bigway 4 #1 January 17, 2005 I would just like to know from the speakers in SC the percentages of you that have travelled outside your country or have not. i am wondering if most of our opinions come from what our country's tell us in the media or if the opinions come from education by travell. We all have alot to say on many topics, but i was watching bbc and fox news and both had the same story's but complete different perspectives. I am one to think that most of us watch far to much news and have become a society that belives what reporters on major networks tell us from their nationality's point of view. Thanks. .Karnage Krew Gear Store . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Vallerina 2 #2 January 17, 2005 Yes, I have. However, taking a weeklong trip and staying in a resort somewhere isn't going to change anyone's perspective. I do consider myself lucky that I got to live in England for a summer when I was 14. Even though it's not much different from the US, it still showed me at a young age that doing things in a different way does work. I'd like to travel more, but time/money isn't always cooperative.There's a thin line between Saturday night and Sunday morning Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Michele 1 #3 January 17, 2005 Yes. Aside from many little trips, I was an exchange student to Belgium, and also was able to take a long "tour" through England and France (2 months). Like Val said, it does indeed show you a different perspective on things. OTOH, if I spent a long enough time in the south of the US, I'd discover things done differently; same with the midwest, Eastern Seaboard, et cetera. People often don't realize how diverse and different this country is. It is huge, and the diversity in climate, customs and culture is glorious and interesting. Ciels- Michele ~Do Angels keep the dreams we seek While our hearts lie bleeding?~ Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigway 4 #4 January 17, 2005 another big reason i ask this is because i have been travelling now for 8 years on and off spent around a year in between learning to skydive in new zealand(home) and it is all coming to an end. I fly home next month to take up a position as a marketing manager at my home dz. I doubt anyone cares but the countries i have travelled and lived in are.... Danmark Germany England Scotland Wales Ireland Rarotonga Tahiti USA France Spain Portugal Thailand Vietnam Laos Malaysia Australia Fiji Netherlands Sverige My mum says i phoned her from Iran but i cant remember ever being there I would love to hear what country's others have really put the time into travelling around and meeting locals and learning different country's values. please share. .Karnage Krew Gear Store . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
smiles 0 #5 January 17, 2005 QuoteI would just like to know from the speakers in SC the percentages of you that have travelled outside your country or have not. i am wondering if most of our opinions come from what our country's tell us in the media or if the opinions come from education by travell. I do not consider myself a "speaker" in SC. I have travelled outside my country (westcoast Canada) but wish to spend more time travelling within my own country. I spend time associating with people from many countries...(home d.z.) russia, usa, new zealand, australia, laos, japan....and many of them have travelled to other countries. I do not watch BBC or FOX news, but do not miss an episode of "pilot guides." I read books, some controversial...just finished "It's the crude dude: WAR. BIG OIL, AND THE FIGHT FOR THE PLANET, by Linda McQuaig. QuoteMichael Moore rakes America’s corporate villains over the coals. Noam Chomsky flays the United States for the hypocrisy of its global adventurism. Now comes Linda McQuaig, whose incendiary new book tells us how the world’s most powerful industry and history’s most lethal army are having their way with the planet. Many can read the same story also, and have complete different perspectives, but can develop their own opinion on what they have read. Right now I love checking my e-mail as friends are writing and sending pics from backpackin in New Zealand, skydiving in Eloy and heading for Ixtapa boogie, living in a RV on beach in Mexico- Las Cabanas Del Capitan...travels in Australia,.....but the highlight of my day is receiving mail from Cuzco Peru from friends heading for 4 day hike up Inca trail (Machu Picchu) to see ancient city suspended above the clouds. my point: if you are surrounded by world travellers- your opinions can be developed from education they share with you. SMiles I choose rather admit that I know what little I know, and confess that I do not know that which I do not know, for that is the beginning of knowledge. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigway 4 #6 January 17, 2005 surrounding yourselves with backpackers can be one of the most educational ways to this world, i totally agree with you and this is one reason i have travelled for so long. .Karnage Krew Gear Store . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Botellines 0 #7 January 17, 2005 I would like to add that an important variable to take into consideration is not the cuantity of time but the quality. I know of many people who has gone abroad and they never interacted with the locals. There is so much inmigration nowadays that if you really want to, you will find in any country acommunity made of people from your own country. I was an exchange student in the U.S when i was 16, kept going to the states 2 months a year for the next 5 years. Move to London to work and ended up living in Edimburgh for a year when i was 25 (That is where i got my english funny accent) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Merkur 1 #8 January 17, 2005 Norway, Belgium, The Netherlands, France, Spain, Monaco, Switzerland, Austria, Italia, South Africa, Namibia, Canada, USA, Afghanistan, Uzbekistan, Sri Lanka and hopefully by the end of this month Singapore and Australia. Watching TV/news isn't bad as long as you try to see different points of view / different sides of the story. What I missed in the US news is the neutral view (that's just how I call it). While news in Europe are normally more neutral and far more often show a critical statement towards the own government decissions it is far more often a pro-US in the US. Also the amount of reports about foreign countries is very small compared to European news coverage. In the last six months, which I spent in the US, it was much harder for me to get news about Europe (through TV) than it is the other way around. On the other hand, this time helped me a lot in better understanding and in part accepting US points of view on some things. M.vSCR No.94 Don't dream your life - live your dream! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pajarito 0 #9 January 17, 2005 From USA (also been to Puerto Rico): Spain, Germany, England, Turkey, Kosovo, Uzbekistan, Afghanistan, Canada, Mexico, Honduras, Panama, Suriname, Haiti Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bodypilot90 0 #10 January 17, 2005 from US Germany, England, Iraq, Canada, Mexico, Haiti, Bahamas, Morroco and Israel. And I hope to add Ireland soon. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
pajarito 0 #11 January 17, 2005 What?!!! Not France?!!! I'm shocked!!! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mikkey 0 #12 January 17, 2005 As mentioned - it is not just the quantity of countries visited, it is the time spent and the interaction with locals. Of those mentioned below I lived in 5 of them most others visited several times: Europe: Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Finland, Germany, Belgium, Holland, France, UK (England, Scotland, Wales), Spain, Portugal, Austria, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Bulgaria, Greece Americas: USA, Canada, Brazil, Barbados, Virgin Islands Asia/Pacific: Hong-Kong, Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Japan, New Zealand, Fiji, Vanuatu, New Caledonia and Australia (where I now live). Other: Mauritius. Unfortunately never been in Africa but will soon.--------------------------------------------------------- When people look like ants - pull. When ants look like people - pray. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
miked10270 0 #13 January 17, 2005 "it is not just the quantity of countries visited, it is the time spent and the interaction with locals." I concur wholeheartedly. It's not the number of countries visited - well ok, maybe #No. of coutries - or cultures does matter. Nor does the length of time spent there neccessarily matter. It's the manner in which the visit is undertaken. One of my pet hates is the "package" holiday.... And as for the "all-inclusive" things!!! Take Cuba for example. European tourism is booming there - but 99.9% of the tourists never leave the hotel complex (organised excursions don't count), it's all arranged from the comfort of the travel agent & the only Cubans the average European meets is the waiters, bartenders & chambermaids. Sure, they've "been to Cuba", but they've hardly left their own culture. It's the same with any package holiday. You can spend a fortnight in Florida and leave reasonably convinced that America is made of fibreglass and 50% of the population wear outlandish Mouse & Duck costumes with oversized heads. Or you can book a flight, get a taxi to the bus station / car hire, and start actually exploring the country - having to interract with the culture if you want to eat & sleep. I know which I prefer. Mike. Taking the piss out of the FrenchAmericans since before it was fashionable. Prenait la pisse hors du FrançaisCanadiens méridionaux puisqu'avant lui à la mode. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bodypilot90 0 #14 January 17, 2005 Quote What?!!! Not France?!!! I'm shocked!!! lol na Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigway 4 #15 January 17, 2005 I dont think it is how long you have spent there as long as you have spent a bit of time sitting in a local pub or some other way to meet the locals, and watch the local news and hear local opinions. I am lucky, in most countries i have stepped foot in i have spent around 6-8 months in each country working. I am lucky because i have a passport that lets m live and work in europe and another passport that lets me live and work in australia or new zealand. When i am in a country i always go to school to atempt to learn the language. I feel the the uk has very 'neutral' news reports when they are about war and politics and decisions of other countries and they just report the facts without putting their 2 cents into it. Though i can not stand the peoples opinions in pubs or work. All the americans i have ever met except for one were great people who did not want to talk politics because they knew we could have a great time hanging out and talking about things that are fun or enjoyable conversations. Americans i have met travelling are not proud of their government nor of the attitude of the average american. I am not to say if that is right or wrong. The Greatest society i have ever lived in was danmark, i belive that they have the greatest social system in the world and it was fantastic, university was free and dentists and doctors and there was no road tax, though cars were highly expensive. The most adventurous country and the most beautiful country i have ever seen would be my home country of new zealand though i am not a fan our education system. The worst country would be France, not because of the people but because of how over priced everything is and as i am a traveller, i really hated all the tolls right around the country. Spain was really nice, i loved spain, barcelona was an amazing city and every little place i went to was very friendly. Portugal i did not like, we will leave it at that. The states, well the states is like a whole world with many different countries and cultures inside one country. Liked some parts, hated others. My fav place in the world would be Thailand and i make an effort to go there twice a year for around a month each time. Thailand is like going to a world where you do not need to worry about bills or mortgages orthe latest fashion, it is a country of no peer preasure and it is a social country where the only things that matter are sharing, love and family and food and water. I love that country, it takes you away from life as you know it and gives you a break from your problems as you everyone around you has more problems than you do, even if they are not aware that they have problems. I am just venting and do not want my thoughts to an argument, i am just finishing an 8 year worldwide travell and settling down into a good marketing position with my dz. The funny thing is, over the last year of my travells the only things i have collected are....a 6ft woman, a custom made rig, a custom made canopy, a brand new reserve, 2- pc 105's, a canon rebel and a a camera helmet. Not bad for travelling. Peace! .Karnage Krew Gear Store . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Nightingale 0 #16 January 17, 2005 yes. I've been to Canada, Mexico, and Ireland. I think I learn a lot about the country I'm visiting because of the way I travel. I get on the plane with only reservations for the first and last nights of the trip, with no plans in between. I talk with the locals to see how I should spend my time. You learn so much that way. Sometimes you don't see what the guidebooks tell you to, but you see what the people that live there want you to see, which tells you a lot about the culture. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Merkur 1 #17 January 17, 2005 Quote ... as long as you have spent a bit of time sitting in a local pub or some other way to meet the locals, and ... hear local opinions.... I totally agree on that! In some countries I got a picture in my first week which just was intensified in the weeks/months to follow. I think it's all about interacting and listening. Like someone mentioned above. You can travel to Cuba 10 times a year for a week and just stay in the organized surrounding and you won't get a clue about the real situation there. The more interaction with locals the better the picture. On the other hand you can find assholes as well as fantastic people all around the globe regardless of their nationality.vSCR No.94 Don't dream your life - live your dream! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Frenchy68 0 #18 January 17, 2005 Quotelol na Dude, I've always wondered what you meant with your avatar. What "Spin"? I assume you're not talking about DJs... "For once you have tasted Absinthe you will walk the earth with your eyes turned towards the gutter, for there you have been and there you will long to return." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Frenchy68 0 #19 January 17, 2005 From Europe & US... China, Japan, NZ, Philippines, Mexico, Canada, Tunisia, Morocco, most Western European countries... "For once you have tasted Absinthe you will walk the earth with your eyes turned towards the gutter, for there you have been and there you will long to return." Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jib 0 #20 January 17, 2005 Costa Rica Bahamas England/Scotland Netherlands Belgium Hungary Austria Check Republic Germany Switzerland Italy Spain France Portugal Greece Monaco -------------------------------------------------- the depth of his depravity sickens me. -- Jerry Falwell, People v. Larry Flynt Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bodypilot90 0 #21 January 17, 2005 QuoteDude, I've always wondered what you meant with your avatar. What "Spin"? liberal news spin, like Dan Rather........ why didn't ya just pm me? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
wmw999 2,589 #22 January 17, 2005 From US. I've lived in Brazil for 8 years, and spent a lot of time interacting in Argentina (I have cousins there). Spent time in Canada, England & France talking to locals. Have been to other countries, but more as a traveler than spending any time with real people. Wendy W.There is nothing more dangerous than breaking a basic safety rule and getting away with it. It removes fear of the consequences and builds false confidence. (tbrown) Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bigway 4 #23 January 17, 2005 Well i think this should not be in Speakers Corner, i am sorry to waste everyones time, i never meant to poast anything we would all agree on!! Is this a first? Peace .Karnage Krew Gear Store . Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
christelsabine 1 #24 January 17, 2005 QuoteWell i think this should not be in Speakers Corner, i am sorry to waste everyones time, i never meant to poast anything we would all agree on!! Is this a first? Peace Isn't it funny? Bigway, I spent 3/4 of my life outside Germany, mainly in BC and Far East. I wouldn't like to miss one minute of those years, more than 20 of them. Go on, enjoy every minute in the world. As by now, I am quite settled with a son and family and stuff, it's OK. But would like to leave tomorrow morning, if possible As I never saw NZ or Australia, those countries are still missing on my personal map. dudeist skydiver # 3105 Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
billvon 3,120 #25 January 17, 2005 So far: Canada Mexico Belgium France Luxembourg the Netherlands China Hong Kong Niger Spain Italy Thailand Germany Morocco St Maarten Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
