My journey from the United States to Australia in 2013 unexpectedly revealed a disturbing global pattern—China's methodical influence extending far beyond what most people realize. Standing beneath unfamiliar southern hemisphere stars, I began noticing concerning signs that have only grown more relevant in today's geopolitical landscape.

During my time in Perth, I witnessed firsthand how China had strategically positioned itself within Australian society. From the government-controlled media landscape to the normalized surveillance in homes that nobody questioned, I observed a population unaware of their gradually eroding sovereignty. China's systematic purchase of Australian resources through million-dollar citizenship programs created dependencies so severe that when COVID disrupted supply chains, Australians couldn't even access basic necessities without Chinese imports.

The most alarming aspects of China's global strategy became evident when I observed their actions in the South China Sea—constructing artificial islands to expand territorial claims, then simply laughing off international court rulings against them. This blatant disregard for global norms continues today, alongside other concerning activities: purchasing farmland near US military installations, flooding countries with fentanyl, and developing surveillance technologies that extend their reach worldwide. These aren't random events but calculated moves in a long-term strategy that doesn't require traditional warfare to achieve dominance.

As we navigate increasingly complex global tensions, understanding China's playbook becomes essential. Their alternative approach to global influence—buying rather than invading, monitoring rather than confronting—creates vulnerabilities that most citizens never see until it's too late. Subscribe to the Surviving Changes podcast for more insights on these critical issues, and download the Backyard Gardener app to take one small step toward greater self-sufficiency in an uncertain world.

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A pivotal moment has arrived for the Surviving Changes podcast as we transition into a new chapter. After circling the globe with faith as my compass, I've finally landed in Puerto Rico – but not without one last thrilling escape from Mexico that involved an epic cross-country Uber ride and some dangerously close encounters with cartel leadership.

Upon touchdown in San Juan, reality hit hard when my expired passport triggered alerts about outstanding warrants. Picture this: surrounded by customs officials, a service dog at my side, and my heart pounding as I contemplated whether I'd be detained or released. The strategic conversation that followed – gently reminding officials they might not want to get entangled in an upcoming RICO lawsuit – proved crucial to my freedom. Sometimes knowing when to stand your ground makes all the difference between captivity and liberty.

The emotional weight of Puerto Rico has been both healing and haunting. The beaches where friends lost their lives during hurricanes serve as constant reminders of nature's power. Finding the perfect home – close enough to enjoy the sunset views but safely elevated from tsunami threats – marks another milestone in this journey of survival and resilience. Meanwhile, legal battles have been fought and won from afar, demonstrating that sometimes the art of war means choosing your battlefield carefully rather than charging headlong into every fight.

As the podcast evolves, you'll find more structured content across platforms like Rumble, YouTube and TikTok under "I am Heidi Hunt." While some journey-related episodes will require a modest subscription (half the price of a coffee!), my commitment to sharing these stories remains unwavering. Join me as we transform these global adventures into meaningful conversations about survival, faith, and the courage to embrace change when everything around you demands it.

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The line between safety and danger can dissolve in an instant. What began as a flourishing tour boat business in beautiful Cabo San Lucas rapidly descended into a desperate fight for survival against a network of Mason-affiliated grifters with dangerous cartel connections.

When a seemingly friendly couple wearing Zag shirts appeared in my life, I immediately recognized the setup. These weren't random expatriates looking for friendship – they were scouts for a sophisticated operation that targeted tourists and long-term visitors. Their system was brilliant in its simplicity: rent properties equipped with hidden cameras, capture compromising behavior, then blackmail or rob their victims before forcing them out.

Playing along while secretly gathering evidence became my daily reality. While Stan, a 33rd-degree Mason, regularly invaded my apartment stealing alcohol and manipulating my food, he had no idea my old phones were recording his every move. When Jill and Brian offered me "security cameras" connected to their account, they never suspected I had installed my own independent system.

The dangerous game escalated when I confronted Stan with video evidence. Rather than backing down, the group enlisted my trusted business associate Nacho – a man I'd helped for years. His offer to connect me with cartel contacts at the police station seemed like salvation until he mysteriously "lost" the critical evidence after filing reports. The betrayal became undeniable when he arrived at my door with unseen accomplices waiting in the parking lot.

My escape required abandoning nearly everything, paying $6,000 for an Uber to take my dog and me across Mexico, from Cabo to La Paz, by ferry to Mazatlan, and eventually to Cancun where we caught a flight to Puerto Rico. Those days of silent travel, unable to communicate with my driver due to language barriers, represented the thin line between freedom and becoming another disappeared expatriate.

Want to support my ongoing legal battle against these forces? Visit AbstractArtByHeidiHunt.com or check out my caps on Amazon. Together, we can expose the networks that prey on visitors to paradise.

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