example, I have a friend that used to take 5 trips a year. He would leave Los Angeles for another part of the world, stay 2-weeks, then fly home. A few weeks later, he would do it again. This changed when I asked why he didn’t just hit more travel destinations once he got across the pond (ocean) and combine some of his trips. Instead of flying from Los Angeles to Rome and then home, fly to Rome, Paris, Barcelona, and then home. Understand that the first flight is going to be more expensive, but once you’re there, bouncing around a particular region is pretty reasonable.
  • Frequent flyer accounts. Although my loyalty is with my rewards credit card, there is no reason not to sign up for these accounts since they are often free. By creating these accounts, you can collect valuable miles that can be used to finance your next trip. There’s nothing better than hopping online to book your next trip and realizing you have enough miles to cover it!

3. Know the Basic Currency Conversion Rate

Being overcharged (or scammed) is a common concern when traveling, but most people don’t even realize it’s happening because they don’t know the basic currency exchange rate. To help avoid this, I don’t suggest pulling out your calculator with every transaction, but simply knowing 650 Thai Baht is roughly 20 US Dollars for example. Knowing the basic currency conversion rate can go a long way.

**Never show your money until you hear a price. Never pay before services are delivered. If it’s a taxi, make sure there is a meter on the dash or a confirmed price before getting in.

4. Act Like You’ve Traveled Before.

Drop a traveler and myself in a distant land and 9/10 times the unwanted solicitations and less-than-desirable agreements will be directed to the other traveler. Why? My demeanor says I’ve traveled before and I’m competent in the environment. Alternatively, I often see tourists in uncomfortable interactions or being pushed to agree to things simply because they don’t carry themselves in the right way. They act timid and often confused, causing them to stick out. They can’t navigate getting across the street or they fumble with money at checkout counters. If you want to avoid what boils down to being taken advantage of, plan ahead and move with intent. Pushy salesmen and less-than-ethical tour operators (among others) will think twice if you learn to adapt to your environment and act like you belong.

Note: The people that I speak of that may take advantage of others are far and few between, but they do exist. These individuals aren’t necessarily bad, but most likely just trying to take care of themselves and/or their family. They exist in every country (including yours). Although it may be a tough pill to swallow, it’s not their fault if you make yourself an easy target so act life you’ve traveled before.

5. Hire a Local

One of the greatest ways to really get to know a country is to step away from the big group tours and hire a local. He or she may not have the most professional car/boat, but they’ll be cheaper and will take you on a better adventure. They will tailor it to your specifications, work to keep your business, and oftentimes become a longtime friend.

6. Go With An Open Mind

Lastly, be sure to travel with an open mind. You will undoubtedly come across situations and cultural aspects that are different than your own. I urge you to embrace the different and leave judgement behind. Step forward with curiosity and an eagerness to learn. Afterall, this is what travel is about. To expand our horizons, not merely reinforce our personal truths. If you can lead with an open mind, what a wonderful journey you will have.

Bonus Tips

  • Always carry a power strip, external battery, USB cable, and multi-pin plug with you.
  • Have photos of your important documents on your phone.
  • Use Whatsapp and/or a local sim card to stay connected
  • Invest in a pair of noise-canceling ear muffs (you can thank me later).
  • To avoid falling ill on your vacation, make sure to regularly wash your hands and even sanitize commonly touched surfaces in your hotel room, such as door handles, the TV remote, etc. In addition, be weary of what you eat. Food storage/preparation in different parts of the world is not always what it should be.
  • Before leaving your hotel/Airbnb, make sure to download the directions to wherever you may be headed. Cell phone service isn’t always great in other countries, and you don’t want to be the tourist wandering around with a puzzled look on your face.

Recipe: Zanzibar Pizza

Posted on by Team_RyanSolomon

Today we focus our sights on breaking free from repetitive culinary routines.

We travel to the East African nation of Tanzania…on the island of Zanzibar. Stone Town, to be
exact. A cultural melting pot for generations.

The spirit re-animating: Zanzibar pizza.

This is a unique and exotic take on the original. It’s a flat bread pizza with a spicy tomato
sauce base combining garlic and flavorful chillies that will make your taste buds sing.

Cultures from around the world never fail in showing us new takes on cuisine waiting to be
explored. Zanzibar, a coastal East African island boasting epic landscapes and beautiful
beaches…is no exception.

Most people are not interested in the different ways to explore their favorite Italian foods…..but
believe us when we tell you: routine was meant to be broken on this gem.

Follow along with our recipe below to make Zanzibar Pizza at home, tonight.

Ingredients

-2 cups plain flour
-½ teaspoon salt
-½ cup of water
-1 cup cooking oil *fresh fry*
-500g finely minced meat *beef*
-1 teaspoon garlic paste
-3-4 fresh bullet chilies chopped (or any other chili you have)
-1 red onion, very finely chopped
-6 eggs
-Salt, pepper and/or spice to taste

For The Pizza Dough

1. Sieve the flour into a bowl then add the salt and water to make a smooth dough. Next, “knead” (mix/fold/stretch) the dough for 2-3 minutes.

2.  Divide the dough into 6 equal balls and place in a shallow dish.

3.  Pour the oil over the dough balls making sure they are well coated. Once well coated, cover the dish and set aside for two hours.

For The Stuffing:

  1. Mix the minced meat with salt, pepper, garlic and ginger paste before frying the meat until fully cooked. Make sure to stir the meat while frying.
  1. Allow the meat to cool then add the finely chopped onion, coriander and chopped chilies to the prepared meat.

Putting The Pizza Together:

  1. Stretch each dough ball into a very thin 10” circle. Make sure the edges are thinner than the inner part of the dough.
  1. Add the stuffing/meat to the dough then crack an egg over the stuffing.
  1. Close the dough with the meat and egg inside by bringing up the two sides and folding.
  1. Put 1 tablespoon of oil on a medium heated griddle or iron pan and fry the dough on both sides until the egg is cooked.

Cut into desired size and serve with salad or chutney.

6 Great Countries For Your Business

Posted on by Team_RyanSolomon

Are you thinking of starting a new business? Maybe just expanding?Many entrepreneurs dream of launching a business in a foreign country, however, only a few go through with it.

So, why is that?

Often, entrepreneurs get paralyzed by their fear. After all, building a business abroad isn’t an easy feat. It entails great risks, and it can be overwhelming.

However, if you want to go big, you shouldn’tlet your fear control you.

Instead of focusing on what could go wrong, think of allthe reasons why you should be launching a business abroad.For starters, your business could be more profitable in less saturated markets.Some countries alsowelcome foreign investors with open arms. They could offer you tax cuts and grants which would give you an advantage right from the start. Of course, not all countries are as kind to foreign investors.

Hence, you ought to do a bit of research before taking on a new business venture abroad. To help you find the right country for your company, here are six of the best places to start:

1. Thailand

A gateway to economic trade in the Southeast region of Asia, Thailand welcomes investors from foreign nations who promote innovation, technology, and trade skills.Literacy rates are high in the country, which means you will have no trouble finding an intelligent and productive workforceonce you launch your business here. Additionally, employing a Thai workforce is also cost-efficient, as the average daily wage in Thailand is approximately $6.

2. India

Another country worth considering is India.Due to their growing population, there is an increasing need for livelihood opportunities across the country.The younger generationswant to look foropportunities beyond the agriculture sector and daily wage jobs. For entrepreneurs, this means you can start a new business with the help of a strong and young Indian workforce.Like Thailand, India has business-friendly policies and low operational costs for setting up a business. Naturally,this makes it a lucrative choice for building your next business venture.

3. China

The Chinese government is closely affiliated with its many businesses. They offer a lot of support to drive entrepreneurship as well as innovation. Much like India, China’s consumer market is vast and ever-growing, which means businesses have endless opportunities for expansion. You also won’t have trouble finding partners, investors, and other resources in the country (especially in cities like Beijing and Shanghai).

4. Singapore

Devoid of unnecessary and complicated paperwork, Singapore is one of the easiest countries for doing business, second only to NewZealand. This small Asian country is a politicallystable and well-developed society based on trade, finance, and manufacturing. It offers a stable environment for business investments and expansion. If you invest in this market, you will benefit from lower taxes, incredible infrastructures, and a productive English-speaking labor force.

5. Malaysia

World Bank ranked Malaysia the 15th easiest place to do business.It’s a few spots lower than Singapore, but it’s higher than the rest of the countries in this list. Compared to Singapore, Malaysian businesses have low startup costs and low operational costs.Thanks to government incentives and liberal policies, the country is conducive to business investments.

6. Mexico

Crime is one of the nuances of doing business in Mexico. Often, it discourages investors from starting a company in the country. Before you let that get to you, take a look at the advantages of starting a business in Mexico. In the last few years, the country has seen extensive business reforms making it a friendlier environment for foreign investors. The country alsohas a strong and more affordable workforce compared to the US. Not to mention, Mexico has more free trade agreements than any country, making it accessible to a wide range of businesses around the world.

Taking your next business venture overseas is far from easy. Indeed, there are some nuances; however, as you’ve seen in our list, there are several advantages as well. If you aren’t sure if starting a business abroad is the right move for you, or if you need assistance in utilizing other countries to help your business in your home country, let us know. At our parent company Solomon Signatures Inc., we can steer you in the right direction.

7 Must Do’s In Bangkok

Posted on by Team_RyanSolomon

You either find it beautiful and exciting or you hate it with a passion. Welcome to Bangkok, a city of thousands of different smells, three-wheeled beauties called tuk-tuks, SangSom Thai Rum, delicious but weird looking street foods, and so much more. I fall into the category of those people who are fascinated with Thailand’s hectic capital and its unique charm. From gold-spired temples to neon-lit urban strips and skyscrapers, there is plenty to look forward to when visiting the City of Angels. For me, a visit to Bangkok is like finally seeing color after living your whole life in black and white.

With around eight million inhabitants living within the city and millions of tourists visiting the city each year, it comes as no surprise that Bangkok is packed with activities and attractions to keep you entertained for at least a month or two. My list of things to do in Bangkok may not include all the tourist norms, but will definitely let you smell and feel the true Bangkok.

1. Khao San Road

The infamous backpacker district, Khao San Road is the melting point of various tourists. Here, you will find everything from expat bars and nightclubs to antique boutiques, massage centers, and clothing stores. This area also hosts a vibrant street food scene with everything from your ordinary Thai dishes to delicacies like fried bugs and scorpions. Whether you are in the mood for exploring the shopping bazaar of Thanon Khao San Market, partying hard in nightclubs like Lava Club and Gazebo, or enjoying city views from the Ghost Tower, this 1 km-long strip offers something for everyone.

2. Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World

The largest aquarium in South East Asia, Sea Life Bangkok Ocean World is one of my favorite places to visit in Bangkok (especially after a long night on Khao San Road). This fabulous aquatic wildlife park is home to more than 30,000 sea creatures and offers plenty of attractions. You can dip your hand into a petting pond and touch starfish, get super close to jackass penguins or enjoy a little fish spa. Travelers looking for an adrenaline rush can dive into one of the shark tanks and get up close and personal with the most dangerous predators in the ocean. Although I recommend swimming with the sharks, if this isn’t up your alley, you can always admire marine life from a glass-bottom boat.

3. Chatuchak Weekend Market

Sprawling across 30 acres, Chatuchak Weekend Market is one of the largest outdoor markets in the country. It is home to more than 8,000 market stalls and attracts around 250,000 visitors on a typical weekend. This weekend market offers a diverse collection of merchandise including everything from Thai silks and handcrafted furniture, to Buddhist art, hardware, and musical instruments. Besides shopping, Chatuchak Weekend Market is also a great place to score tasty food. There are more than 100 outdoor food stalls where you can have a full Thai Meal. My personal favorite is the TohPlue Restaurant where I usually order dishes like Fish Steamed with Lime or Fish Curry in Young Coconut.

4. Get Lost in Chinatown

Oh you’ve been to Chinatown before? But, have you been to Bangkok’s Chinatown? Yes, Chinatown in Bangkok is in a league of its own, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get lost and have a chance to explore this vibrant district at your own pace. This is actually the biggest Chinatown in the world and can easily keep you occupied for a whole day. This area is a great place to tease your tastebuds, experience some new smells, and of course purchase some great souvenirs and gifts for those back home.

5. Wat Pho

Besides eating great food and admiring sea life, I love the history of Bangkok and never miss the Temple of Reclining Buddha also known as Wat Pho. It is busy and a bit touristy, but rightfully so and a must see while in Bangkok. The Reclining Buddha is a huge statue covered with gold and unique murals that cover the temple’s interior walls. Oddly enough, you can actually get a massage in this area if you too feel like relaxing like Buddha.

6. Wildlife Friends Foundation

If at some point during your stay you need a break from the busyness that is Bangkok, take a breather and arrange a tour of the Wildlife Friends Foundation Thailand Rescue Centre and Elephant Refuge. Located just a 2-hour drive from the city, this center cares for animals such as tigers, macaques, gibbons, bears, and loris. There are also many elephants to be seen and you can join them on their daily walks. Here, you won’t see elephants being forced to do tricks and entertain visitors as the rescue center truly values the elephant’s natural behavior.

7. Soi Cowboy

Good ol’ Soi Cowboy. An area built around a single bar that was founded in the 70’s by a cowboy hat-wearing African-American man, this is a great place to finish your Bangkok trip. Soi Cowboy is one of the most famous entertainment nightlife districts in Bangkok with roughly 25 go go bars including popular joints such as Baccara, Kiss A Go Go, and Sahara A Go Go. The bars are typically free of cover, have inexpensive drinks, and introduce travelers to a world of neon lights, mirrors and entertainment that’ll leave you with a lasting impression of this amazing city.

Business à la Grecque – Investing in Greece

Posted on by Team_RyanSolomon

Greece! Nice little country. What jumps to mind though when you’re considering doing business there? Could it be Silicon Valley computers? Could it be good old Detroit automobile manufacturing? No. None of the above. It’s tourism that the country is famous for: beautiful beaches and landscapes, archeological sites, culture and food. Oh, and of course, wine which has been growing steadily since the 1980s, and ouzo – the country’s anise flavored drink – is a favorite both among locals and tourists.

Let’s have a look at the country’s economic background: with so much going for it, the country is only now recovering from an eight-year financial crisis comparable only to the Great Depression of the 1930s, or to Europe during World War II years. The unemployment rate which had reached 27%, it is now at 19%. It follows that labor costs have decreased significantly, and so have real estate prices, for lack of demand.

What does this mean for you? With real estate prices down and depending on your budget, you can buy apartments and summer houses/villas, renovate them, furnish them, equip them with modern comforts, and then rent them to tourists via San Francisco based Airbnb or other similar websites. You can even buy an old building and turn it into a luxury “boutique” hotel.

Moving up the cost ladder, five-star-hotels are demanded and needed in Greece because the profile of the tourists that visit the country is shifting towards the high-end niche. Buying land and building a luxury complex from scratch is a very good idea as the endeavor will cost much less than it would ten years ago.

Another investment opportunity would be marinas where yachts and sailing ships can dock with safety. Such a venture will be met with rewarding demand. Greece has dozens of islands, some of which yacht owners would like to visit but don’t for lack of infrastructure. Turkey, on the other hand, with admittedly a much more limited coastline than Greece, has invested more strategically in yacht clubs and often attracts visitors who would have otherwise gone to Greece. Speaking of yachts, buying and renting some to tourists who fly to Greece and want to go island-hopping is also a very good idea.

The following section deals with business opportunities for companies or individuals with a multi-million-dollar budget. Let’s begin with the utility of electric power as well as with that of natural gas. The country’s leading power producer – Public Power Corporation – is producing most of its power at outdated plants and using brown coal as fuel (which by the way, is on the wane). They also employ some hydropower plants on the mainland, but on most of the islands they use petroleum as fuel for the local plants. A new generation of players have entered the market and invested in natural gas-fired thermal plants. It follows, that they also provide households with gas although they have competition from companies which deal exclusively with gas. Another source of competition in the power field are some smaller companies which buy power from neighboring countries and channel it into the Greek market. To that, we should add companies that use renewable energy sources such as wind power and solar energy. Their networks are limited for the time being, but there is great potential in that field so RES qualifies as another investment opportunity.

Finally, there is scientific evidence that western Greece from the Ionian Islands to the southwest of Crete is rich in oil and hydrocarbon deposits. This is worth looking into as Exxon – Mobil has also expressed their interest.

In summary, foreign investment in Greece regardless of how high or how low is welcomed in the country, needed in the country, and for the savvy business player, will prove to be profitable in the country.

CEO Raises Awareness With Epic Triathlon Across Africa

Posted on by Team_RyanSolomon

Summary: Solomon Signatures CEO and Successful Students & Athletes founder Ryan Solomon will run 500 miles, cycle 100 miles and swim 50 miles across Africa’s toughest terrain to help raise awareness for the lack of education for millions of children around the world.

Dallas, Texas:

Texas -Over the last 8 years, Successful Students & Athletes (SSA) has succeeded in building and developing schools both overseas and in the US. The company specializes in providing athletic and academic support to school-age children, including the development of a new curriculum to better meet the emerging needs of the modern world. The company is about to embark on an ambitious project to build two schools in Africa, and is raising awareness and sponsorship for their efforts with CEO Ryan Solomon completing the ultimate triathlon.

Ryan will embark on the epic endurance expedition on December 9th, and will run 500 miles across some of Africa’s toughest terrain, before biking 100 miles during the African summer, then cooling off in the Indian Ocean with a huge 50 mile swim. The ultra-triathlon will then be celebrated by starting construction on two African schools, as well as the commencement of new consultations with 25 American schools, offering modern curriculums to advance children’s knowledge of new and essential skills like coding.

Ryan’s progress will be documented on the company’s Instagram (https://www.facebook.com/mr.solomonofficial/) and Ryan’s personal Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/mr.solomon/). Ryan’s expertise in various emerging markets make him the ideal CEO to lead the development of academic support in areas typical education fails to cover. His struggles as a teen, passion for helping others and incredible expeditions are inspiring a movement for the next generation.

A spokesperson for The SSA Program explained, “It’s going to be an incredible holiday season that will improve the lives of so many. Our Founder Ryan is proof that anything is possible, and with this ambitious challenge all of us at SSA hope to inspire and create real change. We can’t wait to celebrate his success alongside businesses and private citizens who too know the importance of education for the next generation.”

About The SSA Program: The SSA Program specializes in developing Successful Students & Athletes across the globe. SSA offers a comprehensive youth development program that serves to improve children’s success in their favorite sports & academics, all while teaching crucial life skills. The company offers considerable philanthropic support to students across the globe, undertaking everything from sponsored programs to school building.

For more information please visit:https://www.ssaprogram.com/

Contact Info:

Name: David Michaels

Email: hr@ssaprogram.com

Organization: Successful Students & Athletes