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anonymous commented about Taliban Discovered in Huaquillas Ecuador, On Tuesday November 3rd, 2009 02:26:50 PM
No, I live in Huaquillas. IT IS PART OF ECUADOR. Aguas Verdes is in Peru. Huaquillas is in Ecuador. I live here. I know.
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Anonymous commented about SOGO, On Saturday June 20th, 2009 08:25:05 PM
If you are visiting Philippines and want to save money,SOGO HOTEL is a place to stay. it is very clean and this is not just for a couple,they have family room. judgmental people,they are all over wherever you go.
Comment About SOGO
anonymous commented about Lebanese Super Market Butare Rwanda, On Thursday May 28th, 2009 05:25:11 PM
Did you go to the National Museum?
Comment About Lebanese Super Market Butare Rwanda
anonymous commented about HoboTraveler.com Recession of 2009, On Wednesday May 27th, 2009 08:58:09 PM
I have enjoyed reading your blog ever since I have encountered it and consider what you are doing very interesting and appealing. However, I often find that your posts are short and without much substance. I feel you would do better to write about the places you visit rather than your situation. This may take a little more work to interact in more interesting ways and write an interesting piece each day but it should allow your site traffic to increase overtime. I think people want substance and rather than writing about your luggage troubles or money situation you would do well to focus on the place and find something interesting in it as well as providing photos that you are uniquely positioned to take. Not just an outhouse picture but something unique and especially people. A well chosen subject everyday can provide great seo results. Im sorry if I sound too critical, because I appreciate what you are doing but think that you are in a position to do it much better. Perhaps I just caught you at a bad place because I havent read too far back into your journal. Good luck in your travels and with the site.
Comment About HoboTraveler.com Recession of 2009
anonymous commented about Solar Electricity for BlackBerry Storm, On Thursday May 7th, 2009 04:01:05 PM
Id recommend you go native and do nothing. You are making things unnecessarily complicated. Screw being online all the time. Do nothing.
Comment About Solar Electricity for BlackBerry Storm
anonymous commented about Coffee Filters Clean Waters, On Sunday April 26th, 2009 05:20:31 PM
I got sick from drinking bottled water in Nepal last year - turned out the company was not even filtering out insects because there was a news report showing mosquitoes in a sealed bottle, the same brand which I drank at lunch that day, next day sick as a dog, vomiting and diarrhea. Iodine will kill just about everything short of some Crypto and possibly Giardia cysts, for that I have read that coffee filters will do the trick - so when I cant get boiled water and for tooth brushing I will use iodine and coffee filters from now on - going back to Nepal in 3 weeks.
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Anonymous commented about IS INDIA DIRTY?, On Friday April 10th, 2009 09:49:59 PM
India is dirty in the inner-city and in villages where there is much poverty. In general India is actually very beautiful, you just have to know where to look. Most people only ever see the big cities full of 10s of millions of people without an infrastructure to take care of most of the garbage and clean the streets.
Those who care more about the monkeys and cows are in a dark spiritual place. These Hindu gods (monkeys and cows, rats, etc.) put the people of India in bondage. The dirt and filth is a direct result of the lack of acknowledgment of the God who created the universe and of worship of idols. It is a people group controlled by some other spiritual being opposite of God.
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Anonymous commented about Homesick Travel Tip, On Monday March 23rd, 2009 12:00:00 AM
That's one of the big reasons I prefer to travel north or south rather than east/west. You stay in the same time zone and can easily call home and talk with friends back in the hometown regardless of whether you're in argentina or alaska. Being in africa or asia your times are all messed up. of course you can still call home but its a lot bigger hassle.
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Anonymous commented about Ethiopia Custom Similar to Palm Sunday, On Saturday March 21st, 2009 05:04:00 PM
your fat in Ethiopia and Thailand you are only normal in USA. Don't try to make yourself thin or open minded you are a product of your soil.;
your thin in Mobile,Alabama
Comment About Ethiopia Custom Similar to Palm Sunday
Anonymous commented about Gebrekiristos Hotel Awasa Ethiopia, On Friday March 20th, 2009 02:38:00 PM
do you have a telephone number for the Gebre Kristos hotel?
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Anonymous commented about Coffee Ceremony Awasa Ethiopia, On Thursday March 19th, 2009 12:45:00 PM
Hi Andy,
This is such an awesome post - thanks! How did you get invited back to their home for the ceremony?
Best,
Frank
Comment About Coffee Ceremony Awasa Ethiopia
Anonymous commented about Beware of Loose Hotel Electrical Outlets, On Wednesday March 18th, 2009 12:48:00 PM
Hi Andy,
I like it better seeing you in a video explaining things and giving travel tips/advice. For my brain, it makes it easier to understand with you in front of the camera.
Best,
Frank
Comment About Beware of Loose Hotel Electrical Outlets
Anonymous commented about Guatemala Homemade Incense, On Saturday March 14th, 2009 09:17:00 AM
Oh also this is a very good blog, keep on with it. Its nice to read about fellow travelers
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Anonymous commented about Guatemala Homemade Incense, On Saturday March 14th, 2009 09:16:00 AM
I've never seen any incense made with camel dug. I Have no idea about the donkey dung or were that would be from. But as for the Arabs and dung I would I very much doubt the use of feces for such a product. Would you burn feces at your church or place of worship? I wouldn’t and I lived in a few “Arab” countries totaling over 10 years. Such a product would be looked down upon by any of the villages I lived. If you know of one were animal waste is used in such a manner I would like to know its name.
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Anonymous commented about Travel Channel Mark and Olly, On Saturday March 14th, 2009 07:24:00 AM
Dear Andy,
I don't know what you mean by "staged and scripted." Do you mean that Mark and Ollie did not visit anyone, and the tribes are actors? Clearly not.
Let me repeat myself. The production company, Cicada Productions, have been accused of causing a lot of chaos and took illegal risks. They threatened Survival International with a lawsuit when the story broke and then backed down when their own lawyers were shown the weakness of their case.
People like Mark and Ollie are not brave, and they are not heroic. They are not even especially adventurous. They are just fantasists wishing that they could be real Indian Jones, and they feed off the public's wish to do the same.
Don't be fooled by them, and don't be as pathetic as they are.
Comment About Travel Channel Mark and Olly
Anonymous commented about Travel Channel Mark and Olly, On Friday March 13th, 2009 09:42:00 AM
Hello everyone,
Please don't go and visit. Truly uncontacted groups are uncontacted because they fear infections and worse from outsiders. A cold to us is death to them.
Visits are a form of self-indulgent, criminal negligence.
Mark and Ollie's production company, Cicada Productions, has already caused enough chaos in this area.
Daily Telegraph (national daily newspaper)
http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/main.jhtml?xml=/news/2008/03/26/nperu126.xml
Daily Mail (national daily newspaper)
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=546608&in_page_id=1773
The Guardian (national daily newspaper)
http://www.guardian.co.uk/environment/2008/mar/27/conservation.realitytv?gusrc=rss&feed=media
The Times (national daily newspaper)
http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/world/us_and_americas/article3629105.ece
BBC News (this was on the front page)
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/americas/7318021.stm
Mail on Sunday (national Sunday newspaper)
http://www.mailonsunday.co.uk/pages/live/articles/showbiz/showbiznews.html?in_article_id=546608&in_page_id=1773
Metro (London morning newspaper)
http://www.metro.co.uk/news/world/article.html?in_article_id=128118&in_page_id=64
Comment About Travel Channel Mark and Olly
Anonymous commented about RSS Feeds is Being Removed, On Monday March 9th, 2009 08:33:00 AM
I don't see why you would turn readers away when your goal is to increase the number of readers.
I've used RSS to follow your blog for about a year now. What will happen now, is that I'll visit your site maybe once a month until I forget about it. When I visit, I will probably only read one or two pages of posts. I won't be subscribing to the email notifications. They will get lost amongst more important email and I can't read them in the same place where the rest of the travel sites I follow.
Comment About RSS Feeds is Being Removed
Anonymous commented about Best Travel Blogs in English of 2008, On Saturday March 7th, 2009 11:02:00 PM
I love your attitude dude, I'm jealous of the adventures. You are living as one should.
If I may I'd like to add another travel blog to your list. It's new and small but it's got a great vibe and has complete personal attention by the webmaster. In other words, it's not a "for profit" travel blog, but a small and growing community. I joined recently and am digging it.
Free World Travel Blogs
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Anonymous commented about RSS Real Sucky System, On Saturday March 7th, 2009 09:01:00 AM
I'd really not recommend removing the RSS feed. You could just publish excerpts so people have to come to your blog to read the whole post. This way people can still be reminded that there's new content on the site.
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Anonymous commented about 2008 Enter South Korea Leave Taiwan, On Friday March 6th, 2009 11:58:00 PM
What a stupid article ! There's no such thing as Taiwan Airport. And a stupid notion saying "an airport that makes sure you know you don't speak or read Chinese". Sucks !!!
Get some education dude!
Comment About 2008 Enter South Korea Leave Taiwan
Anonymous commented about Must See Obama Cartoon, On Friday March 6th, 2009 10:06:00 AM
Good to see that u.s. remain deeply divided amongst itself. meet new boss same old boss. no wonder u.s. has become such miserable failure. china has stimulus program equal 15%gdp no chinese complain. u.s. stimulus 5% gdp americans go crazy. china rise america fall.
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Anonymous commented about Maybe Chick Peas in Ethiopia, On Friday March 6th, 2009 06:30:00 AM
Thumbs up for chick peas. first they must be soaked in cold water for 8-10 hours, they will still be hard. Then cook slowly for quite a long time. I always cook them in a pressure cooker and that radically reduces the cooking time to about 8 minutes. great as a snack, salad or curry and so on, very healthy too. See if anyone is selling them ready to eat. Enjoy!
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Anonymous commented about Nobody Wants the Palestine People, On Thursday March 5th, 2009 05:42:00 PM
Andy, your summing-up is shallow and, I'm afraid, shows not much awareness of how Israel has treated the people it stole Israel from. Do you believe that might makes right?
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Anonymous commented about Road to Mojo, Ethiopia, On Thursday March 5th, 2009 11:19:00 AM
Hey Andy,
What is your "technique" for taking this type of photograph. Do you just walk up to the front of the bus and snap a picture of everybody? How often do people get mad? Do you ask to take the picture? I have had several people from other counties yell at me for snapping their photo, I was just wondering how you make it happen so well and so often.
Thanks,
Frank
Comment About Road to Mojo, Ethiopia
Anonymous commented about Choosing Electric Hot Plate Travel Tip, On Thursday March 5th, 2009 11:10:00 AM
I do not understand the following comment: it is healthier to eat a can of vegetables daily that you cook in the room.
Healthier than what?? not eating any vegetables? eating fresh vegetables? eating vegetables that were not cooked in the room?
Comment About Choosing Electric Hot Plate Travel Tip
Anonymous commented about Road to Mojo, Ethiopia, On Thursday March 5th, 2009 10:50:00 AM
I seem to notice in the pictures that you are taking of the locals that they don't seem to be smiling at you. Does not look like a friendly place for a white male? Do you feel threatened in this travel area?
Comment About Road to Mojo, Ethiopia
Anonymous commented about What is the Name of Science of Research, On Monday March 2nd, 2009 04:04:00 AM
Sorry to say this Andy, but your post is totally based on Ego. You're talking about yourself how good you do things, and then cutting other people down. You don't know what other travelers do in their own personal private time. You are only observing with an eye of the ego.
I am sure you won't be posting this comment, but what I am saying is true.
How many times do you write that your this professional traveler or that you have traveled for 11 years, honestly with your ego involved your travels don't mean a thing.
Comment About What is the Name of Science of Research
Anonymous commented about Psychics in America, On Saturday February 28th, 2009 06:06:00 PM
You just made me smack myself in the head and groan.
One unfortunate part about education is that it is no real buffer against ignorance.
Comment About Psychics in America
Anonymous commented about First Impression of Ethiopia, On Saturday February 28th, 2009 12:52:00 PM
"Sometimes I think there would not even be wars if there were not cameras to make someone famous." - Andy HoboTraveler
Yes indeed - this should be a famous & well known quote like the ones you display in the upper left of your website.
Enjoy Ethiopia - lots of pictures please.
Frank
Comment About First Impression of Ethiopia
Anonymous commented about Does Snow Cause Development of Nations, On Saturday February 28th, 2009 12:26:00 PM
Andy, there are only three ways to produce wealth: make it (manufacturing), grow it, or mine it. Management and the rest just skims money at best. They don't produce wealth. A country as large as the us will not prosper if it fails to make anything. Its that simple. You don't need fancy formulas or economic theory. Its just common sense (which isn't common in the US anymore).
Comment About Does Snow Cause Development of Nations
Anonymous commented about Ethiopia Child and Blind Beggar, On Saturday February 28th, 2009 06:36:00 AM
Maybe you "smell like a white man Andy."
Ethiopians are beautiful people. That child is precious.
Comment About Ethiopia Child and Blind Beggar
Anonymous commented about Does Snow Cause Development of Nations, On Friday February 27th, 2009 05:05:00 PM
America is a third world country Andy. Honestly, what do we produce today??? Development is the result of good decisions. Tropical Singapore makes good decisions and prospers. The US has made 30 years of terrible decisions and will burn to the ground. American families will see their real household incomes plunge in the coming years to 1970 levels. The backlash against immigrants, both legal and illegal is likely to intensify over the next few years. The decades of allowing our economy to be hollowed out and shipped to China is coming home to roost. Besides weapons and movies, what does America produce that anyone wants? Our financial geniuses have essentially brought down the worldwide financial system by selling foreign countries MBSs, CDOs, etc. That and Iraq has been our contribution to the world in the last eight years. Now, we have delegated the responsibility of our corporations to the U.S. government bureaucracy. Maybe its global warming that's making us so stupid.
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Anonymous commented about Does Snow Cause Development of Nations, On Friday February 27th, 2009 04:37:00 PM
General Motors was founded in 1908 in Flint, Michigan and grew to be the largest corporation in the world. Its market capitalization reached $50 billion in 2000. In the past week its market capitalization dropped below $1 billion to levels last seen during the 1920’s. The story of General Motors is the story of America. In 1953, at the peak of its dominance, its President Charles Wilson declared before Congress that what was good for the country was good for GM and vice versa. Its rise to power and decline towards insolvency parallel the rise and fall of the Great American Republic. Overconfidence, hubris, lack of courage, foolish decisions made, and crucial decisions deferred have been the hallmarks of GM and the United States of America. America is ruined. In years to come the US will be no more developed than Nigeria. We have destroyed our future, through terrible decisions.
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Anonymous commented about Obama is a Black USA President, On Wednesday February 25th, 2009 10:21:00 AM
Regarding the joke "Hell is where the Police are German", it just goes to show how wrong stereotypes can be.
German Police are the BEST in the world!
Why?
Because they are all terrified of appearing in any way like the Nazi Gestapo.
What's my evidence? As a New Zealander I have done Greenpeace non-violent environmental protests, including arrest time, in NZ, Australia, Britain, Belgium, Sweden, and France. Never in the States because the Police there regard Greenpeace like Al Quaeda, so you know how bad the Police there can be!
I have been arrested about ten times in Germany where I now live. German Police are easily the best. Definitely not the British either.
So visit the best Police, right here in Berlin!
Best.......
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Anonymous commented about Travel to Ethiopia Preparation, On Tuesday February 24th, 2009 04:07:00 PM
The best info is to be found on the internet, sometimes in the more obscure forums. But you're right this takes days, if not weeks, of exacting research. The rewards are worth it
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Anonymous commented about Travel to Ethiopia Preparation, On Tuesday February 24th, 2009 11:38:00 AM
You messed up. Bradt ethiopia is THE travel guide to the country. The best by far. Check out the Bale Mountain national park while in country. Beautiful place.
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Anonymous commented about Ignore Image of USA Overseas Travel Tip, On Sunday February 22nd, 2009 04:59:00 PM
Hey Andy,
Since you are in the US I hope you watch those two (Mark and Olly?) in the jungles of Peru tonight (Sunday) on the Travel Channel.
Let us know if this is the sort of "visiting the Uncontacted Tribes" you have in mind for next year!
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Anonymous commented about Psychics in America, On Sunday February 22nd, 2009 01:11:00 PM
Some psychics are just ripoffs that milk you for money, but then that is also true of many psychologists and televangelists. Other psychics, especially in the third world, are quite good and reasonably priced. Next time you have a mysterious ailments with your body, like that sciatica, try visiting a psychic. Don't knock them until you've tried them.
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Anonymous commented about Verizon Blackberry Storm Interview Tomorrow, On Sunday February 22nd, 2009 01:07:00 PM
The Nokia e71 is the best smartphone on the market right now for your purposes. ($340 from Newegg). Good keyboard, stable webbrowser, good battery life, good antenna (as long as you don't block it with your hand). But if they are letting you use the Storm for free, why not?
Comment About Verizon Blackberry Storm Interview Tomorrow
Anonymous commented about Nationwide Internet in USA Travel Tip, On Sunday February 22nd, 2009 12:42:00 PM
Most mcdonald's now offer wi-fi. Cheaper than a coffee shop.
Comment About Nationwide Internet in USA Travel Tip
Anonymous commented about Ignore Image of USA Overseas Travel Tip, On Sunday February 22nd, 2009 12:38:00 PM
The wisdom of crowds is greater than that of any one man. To suggest otherwise is narcissism.
Comment About Ignore Image of USA Overseas Travel Tip
Anonymous commented about Glad to Know Thai People Lie, On Friday February 20th, 2009 03:59:00 PM
I think Western people lies even worst...
Comment About Glad to Know Thai People Lie
Anonymous commented about Indiana Reinstalls Andy’s Smile, On Friday February 20th, 2009 11:19:00 AM
tell me again, why is it that you travel?
Comment About Indiana Reinstalls Andy’s Smile
Anonymous commented about Indiana Reinstalls Andy’s Smile, On Friday February 20th, 2009 10:03:00 AM
You know when you say "reinstall smile" it times to turn the computer off for a couple hours. :-)
Comment About Indiana Reinstalls Andy’s Smile
Anonymous commented about Obama is a Black USA President, On Friday February 20th, 2009 12:09:00 AM
Is it a goal in itself not to be politically correct? hehe.
Comment About Obama is a Black USA President
Anonymous commented about Sciatic Nerve Injection, On Thursday February 19th, 2009 10:58:00 PM
Oops, my message had nothing to do with sciatic, it was about magic jack. But, my husband has sufferred terribly with sciatic, so I saved that message from you, and that's where I responded from...sorry. RR
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Anonymous commented about Sciatic Nerve Injection, On Thursday February 19th, 2009 10:56:00 PM
Andy, check out MagicJack.com - we live in Thailand, and it allows us to call anywhere in the US for free using voip. Sound quality is good, and it works anywhere. It's a little dealie that you plug into your phone and then into your computer. It cost like $60 on Ebay, and we just renewed for 5 years for $99. We love it. Worth looking into, especially for you...love your blogs. Rebecca
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Anonymous commented about Nationwide Internet in USA Travel Tip, On Thursday February 19th, 2009 10:48:00 PM
http://www.wi-fihotspotlist.com/
mike
Comment About Nationwide Internet in USA Travel Tip
Anonymous commented about Obama is a Black USA President, On Thursday February 19th, 2009 04:30:00 PM
Not only are *all* those statements RACIST, please know that Obama is ARAB AND WHITE, not Black. He is 50% Caucasian, 43.75% Arab, then 6.25% Negro.
You are hoping for "new hights in Political Correctness", yet you do the opposite in offending those countries you joked about. Please make up your mind.
I think "Heaven" will be where the RAPPERS have to watch how they put down Whites, as well as what laws we have now.
And no, I'm not White - I'm 6.25% Cherokee. That means I'm INDIAN.
http://www.untwistedvortex.com/2008/11/05/president-elect-barack-obama-is-not-black/
http://www.independent.co.uk/opinion/commentators/yasmin-alibhai-brown/yasmin-alibhaibrown-calling-obama-black-is-an-insult-to-his-mother-842808.html
http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/story/2008/11/29/ST2008112900984.html
http://undercoverblackman.blogspot.com/2008/09/rush-limbaugh-says-obama-is-arab-not.html
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Anonymous commented about Verizon Blackberry Storm Interview Tomorrow, On Thursday February 19th, 2009 01:45:00 PM
Why not? You got something better to do?
Comment About Verizon Blackberry Storm Interview Tomorrow
Anonymous commented about Purchased 2 MEI Voyageur Backpacks, On Thursday February 19th, 2009 01:25:00 AM
Hi Andy,
I hope your new bags work out. I have enjoyed mine. I have never lived out of mine for more than 2 months at a time. So your test will be of great interest to me. I have used it often though for the 4&1/2 years I have had it. Have even hauled it around on the back of a motorcycle. has not failed in anyway yet. Later, Tom the Okie
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Anonymous commented about Sompopos, On Tuesday February 17th, 2009 11:45:00 AM
does anybody know how to exterminate this plague. i have got millions of them eating my farm away. i have tried all kinds of poisons and the keep coming. is there a unique system to exterminate them?
Comment About Sompopos
Anonymous commented about Feb 16 2009 New HP Computer, On Tuesday February 17th, 2009 10:23:00 AM
Outstanding Andy. You will like Vista once you install SP1 and rid it of all the junk. I would do a clean install and eat a glazed donut while you type to break it in real fast. You must beat the heck out of your computers. Mine usually last 6-7 years with some duct tape.
Comment About Feb 16 2009 New HP Computer
Anonymous commented about AMD versus Intel Computer, On Sunday February 15th, 2009 10:43:00 PM
I bought a refurbished Dell 1520 with Intel Core 2 Duo cpu (1.5ghz). Could of bought a new Dell for the same price. The reason I choose the old 1520 was because it has a thicker case, which means more room to breath. Thin is nice, but everything runs hotter since not room to breath. Now AMD is a hot chip and needs a big heatsink. Intel core 2 Duo's run cooler than a core Duo. One thing I like about my Dell is its easy access to the components. I use to use a Apple and you had no access to components. But I really do like HP and I think that would be the best choice. It really boils down to what the components are inside. But I will admit the new all aluminum cases on the macbooks are sweet. They are bullet proof. But no access to components.
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Anonymous commented about 2009 February 14 Leave Peru enter USA, On Sunday February 15th, 2009 12:35:00 PM
Did you ever look into gulf war syndrome on your symptoms? If you went to Iraq after the war, you might have been exposed to lots of different chemicals in the air. I read of soldiers with protrutions on their skin that are infections from exposure. Your symptoms seem similar.
Comment About 2009 February 14 Leave Peru enter USA
Anonymous commented about Amor Fati Continental and British Airlines, On Sunday February 15th, 2009 12:28:00 PM
You lived a good life and will die young. Always happens to people like you. Eventually the odds catch up with a person. :-)
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Anonymous commented about When to Worry About Lice Travel Tip, On Thursday February 12th, 2009 11:38:00 PM
Good tip. Im a big fan of you
Comment About When to Worry About Lice Travel Tip
Anonymous commented about Typing Passwords in the Dark, On Thursday February 12th, 2009 08:00:00 AM
Use KeePass instead.
Comment About Typing Passwords in the Dark
Anonymous commented about National Geographic Earth Explorer Backpack, On Thursday February 12th, 2009 07:50:00 AM
Doesn't sound like anyone posting has tried any NG gear. It may "look" inadequate, but actually works quite well. Don't knock it till you've tried it. Is it the "best" out there? Probably not, but I carry several thousands of dollars worth of pro gear in a NG bag and have no complaints.
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Anonymous commented about Peru Computer Hard Drive Problem, On Tuesday February 10th, 2009 10:37:00 AM
Recommended laptop, less problems etc
Panasonic Toughbook model 30.
http://www.panasonic.com/business/toughbook/fully-rugged-laptop-toughbook-30.asp
Comment About Peru Computer Hard Drive Problem
Anonymous commented about Photos of Tuk Tuk on LPG, On Monday February 9th, 2009 08:52:00 PM
Question with regards to photo's on this story. I would like your permission to use these photos on a web site would you please give permission.many thanks
You can contact me @
heart2breath@yahoo.com
Comment About Photos of Tuk Tuk on LPG
Anonymous commented about Is a Photo of Andy Needed, On Monday February 9th, 2009 05:26:00 AM
Andy,
You asked for feedback and opinions. Here goes. I have been a reader of Hobo Traveler for about 4 years. I used to travel a great deal, but have cut back on my travel some now that I am 65 years old. I enjoy reading your material partly because I have been to some of the same places, particularly in Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, and El Salvador. I have a number of friends there. Of course, you have been to many places where I have never been. I have never been to Africa, or to the middle east. I would like to see your picture on the site, not because I would want to hunt you down, or because I want to be a groupie, but simply because I think that I have gotten to know you somewhat from your writing, your philosoply, and the way you conduct yourself in other cultures. I would like to have a face associated with your writing and your voice. You and I are very different in some ways, I believe, but similar in some ways. I do consider that you are a friend, because I am always delighted when I see your postings. I like that you avoid tourists. So do I. I like that you have respect for other people and other cultures. I like that you recognize that the American tourist can do great harm to himself, other people, and to the way that other cultures perceive this country. I like that you travel cheaply and sensibly. So do I.
Stephen
Comment About Is a Photo of Andy Needed
Anonymous commented about Is a Photo of Andy Needed, On Sunday February 8th, 2009 08:04:00 AM
Hello andy,
I am putul from Bangaldesh. I enjoy reading your travel stories.
If possible send your photo, sometimes I wonder how you look like!Its been 5- 4 to 5 years I am receiving mails from your blog.
Regards
Putul
Comment About Is a Photo of Andy Needed
Anonymous commented about Is a Photo of Andy Needed, On Sunday February 8th, 2009 06:03:00 AM
Gordon from Australia
Andy
Publish your photo ( what the hell )you move around groupies would would find it hard keeping up
yes you are running a business and you should try and create every marketing nitch ( money ) you can get ie promote hotels cafes restaurants etc make the most of any opportunity
regards Gordon
Comment About Is a Photo of Andy Needed
Anonymous commented about Is a Photo of Andy Needed, On Saturday February 7th, 2009 06:34:00 PM
Hi Andy,
I have been a daily reader for years and enjoy your blog as it is. I appreciate how you communicate with your readers in terms of soliciting their opinion and answer their emails. I do think I would enjoy seeing videos with you in them explaining and talking about things. This would be especially true on travel advice. If your concerned with safety or retaining a certain level of anonymity, consider wearing a baseball cap and dark sunglasses. I would like to see you in videos giving travel/packing/security/ect. advice. When the video is about the scenery, it's really not necessary for you to be in it.
Best,
Frank
Comment About Is a Photo of Andy Needed
Anonymous commented about Is a Photo of Andy Needed, On Saturday February 7th, 2009 02:42:00 PM
About your new post. People genetically relate to faces. You have a big advantage with a good honest looking face. I know you are doing fine without your photo, but I think it will add to your overall success. I read a guys blog where a rotating header photo of him doing something different comes up every time the blog reloads. I thought it was a good idea and looked through all of my photos from the last four years. Unfortunately, you may be in the same situation as me, as the photographers, we have thousands of great photos of other people but few of us.
Best, Bill
Comment About Is a Photo of Andy Needed
Anonymous commented about Is a Photo of Andy Needed, On Saturday February 7th, 2009 12:37:00 PM
Hi Andy
I think I am somewhat of a regular so I will comment regarding putting
your photo on the web.............
Although I understand the negatives I do agree that if you want to move on, to grow and be more successful in business I do think peoplewant to see who they are dealing with.............perhaps at times youcould wear a disguise!!!!! Ha!
tuxtlagirl
Comment About Is a Photo of Andy Needed
Anonymous commented about Is a Photo of Andy Needed, On Saturday February 7th, 2009 12:25:00 PM
Hi Andy,
Just wanted you to know how precious your blog is for me. I have followed you for several years. Recently I viewed a video of you with the boat and for the first time I heard your voice. This was good.
I aslo was inspired by wally's story. I followed some of the links about him and Iquitos which was great.
Tahnks a lot for your work,
Christoph
Comment About Is a Photo of Andy Needed
Anonymous commented about Breu Peru Questions and Answers, On Thursday February 5th, 2009 09:53:00 AM
Great post. I feel it is real what you describe here. Thanks.
Comment About Breu Peru Questions and Answers
Anonymous commented about Primitive Melting Pot of Cultures, On Wednesday February 4th, 2009 04:39:00 AM
Hi Mr Andy,
Yep! you are a yankee.
hehe.
Seems to me you overthinking some things and not thinking enough about other things.
First off, you are not a virus or some kind of Star Trek prime objective advocate. You are a neighbor paying a visit. Nothing more nothing less.
YOu better off learning how to eat a few strange things and knowing good manners for where youre going.
Political correctness, thats just goobley gook among children...survival is paramount where youre going. Eat some chicken gizzards, liver for practice.
Cornbead
Comment About Primitive Melting Pot of Cultures
Anonymous commented about Monday I go to Dulce Gloria, On Monday February 2nd, 2009 11:40:00 AM
Andy you have become a real life Colonel Kurtz. I hope you like what you find when you enter into your heart of darkness. Be safe out there.
Comment About Monday I go to Dulce Gloria
Anonymous commented about Morning in the Peruvian Jungle, On Saturday January 31st, 2009 09:49:00 AM
I was watching the discover channel in which the tribal people did not wear anything. the only thing they wore was a cone pierced thru their lower lips.
So,my thinking, less clothing more isolated.
Comment About Morning in the Peruvian Jungle
Anonymous commented about Hunting with a Shotgun in Peru, On Saturday January 31st, 2009 09:31:00 AM
Looks like a nice shotgun. Any idea what type of shotgun it is? Thanks for doing a nice job on your blog in this remote area.
Comment About Hunting with a Shotgun in Peru
Anonymous commented about I Drank One Drop of Water, On Friday January 30th, 2009 09:57:00 AM
I live in Guatemala part time and there are ongoing studies which are beginning to show that many instances of traveller's diahrhea may be caused by an airborne virus which occurs in Mexico and Central America.
Comment About I Drank One Drop of Water
Anonymous commented about What am I doing in Breu, Peru, On Thursday January 29th, 2009 11:41:00 PM
Hi Mr Andy,
First time I read your blog to a point and said adios.
Frankly,anytime a city puke has to go to college to understand human nature... thats pathetic. Secondly, what the hell is your malfunction?? You a farmboy with tons to share. Working men the world over share!!
Now get busy like a good old boy... Share!
Cornbread
Comment About What am I doing in Breu, Peru
Anonymous commented about Fun at Pucallpa Airport, On Wednesday January 28th, 2009 11:56:00 PM
Hi Mr. Andy,
Im not altogether sure if Im reading between the lines just right. You making a transition from hobo traveler to possible survivalist??
I surely hope you packed in the same mindset.
Fire!...Ive been in the field a thousand times a year.. you can go without water maybe a week...you can go without food maybe a month...but you can go nowhere without hope. Fire is hope, take it with you at all times.
The rest is pure tee guts and not eating the bright red crap..hehe.
Be careful farmboy.
Cornbread
Comment About Fun at Pucallpa Airport
Anonymous commented about Random Lunacy Hobo Movie, On Wednesday January 28th, 2009 10:08:00 PM
Hi Mr. Andy,
Im often dumbfounded by big city dwellers take on life. This is one of those times. They find a man that lives by his wits off garbage and they oooo! aaaah!. At the same time, you find countless country boys living by their wits in nature, even creating modern conveinences...they are dumb ass rednecks, screwed up gene pool blah blah.
Sheeesh!
If you want REAL life adventures...read the Foxfire books...life in Apalachian Mountains of the US of A. Thats the backbone of how this country was made.
Comment About Random Lunacy Hobo Movie
Anonymous commented about Jan 24 2009 is a Sad Day for Me, On Wednesday January 28th, 2009 09:45:00 PM
Hi Mr. Andy,
Mercy! You waaay to hard on yourself farmboy. From my corner of the world, its not being a working man (real estate guy) that bears scrutiny. On the other hand
I do have to admit one thing though, while scratching my head. In your younger days, you must have been one helluva arrogant piss ant in college...hehe.
As far as your blogs go, nevermind the rest of the knotheads. You talk about real life, with sweaty drawers, loud neighbors, the oddball billy boys, etc. THATS TRAVEL!.
Remember the movie, Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid? They took on a job protecting miners payroll. While riding up some mountain in Bolivia the bossman (Strother Martin) was describing how to some he seems crazy or out of place, but in actuality...he is just "colorful". hehe.
Or better yet... same actor in Cool Hand Luke..."What we have here is a failure to communicake"...hehe.
If I might suggest something... you need to find something to laugh about. Seems to me you maybe having fun, but not finding much funny. Just a thought farmboy.
angels and prayers be with you buddy.
Cornbread.
Comment About Jan 24 2009 is a Sad Day for Me
Anonymous commented about Photo of Peru Boy Sleeping in Oranges, On Tuesday January 27th, 2009 05:07:00 PM
looks like a bed of roses compared to American kids in the inner city
Comment About Photo of Peru Boy Sleeping in Oranges
Anonymous commented about The Prime Directive of Travel Industry, On Monday January 26th, 2009 12:00:00 PM
who cares what other people think?? would you really let that ruin your vacation? get over yourselves.
Comment About The Prime Directive of Travel Industry
Anonymous commented about Why are Zebras in Thailand, On Sunday January 25th, 2009 07:05:00 AM
Thai people believe Zebras are the favorite animal of buddha, they leave them as offerings in the same way as they leave food etc.
Comment About Why are Zebras in Thailand
Anonymous commented about Jan 24 2009 is a Sad Day for Me, On Sunday January 25th, 2009 12:44:00 AM
We know you are not a liar. Everybody makes mistakes and you are forgiven. Make it a happy day from now on. We love you!
Comment About Jan 24 2009 is a Sad Day for Me
Anonymous commented about A Smile Opens Doors Photography Travel Tip, On Saturday January 24th, 2009 11:45:00 PM
why do the Africans always have a glassy eyes look ? My taxi driver told me everyone over 12 chews something called Kat and he said that is a side affect ? I guess like Bolivians chew coca or Beetle nut. Just an observation.
Comment About A Smile Opens Doors Photography Travel Tip
Anonymous commented about Random Lunacy Hobo Movie, On Saturday January 24th, 2009 10:55:00 PM
Thanks for posting this link from Bob L. This is the mother of all links. A truly treasure find of human spirit and living life.
Comment About Random Lunacy Hobo Movie
Anonymous commented about Removing Political Correctness from Constitution, On Friday January 23rd, 2009 08:14:00 AM
This is an English speaking country? The English language is not the official language of the USA. We Americans assume it is, but in fact it is not.
Comment About Removing Political Correctness from Constitution
Anonymous commented about Mac versus PC Travel Tip, On Thursday January 22nd, 2009 06:52:00 PM
A real Hobo would use a netbook? Have you ever tried making a web site using a 9 inch screen? It's pretty much impossible. As much as I hate to admit it, a windows notebook is probable the best way to travel. The mac will work, but if it breaks you are pretty much screwed. With windows the black market on software is usually pretty good if you had to replace some programs. Linux is good as long as you don't need to use something like dreamweaver to make your web site. The third worlds are owned by illegal Window boxes. Windows still rules (bottom line)!
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Anonymous commented about Water Purification with 3 Pitchers, On Wednesday January 21st, 2009 07:10:00 PM
Interesting. What is the wattage on that water heater?
I made one myself by taking out a heating element from a regular water boiler mug and connected to an electrical cord, but it uses 1000 Watt, I can't use it everywhere.
Comment About Water Purification with 3 Pitchers
Anonymous commented about Lonely Planet Magazine, On Wednesday January 21st, 2009 10:33:00 AM
I agree with Kris. Its not a matter of LP going upscale, they already went that direction over the last decade. They decided to mature with their audience rather than reaching out to a new generation of travelers. Don't know if that is good or bad; do know that I don't like it. Let's Go though much maligned is honestly pretty good for budget recommendations. Hobohideout and other internet sites have excellent promise though mostly unrealized. Most the hotels on hideout are midrange. Seems the challenge is going to be getting the rock bottom budget places to submit listings. Probably not the most internet saavy group on the planet. Until then I'm relying more and more on homestays and couchsurfing.
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Anonymous commented about Meeting Coordinator of Breu Peru, On Wednesday January 21st, 2009 10:26:00 AM
Yes, I wouldn't hesitate to recycle old tips that are still relevant. No need to always reinvent the wheel. I mean don't get carried away and just give up on the idea of new content. But when old tips are clearly useful dust them off and recycle. Have fun in the jungle.
Comment About Meeting Coordinator of Breu Peru
Anonymous commented about Glad to Know Thai People Lie, On Sunday January 18th, 2009 06:15:00 AM
You are completely right Andy!!!
This is one of thereasons that their culture and our western culture can clash so often.
For them lying is an everyday thing and for us it's a bad thing.
Know what also is the problem with Thais, they do not accept their own mistakes or faults, they all feel like they are the next reincarnation of Budha (I'm a budhist but not the the Thai way as that is NOT Budism!!!, so not a bad word about Budha from me) and are so perfect and without faults, they are never to blame.
Sad people, really sad.
I hope to get to know some normal Thai people one day as they must be hiding out somewhere in thailand, it can't be that all of them have such big ego's.
Comment About Glad to Know Thai People Lie
Anonymous commented about Moonshine in Pucallpa Peru, On Saturday January 17th, 2009 12:20:00 PM
One little drink ain't gonna hurt you
Comment About Moonshine in Pucallpa Peru
Anonymous commented about Global Warming Needed in Indiana USA, On Thursday January 15th, 2009 06:00:00 AM
Bill is exactly right! The East Coast of the U.S could become much colder as Global Warming causes the Greenland ice sheet to melt very fast flooding the North Atlantic with less dense fresh water and possibly altering the Gulf Stream. There are so many factors a Cray supercomputer can't figure out every element of our climate. Weather is short term conditions while climate is long term. Before the beginning of the little ice age which lasted from 1350 to 1850 Vikings had permanent settlements in Greenland and the Roman Empire was flourishing. It has been believed that this all ended with the little ice age which is believed to have caused the dark ages. The main issue with global warming is that glaciers are receding at alarming rates. Glacier N.P might need to be renamed. Mt. Kilimanjaro will loose its glaciers in 10 years and people in that area depend on it for clean water. 80% of the worlds population lives along the ocean and the levels are rising, it has been measured. Ask someone living on a coral atoll nation like Micronesia if the sea level is not rising. Ocean water is warmer causing bleaching of corral reefs, the tropical rain forest of the ocean. No, Al Gore did not invent Global Warming regardless of what he said. I studied this stuff in college for 2 years and he just repeated what others had done research to learn, like ice core samples in Greenland. Climatologist can look at these and even see when the clean air and water act began in the early 70's. Everyone has an opinion and I respect that.
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Anonymous commented about All-inclusive Air Fares in Europe, On Thursday January 15th, 2009 05:19:00 AM
The European government has legally ended the questionable acts of airlines to sell 1 euro fares that end up being 150 euros. All the fuel and Insurance surcharges need to be included for all flights originating in the EU. Having said this; luggage surcharges (the new thing right now) are not included yet. Seems the airlines have found a new way to extort money from their passengers.
Ryanair in Europe charges more for check-in bags and a ridiculous amount of overweight charges. If you haven't pre-paid for your bags, you get fined at the airport for not pre-paying. My friend got fined 40 euros for not having pre-paid for bags plus 90 euros for 20 kilo of check-in bags on a 65 euro flight. This is a whopping 195 euro total for a one hour budget flight.
Another great new invention of the airline business is the check-in fee. If you don't check-in on line you need to pay an x amount of money to check-in. Europe will need to change the law again soon to include these fees too, although it is more complicated. some people travel only with hand carry.
Seems Singapore and Australia have followed the EU, all Singaporean and Australian adds for cheap flights need to include all taxes (but not luggage fees). Although on the Singaporean websites of the airlines, at the booking page they can still come up with the fares without tax. In Singapore it is for adds or opening page website adds only. Check out airasia.com or tigerairways.com than follow the Singaporean entrance and see what I mean.
Anyway any business including airlines will come up with inovative ways to make more money from us. Hope to have cleared this sufficiently.
Comment About All-inclusive Air Fares in Europe
Anonymous commented about Peru Architecture has a Hole, On Monday January 12th, 2009 01:33:00 PM
It is called an "air-way/tunnel/conduit" in Greece, they are quite common. They can make quite a difference in the summer. Architects, at least the smart ones, take the climate into account when designing a building.
Comment About Peru Architecture has a Hole
Anonymous commented about Global Warming Needed in Indiana USA, On Monday January 12th, 2009 01:31:00 AM
Right on, Andy. It doesn't matter if global warming exists or not. There's no question that we're polluting too much and the solution to global warming is a subset of the solution to the pollution problem.
Comment About Global Warming Needed in Indiana USA
Anonymous commented about Why is HoboTraveler.com in Peru, On Sunday January 11th, 2009 11:52:00 PM
This person Gerhard is not a real person:
"Gerhard Reinke's Wanderlust was a show on Comedy Central that featured writer-comedian Josh Gardner as a German backpacker hosting a fictional television show in which he explored various cultural areas on a traveler's budget."
Ref. Wikipedia: Gerhard Reinke's Wanderlust
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Anonymous commented about Robin in Nairobi, Kenya Called, On Sunday January 11th, 2009 11:03:00 PM
good experiment if she is not lesbian. You will have great time together.
Comment About Robin in Nairobi, Kenya Called
Anonymous commented about Robin in Nairobi, Kenya Called, On Sunday January 11th, 2009 01:14:00 PM
This would b a good experiment. Can a alpha female and alpha male travel together?
I remember reading a blog where he traveled thru Africa with a female who he later found was a lesbian with some anti-male attitude. He was ok with her being a lesbian but felt this should have been told upfront.
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Anonymous commented about Robin in Nairobi, Kenya Called, On Sunday January 11th, 2009 01:09:00 PM
this would be a good experiment. Can a alpha male and alpha female travel together? I remember reading a blog where this guy an girl traveled through Africa together, only to find out she was a lesbian with some anti-male attitude.
Comment About Robin in Nairobi, Kenya Called
Anonymous commented about Why is HoboTraveler.com in Peru, On Sunday January 11th, 2009 11:51:00 AM
Gerhard said… on Sunday, January 11, 2009 1:37:00 PM
Wish you where here in Bolivia !
MY TRIP SO FAR...ON YOUTUBE
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UvZMEr7ofrA&feature=related
Oh my god that is funny and you look like andy's long lost brother Andy !!
Comment About Why is HoboTraveler.com in Peru
Anonymous commented about Global Warming Needed in Indiana USA, On Saturday January 10th, 2009 12:19:00 PM
You travel the world, yet your horizon is the stone wall of your beliefs.
Comment About Global Warming Needed in Indiana USA
Anonymous commented about I Received Advice to Finish Backpack Project, On Friday January 9th, 2009 07:04:00 AM
Hi Mr. Andy,
Working on my old Uhaul conversion, still trying like the devil to figure out my tub idea. (livestock steel water trough). Its cheap and fantastic for even tugging it outside for fun in the sun on remote camp sites.
Anyway, each day I go out to work on the housetruck I get a knot in my belly looking around the yard. My mind automatically starts into clicking off choirs necessary for being property owner.
Ive come 180 degrees from years ago. Being a homeowner nows mkaes me feel like a spider, day in and day out toiling away. Every moment seemed dedicated to building or repairing a web.
The damn thing seems like a spoiled brat always demanding something.
IM crossing my fingers that 2009 is my year. Dont get too critical about how you spend your days, especially considering the alternatives.
Take Care Farmboy.
Cornbread
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Anonymous commented about Ipod Charging in USB Port Travel Tip, On Thursday January 8th, 2009 09:03:00 AM
Ah... my faith in their knowledge/abilities may not be misplaced!
Glad their visit with you went well. Thanks!
Jane
Comment About Ipod Charging in USB Port Travel Tip
Anonymous commented about Nominations for 2009 LP Travel Blogger Awards, On Thursday January 8th, 2009 02:11:00 AM
No, its a Bible, you actually see lots of people wandering around with it open in their hands, like a meditating priests.
Comment About Nominations for 2009 LP Travel Blogger Awards
Anonymous commented about Nominations for 2009 LP Travel Blogger Awards, On Wednesday January 7th, 2009 11:36:00 PM
Hi Andy,
I voted for your blog as the best "travelogue" for the Lonely Planet award. I wasn't sure what category your blog falls under but I also think "the hobo" is the best image/video travel blog as well. It could also be the best consumer travel blog but I wasn't sure what that meant.
Happy New Years!
Frank
Comment About Nominations for 2009 LP Travel Blogger Awards
Anonymous commented about Guatemala Homemade Incense, On Wednesday January 7th, 2009 08:44:00 PM
They make that with donkey poo. Not sure it is good to handle. The Arabs make theirs will camel dung. Probable why you don't see it in this form in the states. Wash your hands.
Comment About Guatemala Homemade Incense
Anonymous commented about It is Not a Purse Photos, On Wednesday January 7th, 2009 03:38:00 PM
Myself, I think anyone not wearing western boots and a stetson looks a little androgynous. So you and 99% of traveler/tourists are essentially in drag by my standard.
Comment About It is Not a Purse Photos
Anonymous commented about Ipod Charging in USB Port Travel Tip, On Wednesday January 7th, 2009 02:21:00 PM
The owner of that ipod does have a plug into the wall charger for that ipod he had with him, and the other had a compter with a usb port! Please tell me they are NOT both so clueless as to have known that!!!
Jane
Comment About Ipod Charging in USB Port Travel Tip
Anonymous commented about No Need for Nails Roof, On Wednesday January 7th, 2009 10:42:00 AM
Those bricks on the roof are annoying during earthquake: First the walls collapse, then, if you are still alive, you get trapped or killed under those bricks.
Comment About No Need for Nails Roof
Anonymous commented about Anticipate This Photo in Antigua Guatemala, On Tuesday January 6th, 2009 08:38:00 AM
Antigua Guatemala is a beautiful city, and you've taken a wonderful photo. Thanks for sharing it.
Comment About Anticipate This Photo in Antigua Guatemala
Anonymous commented about No Need for Nails Roof, On Monday January 5th, 2009 10:14:00 PM
No Andy, they use nails and cinder block together. I lived and worked in guatemala when I was young. The idea is to use the two together. The blocks help prevent wind damage or so the thinking goes.
Comment About No Need for Nails Roof
Anonymous commented about No Need for Nails Roof, On Monday January 5th, 2009 09:09:00 PM
Two other possible reasons:
1) Nail holes may cause leaks;
2) Completely unspoiled corrugated sheets retain their value longer.
Comment About No Need for Nails Roof
Anonymous commented about Guatemala Homemade Incense, On Sunday January 4th, 2009 01:03:00 PM
Important info missing:Did u burn the incense? how did it smell?
And yes get to eye level with people sitting on the ground. Your experience will change
Comment About Guatemala Homemade Incense
Anonymous commented about Guatemala Boy with Heavy Load, On Sunday January 4th, 2009 11:36:00 AM
Andy, did you offer to help out?
Comment About Guatemala Boy with Heavy Load
Anonymous commented about Islamic People in Exile, On Sunday January 4th, 2009 11:35:00 AM
There are crazy fundamentalists in every religion and culture, including Islam. People who refuse to see or respect the other sides point of view.
Comment About Islamic People in Exile
Anonymous commented about Islamic People in Exile, On Sunday January 4th, 2009 11:34:00 AM
There are crazy fundamentalists in every religion and every culture including Islam.
Comment About Islamic People in Exile
Anonymous commented about Guatemala Homemade Incense, On Sunday January 4th, 2009 03:54:00 AM
Hi Mr Andy,
Im responding somewhat to you and Mr Bob.
If I might suggest something. Read some Mark Twain to zap your upbringing roots.
Clearly Older ladies cant stand without discombort. Ladies the world over hate bad manners...
If I might suggest...
You need to squat more. Take your eyeballs to meet theirs.
Huck Finn and Tom Sawyer make more than a passing mention of how to treat older ladies.
Shame on you farmboy for forgetting
Cornbread
Comment About Guatemala Homemade Incense
Anonymous commented about The Paypal.com Donation Button is Back, On Saturday January 3rd, 2009 06:33:00 PM
I would like to make a donation to help you travel. I surf the internet with adblock plus and when I turn it off I still do not see the paypal donation button. Am I doing something wrong? I'm using firefox browser.
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Anonymous commented about Guatemala Homemade Incense, On Saturday January 3rd, 2009 05:05:00 PM
"Andy The HOBO" is now "Andy The Handout"
What's with the donation link from Paypal ?
Comment About Guatemala Homemade Incense
Anonymous commented about Somebody Eat this Thai Dog, On Saturday January 3rd, 2009 03:12:00 PM
the most hazard animal is human, like you that throw rocks on that hungry and weak dog.
you don not know how can human be wild
Comment About Somebody Eat this Thai Dog
Anonymous commented about Guatemala Homemade Incense, On Saturday January 3rd, 2009 02:02:00 PM
Your blog is getting a lot better, Andy. Keep up the good work. Please remember to be respectful of tourists and readers as well as old people.
Comment About Guatemala Homemade Incense
Anonymous commented about Travel Blogs Drive Me Crazy, On Saturday January 3rd, 2009 02:47:00 AM
What I like about your blog- you blog (almost) every single day, that's pretty unique. It is not a tourist blog. Some great atmospheric descriptions, good info, pix and tips.
What I don't appreciate: Disregard for language/grammar- doesn't come over as authentic, even though it might be. Generalised political comments. "Snottiness"
What I'd welcome: more photographs, maps, general info (climate, costs etc.)
There are endless "travel blogs" out there, most are collections of articles or tourist blogs about the road most travelled (like on alltop.com) Get your link on those sites and put a photograph and a snippet of real-traveller info/ experience on your front page every day - as you have already started doing-
Tell us more what people there (where you are) are saying.
Respectfully, a Reader
Comment About Travel Blogs Drive Me Crazy
Anonymous commented about The Mystery of Lago Atitlan Guatemala, On Thursday January 1st, 2009 11:37:00 AM
Even the "consumer" tourist will enjoy the view of Lake Atitlan view from Panajachel, don't you think?
Comment About The Mystery of Lago Atitlan Guatemala
Anonymous commented about Africa is the Holy Grail for Travelers, On Wednesday December 31st, 2008 07:24:00 AM
It's the Hell of Travelers. With the exception of a few Safari tours and the pyramids it is a wasteland of humanity. A vile a disgusting place were toilet paper is expensive and life is cheap.
Comment About Africa is the Holy Grail for Travelers
Anonymous commented about Nobody Wants the Palestine People, On Tuesday December 30th, 2008 10:11:00 PM
Israel needs to be careful. They are using sledgehammers to swat flies. To win they must send Israeli special forces in on the ground to assasinate Hamas elite/leadership. Firing missiles into civilian apartments is an asinine shortcut.
Comment About Nobody Wants the Palestine People
Anonymous commented about Does a Blog Need Comments, On Sunday December 28th, 2008 11:28:00 PM
I'm not one for semantics, so I don't really care how a blog is defined. But I do know that a blog with interesting comments is a lot better than one without.
--recommended blog: travelvice.com
Comment About Does a Blog Need Comments
Anonymous commented about ComingAnarchy.com, On Wednesday December 24th, 2008 10:16:00 PM
Hi Mr. Andy,
Nothing whatsoever to do with this blog entry...its just your last one today. I just got home from brother Phillip's place.
MERRY CHRISTMAS ANDY..
BEST WISHES AND ALL THE BLESSINGS IN THE WORLD TO YOU.
Cornbread
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Anonymous commented about Christmas Trees in Guatemala, On Wednesday December 24th, 2008 09:12:00 AM
Merry Christmas Andy!!
Comment About Christmas Trees in Guatemala
Anonymous commented about Naming Your Travel Blog, On Tuesday December 23rd, 2008 10:51:00 AM
Dude you need to get a life and do something constructive. We realize you are number one. But have some humanity and use your knowledge/business sense to give back. All the cons and me number one is getting old. Old hobos usually die beside the track trying to jump on that train back into the past. Is this all your old ass can help people with. You need a good boot up your ass and thrown out of the boxcar.
Comment About Naming Your Travel Blog
Anonymous commented about Naming Your Travel Blog, On Tuesday December 23rd, 2008 08:00:00 AM
Good advice; I am often mislead by blog titles.
TravelCool
Comment About Naming Your Travel Blog
Anonymous commented about Best Single Author Travel Blog Nominations, On Monday December 22nd, 2008 09:43:00 PM
Hi Mr. Andy,
Thought I might warn you about "Tioga and George" just so you arent thinking he has a gang. His blogs are often in second and third person. His camper, computer, camera, have names,..and he has a pet bird named boid.
Comment About Best Single Author Travel Blog Nominations
Anonymous commented about Best Single Author Travel Blog Nominations, On Monday December 22nd, 2008 09:38:00 PM
HI Mr. Andy,
You might find this traveller interesting. "Tioga and George" is the site. He is somewhat my inspiration for the Uhaul conversion Im working on also.
Mr. George a kindly old gent of 71, that beat cancer about 6 years ago. Been travelling ever since. He more or less chases the climate, beaches and the occasional Ford dealership for repairs down thru Mexico.
Merry Christmas Farmboy
Conrbread
Comment About Best Single Author Travel Blog Nominations
Anonymous commented about Fear of Facebook.com, On Monday December 22nd, 2008 09:24:00 PM
Hi Mr. Andy,
Hope all is well at "homefront". Curious thing you mentioned skype. Ive been having troubles lately also with little popups and folks in China that I dont know from Adam's housecat. I let my number subscription lapse just to see if that matters. It didnt. Crying Shame..Ive really enjoyed my 20 bucks a year phone cost.
Ive been thinking about a little gadget called "Magic Jack" here in the states. It sounds similar to skype but its hardware vs software and jacks into your phone and computer access. Near as I can tell from infomercial at least. Might be something worth looking into..its about the size of a matchbook.
Take care farmboy...Find a place with some Christmas lights and lots of families celebrating this weekend...F-U-N. hehe
Cornbread
Comment About Fear of Facebook.com
Anonymous commented about Walking Under a Rainbow, On Friday December 19th, 2008 04:48:00 PM
Certainly good things will happen. You are in the land of the Maya, volcanoes, hippies, and rancheros. Guatemala is one of the sweet spots on earth. Enjoy it.
Comment About Walking Under a Rainbow
Anonymous commented about Who is a Charapa, On Monday December 15th, 2008 03:52:00 PM
ive never heard of charapa as being an insult. in fact, peruvians would call anybody from iquitos a "charapa" as they have nick names for the people from all the regions. you probably got asked if you were going to get yourself a "charapita" because those girls from the jungle are known very being very "caliente" if you get my drift!
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Anonymous commented about Chris Ate a Hotdog in Guatemala, On Saturday December 13th, 2008 08:04:00 AM
I'm pretty sure he ate exactly what it's called. Dead ground dog on a bun. Maybe some flies thrown in for flavor.
Comment About Chris Ate a Hotdog in Guatemala
Anonymous commented about Travel Insurance Fine Print, On Friday December 12th, 2008 01:33:00 PM
Think twice about health insurance. All insurance is about collecting premiums and then trying to avoid paying benefits. With something like life insurance, it's pretty hard to avoid paying, since it usually obvious whether the person is dead or not--not that this doesn't stop people from trying to cheat or the insurance companies from trying to detect cheaters. But health insurance is different. Insurance companies will do anything and everything to avoid reimbursing you, and if you are sick, you are in no position to fight them and the stress of fighting them will just make you sicker. What's more, you can very well be traveling around the world when involved in a bunch of lawsuits with insurance companies.
I think you'd be much better off spending the money doing some investigation now about high quality health care in Guatemala and other low-cost places. Go in and get a preventive check-up or two or three with different doctors. Get a feel for whether the doctor knows what he is doing. Once you find a good primary doctor, stick with him/her. Keep throwing him/her business (an annual physical) and then rely on him/her to refer you to specialists when you really get sick. I think this is a lot better use of your money than health insurance. Right now, for me, health insurance with a $5000 deductible would cost $100/month. So I'd be out $1200/year and still have to pay another $5000/year if I ever actually get sick! That could pay for a lot of high-quality care in the Guatemala. But don't wait until you are sick before looking for a doctor in Guatemala or elsewhere in the Third World, because who knows what you might end up with.
BTW, I suspect anything you write about third world health care is going to boost your search engine rankings and ads revenues. It's a big topic these days about the traveling set. I'm certainly interested. I've been without health insurance now for 15 years and I know that getting sick in the United States is a disaster, considering that a simple appendicitis can cost $25,000 and who knows what if the appendix ruptures or their are other complications.
Comment About Travel Insurance Fine Print
Anonymous commented about , On Thursday December 11th, 2008 05:24:00 AM
You said you are friend of Thailand. I dont think so. You should listen what Chuck said "First rule of Thai club= Never criticize in anyway the KING of Thailand" Keep that in your American mind.
Comment About
Anonymous commented about Taca First Class Upgrade, On Thursday December 11th, 2008 04:24:00 AM
"True American?". I thought that you are Caucasian. I didn't reaize that you're a Native American. Which tribe? It's unusual to find many people from the USA traveling, let alone Native Americans. Hats off to you, well done for breaking the stereotype.
Comment About Taca First Class Upgrade
Anonymous commented about Why Catholics Need Big Guns, On Wednesday December 10th, 2008 10:05:00 AM
Catholics are more passionate and volatile than the more sedate protestants (sweden vs. Sicily). Hence the big guns.
Comment About Why Catholics Need Big Guns
Anonymous commented about Just Say No to Vacation Blogs, On Tuesday December 9th, 2008 04:57:00 PM
Ok, no foul intended. Certainly didn't mean to make you feel or look stupid. But I do think you need to work on your condescension and angry attitude. May everything work out well for you.
Comment About Just Say No to Vacation Blogs
Anonymous commented about Taca Flight to Guatemala, On Monday December 8th, 2008 05:59:00 PM
It's tought to do a comparison right now because of Christmas coming up, but $230 from Chicago to Guatamala is nothing special on Taca, provided to you buy a copule weeks in advance. Like I said, this is Christmas and New Years season, so if we jump 2 weeks ahead we hit that, but if we go all the way to Jan 11 I can see $174 for a flight. Found it on Kayak (no, I'm not trying to pump their site and there are plenty others like it).
The real secret to low fares is very simple: buy a couple weeks ahead, be flexible on dates and use one of the fare comparison sites.
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Anonymous commented about Just Say No to Vacation Blogs, On Monday December 8th, 2008 11:52:00 AM
Look at your sitemeter. Your numbers are down. Why? Maybe the economy. But maybe that's an excuse. If you don't care about succeeding you very likely won't. Your readers are your bread and butter. Better give them what they want.
Comment About Just Say No to Vacation Blogs
Anonymous commented about Taca First Class Upgrade, On Monday December 8th, 2008 10:27:00 AM
Stevie
Hello Andy,
Good morning.
Just a quick hint for you just in case you dont already know.
Taca allows you to pick your seat on line 24 hrs. before your flight. I believe its at 12 midnight. This way you can get a bulkhead or exit row seat for your long flight.
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Anonymous commented about Mumbai Massacre, On Sunday December 7th, 2008 11:18:00 PM
"NGO's staying in 5 Star Hotel...." Reminds me of Paul Theroux's line: the rudest, least helpful people I ever met were the NGO workers in Africa in their white SUV's.
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Anonymous commented about Just Say No to Vacation Blogs, On Sunday December 7th, 2008 11:03:00 PM
"There is no hope of success for the person who repels people through a negative personality. Success comes through the application of POWER, and power is attained through the cooperative efforts of other people. A negative personality will not induce cooperation." Napolean Hill
You've got to stop with this condescending, "I'm better than everyone else, because I'm a true traveler" attitude. Seriously, its obnoxious. The pictures and text on vacation blogs are often better than travel blogs because the blogger is more passionate and excited about what they're doing. There's no substitute for passion in life.
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Anonymous commented about Mumbai Massacre, On Sunday December 7th, 2008 02:01:00 PM
You entirely miss the point...
NGO staff generally don't stay in 5-star hotels (although you'd be surprised how many in cities in the developing world offer "UN rates" that are 1/3 of what they charge everybody else), but they don't stay in bunkhouses either.
I'm glad you think my colleagues deserved to die. For such a supposed open-minded "traveler," you are surprisingly self-righteous and unable to view things from the perspectives of people whose life experiences differ from your own.
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Anonymous commented about Debtors Prison, On Sunday December 7th, 2008 10:57:00 AM
Re Travel Blog?
Here we go with the "Real Traveler" stuff again.
First off I think a traveler is a traveler and they all have the right to travel the way they wish. Some people stay in 5 star hotels, hire expensive multi-lingual guides, and leave after a week. They probably know more about the people and place than 99% of backpackers: most of whom, from my observation, spend the bulk of their time sitting around guest houses with other backpackers; drinking beer, watching movies in english, and playing computer games.
What I think is really sad is that so many people can travel a lot and never come to think, after all their experiences, with so many people, in so many places, that the world is made up of lots of different people, with lots of different ideas, and lots of different circumstances and lots and lots of different reasons for doing what they do. There is no "real" there just is.
As for your definition of "real traveler" I, like you, live on the road--full time. My home is where I happen to be, and I always feel like I'm leaving home when I move on. Right now I'm in a nice Thai neighborhood of Bangkok for a few months--sure as heck not near Khao San Road.
Just my opinion, we're all entitled to one.
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Anonymous commented about , On Sunday December 7th, 2008 05:23:00 AM
OMG, I recommend that you should not write anything if you do not know exactly about the situation. Dont you ever think why Thai people love their king so much? Do you what the King have done for his people? Have you ever seen other countries' kings dedicate all their lives like the king of Thailand? Please give him more respect.
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Anonymous commented about Mumbai Massacre, On Saturday December 6th, 2008 01:26:00 PM
I'm sorry, but I find your premise very offensive.
You are blaming the victims. Some people don't like to sleep in a flophouse. Some people are traveling on business and need to stay at certain hotels (when I travel for business I need to have a restaurant and other lobby meeting space to host clients--I can't stay in a $1/night hostel. I need wireless internet connectivity and good phone lines. I need to be located close to where I will be doing business--we all know how traffic in Mumbai or any other major city in the developing world can be. And moreover, my employer (an international NGO) has certain security policies that restrict where staff can stay--especially in the most volatile environments).
I've traveled the way you do, I spent much of my youth traveling that way. I've lived and worked in refugee camps, flown on UN flights into remote areas of Sudan and traveled by donkey cart to my destination. I know plenty about "blending in" and being inconspicuous. In my many years living and working overseas I have never been the victim of a crime, and while I do credit much of that to my ability to adopt local customs, maintain relationships with people in the communities in which I live and work and avoidance of the most dangerous situations I'm also smart enough to know that a large part of it is luck.
In the past 3 years I've lost more than 10 former colleagues--mostly in South Asia and Sudan--to terrorism. They were not dumb people. They weren't walking around with expensive cameras hanging from their necks. They weren't not "blending in." In fact most of them were nationals of the countries in which they worked--they couldn't have blended in any more.
Their crime was working for an American or European NGO.
It's obscene that you would pin the deaths of innocent people, on a business trip or vacation on themselves rather than on the perpetrators of the crime.
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Anonymous commented about Debtors Prison, On Saturday December 6th, 2008 10:00:00 AM
Uhh
I thought this was a travel blog?
Comment About Debtors Prison
Anonymous commented about Sciatic Nerve, On Thursday December 4th, 2008 06:43:00 PM
Andy
Be very cautious with your water intake. It is possible to drink too much water. This can upset the chemical balance in your body and make you very sick. A couple of years ago my doctor thought I was dehydrated (why I still don't know) he told me to "drink lots of water." I saw him every couple of days and he kept telling me to drink "more" water. I eventually ended up in the emergency ward. I was so delirious they thought I was psychotic. I was lucky there was one good doctor there who ran the proper tests.
If you do have sciatic nerve problems it will be very difficult to deal with. I have dealt with chronic pain for many years and it's a tough one, sometimes like living death. It will test you (and lot's of people will write you off as a whiner). The only thing I have found that helps (chronic pain) is to stay really healthy--gym, swim, diet. This has been the one bright star for me. Because being in really good shape lessens the pain, I am very motivated to stay in shape and this makes me feel really good in the times the pain is not present.
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Anonymous commented about Islam before Judaism, On Wednesday December 3rd, 2008 10:34:00 AM
What I was trying to say was that it doesn't matter that a Jewish guy and a Muslim girl are waiting at the counter. It doesn't mean anyone is going to blow anything up or there is going to be some controversy. Suggesting that it does means you have a skewed vision of Muslims, and of Israelis. They are people who are just as complicated and complex as anyone. So let them wait in line without painting some kind of weird terrorism picture on top of the situation.
And yes, I've been to the tourist atraction known as the Blue Mosque.
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Anonymous commented about , On Wednesday December 3rd, 2008 09:30:00 AM
Hi Andy,
Just want to say hello from Sturgis Michigan (I buy my beer in Orland) and work in the Real Estate business out of Fort Wayne. Just got back from a month in Thailand and Cambodia. I still have never made it to banglampoo. I had dinner with the King's nephew in Bangkok and in the villages with the farmers. I love that place and the always exciting politics. As a traveler I don't offer any opinions about yellow or red. I just say I wish America would export more salesmen and less soljours. They love that rap.
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Anonymous commented about , On Monday December 1st, 2008 04:18:00 PM
Sad, and hard to understand why the Thai people don't value and support stable government. Such events have been reoccuring for years now. Hard for me to believe that corrupt Indonesia would become a stable, prosperous democracy. While the hard working thais would let it all just slip away. Its a crazy world.
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Anonymous commented about No to SLR Single Len Reflex Camera, On Sunday November 30th, 2008 10:55:00 PM
Hmm. I just purchased a Canon XSi DSLR for an upcoming trip to Vietnam.
I went for the DSLR for the same reason that you want a new camera... our old camera had frustrated me too many times.
DSLR's have a MUCH quick start up time, and when you push the shutter release button you get the image you are looking at, not the image one second later.
To me those two major selling points make up for the bulk of a DSLR when you want to catch a 'quick draw' photo....
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Anonymous commented about The Sunrise Brings a New World, On Sunday November 30th, 2008 02:38:00 AM
Hi Mr. Andy,
You made me a believer, when I get my turtle shell up and on the road..Im tipping my Atlanta Braves cap to Indiana on the highway. Ill swear ever loving allegiance if they have a Waffle House serving cheese gritz,country fried ham,red-eyed gravy, and toast to sop it up with.
I wont make too much of a comment about your kin adopting a black baby boy. I will admit I raised it with several black co-workers ages 40 something to over 60.
Im from Georgia, Ive grown up with them, played, worked and worshipped with them. (For some reason most yankees forget where majority of blacks in this country live and WORK)..Their first question...what the hell?? Another..bleep Brad Pitt? Second question...Will he be Baptist...hehe.
I raised two of the best step-sons in the world..God only knows how many times I thanked him for those boys.
I dont know what motivated your kin to adopt outside the breed I surely pray it wastn a novelty thing.
If they cave into black big city sub-culture crap..Il save time and come kick their butts now. I even know a couple of black granddaddies that might come with me. Collard greens in hand of course... in about 9 months.
Bottom line..they damn well better find an identity for that boy that doesnt include being a black boy. Any fool that talks about learning HIS culture should be shot.
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Anonymous commented about Glad to Know Thai People Lie, On Sunday November 30th, 2008 02:35:00 AM
I was in Thailand in August. Yes, alot of people on the street lie. They tell you temples are closed, their meters are broken, etc. Unfortunately, it leaves a very bad impression of Thais.
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Anonymous commented about Deflation is Needed, On Saturday November 29th, 2008 10:34:00 PM
Everyone loves an early inflation. The effects at the beginning of inflation are all good. There is steepened money expansion, rising government spending, increased government budget deficits, booming stock markets, and spectacular general prosperity, all in the midst of temporarily stable prices. Everyone benefits, and no one pays. That is the early part of the cycle. In the later inflation, on the other hand, the effects are all bad. The government may steadily increase the money inflation in order to stave off the latter effects, but the latter effects patiently wait. In the terminal inflation, there is faltering prosperity, tightness of money, falling stock markets, rising taxes, still larger government deficits, and still roaring money expansion, now accompanied by soaring prices and ineffectiveness of all traditional remedies. Everyone pays and no one benefits. That is the full cycle of every inflation.
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Anonymous commented about Travel Readers Want Packing Video, On Thursday November 27th, 2008 05:10:00 PM
Hello Andy,
Happy Thanksgiving
Here is a link that your readers might get some good ideas from. It's about packing and traveling with a carry-on. This is the website that turned me on to the MEI Voyageur travel bag. http://www.onebag.com/
Keep up the good work
Tom the Okie
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Anonymous commented about Glad to Know Thai People Lie, On Wednesday November 26th, 2008 06:04:00 PM
Hi Andy - welcome back to the US! Have a great Thanksgiving.
Frank
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Anonymous commented about Glad to Know Thai People Lie, On Wednesday November 26th, 2008 02:38:00 PM
Not so sure he was lying Andy, maybe you got out just in time. Check the news...
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Anonymous commented about Brown Skin Become White Skin, On Wednesday November 26th, 2008 07:41:00 AM
But it's easy to advice others.The person who is suffering knows how hard survive with dark skin..So guys think before what you say.. :@
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Anonymous commented about Deflation is Needed, On Tuesday November 25th, 2008 01:17:00 PM
Is cash trash? Or is cash king? For investors the last 5 years cash has been trash; steadily losing purchasing power. Lately that's been reversed. But trillions have been pumped into the financial institutions by the world govt.s That easy money will sooner or later be reflected in prices. Once again making cash trash.
Fundamentally, I agree with you. The govt.s should let markets run their course and self-correct. But they never do and have shown no willingness to do so this time. Cash will be trash.
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Anonymous commented about Deflation is Needed, On Tuesday November 25th, 2008 11:00:00 AM
Just a response here to cornbread's assertion that the rest of the world has confidence in our system. Maybe so, maybe not. That's what the mainstream drive by media has been saying. I'm not convinced. Traders have been taking advantage of the fact that the yield on the dollar and yen have been close to zero for years. So, they take loans out in dollars and yen then reinvest it overseas where the yield has been much higher. The margin calls and deleveraging recently have forced many of these dollars and yen to come back home (repatriate). Driving up the value of both currencies while other currencies go down. Its not a long term trend in my opinion. No crystal ball, but I predict once this mess is straightened out (say about 2010) you'll see both the dollar and yen collapse. Especially the dollar because of America's massive debt load and trade imbalances. You will also see runaway inflation as commodity prices once again skyrocket. Keeping money in a dollar denominated bank account long term is riskier than most imagine. Definitely not a good plan for wealth preservation. At the very least consider keeping currency in a resource economy (ie Australia or Canadian dollars).
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Anonymous commented about 10 Days in the USA, On Monday November 24th, 2008 11:24:00 PM
Thailand is the young man's playground. The only wonder is that you didn't tire of it sooner.
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Anonymous commented about Deflation is Needed, On Monday November 24th, 2008 10:24:00 PM
Hi Mr. Andy.
Hellfire! Why all the doom and gloom? Depression?? That is so far from silly its pathetic.
If you want to get pissed, take a look at your alternative purchases from these PUBLIC traded companies.
Never mind the dollar...its a given the world ALWAYS looks to us for sanity in our spending. We ARE the market place. The problem is we are hesistating at the garbage coming at us.
WE ARE FINALLY GETTING FED UP.
Clearly, we are not getting value for our dollars. Nonetheless, the rest of the world still has most confidence in our system. We just simply have to wait for them retool and rethink...I for one need some decent polyisocyanurate insulation and FRP (fiberglass reinforced panels) AGAIN.
Nothing new here, same song different verse.
Take care farmboy
Cornbread.
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Anonymous commented about Deflation is Needed, On Monday November 24th, 2008 01:26:00 PM
Nothing would cause the gears of the economy to grind to a stop like deflation. Great for anyone with a pile of cash. Terrible for businesses or anyone else that regularly borrows money.
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Anonymous commented about Traveler Happiness is the Bed and Bus, On Saturday November 22nd, 2008 03:24:00 PM
Nomadic travel not possible unless a millionaire?? Hitchhike and camp takes no money at all. May not be your cup of tea, but anyone can travel as a cheap nomad if they decide to. No need to be wealthy.
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Anonymous commented about The Story of My Life, On Saturday November 22nd, 2008 03:21:00 PM
I say travel articles over travel diary. No reason to put a diary up on the web.
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Anonymous commented about The Story of My Life, On Saturday November 22nd, 2008 09:24:00 AM
Dear Andy,
All of your comments are wonderful and your the greatest thing since canned peachs. We love you and would never want to upset you. We all know you are very handsome since your pic is on the web. Please be happy!!!! Please turn these comments off since it also drives us crazy knowing we upset you.
Love,
Your number 1 fan. :-)
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Anonymous commented about After the Party go to Koh SiChang, On Saturday November 22nd, 2008 08:09:00 AM
Realize it, Andy: you are getting older and Khao Sarn rd (or Ko San Rd, how the Ko Samui freaks call it) is no longer where you should stay.
Even Bangkok is 99% freak-free. You just have to leave the freaks to realize it.
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Anonymous commented about Economic Sense and China Stimulus Package, On Thursday November 20th, 2008 04:51:00 PM
Well Andy, looks like you're right. The market crashed through its lows of both October but also 2002. So, it looks like we are set to see the dow sink to 6000's. Good call.
Comment About Economic Sense and China Stimulus Package
Anonymous commented about Mafia of Fake Monks Prey on Thailand Tourist, On Thursday November 20th, 2008 12:07:00 PM
A quick look at the so called fake monks is that they are from a
different tradition. The ones collecting money are dressed in the robes
commonly worn by the monks and nuns from buddha light international, a
mahayana worldwide movement from Taiwan. The monks and nuns of this sect
are mainly chinese and i would suspect that they have a least one and
maybe more monasterys in Thailand. Because they arent under the traditional
theravada sangha (thai)then maybe the laws associated to the sangha wouldnt
apply? And the common people wouldnt know who they are and wouldn;t
understand the different interpretations of the rules that the mahayana tradition
use. They may not be fake just different...
Comment About Mafia of Fake Monks Prey on Thailand Tourist
Anonymous commented about Mafia of Fake Monks Prey on Thailand Tourist, On Wednesday November 19th, 2008 04:29:00 PM
Boy, if you received a book on grammar from any of these Fake Monks, you really got gypped.
Comment About Mafia of Fake Monks Prey on Thailand Tourist
Anonymous commented about Mafia of Fake Monks Prey on Thailand Tourist, On Wednesday November 19th, 2008 06:39:00 AM
What the heck is the flap all about?? If you don't want to be "scammed" by "fake" monks, then just don't give them money!! Its as simple as that. They're just like any other beggars and you can decide whether or not to give them money - no one's holding a gun to your head! I don't see how it can be a major threat to tourism and a reason to get all hot around the collar. There are many, many worse things happening in Thailand than a few con artists begging for money. Get a life.
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Anonymous commented about Is YouTube.com Blocked in Thailand, On Wednesday November 19th, 2008 12:07:00 AM
YES Youtube is Blocked yet again in Thailand! As of today Nov 19th 2008!
I am an hour south of Bangkok and have a "High Speed" Connection with TOT.CRAP!!!
Comment About Is YouTube.com Blocked in Thailand
Anonymous commented about Thailand Tourist Industry 2008, On Monday November 17th, 2008 09:53:00 PM
Widespred scams aimed at first time tourists visiting Thailand.
PHOTOS of TOURIST MAFIA THAILAND
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29324583@N05/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21533131@N06/
Comment About Thailand Tourist Industry 2008
Anonymous commented about Mafia of Fake Monks Prey on Thailand Tourist, On Monday November 17th, 2008 09:46:00 PM
Add the Fake Monks to a long list of widespread scams aimed at first time tourists visiting Thailand.
The police are backing all these scammers.
Photos of TOURIST MAFIA here:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/21533131@N06/
http://www.flickr.com/photos/29324583@N05/
Comment About Mafia of Fake Monks Prey on Thailand Tourist
Anonymous commented about Mafia of Fake Monks Prey on Thailand Tourist, On Monday November 17th, 2008 07:24:00 AM
Hi Mr, Andy,
Great tip farmboy! Of course you are well aware of our versions on TV and such. One big glowing difference is, the entire world screams and hollers about those "damn scamming Christians", rather than seeing the scam artists for what they are. As you have here. You are bigger man than most, Charlie Brown.
Take Care.
Cornbread
Comment About Mafia of Fake Monks Prey on Thailand Tourist
Anonymous commented about American Flag on Thai Girl, On Sunday November 16th, 2008 10:58:00 AM
Last time I was traveling in the Philippines I had a Harley Davidson t-shirt with a USA flag. Most of the local thought it was cool and wanted me to give it to them.
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Anonymous commented about Khao San Road Vegetable Fruit Market, On Friday November 14th, 2008 03:14:00 PM
Andy, that's a nice looking market. Ever see any other backpackers shopping around? I don't get the idea of sleeping all morning either. The best people you meet, are likely to be met early in the morning. Not a lot of nice people out in the middle of the night.
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Anonymous commented about Deep Knee Bends as Travel Exercise, On Tuesday November 11th, 2008 07:03:00 AM
Andy try jumping rope for a little varitey to your arobic exorcises and it will get your heart rate up even if your pace is slow
Keep up the good work, Tom The Okie
Comment About Deep Knee Bends as Travel Exercise
Anonymous commented about Economic Sense and China Stimulus Package, On Monday November 10th, 2008 10:29:00 PM
This is very similar to the start of the great depression. First the housing bubble burst in 1927. Then in 1929 the stock market became wildly volatile; crashing then rebounding then crashing over and over again. Eventually all the air was let out of the markets. Then to borrow your phrase the ripples became waves as companies and banks became insolvent and construction dried up and unemployment began to rise. Perhaps, the chinese may save the day. But at what price to the rest of us? They aren't in the business of charity.
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Anonymous commented about Stopping Camera Condensation a Good Solution, On Monday November 10th, 2008 09:07:00 PM
Mira is such a pretty girl...
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Anonymous commented about , On Monday November 10th, 2008 02:39:00 PM
"[t]he stock market has not come down to historical levels: the price-earnings ratio as I define it in this book is still, at this writing [early 2008], in the mid-20s, far higher than the historical average. … People still place too much confidence in the markets and have too strong a belief that paying attention to the gyrations in their investments will someday make them rich, and so they do not make conservative preparations for possible bad outcomes." --Robert Schiller, Yale Professor. Sooner or later a correction is going to come. Real value of the DOW as of today ~ about 5000. Today's trading value~8600. That's bad voodoo.
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Anonymous commented about Stopping Camera Condensation a Good Solution, On Monday November 10th, 2008 09:52:00 AM
Wow, your anonymous friend barack obama's cousin sure is beautiful!!!
Comment About Stopping Camera Condensation a Good Solution
Anonymous commented about Michael Crichton Dies, On Sunday November 9th, 2008 05:29:00 AM
Hi Mr. Andy,
You are the first I've seen about this. I didn't know Michael Crichton passed. Broke my heart in a few respects.
"Andromeda Strain" a classic movie at the Drive-In that introduced him to me back in the 70's.
That was a rare jewel for sci-fi movies before Star Wars rip off.
Angels and prayers go with you farmboy.
Cornbread
Comment About Michael Crichton Dies
Anonymous commented about Do the Right Thing, On Saturday November 8th, 2008 04:28:00 PM
Thanks Andy, now that's a great example of good leadership. R Kipling has always been one of my critical inspirations, though I'ld never read that poem. I particularly liked the story he wrote about his son, Jack.
Comment About Do the Right Thing
Anonymous commented about , On Saturday November 8th, 2008 02:16:00 PM
I could not disagree more about the importance of leadership. Men emulate their leaders. The differences seen between the great countries and the failed states are a result of the different levels of leadership demonstrated throughout the ages. The US is great because we have had great leaders from Washington to Kennedy. The great leaders have encouraged and inspired ordinary men to reach for greatnesss. Please do not underestimate the role of leaders. Individualism only takes us so far.
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Anonymous commented about Turn Off the Air Conditioner When You Leave, On Friday November 7th, 2008 02:10:00 PM
HI Mr. Andy,
Sheesh!...Evidently Im the rare soul that thinks you should leave it on..as I do at home or traveling. You paid for it, whether it be 1 hour or 24.
Where did the idea come that they will jack up the price based on AC usage?
Do they count how many times you flush the toilet too?
I thought it was common knowledge it takes more energy to re-cool than to maintain it. Well, thats how we do it in the deep south at least.
A very interesting subject for me last few weeks working on my Uhaul turtle shell. The AC also biggest user of solar panels and batteries...not exactly knocking the Hoover Dam offline, but twill do.
Take care farmboy
Cornbread
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Anonymous commented about Tourist Caused Panic Attack, On Friday November 7th, 2008 12:02:00 PM
Well the jungles of Peru will get you off the tourist path. Personally, I'ld be a little worried of infectious tropical diseases. The central asian stan countries are remote, but apart from obnoxious bureaucracy not dangerous (not referring to afganistan or pakistan).
Comment About Tourist Caused Panic Attack
Anonymous commented about , On Friday November 7th, 2008 11:51:00 AM
Andy you have certainly misjudged the economy. I'm not trying to be doomsday. But even a downturn in income of 1% (as measured by GDP) could plunge the world into serious depression. 10% and it would be the end of civilization. You would be reduced to subsistence farming and hunting. There would no longer be any sort of global economy. Pray that never happens. How many billions of people would fail in their gardening efforts and starve or freeze to death? Seriously, people ought to be praying and doing everything in their power to cooperate and work together. Economies are more akin to pyramid schemes than 99% of the public realizes. They are based on continual growth. This is the first time since the great depression worldwide gdp growth has turned negative. The markets are nowhere near their bottoms. Pray that the world has good, skilled leadership to guide us through this crisis and that we all come out the other side. If we do, we could become the next "greatest generation" thanks to the hard lessons and character traits we are forced to learn by a global depression.
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Anonymous commented about Tourist Caused Panic Attack, On Thursday November 6th, 2008 05:06:00 PM
Sounds like you need to light out for the territories. Maybe one of the stan countries such as Kyrgistan or Kazakstan. Wouldn't see many tourists there. I hear the Tien Shan mountains are beautiful this time of year.
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Anonymous commented about , On Wednesday November 5th, 2008 10:53:00 AM
Reasons for Failure:INTOLERANCE. The person with a “closed” mind on any subject seldom gets ahead. Intolerance means that one has stopped acquiring knowledge. The most damaging forms of intolerance are those connected with religious, racial, and political differences of opinion. ---Napolean Hill (from Andy's website)
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Anonymous commented about , On Wednesday November 5th, 2008 09:55:00 AM
Andy, We have a choice: engage the Obama administration to run the country from the center and work to rebuild our economy or to try to tear him down. Which is it? Country first! The voters made a clear choice. Let’s put away the animosity and let’s concentrate of creating jobs and keeping our country safe.
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Anonymous commented about , On Tuesday November 4th, 2008 11:50:00 PM
Andy, United we stand, divided we fall! Remember we're all americans. The elections over, time to pull together.
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Anonymous commented about Why Air Conditioning in Hotels is Unhealthy, On Sunday November 2nd, 2008 03:17:00 PM
Andy, the picture of the fan in west africa made me curious. When are you going back to africa? I've been waiting a long time hoping it would be soon. In my mind, africa is about the last travel destination that is still interesting and more or less off the beaten path. In particular I dream of being able to check out the countries of southeast africa (tanzania, malawi, mozambique, etc).
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Anonymous commented about Up Tick Rule and the Stock Market Short Avalanche, On Friday October 24th, 2008 12:06:00 AM
Hello Andy, I just stumbled across your site while researching information on the New Rich from the awesome new book I just read The 4 Hour Work Week. I am planning now to free my mind and leave the Matrix. However, re: the Uptick article, I found this very interesting because I believe nothing just happens by chance to many people benefited from this act. I also think you and your readers would be very intrigued by events that happened under the watch of Bush Senior and cronies in 97-98. Check out this article titled; Hunting Asian Tigers: Washington and the 1997-98 Asia Shock
By F. William Engdahl
http://www.jahrbuch2000.studien-von-zeitfragen.net/Weltfinanz/Hedge_Funds/hedge_funds.html
This may explain what the hell is going on and possibly why. It is time for all Americans to Free their minds. We have officially become a debt slave nation.
Sincerely,
Morpheus
Comment About Up Tick Rule and the Stock Market Short Avalanche
Anonymous commented about The Reasons we have Money Problems, On Thursday October 23rd, 2008 08:06:00 AM
Once I built a railroad and made it run, run against time.
Once I built a railroad and now its done, Brother can you spare a dime?
Once I built a tower, up to the sun, brick, rivet and lime.
Once I built a tower and now its done, Brother can you spare a dime?
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Anonymous commented about Arthur Frommer 10 Myths of Travel, On Thursday October 23rd, 2008 03:29:00 AM
Arthur Frommer is a tool.
Comment About Arthur Frommer 10 Myths of Travel
Anonymous commented about The Reasons we have Money Problems, On Wednesday October 22nd, 2008 08:49:00 PM
Absolutely a great list. I would be wise to to try to implement those thoughts into my daily life to be sure. But I don't think the future of the world is guaranteed. I think we're on much shakier footing than many realize. This could turn nightmarish in a hurry. Those of us in the developed world may have enough food. A lot of the others may not. The world has become more complex, while leaders have become more incompetent.
Comment About The Reasons we have Money Problems
Anonymous commented about The Reasons we have Money Problems, On Wednesday October 22nd, 2008 03:15:00 PM
Andy, people will always fail from time to time. That is human nature. What is scary now are the consequences of failure. As institutions grow larger and larger the fallout from the inevitable failures grows ever more serious. To the point that its beginning to threaten the future of the world.
Comment About The Reasons we have Money Problems
Anonymous commented about Up Tick Rule and the Stock Market Short Avalanche, On Wednesday October 22nd, 2008 03:11:00 PM
Andy, a very interesting post. I will have to reread this several times to digest it all. But right now I want to point out that there is a temporary ban on shorting all financial stocks. You could still short oil and other commodoties if you wanted. I'm not convinced that revoking the uptick rule is the cause of this crisis. Determining cause and effect with any certainty is one of the most difficult things in the world (second to predicting the formation of a storm, either economic or meteorological). The challenge of either is determining the relative importance of all the different variables coming together and interacting.
Comment About Up Tick Rule and the Stock Market Short Avalanche
Anonymous commented about Iraq War Was Not a Mistake, On Sunday October 19th, 2008 10:18:00 PM
Hi Mr. Andy,
I never really thought about it before now. Are the folks you bump into in person, of the same ilk as you see here? I can imagine conversations, Lordy! Some of them would hold my attention for about as long as it took me to light up a cigar. Ild have to bring along my faded jean jacket as an ice breaker..hehe. I got it from Okinawa 30 years ago. Embroidered on the back, a caricature of a battle weary US Marine with a drunken grin, toting an M60. Its says, "Marines never die, they just go to hell and regroup".
A man that stands for nothing, will fall for anything.
I have an awful hard time finding what represents the moral center of some folks that respond to you.
Frankly, from my experience, they are usually dull as dishwater in a conversation anyway.
Take care farmboy
Cornbread.
Comment About Iraq War Was Not a Mistake
Anonymous commented about I Wished to Live Deliberately, On Friday October 17th, 2008 01:09:00 PM
Hi Andy
I see you have eventually travelled to Khao san road from Rangsit.
I have been reading your diary for the past two months with interest. I was waiting for you to return to Banglampoo and have finally caught up with you.
I have lived in the Tanee road area of Banglampoo for three years with my Thai wife and two children.
We have a travel agency and you are correct; it is a very competitive business and you can obtain a very good quote for flights in this area. Most travel agents, becaause of their close proximity to each other, only add 500 to 1000 baht to the price they pay to the airlines.
Yes, we are having our worst month(even though we have only been operating three months!!)
If you require a quote just pop in unannounced one day and ask for a price.
By the way, do you know the Cool Corner bar on Rambutri? My usual routine is to go there for a drink, read the Bangkok Post, and then have two meals for 30 baht outside the nearby 7/11. I love spicy food.
You will also know that tourist figures are way down. There are discounts on many hotels in the area(do you intend to stay in the Rangsit area and travel to Banglampoo daily?)
G Holland Canarytravelthailand.com please delete if necessary
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Anonymous commented about Iraq War Was Not a Mistake, On Thursday October 16th, 2008 02:33:00 PM
You can take a boy out of the country.....
Comment About Iraq War Was Not a Mistake
Anonymous commented about What would you do if you was a Millionaire, On Tuesday October 14th, 2008 06:07:00 PM
silly silly.
i have about Ł1,000,000 comming from my dad in a few years time when he passes on inheratence. to get arround inherritance tax which would take 40% of it! :O
He has 4 kinds so it will be quatered. i am 18 and loving live knowing i will soon be a millionaire and really dont have to worry about anyhting financial.
i wish you were al in my position but you really arn't. i already have arround Ł100,000 which i will be putting towards a flat. yes ia m in the UK but will be hiding my identity as my friends knowing would be bad. i already get CONSTANT requests for financial help.... sigh!!!
name : ??? ?????
loaction: glasgow
at university :D
Comment About What would you do if you was a Millionaire
Anonymous commented about Travel Insurance Paid in a Taxi, On Tuesday October 14th, 2008 03:23:00 PM
fine advice, I once had an older friend, now deceased, who talked to a few elderly taxi drivers, then selected the person who'd take him to his hotel, followed by a one day tour of the city.
Comment About Travel Insurance Paid in a Taxi
Anonymous commented about Hobo Predicts Monday Stock Market Drop, On Tuesday October 14th, 2008 09:02:00 AM
You are probbly very right about investing in your own company. You know your own ability better than you (or I) could ever understand the ability level of people running the large corporations. I invest because I have a fair amount of money (though not rich) and honestly because of I suppose laziness. Investing is easy and if done wisely lucrative.
Comment About Hobo Predicts Monday Stock Market Drop
Anonymous commented about Hobo Predicts Monday Stock Market Drop, On Monday October 13th, 2008 10:49:00 PM
Andy, one last follow up before I let this thread die. If you ever do decide to invest in stocks, buy the book "Security Analysis" by Benjamin Graham. Mr. Graham was the mentor to Warren Buffet and the man who taught Buffet most of what he knows about investing. The book was written in the 1930's and really explains in great detail the fundamentals of conservative investing. The key is to buy big companies with strong fundamentals during a crisis. Large companies will see their share prices battered but will likely not be allowed to fail (govt. will bail them out if needed). The only downside to the book is the cost. On amazon for about 50USD or more usually. But probably the best investment a person could ever make. I hope this advice may help you someday. You share info freely and your tips on CCleaner have really helped my computer run better.
Comment About Hobo Predicts Monday Stock Market Drop
Anonymous commented about I Need a Video How to Test Hotel Electricity, On Monday October 13th, 2008 02:25:00 PM
Hi Andy
I was in Nigeria in a hotel, they where running a genset. Normally I could use an old laptop with damaged accu by using netpower. For some days the engineer was ill and his assistant had to run the gens. They got it wrong: The frequency was out of spec. (to high) Result: The AC sopped hammering, and the bulbs where bright for burning. And the PC did not work at all. Thats not a case for Multimeter, they cannot check that.
By the way: I am a user of Opera browser and very unhappy, that I have to use this Microsoft one for seeing the verification here. Thats the same disturbing like wrong electricity.
God bless you on your travels.
Dieter
Comment About I Need a Video How to Test Hotel Electricity
Anonymous commented about I Need a Video How to Test Hotel Electricity, On Monday October 13th, 2008 06:45:00 AM
HI Mr Andy,
If you still in area with many university students, sounds like adults trying to maybe put a lid on how many toys can be used...hehe. Maybe they are limiting kilowatt hours used in a similar fashion to RV parks in USA. They might even go so far as to wire the entire room (light switches, a/c, all sockets) to one leg of hot wire. If the light dims with everything on..certainly not a good sign. The a/c compressor continually cycling on and off also not a good sign of stable voltage of course. There is also the possibility that you have proper voltage but are missing the third leg, ground wire. Dont believe a multimeter could detect that right off the bat. In that situation surges in the voltage being hit and miss only when lightning or everyone turning on a/c for instance. After seeing your pics of wiring spaghetti in some places, I would bet a missing ground wire being the biggest culprit. Especially since Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) dont exactly seem to be in voque. Im in somewhat the same pickle right now in my U-haul conversion.
Cornbread.
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Anonymous commented about Hobo Predicts Monday Stock Market Drop, On Saturday October 11th, 2008 01:49:00 PM
Andy, a follow up here from the poster who spoke of hedge funds. I'ld say your analysis is pretty good. The bottom is anyone's guess, but mine would be about the same as yours (6000's for the dow). During the great depression stocks went down 89%. I don't think its that bad this time, but think this will be the worst since the great depression. I've been buying quality financials. Not all at once, just a bit here then a bit there. Most people average about a 5% return on their investments over time (about the same as a fdic insured cd). Of course people who are smarter than average do better than average.
Comment About Hobo Predicts Monday Stock Market Drop
Anonymous commented about Hobo Predicts Monday Stock Market Drop, On Thursday October 9th, 2008 10:29:00 AM
Andy, the world stock markets will have to continue to go down as long as credit is frozen. This is forcing hedge funds (which operate solely on credit) to pull out of the markets. It the institutional investors who are driving the markets down, not the little individual investors. On the other hand, individual who have cash (are liquid) and aren't risk averse have the potential to really make a lot of money by buying low (right now).
Comment About Hobo Predicts Monday Stock Market Drop
Anonymous commented about Hobo Predicts Monday Stock Market Drop, On Tuesday October 7th, 2008 02:35:00 AM
Hi Mr. Andy,
Looks like you keep abreast of things while sitting in your corner of the world. Youre so right about the real estate situation. Im in my humble little house on a country acre here in Georgia. Not even a mile or so from me a whole subdivision started popping up with homes 100 times more than mine! I kid you not. Its ridiculous how it finally swept over us here the last 10 years or so. I can remember when we breached the $100,000 average just maybe 15 years ago. If my momma were still here, she would be saying "my stars and garters, look at them people living high on the hog..got no more sense than the good Lord gave a fence post." I appreciate her more everyday, preaching food, shelter and clothing and the rest is gravy. I grew up listening to DeBussey (Claire De lune) Beethoven (Moonlight Sonata) and a host of Christmas Carols from momma and her piano. Her one and only splurging pleasure her whole life. I was content with my favorite toy being a decent climbing tree.
Watching my piddly savings being whittled away now, Im thankful for my upbringing. Food, shelter and clothing, everything else is just gravy. I pray as much for others hurting now.
Take care farmboy
Cornbread
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Anonymous commented about Map a Budget Around the World, On Monday October 6th, 2008 07:13:00 AM
Hi Mr. Andy,
I definitely concur with compliments for the links. Sure does take alot of the guesswork out of plotting, planning, preparing. It does get a bit overwhelming in one regard though. I have an awful hard time filing all the info away for reference. Your footwork does most of it thankfully.
You are in unique position to do something else if I may ask. Nowhere can I find any worthwhile "reports from the field" regarding POV mode info (Personal Owned Vehicle). I just bought my old $1700 1989 14' U-haul Ford F-350. Thanks to a neighbor running a site (shadetreeconversions) hope to soon swap my Ford diesel for a tractor diesel common to the world. Perkins engines have about 7 parts and will go forever..hehe (As you probably are well aware of). Your comments on road conditions during your length stay, fuel access, impression of local mechanic abilities, etc. Any morsel would be great. Would also go a long way to making expensive 4X4 decision. You touched on these matters a bit with pics of a gas station in Thailand and of Africa. I truly believe you would be the only one on the planet providing such things in any fashion. A kind of Lewis and Clark without whats her name. Anyway, youve already done alot. Taught this old dog a new hobo mentality emphasising backpack living. Beyond that, my 14' box is largely a traveling outhouse. Ill have no windows so I reckon Ill paint on a crescent moon. Im sorry, these bones getting old and need routinely hot showers or baths, not to mention a reading throne...hehe. Appreciate your time and effort farmboy, take care.
Cornbread
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Anonymous commented about Making Backpack Patterns, On Monday October 6th, 2008 07:03:00 AM
Actually the Asus EEE is cheaper, and comes in Windows XP. However it wouldn't suit you because it can't run programs such as Photoshop, which is what it looks like you're running on your laptop.
Comment About Making Backpack Patterns
Anonymous commented about I Live a Natural Lifestyle, On Sunday October 5th, 2008 05:21:00 PM
Hi Mr, Andy,
Atta boy! I feel your pain..hehe. Me, being divorced..If not for cup O Noodles, bologna, hotdogs and fried catfish..I would have starved to death my first few years. Well.. you know catfish is still on the menu, but bread and the rest is out. The sleeping part though, thats a whole nother story in itself. I wonder sometimes if maybe aliens are zapping me to take me up to a mothership. Then other days I go nonstop almost for two days. I live alone, but on occassion a lady friend would complain. I can usually get them out of my hair with one statement after that. "Sugar, I drink milk from the jug too."
Its fun being alive and watching folks sometimes...hehe.
Take care farmboy.
Cornbread
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Anonymous commented about Japanese School Children with Backpacks, On Sunday October 5th, 2008 04:38:00 PM
Hi Mr. Andy,
Yep..looks like the same old Japan.
I noticed the peace sign is still among them. Have you been swarmed yet on a train or bus or street corner? I mean while standing there minding your own business, do 10 or 15 uniformed little crumbkickers huddle around you? Tends to make you feel like a celebrity with a bunch of little smiling faces looking up at you. I always felt a little guilty for not saying some thing wise or brilliant other than HI baby girl or HI sport model.
The thing is, they genuinely seem so glad to see you. Then poof, the two fingers...hehe.
Take care farmboy
Cornbread
Comment About Japanese School Children with Backpacks
Anonymous commented about Palin versus Biden Debate, On Friday October 3rd, 2008 01:05:00 AM
I like my neighbor, le's call him Joe He brings a six pack when he comes over for Sunday football. He's got brains, he can talk politics, tell a joke and is a geat father to his 2 kids. Would i want him to be President of the most powerful country in the world No f---ing way!
Comment About Palin versus Biden Debate
Anonymous commented about Surfing Site with Adblock.org Plus, On Thursday October 2nd, 2008 03:39:00 PM
Luckily these ads will one day disappear thanks to Adblock, just like the pop up ads did. I understand you make your money from ads, but don't you feel like you sold out to the "man". You lose some creative control on what you can write. Google does dictate certain guidelines. I've never tried Adblock but it sounds like a good idea and thanks for the link. I do surf some sites that have banned ads altogether and find them a delight without all the clutter. But I guess you need the ads to survive and travel. So its a blessing for you.
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Anonymous commented about The State of the Union Message, On Wednesday October 1st, 2008 12:17:00 PM
"Be very scared when all others are being greedy. Be very greedy when others are scared" --Warren Buffet
Now is the time to move in and go bargain hunting. People are scared witless. Fannie Mae stock worth $1000USD last year is worth $2.00USD today. Bargains I say.
Comment About The State of the Union Message
Anonymous commented about Time for Hobo to Buy a Sailboat, On Wednesday October 1st, 2008 12:13:00 PM
Andy, the gulf coast of Texas is actually a very good place to find affordable used sailboats. From there you could sail down the coast of Mexico and into the Carribean. Get tired of that and then sail over to the Mediterranean. It would certainly beat Asia.
Comment About Time for Hobo to Buy a Sailboat
Anonymous commented about The State of the Union Message, On Wednesday October 1st, 2008 10:46:00 AM
Andy,
You sound like you are getting cocky these days. You might be outside the USA, but you are definitely a player in the US economy. I don't think the citizens of the USA are clueless of how we fit in the global economy. We did save for a rainy day and they gambled with our saving. Gambled with our pensions. Sure a lot of us had our eggs in one baskets. Do you? I'm surfing your site without ads using "adblock plus". We are also on the inside looking out. Keep up your trash talking and maybe the door will close on you!
Comment About The State of the Union Message
Anonymous commented about Governments Need Music Internet Mobile Phones, On Tuesday September 30th, 2008 03:25:00 PM
Hehehehe, "Let them eat cake" a famous quote...
I saw an interview with a young snotty trader standing outside the Stock Exchange he said(in a thick NY accent), "I don't understand what the problem is: they got the money, we need the money, give it to us".
Well THAT'S the problem, his attitude speaks volumes.
I'd let them starve for awhile.
Hoz
Comment About Governments Need Music Internet Mobile Phones
Anonymous commented about The Lotus is the Travelers Flower, On Monday September 29th, 2008 03:28:00 PM
This is a Lotus Flower.., your picture is a Lily Water. Just like me, some people prefer to name it as lotus..
http://tigorpanggabean.multiply.com/photos/album/37/Fairy_House#3
http://tigorpanggabean.multiply.com/photos/album/44/Lotus_Flower_and_some_pics_from_yard
thanks for nice & informative blog.
Comment About The Lotus is the Travelers Flower
Anonymous commented about Hotel California Seoul Korea, On Monday September 29th, 2008 07:44:00 AM
Thanks for the very vivid discription of Korea.....I knew I didn't want to go there and now I really know! Gee, does this mean I can finally learn from the experiences other people have??? WOW! Thank you Andy.....thank you.
Sharon
Comment About Hotel California Seoul Korea
Anonymous commented about Korea Been There Done That, On Monday September 29th, 2008 02:35:00 AM
did u notice u abide in a scary place:
http://www.who-sucks.com/people/the-exciting-world-of-south-korean-protests
Comment About Korea Been There Done That
Anonymous commented about MEI Voyageur a Great Travel Bag, On Saturday September 27th, 2008 03:38:00 PM
I bought this bag from the people at the address you have listed http://www.meipacks.com/ about 1.5 years ago. Great bag, traveled 5 weeks with it, held everything i needed. Great construction, strong bag.
Comment About MEI Voyageur a Great Travel Bag
Anonymous commented about MEI Voyageur a Great Travel Bag, On Friday September 26th, 2008 08:16:00 AM
i luv my bach (overland)
Comment About MEI Voyageur a Great Travel Bag
Anonymous commented about National Geographic Earth Explorer Backpack, On Thursday September 25th, 2008 07:06:00 AM
it's not authentic,right?!?!
Comment About National Geographic Earth Explorer Backpack
Anonymous commented about Age 52 My Best Compliment, On Tuesday September 23rd, 2008 09:36:00 AM
Hi Andy, I have just discovered your site and Im very impressed at the amount of information available and inspired by the way you live your life.
I am a doctor in the UK and have always wanted to travel more. However, my work can be a barrier so maybe I need to do something different!
Enjoy
Paul
Comment About Age 52 My Best Compliment
Anonymous commented about Age 52 My Best Compliment, On Monday September 22nd, 2008 10:12:00 AM
Hi Mr. Andy,
The ramblings of our modern liberals and self described scholars just tickle me to no end.
"Males with HPD usually present problems of identity crisis, disturbed relationships, and lack of impulse control."
Hellfire!, I dont know about you, but at first I took offense wondering if he called you a bed wetter or something.
The rest that followed is typical uppity liberal nonsense trying to prop up the first statement. Its what we call going the long way around your butt, to get to your elbow. They do it alot. Basically just foot stomping that their cookie cutter universe doesnt exist anywhere except their scribblings. You know, the universe where lions are downright socialable to lambs.
When I hear such things, I think of calluses. I mean literally and metaphorically. YOu being a old farmboy and world traveler know both. IN a word its called ..experience. I doubt as much with the Boston prof.
Frankly, it appears to me that the learned prof might be a smidgeon jealous Mr, Andy. Maybe even his ego a bit bruised. The thought of a world traveling farmboy possibly knowing a thing or two...ooh Lordy!
Comment About Age 52 My Best Compliment
Anonymous commented about Age 52 My Best Compliment, On Sunday September 21st, 2008 08:11:00 PM
Andy, I hope you don't take comments like that too seriously. That description of HPD is about as generic as the average chinese fortune cookie. Could describe most any male on the planet to some extent. Some of its impossible to refute "emotionally immature (although they believe the exact opposite)"; talk about damned if do, damned if you don't. You can be a little mean at times, so I guess you have to expect such comments occasionally. Anyhow get out and enjoy Korea. Walk in the hills and visit the hotsprings. A very safe, beautiful country. Have fun.
Comment About Age 52 My Best Compliment
Anonymous commented about Where to go with Languages, On Sunday September 21st, 2008 06:22:00 PM
Hello Andy,
Your comments about language diffacultys brought back memorys of my little trip to China. I was incountry almost a week and felt (knew)I was over my head. I was in Yangsho a tourist spot. I went for lunch when approched by a young woman that says she wanted to practice her english and could she sit and visit with me. To say the least I was very leary of her but curieus to hear her story. Well she was having hard time of it lost her job blah blah and all that. Anyway in 15 minutes she had started crying and proposed to me.
I told her no on her perposal but I was bored and lonely so I asked if she wanted to visit some more the next day. I hired her as a translator. She was a teacher of Polical scince. She realy was trying to improve her English. She carried 2 worn dictionarys around every where she went. We talked most of the day. I wrote out a contract stating I would not marry her. And asked her to read it too me. At the end of my trip I paid her what she made as a teacher for 6 months. $300 for 41 days of travel. plus her exspenses. That did double almost everything. She was worth every penny. I was worried about hepatites but wanted to try the local foods. She knew what it was and said she didn't want it either. She taught me how to check out food venders. She had 3 rules to look for. Clean hands, using hot water and not a dusty enviroment. Even the good street venders can have hot water. if she had any doughts she would walk back in the kitchen and have a look. Many time she would come out and say lets go no good. With the cook holloring who knows what at her.
She saved my trip. Turned it into a fun learning experiance. She saved money on rooms and food. Kept me safe never got the travelers diearea . The best cleanest largest room we had was 7 dollors a night. we didnt like where we were staying. So walking around a city park she started talking to some old women and they told her about a place where the family had a 5 room hotel. Hot water, Clean sheets, cabule TV, aircon.
I will admit she tried her best to show me how good of a wife she could be. I would have been tempted if she didnt have a 4yr old son. She was a good travel partner. She opened up to me about her life. She knew nothing about travel. That was good for me cause I chose where we went. The only problem I had with her and that was easy to live with. Like all women she liked to sleep longer than I do. So I just went to internet cafe or coffe thats befor I discoverd the joys of traveling with the heater coil from your tips. Gave me my needed alone time as well.
What do you think? Could that be applied where you seek out some one as a travel partner? To help with language. Someone that is already in the busness would be too exspensive.
She had a great time. I got to interact with many locals. Tried food I would have never tried on my own.
Keep up the good work. Tom the Okie. Now in Cebu cause language is easy.
Comment About Where to go with Languages
Anonymous commented about South Korea City Tourist, On Sunday September 21st, 2008 10:26:00 AM
How is South Korea? expensive? big?
My brother has a travel website called www.davidsbeenhere.com, what he does is he travels to different destinations and he promotes nightlifes, sights, activities and hotels. He is leaving now in Oct to Japan, China, Vietnam and Thailand. He told me he is having trouble getting filming permits for China and might end up going to South Korea.
Can you give me some advise about SK?
Dennis
Comment About South Korea City Tourist
Anonymous commented about Live and Left Live Policy, On Saturday September 20th, 2008 08:21:00 AM
Hi Andy, I totally agree with you on how we each create our own life circumstance. The older I get the more I am aware of just how much we Americans seem to feel "entitled" and with that comes "victimized" should something not go our way. I am astonished by this. I was having dinner with friends last week and the oil crisis was brought up, one of the most political aware women of my group had an "us against them" comment. It amazed me that someone so intelligent could have such a childish take of the world view. This is all making me become a better listener, ha ha, because I cannot even comment on the BS! I know everyone is going to see it the way they see it so I just keep my mouth shut. I also feel judgemental about it because I think, "WHAT AN IDIOT!" Maybe I just need to make new friends who see everything the way I do. HA HA
Do anybody else fee this way? Sharon
Comment About Live and Left Live Policy
Anonymous commented about The Fundamentals of the Economy are Sound, On Friday September 19th, 2008 02:44:00 PM
My favorite news headline of the day: "The Transformation of the USA into the USSRA (United States Socialist Republic of America) Continues at Full Speed".
Comment About The Fundamentals of the Economy are Sound
Anonymous commented about The Fundamentals of the Economy are Sound, On Friday September 19th, 2008 01:07:00 PM
Fundamentals strong?? I don't know. Studying history suggests depressions are caused by 1. Massive overspeculation 2. Failure of govt. to take decisive steps to prevent economic collapse.
We certainly had massive overspeculation. Hopefully the announcement(huse bailout) by Bush and Hank Paulson will prevent the 2nd part. Supposed to be the biggest US socialism move since FDR's new deal. I know some conservatives will hate the idea, but I think Bush has done ok this time around and may prevent full on economic disaster.
Comment About The Fundamentals of the Economy are Sound
Anonymous commented about CouchSurfing.Com, On Friday September 19th, 2008 12:54:00 PM
Not sure about "couch surfed 6 months statement". Take a look at the pictures from loren's trip to Russia. Those are some seriously hot girls he met and stayed with over there. If thats the cost of couch surfing sign me up.
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Anonymous commented about My Instinctual Feel on the Economy of USA, On Wednesday September 17th, 2008 03:48:00 PM
see the whole thing is a world full of rucksack wanderers, Dharma Bums refusing to subscribe to the general demand that they consume production and therefore have to work for the privilege of consuming, all that crap they didn’t really want anyway such as refrigerators, TV sets, cars, …all of them imprisoned in a system of work, produce, consume, work, produce, consume, I see a vision of a great rucksack revolution thousands or even millions of young Americans wandering around with rucksacks, going up to mountains to pray, making children laugh and old men glad, making young girls happy and old girls happier, all of ‘em Zen Lunatics who go about writing poems that happen to appear in their heads for no reason.
Comment About My Instinctual Feel on the Economy of USA
Anonymous commented about Question for Readers on South Korea, On Wednesday September 17th, 2008 01:03:00 PM
No experience with Korea, but I like the limp wristed tourist line. I'll have to remember that one and shamelessly appropiate it as my own. Good luck.
Comment About Question for Readers on South Korea
Anonymous commented about Burning Paper in Taiwan, On Wednesday September 17th, 2008 04:44:00 AM
Prayers? The smoke carries them to heaven.
Comment About Burning Paper in Taiwan
Anonymous commented about Sompopos, On Wednesday September 17th, 2008 12:51:00 AM
When I was a boy I spent several summers in Guatemala, and one of the tastiest snacks my aunt would make was fried sompopos. They tasted a lot like little bits of well done bacon to me.
Comment About Sompopos
Anonymous commented about Making Friends in Taiwan Hostel, On Tuesday September 16th, 2008 10:30:00 PM
Taiwanese are really nice but just a bit shy, but depends on the area as well, there are plenty of places to hangout. Most people are also coming for teaching English..if you ever have chance, pls come to Hualien, at least LP claims "Taroko Gorge" is a place most worthy to see. And maybe we can have a tea together.
Comment About Making Friends in Taiwan Hostel
Anonymous commented about Crossloop.com Screen Sharing, On Tuesday September 16th, 2008 06:36:00 PM
Hi Mr. Andy.
Lordy! I had no idea it took so much software resources to publish a blog. I agree with CCleaner, been using it for quite a while. I also suggest you take a look at a site called TweakXP.com. Its makes interesting reading out of understanding some of Windows XP. Its also great at tips for rescueing RAM, harddrive, CPU resources, not to mention the many security issues. Its basically a blog site with many experts and laymen lending experience and knowledge.
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Anonymous commented about CouchSurfing.Com, On Tuesday September 16th, 2008 06:13:00 PM
Hi Mr. Andy,
Sounds like you would be a hoot just to follow and watch your reactions..hehe. Honestly though, I can sympathize a bit. Having the honor to wear the uniform of my country in a few foreign lands, I can testify to having to bite my lip on several occasions. Sometimes not very successfully. Then again there were times when I was certain trouble was brewing and was completely wrong. Once in Austrailia I wandered away from the beaten path. Found a quiet little bar and struck up a conversation with the barkeep. My spider sense went off when I noticed through conrner of my eye a gaggle of guys dressed like something from a Mad Max movie. Evidently they heard me talking and one came up to me. I was locked and loaded mentally for what I thought was coming. The Aussie just asked Hey yank you know how to play the spoons? I looked over his shoulder and saw one of the others knee slapping to a beat. Being born and bred southern Georgia...hehe, I told him Hell yeah!, nothing like a good old fashioned hambone session. They also got a laugh and knew immediately my reasons, when I asked them not to call me yank..(shudder). Maybe watching too much of the Three Stooges or Tom and Jerry had too much influence on my sense of humor.
Take care farmboy
Comment About CouchSurfing.Com
Anonymous commented about Less Glitter and More Gold Today in World, On Monday September 15th, 2008 10:12:00 PM
Bad, bad news on wall street today. Nouriel Roubini, an Iranian Jew (now US citizen), and one of the brightest economic minds I am familiar with Is predicting US headed not for recession but depression. Worth noting because he is one of the few who have predicted our economic mess up to this point. A year ago others saying things were fine; he was voice in wilderness saying no they weren't. So, now I am believing the voice in the wilderness. He is Predicting hundreds of banks across US will fail and collapse before this is over, and that home prices will fall 40%. It looks like travel may be a forgotten luxury before long. I suppose I'll still load up a rucksack and just take off walking if I have to. But affording plane travel and rail passes may be a thing of the past.
Comment About Less Glitter and More Gold Today in World
Anonymous commented about En-suite, On Monday September 15th, 2008 03:26:00 PM
Hi Mr. Andy,
Once at destinations, it seems the bathroom/shower situation is one of the bigger hurdles to jump. Not being able to take a cool or hot shower as needed, could even ruin a night at a Palace. Then there is the most humble of moments to consider. Maybe a good idea to find a private corner of the street nearby,just for emergency. Same as knowing all the exits in a building in case of fire, having spot picked out for when the stomache throws a tantrum.
Comment About En-suite
Anonymous commented about Making Friends in Taiwan Hostel, On Sunday September 14th, 2008 05:18:00 AM
I stayed at that hostel last winter. It's a good hostel and the owner was very helpful.
I met a few Taiwanese people in hostels outside of Taipei. They were traveling to Hualien for an exam. The Taiwanese are probably the friendliest people I've ever met.
Comment About Making Friends in Taiwan Hostel
Anonymous commented about Making Friends in Taiwan Hostel, On Sunday September 14th, 2008 01:36:00 AM
Hi Mr. Andy,
Must be something universally appealing about the atmosphere of a kitchen. Ild also include the ever popular back porch grill or BBQ. Of course those only if you cant have a campfire, cooking hotdogs and marshmallows, my menu choices at least.
In such a situation how ellaborate do travelers usually get in cooking meals? There must be an awful lot of swapping some of this for a little bit of that.
Take care farmboy
Conrbread
Comment About Making Friends in Taiwan Hostel
Anonymous commented about Growing Up as a Traveler, On Friday September 12th, 2008 01:03:00 PM
Andy said: "...it does not require money and opportunity to trvael, it requires less, you can take off and escape."
But how can you travel without money?
Comment About Growing Up as a Traveler
Anonymous commented about Growing Up as a Traveler, On Thursday September 11th, 2008 11:14:00 AM
"I remember when I thought one years travel was a lot, now I do not consider a person even on the road until they have been outside their country for at least three years."
So when you were traveling for 2 years, what was your criteria in determining whether or not they were on the road?
Andy - there are only a handful of people that can travel for extended periods (years), so why do those of us that have to hold down jobs, raise kids, etc. deserve to be arbitrarily classified by you?
Comment About Growing Up as a Traveler
Anonymous commented about Growing Up as a Traveler, On Wednesday September 10th, 2008 10:58:00 PM
Hi Mr. Andy,
You so right in how other bloggers represent travelling. I guess is a natural tendency to commercialize blogs of this nature in order to bring in the bucks.. Thats understandable. What I have a problem with is when it becomes nothing more than promoting their experience or local tourist industry. Your site is different in that its a fact finding mission. You put sensors out and are compiling a database.
I dont need decision making done for me or to be sold on the idea of travelling, I need current info, data, a lay of the land, so that I can make my own informed decisions. YOu do that in spades.
What I like is your sense of priorties. Food, Shelter and clothing at reasonable level of civility. Nothing glamorous or outlandishly wasteful. You establish a base line thats rational and for the most part stress free. Maybe there is something to be said for getting older and becoming grumpy...hehe. I also dont tolerate much these days. Currently my biggest peeve is common courtesy. I am not dude. or hey man! or chief. Clerks WILL address me as sir or Mr. or I speak to managers. A nice way to get a free meal at the local Hooters, by the way...hehe
Take care farmboy
Comment About Growing Up as a Traveler
Anonymous commented about Andy HoboTraveler.com has Blogged 4000 Times, On Wednesday September 10th, 2008 09:55:00 PM
Hi Mr. Andy,
Congratulations. In the blog world is this something of a milestone?
Now enough celebrating get busy on that bag..hehe.
I wonder if the internet can be thought of a kind of time capsule.
I know tons of my searches for info is always turning up old old articles, or antiquated advice and info. Travel advice with EMPHASIS.
Imagine you will have one helluva journal or memoires at the end of the road. I even get an idea that say 100 years from now could be a whole new area of archeology. Cyber mining, your site could be a world famous artifact one day. How is that for mindbending...hehe
Congratulations again farmboy
Cornbread.
Comment About Andy HoboTraveler.com has Blogged 4000 Times
Anonymous commented about Cooking Kit of Andy of HoboTraveler.com, On Wednesday September 10th, 2008 08:38:00 AM
Hi Mr. Andy,
NIce little video. My ears perked up about the electric shock. I couldnt really tell,but seemed no third prong on electric cord for ground. Is that typical?
If so, I believe I need to read up on my laptop safety issues.
Watching this video reminded me of something. Maybe you have sisters old enough to remember something called Suzie Homemaker Oven, Suzie Bake Oven or something like that. This might seem oddball..hehe. I swear I remember my sister making some of the best brownies or little cakes you ever tasted in one of those things. It was just basically a little metal box using a 100 watt bulb or maybe more to bake. Sure enough would have a complete gourmet kitchen then...hehe
Take Care Farmboy.
Comment About Cooking Kit of Andy of HoboTraveler.com
Anonymous commented about The Ten Minute YouTube Attention Span, On Wednesday September 10th, 2008 07:50:00 AM
Name them both the exact same thing except add pt 1 and pt 2. That way they will be listed next to each other on YT
Comment About The Ten Minute YouTube Attention Span
Anonymous commented about Where do Tourist Go, On Tuesday September 9th, 2008 08:23:00 PM
Hi Mr. Andy,
I think maybe Im looking at it a bit different. The current internet cities offering is 15000 cities. Figuring in the HoboHidOut.com Effect, the difference, or the change, or the hopeful offering will be... 6500000 - 15000 = 6485000 (increase in outcome). Then it becomes 6485000 is what percent of the original 15000.
6485000 = 15000(x)
6485000/15000 = X
x=432.333 times increase or 43,233.3% increase in number of cities. Ild say HoboHideOut would have some bragging rights for sure.
Currently, using your figures the 1500 represent less than a quarter of 1 percent.
You reckon Lonely Planet may be looking over it shoulder soon?
Cornbread
Comment About Where do Tourist Go
Anonymous commented about Ripstop Fabric for Traveler Bags, On Tuesday September 9th, 2008 01:12:00 PM
HI Mr. Andy,
Ive been meandering around the links you gave for materials and various bags. There's a whole universe of bags out there. Just out of curiousity I chased the links for biggest concensus of quality packs. As you point out regularly, the Artful Dodgers are well schooled in recognizing telltale signs of opportunity for booty.
The crosshatch pattern could possibly be one such sign.
McHales packs for example.
http://www.mchalepacks.com/
They also have a very interesting page on the pitfalls of manufacturing and construction of bags overseas. As if written by the illustrious Hobo himself..hehe.
An extremely simple feature you may find interesting is the "daisy chain" method of attaching other bags in almost any conceavable arrangement. Maybe not too practical, but I marveled at its function and simplicity.
A side note, I was sidetracked by boots and footwear of similar pathetic manufacturing pitfalls. Definite signs that consumers are revolting at all the garbage being thrown at us from China. Expecially when some brands over 100 years old made in USA were once reknowned for quality. Somehting else more or less confirmed my thoughts on manufacturing. Some things such as boots were USA materials, but also used Poland or other eastern europe manufacturing. Zero loss of quality, while lower production cost. Almost a bait and switch dirty tactic now with lesser materials, lesser quality of production and pisspoor performance.
Comment About Ripstop Fabric for Traveler Bags
Anonymous commented about Ripstop Fabric for Traveler Bags, On Monday September 8th, 2008 06:59:00 PM
My gut feeling is regular ripstop nylon will prove too light and delicate for a bag. Though it has stop threads the whole fabric will wear, creating holes.
The Spectra fabric you have is good, but cordura would also make a good bag. Though other weights are available, 500 denier is usually used for this type of application.
For a weight savings you may want to look at "packcloth". It comes coated and uncoated and is usually lighter weight than 500 cordura.
here's some links for reference:
http://www.questoutfitters.com/index.html
http://www.owfinc.com/
hoz
Comment About Ripstop Fabric for Traveler Bags
Anonymous commented about Outside the 20 Foods We Eat, On Monday September 8th, 2008 05:55:00 PM
It looks to me like the fruit in the second photo is Guava and the fruits in the third photo are lanzones. (very tasty)
Comment About Outside the 20 Foods We Eat
Anonymous commented about Ripstop Fabric for Traveler Bags, On Monday September 8th, 2008 11:14:00 AM
I assume you're actually using Spectra Grid fabric for your pack, and not full Spectra. So, only the outlined white threads on your pack are Spectra - the remainder is regular nylon - usually 210HT but can be higher. And because the white threads are Spectra, they are very resistand to tearing - hence the term, ripstop. The nylon in between these threads will tear/puncture relatively easy.
I ask for clarification, because pure Spectra fabric is very expensive - making your pack cost between $400-600 US. Is that the direction you're going?
Comment About Ripstop Fabric for Traveler Bags
Anonymous commented about Outside the 20 Foods We Eat, On Sunday September 7th, 2008 12:48:00 AM
Hi Mr. Andy,
You going to be in Taiwan soon with the subject of nutrition on your mind. You might be interested in looking up Spirulina and Chlorella. They are still fairly new on the radar screen but so far being called superfoods. Spirulina for one thing, a plant that is over 60% protein. I like it so far the last 3 or 4 months.
Comment About Outside the 20 Foods We Eat
Anonymous commented about The Word Backpack is a Problem, On Saturday September 6th, 2008 08:37:00 AM
Hi Mr. Andy,
Today's blog is an example of why Ive become a daily reader. Ive racked my brain trying to figure out scenarios needing a stout bag. I was stymied, but knew it had to be from the outdoors breed. I just kept getting stuck with military, hunting or rescue workers and such. Never even dawned on me there existed specialty scuba gear bags. Atta boy Mr. Andy!
Take care farmboy.
Comment About The Word Backpack is a Problem
Anonymous commented about The Lotus is the Travelers Flower, On Saturday September 6th, 2008 06:13:00 AM
When we were in the Bin Than market in Saigon we saw many posters and plaques with this TinTin guy. I hadnever heard of him. Thanks for the explanation!
Comment About The Lotus is the Travelers Flower
Anonymous commented about Help the Homeless Vagabond in Brooklyn New York, On Friday September 5th, 2008 08:00:00 PM
HI Mr. Andy,
Remember growing up watching movies and TV? It was almost as Americana as apple pie and baseball to see a kindly old widow lady running boarding houses/hostels. It seemed to be common in all corners of the US of A at one time. Chicken and dumplings on the supper table for the guests must have been a rule. Westerns were full of them as in John Wayne's "True Grit". Even Sc-Fi had them as "The Day the Earth Stood Still" in downtown Washingotn, D.C. if you can imagine. I cant count how many movies Ive seen where somebody's husband has stomped off to the YMCA for a cheap room. Remember deputy Barney Fife on the "Andy Griffith Show" actually counting electricty watts? Didnt want his landlady to know he was cooking in the room. Crying shame such places are hard to come by nowadays. One suggestion for Wade, is to hook up with some construction crews and ask around. Ive worked with a bunch in just about every trade you can imagine. They often travel around and know spots for some pretty good living at reasonable costs and no silly lease.
Cornbread
Comment About Help the Homeless Vagabond in Brooklyn New York
Anonymous commented about Backpack Tailor, On Thursday September 4th, 2008 02:28:00 PM
As I understand Spectra fabric comes only in that one color. Cordura comes in many colors.
hoz
Comment About Backpack Tailor
Anonymous commented about Labor Day USA, On Thursday September 4th, 2008 11:24:00 AM
Hi Mr. Andy,
My ooh My! you have hit a sore spot for me. Ford and GMC are in dire staits. Even our beloved aircraft industry to a degree. Always the poster children for beating up on unions and labor. Being a Ford truck man most of my life, I wondered why such piss poor quality that you can almost pinpoint to the year. I discovered someting interesting.
BMW...built in South Carolina
Mercedes Benz...built in Alabama.
Nissan ..built in Tennesee.
Toyota...built in Texas(nice trucks)
Honda...built in Alabama (they even protested in Japan when a main office moved to US..whew!)
Kia...built in Georgia (soon to be 300,000 a year..Lordy!)
AND we even export some of those makes to Europe and Asia with record sales.
The pathetic American big 3 auto companies are full of it. The foreign brands have the bragging rights in material and assembly quality with same pay and benefits as Big 3. Ive personally talked to german engineer (brake calipers for Mercedes at tool and die shop). They love the south because we resemble their traditional apprenticeship culture. (shadetree mechanics rule!). He drives a 67 Camaro and would get angry about our cars. He told me once. What the hell! you Americans made the best cars in the world, now you hire management, engineers and designers that dont like making cars. They crazy.
What galls me is no one complains about the American Bar Association, the American Medical Association, the Dentists, Insurance organizations, etc. These are nothing more than fancy unions or organizations of professional trades. The ones with usually force of law and government behind them. My favorite so called professional, the teachers. Ill never forget the day I visited stepsons high school. His science teacher wanted to visit NASA and go to the room where they can turn off gravity. Thats the gospel truth, her exact words. In case curious, definitely not another german..hehe.
Take care farmboy.
Comment About Labor Day USA
Anonymous commented about Backpack Tailor, On Thursday September 4th, 2008 08:48:00 AM
Hi Mr. Andy,
Cool Beans! Now that is what I call a bag. The material seems to be a pretty nice balance between durability, flexibility, portability. Im big on C&C (camouflage and concealment). The square boxes pattern are nice for that. They confuse the eyes, help break up recognizable contours or features. It even seems to uniquely collapse on itself to lessen the profile. To some it may be a plain Jane, but to me thats Double Kudos.
IM not at all familiar with the material, at least not by name. From my experience dealing with outdoors, whenever exposed to the elements the farther away from natural materials and into manmade there is eventually a point of lesser returns. As you say though, this is bag that has to handle abuse from people, planes,trains, and automobiles. Im extremely curious at wear test. One thought comes to mind. During my couple of years in fareast the tailors were A#1. It was popular for US troops to provide our own american made thread. Quality of seams was believed to be dependent on that. That was many years ago though, so Im curious how that works out. Im keeping my fingers crossed on the straps and zipper. As the saying goes, a lock only keeps an honest man out. I have a feeling your security features could be something of a trademark.
Congrats and good luck Hobo.
Comment About Backpack Tailor
Anonymous commented about Backpack Tailor, On Thursday September 4th, 2008 06:46:00 AM
Hi I like your idea of creating the ultimate backpack- but this does not look all that comfortable because: a. straps look thin and not well padded and perhaps not anatomically positioned to carry the weight of the bag most easily, it looks like the bag would be pullung down and out? b. because the bag is so long (or is this a tiny tailor?) can't imagine anything more uncomfortable then backpack knocking against the legs when walking. have you tried loading it and seeing how it feels?
Comment About Backpack Tailor
Anonymous commented about Backpack Tailor, On Thursday September 4th, 2008 04:34:00 AM
Lookin good Andy.
Will there be inner dividers or pockets?
A strong carry loop on the side? (More like a piece of luggage for an alternate carry method.)
I like Spectra fabric. Pretty tough stuff and yet not as heavy as cordura.
hoz
Comment About Backpack Tailor
Anonymous commented about Misanthropist Love Travel, On Wednesday September 3rd, 2008 01:51:00 PM
HI Mr. Andy,
Whew! Not exactly a word you will hear at the supper table. I had to study up on that one. From the little bit Ive read I would conclude on my own, the term roughly describes Ted Kaczynski types(aka Unabomber). Certainly not the footloose and fancy free, king of the road hobo.
What I read is apparently an occupational hazard of being an author. They were the examples cited almost exclusively that become befuddled, mind boggled and extremely exasperated with humankind. Curious lack of Kings of Industry or Wizards of Wallstreet or some such doer not dreamer.
Being a huge Star Trek fan, I hesitate to say a misanthrope would seem to be most comfortable in the make believe world back at Star Fleet Command. There is no more hunger or sickness, all species speak the same language, dress in uniform, have a common mission or goal, and a simple voice command to some omnipotent computer will meet every need. IN a nutshell I dont believe a traveling hobo misanthropist could live by his wits, dealing with the real world toe to toe Absolutley not to the degree of a hobo on lifelong expedition. Just seems a misanthrope would bust a gasket somewhere along the line.
I just had a thought!
Might misanthropist best describe TOURIST?? hehe.
Take care farmboy.
Comment About Misanthropist Love Travel
Anonymous commented about Misanthropist Love Travel, On Wednesday September 3rd, 2008 04:17:00 AM
An interesting thot, some Travelers hate people. And yet Mark Twain said
"Travel is fatal to prejudice,bigotry and narrow-mindedness."
All of which imply human interaction.
hoz
Comment About Misanthropist Love Travel
Anonymous commented about The University Travel Room Experiment, On Tuesday September 2nd, 2008 08:24:00 AM
HI Mr. Andy,
Recently Ive been revisiting my initial destination again. Reason being, the first jump will be mission oriented. Seeing dentist! My medical tourism searching and reading narrowed it down to Thailand, Costa Rica, Ukraine. The deciding factor seemed to be cost of living for what will probably be at least 2 months. Ukraine was somewhat more expensive for medical, but remember reading search results that included medical universities. I put it on the back burner and discovered your site. Interesting that you point out how Thailand quality of living improves near universities. Apparently same is true in Ukraine with medical curriculm being also largely in english. Perhaps a bonus to pick up a few bucks as tutor. They give cost of living figures but certainly not on trust level as the real time info you give here. It does seem you may be onto something though with university experiment.
Comment About The University Travel Room Experiment
Anonymous commented about The University Travel Room Experiment, On Monday September 1st, 2008 09:05:00 AM
Hi Mr. Andy,
Lordy! you continuely ping on things that annoy the hell out me with other sites and even TV programs. They forever chirping crap about...ooo a bargain hotel room at 125 smackers. Bargain?? I pay 400 a month mortgage with an acre of land, thinking Im still being robbed and cant wait to sell.
When I first ventured into the arena of traveling, I looked at Belize. What a con! Boasting about land being cheap in the 10's of thousands of dollars an acre. I can buy land all day long in US for less than 2000 an acre. Two hours from mountains or beaches...Sheeesh!
YOu the first site Ive seen that doesnt perpetuate or worsen some global stupidity of Americans paying anything. I salute you on behalf of even the idiots that follow behind you. No telling how many will get a honest deal because..Hobo was here X.
Comment About The University Travel Room Experiment
Anonymous commented about I Love my Backpacks and Gear, On Monday September 1st, 2008 08:15:00 AM
HI Mr. Andy,
Appreciate your words over my last blog response. Ive never been shy about picking someone's brains with obviously either more experience of more booklearning. The brainstorming you do is certainly out there for folks with enough gumption to take advantage of it.
You heading to Japan and Korea in a few days might provide an opportunity for you. Dont know how close your travels will bring you to any US Bases, but Japan is eatup with them, and of course near DMZ of Korea. Old duffel bags used to be pretty plentiful at pawn shops and such for cheap.
Pardon the link if it violates protocol.
http://www.sportsmansguide.com/
Ive been shopping here for years. Great to get ideas and great gear if careful not to buy the knockoffs rather than genuine McCoy. All kinds of surplus military.
My experience only covers older bag made of what looks like #4 Duck Canvas.
The newer one are made of some type nylon canvas. In any event, I suspect it would be more of an artist canvas for you to modify. THAT is what Im REALLY waiting to find out. hehe. Good luck farmboy.
Comment About I Love my Backpacks and Gear
Anonymous commented about The Backpack a Thieves Paradise, On Sunday August 31st, 2008 07:34:00 AM
HI Mr. Andy,
I do not think some folks quite understand the relationship you may have with your backpacks. Given how dependent you really are on them. I still have my old duffel bag after 30 years of faithful service. Its my luggage of choice even now for just playing tourist. Its the same mentality with tools or perhaps your favorite truck..hehe. A man becomes almost emotionally intimate with such things that serve him well. On the flipside when it turns out to be junk, its a feeling a betrayal or disloyalty. I do not understand why all the loud colors on backpacks. It even seems the cheaper the make, the louder it is. Matter of fact, I do not understand why anything to attract attention, to indicate many compartments or nooks for a thief to fantasize rummaging. After your years of being on the move, Its probably not quite the traditional meaning of packing that you do. Its more like putting things away.
Maybe you have seen those tool pouches that are unrolled and instant access to everything in pockets designed for specific tools. When done you put tools in place and roll up like a cinammon roll. Your main back pack seems similar to me. YOu open it only when you are at destination, then you open it like opening front door to your home, not like raiding the refridgerator. The front pack I would think to be the biggest problem child.
Comment About The Backpack a Thieves Paradise
Anonymous commented about My Love of Stereotypes, On Friday August 29th, 2008 10:51:00 PM
Hi Mr. Andy,
I think you being a bit too humble or maybe unaware of the level of your survival skills. I tend to see most of your advice as something like helping folks go stomping through the woods for the first time. You do your level best to explain how to recognize a copperhead, a rattlesnake, a water mocasin, etc. When all else fails you then pretty much just say..stay out of the woods where these ornery things thrive. Im fine with stereotyping, being biased, prejudiced or whatever the enlightened want to call it. In my world we call it presence of mind, situational awareness, among other things.
I was once selected for embassy guard training. In the interview, one of the Marine Corps officers asked me a question after seeing Im born and raised in Georgia. He squinted his eyes and asked me if I was prejudiced. My response..Im not too awfully fond of sour kraut.
Nothing there was a recognizable danger to me, but I was hungry and at that moment I was biased against sour kraut. I was selected for training.
You are in a constant situation similar to embassy guard. Only an insane fool would not arm himself with preconceptions, then adjust and adapt. I just wish I could make bets on the bunch that will or will not get snake bit.
Comment About My Love of Stereotypes
Anonymous commented about We Suggest you Carry a Guidebook, On Friday August 29th, 2008 09:55:00 AM
Hi Mr. Andy,
Ok, youve got my radar screen pinging. You havent said why, but being a male of the species I dont have to ponder to hard about the what fors. I will definitely keep my eyes peeled for Israeli lasses. Youve made mention of them at several points of the compass. oo la la. No disrespect meant to any ladies reading the blog, just very much appreciation for the eye feast.
Comment About We Suggest you Carry a Guidebook
Anonymous commented about Who to Vote For President of the USA, On Friday August 29th, 2008 08:51:00 AM
HI Mr. Andy,
I guess you know better than most, the internet is full of novices in life. They still havent shaken the rhetoric from their brains via actually doing and experiencing as you have in your years on God's green earth. When reading nonsense like "a man of vision" any sensible person is standing by for a qualifier for such a statement. Problem being, none ever comes. Just constant assertions with no ability to justify determinations or why such confidence. Its disheartening to see how much thinking is done for them with nothing to distinquish any cognitive reasoning. As an example, if I were to ask which US President, suspended Habeas Corpus, held thousands of political prisoners, shut down hundreds of newspapers that criticized his actions? I suspect a huge number would guess Bush as a result of our education system or the media. If I were to add, that his assasin yelled out "Sic Semper Tyrannis" (thus Always to Tyrants). A few might guess correctly A. Lincoln, but would fume at such irreverence to their man-god. They would then spew goofy grade school nonsense about slavery. Its like a trigger for some reason. Its funny no matter how much things change, they stay the same when it comes to inventing heroes and marketing them. Take care farmboy.
Comment About Who to Vote For President of the USA
Anonymous commented about Thamasart Rangsit University Apartment Hotel, On Friday August 29th, 2008 08:06:00 AM
being close to a uni also means more cute thai girls ;-)
also why not travel by bus, way cheaper than taxi and they will take you anywhere around bangkok.
If you don't know which bus to take just hop into the nearest 7/11and the staff should be able to tell you which buses you can take to go where you want.
Comment About Thamasart Rangsit University Apartment Hotel
Anonymous commented about My Women from Tokyo, On Friday August 29th, 2008 07:06:00 AM
Hi Mr. Andy,
I can think of only two reasons to go to Tokyo. If you want to see some fantastic gadgets, or if you want to catch the bullet train to somewhere fast, for the experience. In each case though, ouch! that damage to your wallet. Oddly, many everyday gadgets made there and sold in US are cheaper in US. But there are a few deals like buying last years model car. I still have a 30 year old Sansui stereo, tubes, real wood finish and working great.
I reckon somewhere there is an intersection in Tokyo that is supposed to the busiest in the world. Everytime the light changes, Ive heard several thousand pedestrians make a mad dash across. One little note, even as a US Marine with high and tight haircut, every little kid I saw seemed to know two things. I was constantly called hippie, and then in a Spock fashion said Peace with the associated two fingers. Im curious if the world has caught up with current events in US culture.
Comment About My Women from Tokyo
Anonymous commented about Two People do Not Need Airport Shuttle in Developing World, On Friday August 29th, 2008 06:43:00 AM
Hi Mr. Andy,
Its funny how certain little truisms are the same no matter the corner of the world. I first ran across the taxi meter scam many years ago on a visit to Hollywood after catching a military bus ride for several hundred miles. I was constantly assaulted by these city folks looking to separate me from my money. But the taxis were the most adept at being the "Friendly Freddie". A funny footnote here is bumping into a unknown rag mop bunch at every corner. They were extremely desparate to save me, for a donation of course. Eventually this small bunch became an outfit known as Scientologists. I guess several people must have gleefully surrenedered fruits of labor.
I reckon the next time I saw the taxi scam of skill was in Okinawa, and branching out everywhere I visited the fareast. I remember at the time in the late 70's gas was about US2.50-3.00 a liter in Japan and Okinawa, with no real end in sight. Somewhere in there just getting my Japanese license and renting a car became much more convenient and cost effective. We did our own brand of cheating though. In a platoon of about 80 we would sometimes pitch in and share the cost and the car. Often running our own little taxi service in house. I surely hope you the best at scoping at the bargains in very expensive Japan. I hope to go back one day for nostalgia sake.
Comment About Two People do Not Need Airport Shuttle in Developing World
Anonymous commented about Who to Vote For President of the USA, On Thursday August 28th, 2008 10:34:00 PM
Good article. Personally, I'd like to see the US elect an american version of Putin. Somebody strong and competent. McCain is strong but not very competent. Obama is competent but not very strong. So yeah, heads or tails. Blacks will be upset either way. Obama won't be nearly black enough to suit the older generation of blacks. But they'll get over it in time. Finally McCain announces his VP tomorrow, but I bet it won't be Powell. Powell's too upset with the Republican elite re: how he was used in the run up to the Iraq war to be McCain's sidekick.
Comment About Who to Vote For President of the USA
Anonymous commented about Nobody Goes to Those Countries Guidebook, On Thursday August 28th, 2008 10:05:00 PM
Instead of lonely planet you might wish to try wikitravel.org Same format as wikipedia just focused exclusively on travel and free.
Comment About Nobody Goes to Those Countries Guidebook
Anonymous commented about , On Thursday August 28th, 2008 09:12:00 AM
HI Mr. Andy,
You going to where I spent a few years in the USMC. I was stationed in Okinawa 78 to 79. Then again in Misawa, Japan about 82 to 83. I spent two weeks in Tapei City on R&R. I fell in love with the most gorgeous thing Ild ever met in my young life at the time. President Carter broke relations with Taiwan and recognized mainland China as the official Chinese or something or other. a little riot broke out and ruined my Christmas plans that year. Not to mention making my little round eyeed rearend run like a scalded dog the farthest Ive ever run. Nonstop to a Tawainese Air Base and a hop to Okinawa...all whopping 4 of us that were there.
Misawa is up in northern Japan in farm countryI believe. There was talk, that I never confirmed, the bay there was where Japanese practised Pearl Harbor bombing., Interesting thing up there they have snow monkeys. I remember an ice festival that was really amazing. I think it was the Saporo festival. Anyway, some fantastic ice sculptures. HUGE!
The thing that impressed me the most, I never needed a map or anything. Anytime at train station or on the street..I just stare at the signs a few seconds and someone would always ask me in english... you need help? The respect they give to total strangers is very humbling to me. At least it was like that 25 30 years ago. Korea was ok but definitely accustomed to US military being there and a whole different meaning to that variety of tourist towns. I developed a life long love of oriental cooking after being in that part of the world. Cant wait to see again one day. Take care.
Comment About
Anonymous commented about Who to Vote For President of the USA, On Thursday August 28th, 2008 08:10:00 AM
HI Mr. Andy,
hehe...You particularly like grabbing tigers by the tail??
A very nicely written opnion piece and stingingly true. No big surprise the opinions of Europeans about Obama. Afterall, we are talking about socialists and others accustomed to group think, rather than individualism.
I can even give an example of a test to prove the point. Ask a minority, specifically a black American if its posible for them to be prejudiced, bigoted, racist...whatever buzzword you want to choose. Ill be willing to bet, this person will say no..because blacks are not in power. They will automatically think of themselves in terms of a group rather than as individuals.
Ive asked it often, and rarely get a different response. Ive asked orientals, whites also, but they give a more rational response describing themselves alone, not a portion of the species.
Im not sure exactly what to expect from Europeans. Your blog here will go a long way toward me making my decision of destinations. Especially the initial step off. Ive talked to maybe two Americanized Europeans and I am very curious about them. Not easy to really chat with them about anything remotely close to politics or religion. Very strange attitude and whole demeanor change with huge leaps in logic. Evidently, youve walked away scratching your head a few times also...or maybe muttering the words familiar to Yosemite Sam fans...Racken Frackit!.
Comment About Who to Vote For President of the USA
Anonymous commented about Who to Vote For President of the USA, On Thursday August 28th, 2008 01:27:00 AM
Thanks for helping me save TIME, 'cause not gonna need or want to read your blog any more- again, thanks!
Comment About Who to Vote For President of the USA
Anonymous commented about We Suggest you Carry a Guidebook, On Wednesday August 27th, 2008 03:28:00 PM
Before I enter any new place, I have read about places to stay in the guidebook. I have torn out all of the pages for that city from my guidebook and have these folded in my back pocket, with the map in front. I never actually carry a guidebook out and about except inside my backpack. For some reason, some people have issues about "desecrating" guidebooks, which are not much good when they get older, anyway.
During most excursions into the city, I still have these few pages folded into my back pocket if I need to reference them.
Travis
Comment About We Suggest you Carry a Guidebook
Anonymous commented about We Suggest you Carry a Guidebook, On Wednesday August 27th, 2008 09:42:00 AM
Hi again Mr. Andy,
Reading your destinations and how you adapt to infrasstructure and modes of travel, I figure probably some of the most useful intel you give. Its certainly advice on how to be more cost effective. I think you categorized your travels into 1st, second, and third world if I remember right. I know at one point you tried to buy a van/camper while in Europe. I probably will do the same if I ever get there. The idea hopefully being cost spread over length of time in country so to be closer to budget of a Thailand. A growing number of baby boomers here are hitting the road and cut corners by doing something called "boondocking". Its basically being a squatter for a day or two with permission of owner. Usually a Wal-Mart parking lot..hehe. One of my favorite movie quotes....adapt...overcome ...improvise. Keep up the advice,its gold. Take care farmboy.
Comment About We Suggest you Carry a Guidebook
Anonymous commented about We Suggest you Carry a Guidebook, On Wednesday August 27th, 2008 07:11:00 AM
Hi Mr. Andy,
Its interesting to read your troubleshooting steps.IM a long ways from unloading my white elephants and hitting the trail, but following your insight and drawing on my own experience I am counting the days. The guidebook situation is also counterintuitive to me, as a person that prefers to keep as much a low profile as possible until my choosing otherwise. I think your idea about the one sheet of paper with essential info is closest to solution. Im thinking of somewhat a military sytle situation where we carried laminated cards loaded with essential info approx 4 x 6 in size strung together at one corner with keychain of sort. Dont know how good any particular book is, but Im hoping to let the internet be my "library" and assemble my own cards as needed. Emphasis on hoping. As far as your inspired backpack is concerned, perhaps I misunderstand something. I had the feeling it was somewhat like saddlebags with your equivalent of a Field Transport Pack on the back, completely secure for the long haul. With this, a very much smaller detachable pack across your front. With my aging back, I figured this a bit like a counterweight also allows quick access to certain items while on the road. Im still naive about how much weight Ill be hauling around but the issue of bulk seems as big a problem. In my memory being able to rest without undressing the pack was largely an issue of bulk. I was very surprised to find several companies that offer products for vacuum packing. Also interesting is apparently TSA and customs like such things. Talk is cheap of course, but looking forward to a dress rehearsal. I remember for certain, are the places I was rubbed raw or blistered after hours of hauling and how difficult for air flow in high humidity and heat. In my mind, comfort enhances security if not inclined to remove any packs at every opportunity. Thats pretty much how this wannabe is seeing things thus far. Standing by for where my thinking is flawed...hehe. Good luck Hobo.
Comment About We Suggest you Carry a Guidebook
Anonymous commented about Photos of Tuk Tuk on LPG, On Monday August 25th, 2008 09:14:00 AM
Andy your timing is impeccable !
The Thai's are onto something. They realize pollution is not good for health and the King has quietly pushed for cleaner fuels and mass transit . Here is todays article in New York Times.
Drilling Boom Revives Hopes for Natural Gas......NYT
Article Tools Sponsored By
By CLIFFORD KRAUSS
Published: August 24, 2008
HOUSTON — American natural gas production is rising at a clip not seen in half a century, pushing down prices of the fuel and reversing conventional wisdom that domestic gas fields were in irreversible decline.
The new drilling boom uses advanced technology to release gas trapped in huge shale beds found throughout North America — gas long believed to be out of reach. Natural gas is the cleanest fossil fuel, releasing less of the emissions that cause global warming than coal or oil.
Rising production of natural gas has significant long-range implications for American consumers and businesses. A sustained increase in gas supplies over the next decade could slow the rise of utility bills, obviate the need to import gas and make energy-intensive industries more competitive.
While the recent production increase is indisputable, not everyone is convinced the additional supplies can last for decades. “The jury is still out how big shale is going to be,” said Robert Ineson, a natural gas analyst at Cambridge Energy Research Associates, a consulting firm.
Still, many people in the natural-gas industry believe a new era is at hand, and a rising chorus of Wall Street analysts and Congressional lawmakers supports that notion. Competition among companies for rights to the new gas has set off a frenzy....
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Anonymous commented about Health and Travel Tied to Shoes, On Monday August 25th, 2008 04:10:00 AM
Hi Mr. Andy,
I certainly concur with you when it comes to TLC of the feet. Since about forever there has been little nuisances like old fashioned trench foot to stop people in their tracks literally. Im curious about your system of storage in key locations. Is it informal agreement through locals?
Do they also act as something like FOB (Freight On Board) point to recieve shipping for you? The idea of have a type of LZ to store a cache of consumables seems to rank right up there with necessary survival behavior to me. If you find yourself stuck between a rock and a hard place, give me a call on skype. (norman.edwards50).
Be a learning experience for me if I can swing the shipping. Besides that, also been thinking about vacuum packing clothes somehow for such situations. I found a site where they use a hand pumped brake bleeder. Practicality of lugging it around though, unsure of.
Good luck
Comment About Health and Travel Tied to Shoes
Anonymous commented about My Five True Friends in Life, On Monday August 25th, 2008 02:56:00 AM
Hi Andy,
I have been a long time reader of yours, I wish I had the balls to do the same as you. Everyday I dream being a hobo as you are but I'm to coward to quit my high paying job.
Also would be nice to see more reports on the ladies industry, you should stay in nana rather than khao san craphole.
Comment About My Five True Friends in Life
Anonymous commented about My Five True Friends in Life, On Sunday August 24th, 2008 02:51:00 AM
Hi Mr. Andy,
Sounds like youve come across that breed of folks we call "fair weather" friends. Not a bad sort, as far as that goes. The drinking buddy or the fella you tag to when needing numbers for a mutual convenience. Just not exactly the breed you call when the weather turns stormy in a mannner of speaking. Say for instance, that buddy you can call when you get in a verbal contest with a belligerent cop and you need to be bailed out..ahem. The gravy is while doing so, the friend defends your name and honor in the process. From another viewpoint, tact is being able to tell someone to go to hell in such a way they think they will enjoy the trip. Apparently, not a skill I quite have a handle on as yet.
Good luck in both farmboy.
Comment About My Five True Friends in Life
Anonymous commented about Getting Ready to Change Computers, On Sunday August 24th, 2008 01:02:00 AM
HI Mr Andy,
I just bought a used Thinkpad T43p myself. My first laptop, and Im like a youngun at Christmas. Itll be old, but I figured itll do for awhile if I ever get my rearend finally out and about. Like you I like simple and something easy for my aging gray matter to find. To that end I keep to names familar to me. With "C" being smallest at about 2 gigs, "D" being 8 gigs, "E" being 10 gigs. I force windows into D drive all by itself while it automatically installs the little system files into C drive. I put all my drivers in C drive also. 10 gigs total for OS allows for quicker scans, defragging, and tweaking. E drive is all my applications and 3rd party programs that allow me to indicate where to put them. I named it toolbox, or tacklebox or some such thing. I split up remaining storage similarly into manageable sizes called something like trunk, closet, attic, basement. IM forever losing things so the challenge for me is coming up with names for drives and directories that tell me what I have intuitively. The defaults just leave me scratching my head.
After 10 years and all the thousands of pics and tidbits you must have...all I can say is ouch!.
Take care farmboy.
Cornbread
Comment About Getting Ready to Change Computers
Anonymous commented about Photographers Need Two Hard Drives, On Saturday August 23rd, 2008 11:45:00 PM
Hi Mr. Andy,
This site is forever showing itself to be more than just a tidy little travel blog. My idea of professional photographer or videographer isnt particularly nice. Two instances come to mind. One after hurricane Katrina in Mississippi I believe. The NBC lady in a row boat pretending to be at risk because of flooding. In the middle of the broadcast, "God love em" two good ole boys walked thru the video showing the water ankle deep.
Another broadcast in the middleeast somewhere, a video claiming to be footage looking into a fenced compound full of people locked up by evil coalition troops. The truth came out, again a scenario engineered by "professionals". The video was actually from inside a secured compound looking out. The people trying to get in. It was necessarily secured in order to control delivery of medicine, food, shelters, etc.
You keep right on snapping those kodak moments Hobo. Wouldnt hurt my feelings one little bit to put a few "professionals" out of a job.
Cornbread.
Comment About Photographers Need Two Hard Drives
Anonymous commented about Found on Khao San Road Photos, On Saturday August 23rd, 2008 08:44:00 PM
How does a soapy massage work?
Comment About Found on Khao San Road Photos
Anonymous commented about My Five True Friends in Life, On Friday August 22nd, 2008 10:55:00 PM
I miss the old newsletters. Are you ever going to do those again?
Comment About My Five True Friends in Life
Anonymous commented about Health and Travel Tied to Shoes, On Thursday August 21st, 2008 05:46:00 PM
Hi Andy.
I think you could try going barefoot - it's very healthy plus your shoes-on, shoes-off problem disappears instantly.
Also, you should know that flip-flops, aside from being uncomfortable, are potentially dangerous, as they do not provide ankle support. Consult Wikipedia:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Flip-flop#Health_concerns
Thanks for a great blog, Paul
Comment About Health and Travel Tied to Shoes
Anonymous commented about REMF, On Wednesday August 20th, 2008 01:48:00 AM
Sawadee Karap Andy,
Yep being on the cutting edge or the sharp end of the spear gives one a perspective that most will never know.
Them that do know Battle are such as the Infantry. Combat Aviation, Combat Engineers, Tankers ect.
And certainly the Airborne or Para's as the Brit's call them!!!!
http://www.usparatroopers.us
Certainly not the people
"In the rear with the gear"...LOL!
Yep that is correct what you heard from me Sir..REMF's
I am that Vietnam Combat Veteran
REMF Pronounced just it sounds.
REM-Ffff.
And for them that are the
"House-Cats" who never go outside the wire.. work is not so different than while at rest..LOL
And the other Acro-Nymmmm LOL
"FEBA"
Foward Edge Of Battle Area
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Front_line
FEBA is a military term used by American and British/Commonwealth military forces and other members of the NATO, referring to the front lines in a conflict.
The FEBA may or may not correspond to the Forward Line of Own Troops (FLOT).
It is defined by the U.S. Department of Defense and NATO as:
"The foremost limits of a series of areas in which ground combat units are deployed, excluding the areas in which the covering or screening forces are operating, designated to coordinate fire support, the positioning of forces, or the maneuver of units."
And ARRSE is the British Army Rumor Service..
Whose forums are reported to be read by the UK's MOD "Minister of Defence"
So remember OPSEC
You can guess this one...Or NOT
Comment About REMF
Anonymous commented about REMF, On Wednesday August 20th, 2008 12:31:00 AM
HI Mr. Andy,
Crying shame this service and benefit you provide from your hobo school of hard knocks is not appreciated from time to time. Far as your "luggage" is concerned, I for one look forward to seeing the finished product. Thats a humongous part of my unlearning. Matter of fact, its your site here that got me looking at #4 Duck Canvas as stout enough for the long haul. Speaking of which, since you dont have any granny sewing circles to help you out, maybe an upholsterer could give you a hand with your prototype. They also might take a bit more pride making things jam up and jelly tight. Anyway, just a thought about folks and the needed skills set. Take care farm boy.
Comment About REMF
Anonymous commented about I am Grateful for my Life, On Monday August 18th, 2008 08:42:00 AM
Whew! Mr. Andy sure sounds like you have all the symptoms of dog eat dog stress creeping back into your life. I tend to think, as I prepare for the hobo life, its not so much about the day to day folks,trials or tribulations in my path. I pretty much enjoy folks as they come at me. Im sure you really do also and have become a pretty keen judge of character. You know when someone is being socialable or instead sizing you up for victomhood. I tend to think the disease is beauracracy in infinite forms taking over control of living. The person with the disease instantly presumes authority over you by virtue of job title. All reason and rational thought seems to evaporate and LORD dont ever deviate from scripted dialoque when trying to conduct business.
Comment About I am Grateful for my Life
Anonymous commented about Alcohol Stoves are Easy, On Sunday August 17th, 2008 03:41:00 AM
I use a ring of "hardware cloth" for my pot support. The galvanized wire stuff that hss about 1/4-1/2" squares. Burn it outdoors the first few times to burn off the galvanization. (Toxic fumes). It's about 3" high and slightly smaller in diameter that my pot. It fits in the pot for storage.
I also use a windscreen made of aluminum oven liner. Heavy aluminum foil, like an aluminum pie plate. Small holes around the bottom for air and extends up to cover about 2" of the pot. Fits tight around the pot to concentrate the heat. Can be adjusted for tightness with a paper clip.
Everything fits into the pot for transportation.
hozwhilz
Comment About Alcohol Stoves are Easy
Anonymous commented about , On Friday August 15th, 2008 10:47:00 AM
Andy, if you can get away from Manilla (and maybe you can't) consider the Islamic southern part of the country. Much less corruption and moral bankruptcy there (though there is some to be sure). 100 years ago Phillipines was one of the riches countries in Asia. Today it is among the poorest, definitely a study in how to mismanage a country. It is no Singapore.
Comment About
Anonymous commented about , On Friday August 15th, 2008 10:33:00 AM
I know what you mean. We avoid Manila like the plague. Too bad you are "doing business" there. A trip to another island might clear your mind concerning the Philippines.
Camigun is nice (7 volcanos, hot springs) , so is Bohol (Chocolate Hills, Tarsiers, White Sand beaches) , and Siquijor (renowned for having warlocks, magicians, and supernatural practitioners.
The Philippines is broken. The "haves" have had it for so long they won't share with the poor people. The country has been run by certain families since before WWII. The Oligarchs stay in control.
I had high hopes for the current President but she turned out to be the same dog just a different color.
hoz
Comment About
Anonymous commented about Walk at Step at Look at, On Thursday August 14th, 2008 10:43:00 PM
Is this macho thing only related to male-male situations? I'm a female and while I would love to stab males in the eyes that make me feel frightened, I am aware that that is not the "normal" thing to do. Instead, I ignore them and look for large groups of people to get lost in. Wouldn't me walking right up to them only encourage their asshole behaviour?
Comment About Walk at Step at Look at
Anonymous commented about Filipino Made Backpack, On Tuesday August 12th, 2008 04:11:00 AM
So true on the language barrier. Their syntax is different from American English.
I am constantly misunderstood when in the PH. And this from college educated Filipinos.
hoz
Comment About Filipino Made Backpack
Anonymous commented about Sending an ATM Bank Card Overseas, On Sunday August 10th, 2008 10:59:00 AM
I have had my Diners Club card sent to me by express delivery to Poland. You can always call me if you need any assistance--your lawyer-friend in New York City, James
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Anonymous commented about A Hobo Becomes a Professional Photographer, On Friday August 8th, 2008 09:20:00 PM
NGO=glorified con men. Some obvious exceptions, but most ought to be ashamed of how they prey on people's good intentions.
Comment About A Hobo Becomes a Professional Photographer
Anonymous commented about A Hobo Becomes a Professional Photographer, On Wednesday August 6th, 2008 10:21:00 AM
Congratulations on being published. Its nice to be allowed in by the gatekeepers. You make a good point regarding lighting. I once heard a national geographic editor give some simple advice on becoming a better photographer. "Wake up before sunrise, every day." Lighting is best at dawn when the sun is low on the horizon and has to filter through all the dust, haze, and pollutants. Thats what creates that warm soft mood that the best pictures have. Of course most travelers are lazy and won't wake up that early. Perhaps those who were raised on farms or had military background will. But most never will, and will continue to take bad photos.
Comment About A Hobo Becomes a Professional Photographer
Anonymous commented about Making Backpack Patterns, On Monday August 4th, 2008 04:54:00 PM
Andy, that's a heavy laptop computer. Have you considered switching to an Asus EEE 901 or 1000?
Comment About Making Backpack Patterns
Anonymous commented about The Solution to Poverty, On Sunday July 27th, 2008 06:28:00 PM
Hi here is a possible company to contact about the problems with filipinos not having shoes.
It is a company that for every pair of shoes it sells it gives one away. Mostly in Brazil, but you could write them and volunteer to distribute for them in the PI donated shoes maybe..
http://www.tomsshoes.com/shoes.aspx
Comment About The Solution to Poverty
Anonymous commented about Diagnosis Ulcer, On Sunday July 27th, 2008 12:19:00 PM
Andy, my old man had a stomach ulcer in the spring. His was caused by regular use of advil (acetominephen sp??) He had low level arthritis not enough for prescriptions but enough to take advil which then caused an ulcer. Switched to tylenol and the ulcer disappeared inside of a week. Don't know if your situation is similiar or not. I know you don't like to spend much time in the U.S. But you may want to, the health care system here is very costly, but very good. Good health is worth it.
Comment About Diagnosis Ulcer
Anonymous commented about Philippines Workers, On Saturday July 26th, 2008 03:04:00 PM
Compared to a US Granny Smith or Golden Delicious
I find apples in the Philippines to be almost tasteless. Even the individually wrapped ones from China.
When I'm there I prefer the mangos, ummmmm, sweet and succulent.
Comment About Philippines Workers
Anonymous commented about Painful Filipino Feet, On Saturday July 26th, 2008 03:00:00 PM
Hi Andy, don't be shy, don't be reticent. You have to be bold to tell the story, no matter how it may hurt. Please take the picture next time.
Mabuhay,
Hoz
Comment About Painful Filipino Feet
Anonymous commented about Disinfect Your Toothbrush Tip, On Friday July 25th, 2008 03:56:00 AM
Next time you make tea or instant coffee, just pour some boiling water over the brush and that will kill everything. The brush gets soft for an instant but then goes back to its original hardness.
Cheers
Comment About Disinfect Your Toothbrush Tip
Anonymous commented about For Hotels the First Principle of Sales, On Thursday July 24th, 2008 10:51:00 PM
Andy you're staying in a $20 hotel??? I remember reading not so very long ago when you were in Peru about how you were going back to your pre-ad sense budget of $10 per day. How do you stay in a $20 hotel on a $10 budget??? Just being nosy.
Comment About For Hotels the First Principle of Sales
Anonymous commented about Andy of HoboTraveler.com for President, On Wednesday July 23rd, 2008 05:15:00 AM
Hahahaha, "Coming up from behind..."
You could live a couple of years out on the road with what it took to buy that billboard Andy!
Maybe it's time to set up your campaign fund for contributions.
Hoz
Comment About Andy of HoboTraveler.com for President
Anonymous commented about The Mantra of the Savvy Traveler, On Tuesday July 22nd, 2008 05:36:00 PM
No doubt about it, Israeli prices are always the goal I set for myself. Those guys are my heroes.
Comment About The Mantra of the Savvy Traveler
Anonymous commented about Made in Philippines Backpacks, On Tuesday July 22nd, 2008 04:40:00 AM
Skilled workers in the Philippines make $300-500 pesos a DAY, about 12 bucks. Not $13 an hour.
Beware unscrupulous owners who will charge you first world prices and then pocket the difference.
Hoz
Comment About Made in Philippines Backpacks
Anonymous commented about How Many Fruits or Vegetables on Earth, On Monday July 21st, 2008 05:11:00 PM
The last two look like Eggplant. Often called "Thai eggplant" Round instead of oblong, green with white instead of purple.
hoz
Comment About How Many Fruits or Vegetables on Earth
Anonymous commented about , On Monday July 14th, 2008 10:07:00 PM
Andy, Koh Phan Ngan has just about been ruined by the full moon parties etc. Best get ye to Koh Ang Thong or, better still, over toward Krabi, Koh Lanta & Koh Tarutao. On the Eastern seaboard, near Koh Chang, are the beautiful islands of Koh Mak and koh Kood.... d'you know them?
If you're anywhere near jomtien drop by for a cuppa tea 'n' chat!
Martin.
Comment About
Anonymous commented about , On Sunday July 13th, 2008 10:29:00 AM
The price of food, accomodations, and services has tripled?? Welcome to the world of the ever-declining dollar. I sure would like to have some Euros or pounds right about now. Don't know about you.
Comment About
Anonymous commented about Sandals versus Shoes for Travel, On Friday July 11th, 2008 03:41:00 AM
Israeli Velcro sandals rule!
http://www.source-vagabond.com/
Comment About Sandals versus Shoes for Travel
Anonymous commented about Lab Test Found Entamoeba Coli, On Monday July 7th, 2008 02:41:00 AM
Entamoeba Coli or if cyts' are present, Entamoeba Histolytica is a completely differetn form of E. Coli. Enatamoeba coli is usually found in contaminated food, from someone using the bathroom and not washing their hands, or in contaminated water. Typically it does not effect the host it contaminates, so in undeveloped countires that eat spicy foods, most people are infected and do not relize it. Spicy foods help keep down the amount of cysts and amoeba in the intestinal tract allowing host to co-exist with pathnogen (entamoeba) just fine. For those of us who it does effect negatively the only treatment is to take Metronidazole PLUS a lumenal amoebicide such as Paromomycin. Both medications have to be taken in order to kill off both stages of the amoeba. I had this paracite, and had much difficuty getting rid of it. The first time I was only given the metronidazole and did not kill off all the paracite. It took two more times of treatment with both medicines to fully get rid of the paracite. Make sure you wash your hands very well after every time you use the restroom and before every meal to make sure you do not reinfect yourself and others.
Comment About Lab Test Found Entamoeba Coli
Anonymous commented about Tricky Crap, On Sunday July 6th, 2008 02:53:00 PM
Andy, I often disagree with your posts. But this time I couldn't agree more. Why consumers put up with such tricky (to the point of being deceptive) practices is beyond me. If I can't trust or have confidence in a business or business man then I don't do business with them. If more people would stick to their guns such practices would go away. The fact that they're not going away must mean that they work with a lot of people.
Comment About Tricky Crap
Anonymous commented about Best Backpack Design and Quality, On Friday July 4th, 2008 02:04:00 PM
Well, would one of the "Backpack Factories" be Habagat Outdoor Equipment in Cebu? I was lucky to meet and spend some time with co owner Randy Su on our last visit.
Randy and his partners have built Habagat from scratch as a major outdoor supplier in the last 20 years. During one chat he mentioned "We don't just sell equipment, we sell the lifestyle."
How true, seeing as how 20 years ago the only people hiking and outdooring were the poor people...because they HAD to!
hoz
Comment About Best Backpack Design and Quality
Anonymous commented about Best Backpack Design and Quality, On Friday July 4th, 2008 07:22:00 AM
I wonder if the "seam tape" you are referring to is "bias tape".
Bias tape is a strip of fabric cut "on the bias" or slant to the weave so that is can be bent and curved around turns and corners. It is used to reinforce the seams and also provides cosmetic covering.
It is commonly available in any sewing/fabric store.
"Seam tape" in outdoor fabric parlance is an iron on tape used in waterproofing the seams of Goretex jackets and pants. It is usage specific to Goretex and supplies minimum strength or reinforcement.
hoz
Comment About Best Backpack Design and Quality
Anonymous commented about A Shortage of Farang, On Thursday July 3rd, 2008 07:05:00 PM
what is sunooks ? gay sex ?
Comment About A Shortage of Farang
Anonymous commented about Best Backpack Design and Quality, On Thursday July 3rd, 2008 04:46:00 AM
A completely waterproof bag is a mistake. Damp items develop mildew and mold inside. The whole thing ends up a smelly mess. It needs to breathe, best to make your new pack from cordura or spectra fabric.
Andy, you've been obsessing about this pack for several years now.
Forget about perfection, just make the thing. The first bag won't be perfect, but from that one you will develop ideas for v1.5.
hoz
Comment About Best Backpack Design and Quality
Anonymous commented about Europe on 10 Dollars per Day, On Wednesday July 2nd, 2008 02:25:00 PM
Paul Theroux tried to go overland from Cairo to Capetown. But ended up having to fly in and out of Sudan. No overland crossings were open. I'd love to read about you guys doing it but the odds are tall.
Comment About Europe on 10 Dollars per Day
Anonymous commented about Medical Tourism, On Tuesday July 1st, 2008 10:07:00 AM
I had surgery on my hand earlier this year in Manila at the Makati Med Center. The doctors and staff all seemed very professional and it was much more affordable than North America. And of course no language problems.
Comment About Medical Tourism
Anonymous commented about Cutting Up a Backpack, On Saturday June 28th, 2008 08:08:00 PM
I must say, I'm not sure I understand this idea of making packs. If someone is traveling to the third world and wants something durable, why not just use a military duffle bag with shoulder straps? Cheap and durable.
I know quite a bit about sewing because I make my own gear. This is for long-distance wilderness hiking, rather than third-world travel, however. Based on my experience, I really think you should settle down in some cheap location in the United States for a few months, buy yourself a sewing machine at Walmart (under $100), order a boatload of fabric from owfinc.com and perhaps some backpack kits from rayjardine.com, and then start sewing. You can't possibly manage someone else until you've done some sewing and pattern making yourself. Maybe, after you've perfected a design, hired someone in the United States to do some professional quality sewing, and made a few initial sales, you can think about moving production overseas. Personally, I wouldn't bother going overseas unless price was the major criterion and you had very high production quantities, and I just don't see that happening, given that the military duffle bag or the stuff on sale at the outdoor shops is your major competition.
www.ula-equipment.com is an example of a typical United States small business specializing in backpacks. They do their production in the United States. One guy running the place and a few women sewers to help him out. Their customers are long-distance hikers who demand very specialized equipment and are willing to pay for it. These packs are not designed for third-world travel. www.rayjardine.com is an example of someone who travels much of the year and sells things when he and his wife aren't traveling, in order to finance his travels.
Comment About Cutting Up a Backpack
Anonymous commented about Medical Tourism, On Saturday June 28th, 2008 07:15:00 PM
One thing about any sort of chronic pain is don't underestimate the power of constant muscular tension to cause problems. If tension is the problem, then it is typically deep in the brain, so that you can't consciously get rid of it. One drastic approach is just take drugs (muscle relaxers). Sometimes simply changing your environment will do--Kho San Road and Bangkok seems the sort of environment that would cause anyone to develop tension. If you thing that is the case, maybe go to Chiang Mai or someplace else to relax for a while. Massages can help. Yoga is a sort of self-massage.
John Sarno, MD has written a number of books on how all sorts of chronic diseases (heart attacks, cancer, diabetes, lower back pain, tiredness, etc) are really just the final result of chronic stress and muscle tension.
Then again, maybe you have something wrong with your kidneys. Having a doctor or two look you over can't hurt.
Comment About Medical Tourism
Anonymous commented about Just Say No to USA Tourist, On Saturday June 21st, 2008 09:33:00 PM
Andy HoboTraveler.com said...
"I would say if Obama does not win there is be Riots",
Is this a sly attempt at Ebonics ?
and are you agreeing with these nuts that there will be riots if he loses ?
Comment About Just Say No to USA Tourist
Anonymous commented about Pink Underwear, On Friday June 20th, 2008 07:28:00 PM
Andy,
No one wants to steal your underwear..or even hear about it...haha..that is just gross!!!
Comment About Pink Underwear
Anonymous commented about Just Say No to USA Tourist, On Tuesday June 17th, 2008 06:43:00 AM
Andy. I've been reading your blog for a couple of months now. I must say, I didn't appreciate this post. It's just not nice to judge people according to where they are from. And just because you're an american, doesn't give you the right to say that about americans. This is coming from someone who isn't an american or "euro-trash".
Comment About Just Say No to USA Tourist
Anonymous commented about Just Say No to USA Tourist, On Monday June 16th, 2008 08:33:00 AM
Way to generalize and be as "American" as the people you mock.
Comment About Just Say No to USA Tourist
Anonymous commented about Side Effects of Stopping Coffee and Sugar, On Sunday June 15th, 2008 11:52:00 PM
Andy,
Congratulations! Off alchol myself for over 20 years I actually did quit sugar and caffeine at almost the same time. It seems I was given by the universe some goal to educate people on this too - which I have filed at so far - life I guess.
I can say this. Those drugs, and they are drugs, are the most powerful psycoative drugs on the planet. The obesity epidemic is a direct result of peoples addiction to them. (I might add, and you probably don't want to hear, flour to those two as flour turns immediatly to sugar in your stomach) Be careful as to much pasta and bread will lead you back to sugar.
I could go on for days on this topic. Suffice it to say you are on the right path and in a few months (minus the flour) you will feel a sense of well being you can't even imagine right now.
Stay the course.
Be well,
Michael
Comment About Side Effects of Stopping Coffee and Sugar
Anonymous commented about Travel Agents Versus Purchase Online, On Sunday June 15th, 2008 03:21:00 AM
I have noticed that sometimes you can reach a blocked site by google-ing it, and clicking on the link.
Comment About Travel Agents Versus Purchase Online
Anonymous commented about Coffee Filters Clean Waters, On Saturday June 14th, 2008 05:28:00 AM
There is an advantage to using your socks to filter water. Clear water AND clean socks! Hehehehehe.
Socks or coffee filters will not remove the bad nasties that can make you sick. you need a micron filter to do that. The coffee filters only remove some sediments and big stuff floating in the water. Besides, if you have drunk the worlds water for the past 10 years without getting sick I would think your system has built antibodies to fight the most simple forms of "Revenge" whether Montezumas, Magellans, or Zulu.
hoz
Comment About Coffee Filters Clean Waters
Anonymous commented about Travel Agents Versus Purchase Online, On Friday June 13th, 2008 11:49:00 PM
This person is so naive to think that the travel Agents do not know what they offer. I do agree that you may find some travel Agents that are not familiar with a certain destination but they are familiar with safety and knowledge of an airline. Cheaper is not always better, it depends on the type of plane, safety record of the airline, if you can earn miles with your program, and customer service.
Comment About Travel Agents Versus Purchase Online
Anonymous commented about House of the Rising Sun, On Tuesday June 10th, 2008 06:16:00 PM
Not the Doors...from the WiKi:
(other) Misattributions
Sometimes this song is misattributed to The Rolling Stones, but they have never recorded a version of this song. It's also misattributed to Cream[citation needed]. The Frijid Pink's version is sometimes misattributed to Pink Floyd (Most likley due to name confusion rather than sound imitation).[citation needed]
Comment About House of the Rising Sun
Anonymous commented about Low Water in Amazon River Tour Problem, On Sunday June 8th, 2008 01:16:00 PM
Andy you could return to Peru next winter for a lot less than $1500 if you'ld travel overland from the US.
Energy=.5 * Mass * Velocity squared. So as you increase speed the energy consumed increases literally exponentially. In these days of high oil prices (talk of oil going over $250USD per barrel if the bush adminst. invades Iran), you can save a lot of energy=money by travelling slower overland. I did a trip from the Midwest to Panama last year for about $250.
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Anonymous commented about Arrival in Pucallpa Peru, On Wednesday June 4th, 2008 02:01:00 PM
Seems a boat trip from Iquitos would have been nice. How long would it have taken. 2 weeks?
Comment About Arrival in Pucallpa Peru
Anonymous commented about Planned Abuse for Kelty Redwing 3100 Pack, On Friday May 30th, 2008 05:30:00 PM
Just exactly what security alterations are you thinking of? How secure can you make it, anyway? It's just a fabric bag that could easily be torn through by anyone really bent on stealing your precious treasures.
Comment About Planned Abuse for Kelty Redwing 3100 Pack
Anonymous commented about Iquitos Peru Flight, On Tuesday May 27th, 2008 10:08:00 PM
Andy, hope you have a great time down in the jungle boogie. Have some wild adventures and report back please. Your writing has reached a new level since returning to latin america, you must be in your element. BTW filled out the backpack survey so I expect to see the results of survey before long. cheers
Comment About Iquitos Peru Flight
Anonymous commented about Guatemala WIFI Easy Country, On Tuesday May 27th, 2008 07:57:00 AM
Guatemala also has an unusual network of community libraries -- with free Internet connections -- in nine rural villages. The one closest to the tourist circuit is on Lake Atitlan, in the town of San Juan La Laguna. The computers are often busy but sometimes you get nab time on one to check your email for free.
For the locations, check http://www.riecken.org
Comment About Guatemala WIFI Easy Country
Anonymous commented about Airplane Tickets Prices Rising, On Wednesday May 21st, 2008 09:03:00 AM
Andy, maybe $10 gasoline wouldn't be such a great thing after all.
Comment About Airplane Tickets Prices Rising
Anonymous commented about Poison or Burning Water Borne Bugs, On Wednesday May 21st, 2008 05:52:00 AM
You probably picked up a parasite, very likely when you were in Africa. Since you complain of intestinal problems please know that one and a half billion people in the world have round worms and many millions tape worms both of which reside, at least in part, in the intestine.
You could have picked up the first from a mouthful of water even in the shower and both could have come from something as simple as a salad or undercooked food. (Or even a fly that 'stood on shit' and then on your food.)
It does not sound like Giardia whose intense cramps/runs leaves you no doubt when you are heavily infected.
The problem with both Grapefruit seed extract and especially citric acid is that they are both well absorbed by the stomach so they will literally go around the infection. Grapefruit seed extract is only moderately potent.
An old cure for intestinal worms calls for a handfull of papaya seeds but that has been replaced by modern medicine.
The best cure for both round worms and tape worms is probably a single dose of albendazole http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Albendazole or Praziquantel but it is mainly for tapeworms and may have little effect on round worms.
The best for treating a broad range of intestinal worms, which is used a lot, is albendazole combined with Ivermectin. About 50 studies on infected Guatemalan school children using this combination have been made. Just google 'guatemala' 'albendazole' and 'Ivermectin'.
John Pineal
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Anonymous commented about USA Most Welcomed Travelers, On Monday May 19th, 2008 02:41:00 PM
Amen brother. Couldn't agree more.
The world is envious and resents our place in the world. In their eyes, we're not a responsible nation trying to squelch problems before they get out of control, but rather, we're a bully nation that imposes its will upon others. Well they weren't complaining when we imposed our will during WWI and WWII and saved their butts, nor were they complaining when we acted as a deterrent to the Soviet Union's/Communism's expansionist policies throughout Europe and the World. Do Europeans forget what happened the last time we/they failed to get involved preemptively (i.e.WWII).
Comment About USA Most Welcomed Travelers
Anonymous commented about Poison or Burning Water Borne Bugs, On Wednesday May 14th, 2008 09:53:00 AM
Andy, I would caution you about using lemon as a mouthwash. The acid will very likely lead to demineralization of your teeth. You might want to confirm this with a dentist but that is my understanding.
Comment About Poison or Burning Water Borne Bugs
Anonymous commented about Travel Tip on Toilet Paper Management, On Tuesday May 13th, 2008 04:42:00 PM
Removing the cardboard is an old backpacker trick. Pinching a piece of the middle is a new one for me.
When we were visiting the Philippines last winter I found many "comfort rooms" there do not have paper, but they do have a little long handled bowl called a "tabo". It is for washing your behind...with your hand.
Luckily there is usually soap to wash your hands afterward.
hoz
Comment About Travel Tip on Toilet Paper Management
Anonymous commented about Travel Water Purification System, On Sunday May 11th, 2008 08:31:00 AM
Vegetables can be briefly soaked in a weak chlorine bleach and water solution.
From http://ohioline.osu.edu/hyg-Fact/5000/5353.html
Thoroughly wash and disinfect produce before eating.
* Wash in clean, potable water with a scrub brush. Remove all silt.
* Immerse produce for 15 to 20 minutes in a weak chlorine solution. Household bleaches contain from 2 to 6 percent chlorine. The amount of bleach to add to water depends on the percentage of chlorine it contains:
2 percent chlorine: use 3/4 tablespoon per quart
4 percent chlorine: use 1 teaspoon per quart
6 percent chlorine: use 1/2 teaspoon per quart
* Rinse thoroughly with safe drinking water.
* Peel if possible and cook thoroughly before eating.
Comment About Travel Water Purification System
Anonymous commented about Travel Water Purification System, On Saturday May 10th, 2008 07:25:00 AM
All this from a guy with "animales" in his gut. Hehehehehe.
Boiling will kill most all harmful bacteria, spores eggs and virus.
But it will not remove metals or other contaminates found in water.
Adding chlorine before boiling is redundant and unnecessary. The chlorine just boils off.
Filtering thru activated carbon will remove odors and bad taste but where U gonna get that in the 3rd world?
There is a chemical product called "Pristine" or Aqua Mira that kills the baddies and also makes odoriferous water taste better. (Do a Google) It is chlorine dioxide and is the same thing used in municipal water treatment worldwide.
hoz
Comment About Travel Water Purification System
Anonymous commented about How to Meet Nice Girls While Traveling, On Monday April 28th, 2008 12:30:00 AM
Ct_Bob: Well Said and 1000% true.
Comment About How to Meet Nice Girls While Traveling
Anonymous commented about USA Passport Washed and Dried, On Wednesday April 23rd, 2008 07:37:00 AM
we were denied a flight to Paris from American Airlines due to the page being partially separated. The passport was perfectly readable, all stamps in tact. emergency flight to houston to passport center and now waiting to see what happens. American in Houston looked at passport and said she would have taken it, TSA said they thought it was valid, so our luck was bad in Corpus Christi. What a nightmare. Our 30th anniversary trip. If I had know I could have taken care of it . I have used it at least 5 times since the original damage with no problems. It was washed in 2004. Emergency flight to Houston, rental car, passport costs due to one woman's opinion of a passport. Don't take a chance if you can keep from it
Comment About USA Passport Washed and Dried
Anonymous commented about Run On of Panajachel Guatemala, On Tuesday April 22nd, 2008 10:51:00 AM
Good point Andy. The best idea for the intrepid traveler is to throw the guidebook away and buy detailed maps. From that pick out small towns and overlooked cities in interesting areas and then go off and explore. If you rely on guidebooks, brochures, travel programs, or articles you're really only playing follow the leader.
Comment About Run On of Panajachel Guatemala
Anonymous commented about I Have Decided Hobo is Retired, On Sunday April 20th, 2008 06:06:00 AM
i love telling people i'm retired...
they think if you are retired young you must be a millionaire...weird!
cato
Comment About I Have Decided Hobo is Retired
Anonymous commented about Entrepreneurs are Frustrated Travelers, On Wednesday April 16th, 2008 08:01:00 AM
Andy,
So why are you a frustrated traveler? You seem to be doing what you want to do. What more could you want? More money? Seems like you should be in the groove by now!
Comment About Entrepreneurs are Frustrated Travelers
Anonymous commented about Our Baby HoboHideOut.com Took First Step, On Monday April 14th, 2008 03:16:00 AM
Alexa.com is a subsidiary of Amazon.com. It is a website which provides information on traffic levels for websites. The Alexa rank is measured according to the amount of users who’ve visited a website with the Alexa toolbar installed. Alexa toolbar is an application developed by Alexa Internet. Its primary use is to measure website statistics. This toolbar collects as well as gives some valuable information. Once you install it, the Alexa toolbar monitors all your surfing and collects information about what domains you visit. They use this data to rank web sites. The traffic rank they assign to websites is based on 3 months of aggregated historical traffic data from millions of other users and is a combined measure of page views and users. Webmasters, advertisers and ad networks use your blog’s Alexa rank as a gauge to determine the worth of a link on your website. If you depend on link or site selling as a form of monetization you’ll definitely want to increase your Alexa rank, because it’ll increase your bargaining power when it comes to ad pricing.
Comment About Our Baby HoboHideOut.com Took First Step
Anonymous commented about Hotel Fan in Eyes Travel Tip, On Thursday April 10th, 2008 12:58:00 PM
Just put the pillows at the other end of the bed and let the fan blow on your feet.
Comment About Hotel Fan in Eyes Travel Tip
Anonymous commented about Guatemala Fuentes Market Orange Juice, On Monday April 7th, 2008 02:48:00 PM
The mystery vegtable in the Mayan market is chayote
Comment About Guatemala Fuentes Market Orange Juice
Anonymous commented about Selling Clothes to Poor Countries, On Saturday March 29th, 2008 09:29:00 PM
Thanks for the link to www.sojones.com it takes over your computer took me 5 minutes to get the window to stop loading advertisements telling me my computer is infected !!
jackhole
Comment About Selling Clothes to Poor Countries
Anonymous commented about Keep the Fraction Constant Budget, On Thursday March 27th, 2008 06:49:00 PM
So Andy, please tell me... how do you make money to survive on the road??? I bet you've answered this a hundred thousand times, but one more time please :D
A wannabe hobo
Comment About Keep the Fraction Constant Budget
Anonymous commented about Working Online or Offline, On Monday March 24th, 2008 01:57:00 PM
Sorry you're getting lonely hobo. I'ld suggest you find a good cafe you could spend time in and get to be a regular. Probably other tourists there that you could talk with. Or move out of the hotel into a campground. Campers are usually talkative.
Comment About Working Online or Offline
Anonymous commented about I Speak Spanish This Time, On Friday March 21st, 2008 11:11:00 AM
Andy, no doubt southern mexico is getting very touristy. you might want to check out Chicahua National Park on the coast not far from Puerto Escondido. Has travelers but not fat butt tourists, you may like it. Guatemala is of course a lot better than mexico.
Comment About I Speak Spanish This Time
Anonymous commented about Mexico an Under Developed Culture, On Thursday March 13th, 2008 04:44:00 PM
Africa safer than Mexico.
Not exactly a good slogan for Africa.
Comment About Mexico an Under Developed Culture
Anonymous commented about A Good Backpack Harness, On Friday March 7th, 2008 05:43:00 PM
Hi Andy, native peoples have the solution, it's called a tumpline, a padded piece of rope or leather that goes from the pack up over the forehead. Distributes some of the weight to he neck muscles.
Sherpas in Nepal use them to truck their heavy loads. Native Americans used tumpline to carry their packs. Modern day canoeists have tumplines on their packs for the same reason.
Check it out.
hoz
Comment About A Good Backpack Harness
Anonymous commented about Status a way to Group People, On Thursday March 6th, 2008 06:00:00 PM
I used to have free hot tomato soup when hitchhiking across the country.
Hot water, most truck stops will give you a cup of hot water free, but your handy dandy heater has that covered.
+
Catsup, also free.
=
Tomato soup.
The kicker is getting free crackers. Sometimes a friendly waitress would provide. FF joints sometimes have free crackers on their counter.
Hoz
Comment About Status a way to Group People
Anonymous commented about 2008 March 3 Entered USA, On Tuesday March 4th, 2008 09:09:00 AM
Man, I've been reading this for a few hours, and as a fellow hoosier, I'm amazed. I often think of traveling, and when the kids all move out, the wife and I are off and running. I think its amazing that you get to see all this with your own eyes though. Thanks for sharing this with the rest of us, I really do appriciate it.
Comment About 2008 March 3 Entered USA
Anonymous commented about I Fly to Acapulco March 11, On Saturday February 23rd, 2008 09:26:00 AM
Andy, why do you mostly go to Thailand when you are in Asia? What about Malaysia, Singapore, Indonesia, Brunei, Sarawak, Bhutan, Taiwan, Bangladesh and much more. You don't seem to like going to lots of places.
Comment About I Fly to Acapulco March 11
Anonymous commented about Do I walk on Left or Right, On Saturday February 16th, 2008 09:48:00 PM
Interesting observation Andy.
When at HKG recently I noticed the people movers and escalators are oriented to the left.
When I tried locating myself to the left on the people movers so that those in a hurry could pass on the right there were mixed reactions.
Maybe because of all the international travelers.
hoz
Comment About Do I walk on Left or Right
Anonymous commented about Maybe I go Into Hiding, On Sunday February 10th, 2008 09:49:00 PM
Your comment:
"I also have to avoid tourist. They are exporting a nasty culture to every what used to be paradise on the planet. Travel has changed completely in the last 10 years, it is not the same."
My comment:
I couldn't agree with you more! Frankly, the area you are staying in is quite depressing to me. Friend you need to get out of that Khao San Road backpacker culture, and go to a hotel cheaper than $150USD a night, in a more "authentic Thai" area of Bangkok!
Just my humble opinion.
How does $15 a night sound? (500 baht). I've lived for five years up in Isaan (Northeast Thailand), but when I go to BKK, I always stay in a very convenient B&B about a 5-minute walk from the Thonglor stop on the BTS line. They have a convenient, quiet internet area (about 3 computers, never crowded), a coffee shop, and a great bookstore (lots of books in English). The breakfast is a simple tea/coffee/hot chocolate with toast/butter/jam. Rooms have air conditioning with TV. Small rooms. Downside: shared bathrooms (but clean), and no good window views.
Contact Information:
Buri Bed & Breakfast
58/14-15 Soi Thonglor, Klongton Nua, Wattana;
phone 02-714-1508-9;
URL www.BuriBandB.in.th
Email BuriBandB@yahoo.com
Good luck!
"Toptuan" in Isaan
toptuan@hotmail.com
Comment About Maybe I go Into Hiding
Anonymous commented about Room 504 Alarm Clock Drunk, On Wednesday February 6th, 2008 05:38:00 AM
So what happened? Did he come to the door? Turn off clock? Punch you in the nose?
Comment About Room 504 Alarm Clock Drunk
Anonymous commented about My Worry about Being Jaded, On Tuesday February 5th, 2008 02:17:00 PM
Quote from last comment "A very different kind of travel blog for those of us who wish we could from someone who can ".
I not 100 % sure if this guy travels all that much if at all. So many scams out there just to get that "GOOGLE DOLLAR" Funny how you never see "ANDY" just some random picture of the day to write about. Makes you think ? Videos well maybe from past trips ? Cut them up into 2 minute clips and one trip a year could fill plenty of talking points and oh ya don't forget to mention google every month to remind the brain dead they need to donate by just clicking a AD and they have done there part to keep the blog going. OK Andy I clicked you today. Even if you are a scammer and writing from some basement in Romania it is entertaining nonetheless.
Comment About My Worry about Being Jaded
Anonymous commented about Interview with Bjorn Philippines Expatriate, On Wednesday January 30th, 2008 07:32:00 AM
Men are men and women are women are women. I am currently married to a Filipina for the past 20+ years. She takes better care of me than I deserve.
One difference is my wife is a professional and was already in the US 14 years when we met.
I occasionally post on expat boards where the white guys are in PI looking for their dream wives. Most are looking in the wrong places and for the wrong reasons.
Some get used, some are users, some are happy and some not.
Marrying a Filipina is like any other woman, you get what you put into the relationship.
Comment About Interview with Bjorn Philippines Expatriate
Anonymous commented about Interview with Bjorn Philippines Expatriate, On Tuesday January 29th, 2008 01:14:00 PM
Shame on you Andy. The interview ended just as he was going to say whether or not Filipinas make good wives. Inquiring minds would like to know.
Comment About Interview with Bjorn Philippines Expatriate
Anonymous commented about Somebody Eat this Thai Dog, On Tuesday January 22nd, 2008 05:52:00 AM
And you sound like an uneducated child. Why is it stupid to say what I just said? Explain please. In Bangkok, where i lived many years ago whilst working there, I became involved with an animal shelter. It is common for Thai families to buy a cute puppy from JJ market and when it grows up and isn't so cute they just sling it out the gate and get another one. They then breed etc etc. There has been attempts for many years now to encourage neutering of pet dogs and education of dumb ass people who don't how to look after them. But your wisdom of telling people to throw rocks at dogs is helpful how???
That is informed and accurate. Now lets here your explanation that's so intellectual and accurate. I challenge you to say something intelligent for a change and argue like an adult rather than a spoilt kid. Over to you.
Comment About Somebody Eat this Thai Dog
Anonymous commented about A Gift to My Children, On Tuesday January 22nd, 2008 05:42:00 AM
You don't know me but say I am a pervert, interesting. Very child-like mind that springs to an insult when challenged.
I don't live in Thailand and I am not a pervert. Which one of us spends most time in Manila, Bangkok and Colombo??
I read your blog occasionally (not enough real substance for any more than that) and whenever I drop in you are either on your way to Bangkok or just leaving. You spent a short time in Iraq, allegedly, and talk about it as if you were there for years. Lets see you in Kabul or Iraq again and get some serious meat in your blog. It could be quite something you have here if you didn't keep bogging from Bangkok.
Anyway, I don't live in Bangkok and can't stand the place. I have actually visited, extensively, more countries than you so ease down with the insults. I only commented because I think you have a great opportunity to make a wonderful blog here.
Comment About A Gift to My Children
Anonymous commented about Somebody Eat this Thai Dog, On Monday January 21st, 2008 05:49:00 PM
The dog is on the street because some idiot threw it out when it ceased being cute and cuddly. You encourage cruelty towards animals?
Comment About Somebody Eat this Thai Dog
Anonymous commented about A Gift to My Children, On Monday January 21st, 2008 05:44:00 PM
If these places are all so safe how come we never see you in Kandahar, Bahgdad or Basra but instead you are always taking it easy in Bangkok? But of course this comment will not make it to the screen.
Comment About A Gift to My Children
Anonymous commented about 2008 Leave Thailand Enter Philippines, On Friday January 18th, 2008 07:37:00 PM
Will be following your comments closely, I will be in MM on Monday. Never spent more than a few days there, almost 20 years ago. Not sure what to do with my "downtime", would be glad to hear of your travel there this time.
Comment About 2008 Leave Thailand Enter Philippines
Anonymous commented about Are There Pyramids in Thailand, On Tuesday January 15th, 2008 04:26:00 PM
OK, this is 2 weird. After harold & kumar's Burgers post and ash's Church steeple note, I can only comment on a highly recommended acoustic music offering by the Waybacks, "Burger After Church":
http://www.waybacks.com/burger.html
Comment About Are There Pyramids in Thailand
Anonymous commented about Use Calendar to buy Airplane Tickets, On Thursday January 10th, 2008 10:46:00 AM
I too have heard from expats that Cebu Pacific will not take CC over the net. Too much net fraud.
Best,
Hoz
Comment About Use Calendar to buy Airplane Tickets
Anonymous commented about BanSaen BanSen BanSan Beach Thailand, On Thursday January 10th, 2008 07:47:00 AM
Many nice beaches in Thailand
http://www.bkkapt.com/
Comment About BanSaen BanSen BanSan Beach Thailand
Anonymous commented about Use Calendar to buy Airplane Tickets, On Wednesday January 9th, 2008 10:42:00 PM
This is a good strategy. Although this is good for the low cost carriers it is also worth looking at the "matrix". I am not sure if you have seen this before but you sign up for a free name and password and search for airfare. You can do specific dates, weekends only, or an entire month.
http://matrix.itasoftware.com
It searches thousands of sites at once and it quite nice. You cannot buy from this site so you do not have to worry about them getting a commission. Check it out and let me know what you think.
Bobby
http://travelogue.traveladdict.org
Comment About Use Calendar to buy Airplane Tickets
Anonymous commented about The Traveler Trade, On Saturday January 5th, 2008 08:07:00 AM
A professional something are a person that earns money from it.
So you are a professional traveler! :)
Comment About The Traveler Trade
Anonymous commented about Thank God for Travel, On Friday January 4th, 2008 07:09:00 AM
Same dogs, different colors.
hoz
Comment About Thank God for Travel
Anonymous commented about Around the World Trip Planning Map, On Thursday January 3rd, 2008 08:45:00 AM
I noticed you pretty much have the entire globe circled, except perhaps Canada. What's the deal with that?
love your blog!
Comment About Around the World Trip Planning Map
Anonymous commented about Group Dicount Rates for Thailand Hotels, On Tuesday January 1st, 2008 02:45:00 AM
Happy New Year!
Paul Theroux book: "Hotel Honolulu". A Writer (probably Theroux himself) burns out and ends up as the Hotel Manager of a rundown hotel in Hawaii (where Theroux lives) while he catches his writer's 2nd wind... Much better than "Blinding Light" and written after "Happy Isles of Oceania" that's the title, right?). "Hotel Honolulu" may have parallels to setting up a Guest House or Hostel. Struck me the, the HOBO could write a book like that (Oh yeah, you do everyday).
- Chris
Comment About Group Dicount Rates for Thailand Hotels
Anonymous commented about Andy HoboTraveler.Com Travel Blog Vol II, On Saturday December 29th, 2007 05:51:00 PM
Andy,
The Internet Archive Wayback Machine did archive your travel blog posts between Jan 01, 2006 thru July 31, 2007 (Togo):
http://web.archive.org/web/*/http://www.hobotraveler.com/blogger.html
- Chris
Comment About Andy HoboTraveler.Com Travel Blog Vol II
Anonymous commented about Camouflage Barbados, On Tuesday March 17th, 2009 09:59:00 AM
Geez I think some are getting a bit carried away. Every Island has its own feel and way of living yes some like more populated cities you will find drugs and dealers as in Jamaica but I love Jamaica and the people there. Some of the other Islands are dirt rude and Im rude right back and just dont spend my money there I live in Miami and theres plenty of rudeness but not everywhere. Easy solution travel to and spend money where they appreciate it. No one likes to be treated like crap specially if your on vacation there are dozens of Islands to choose from in teh Caribbean and not all inhabitants are jerks and Im sorry but there is reverse descrimination there THATS A FACT but not on all the Islands. St Maarten , Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, Anguilla where the nicest and friendliest. St Thomas, Barbados are rude and not friendly unfortunately but these places are more residential than tourst dependant nice for a wedding or 5 star stays local contact not the best.
Comment About Camouflage Barbados
Anonymous commented about Zinder to Niamey Niger, On Tuesday February 24th, 2009 01:08:00 PM
Wow...this was a very narrow, limited view of what Zinder can bring you. I guess you would need to stay longer than a few days or weeks to find a love for the people of Zinder. So sorry you were so miserable. I'm sure your country has nothing miserable about it.
Comment About Zinder to Niamey Niger
Anonymous commented about Five Shower Day, On Saturday February 21st, 2009 07:35:00 PM
It's pretty selfish to take 5 showers a day in a country constantly suffering from drought
Comment About Five Shower Day
Anonymous commented about Thailand versus Philippines Culture, On Friday February 13th, 2009 12:21:00 PM
Philippino's people doesn't have any inferiority/superiority complex when they deals with foreigner. Mostly of the thai do have serious problem to deal with foreigner: a "normal" thai woman will avoid any contact as possible with a foreigner, while mostly of the philipinas doesn't seems to feel the eyes around looking at her as a dirty girl.
Philippinos are genuine helper (except in tourist area). Thais doesn't move a finger for foreigner if not for money. Said so, Thailand looks as a safest place, at least for the kidnapping problems. Philippinos anyway are grown men and they can control more the alcohol while thai people avoid confrontation as soon as they are not drunk and have no guns in their hands. (There are already many stories of tourist women being raped and killed, tourists gunned down by drunked cops, etcc, so beware of what is hidden behind a smile....).
Yet Thailand is more developed but a big cause of this is also the ratio of child per family, that in thailand is 2-3 and philippines 6-7. To have a friend (a real friend) in Thailand is almost impossible as the culture of thai people is avoiding confrontation with each other. As a result you can have a Thai friend for go out and drink (as long as you pay), listen the weather forecast, and help him financially, as long as you don't ask him to help you. I don't know much the philippinos but to me they seems much more sincere of all the thais that I knew for ten years.
Comment About Thailand versus Philippines Culture
Anonymous commented about Why there are very few backpackers in Philippines, On Monday February 2nd, 2009 12:14:00 AM
i was looking for this backpacker/ outdoor club in the philippines when i reach this blog.
i am a filipino and i have always been proud of my country's rich culture and natural wonders. it's such a pity that you haven't seen this side of the coin... of should i say "you focus on the other side and ignored the best part."
if you are looking for backpackers in my country, you can find some. and just like any other asian country that i've been to it is always nice to learn something from a new place and appreciate what is there instead of looking at the negative side of it. sometimes, we just need to open our minds. i must admit, my country has many flaws but which country is perfect anyway. even the richest countries have their flaws, they just "wrap" it nicely with all those technologies they have and they cover all the flaws.
if you want to find backpackers in the philippines or just learn something nice and positive about the country, you can visit this site: http://ytrip.org.ph
sometimes,we just need to open our eyes and our minds to see the beauty of what we have. you can't just listen to what people say, you gotta see it for yourself.
Comment About Why there are very few backpackers in Philippines
Anonymous commented about One Jar of Love to Go Please, On Friday January 30th, 2009 01:55:00 PM
This is heartbreaking in so many ways. Not just to see this one child, but to know that this happens all over the world. The children are always the ones who suffer the most. My heart has grown more tender to this since the birth of my own daughter. There are too many problems and I agree, we create them, and we have to be the ones to stop it.
Comment About One Jar of Love to Go Please
Anonymous commented about IS INDIA DIRTY?, On Wednesday January 28th, 2009 03:20:00 AM
Do a Youtube search with ...UNREPORTED WORLD iNDIA-"THE BROKEN PEOPLE" PART1/3.
Comment About IS INDIA DIRTY?
Anonymous commented about United Nations Ivory Coast, On Sunday January 25th, 2009 07:15:00 AM
I am currently working for one of the other UN Missions as a Military Observer. I can quite safely say that this car would not belong to any of the military "blue berets" and is more likely to be one of the exceptionally pampered civilian staff's cars. Quite simply, the money that the UN waste on their civilian staff is quite disgraceful.
Comment About United Nations Ivory Coast
Anonymous commented about PERU COCAINE, On Saturday January 24th, 2009 04:47:00 PM
nobody would do ayuahasca (sp.) just to get "high" in the lame-ass sense you are indicating..it's a hardcore experience that is far from easy enjoyment and it wrapped itself up in mysticism a long time ago...
I just checked in with universal consciousness and it assured me that both San Pedro and ayhuasca are promoting health and happiness wherever they go..
check your facts. -angie n.
Comment About PERU COCAINE
Anonymous commented about Utang Na Loob, On Monday January 19th, 2009 08:15:00 AM
Not all of us.. but yes, they are bad apples of this society. there are people that seem not to know the word ENOUGH. I am in the same situation, My car just got smashed by own relative because he claims that I can't HELP my own kind my family..why should I? It's not my obligation at all. HATE THIS UTANG NA LOOB THING. Thats why some people here are darn useless. take note i am not even a foreigner but these sort of people really exists.
Comment About Utang Na Loob
Anonymous commented about African Damaged Goods, On Thursday January 8th, 2009 11:14:00 AM
your comments ab this person are unfortunately cruel and cold...not very pleasant to read...:(
Comment About African Damaged Goods
Anonymous commented about Tobago Fruit, On Tuesday January 6th, 2009 03:36:00 PM
Im from trinidad... its barbadine... passion fruit is something different. you can make a drink out of barbadine.... tobago is mostly safe.. but tourists are easy targets for a rip off... so you should always be smart.. and tourists tend to be dumb.... i think where ever you go as a tourist you should always watch your back and nowhere is completely safe... Trinidad... has more crime than tobago... but jamaica has the highest crime rate in the caribbean... as for the comment about pushy, in your face, pushy, rasta, drinking, not working comment by andyhobotraveler is really quite offensive.. and clearly he did not have a pleasant experience. perhaps one day in the future he will learn what the rasta culture really symbolizes and will not make rash judgments like that.
Comment About Tobago Fruit
Anonymous commented about VOLUNTEER PERU, On Tuesday January 6th, 2009 03:43:00 AM
Thanks to this website, I dodged a major bullet. I was accepted to volunteer for five months for Bruce Organization. The fact that I was accepted two days after I wrote a mere two paragraphs on an online application raised a red flag. I started researching the organization and found amazing things about the Bruce and his mission...and I found this website. I wrote the coordinator an email:
Hi Nicole,
I have been doing some research on BrucePeru and I have run into some troubling claims. I'm sure the organization is aware that two websites in particular: http://www.ripoffreport.com/reports/0/098/RipOff0098771.htm and http://www.hobotraveler.com/vo_volunteerperu.php have less than pleasant things to say about BrucePeru. I would like to get all the facts before I commit to spending time and money. Is there any way I could get in contact with volunteers or ex-volunteers via email in order to ask a few questions?
**********
Here was her response:
We live a certain way, knowing that if we are not as correct in our personal lives as we can be, we may not continue to receive the mysterious intervention which inevitably makes up for what we lack in accomplishing our work for the children and women we help.
It is not at all your fault you came across the websites you have found, I believe there are three in all. They are the work of ex volunteers who have taken over (another word would better fit here) projects from us, and in an attempt to discredit us instead of themselves - considering that all other volunteers serving when they were with us know well what they did. Note: If you go to this web site and scroll down you will meet some of the people who have done this - http://volunteers4u.org/volunteerperu/
We are always sorry to have to revisit this sad and unfair taste of what nastiness one must sometimes put up with in order to keep on doing what one believes in.
Our suggestion is for you to find another charity to volunteer with.
We are not the least bit put out with you, and consider you to be a victim the same as we..
Very best wishes for a wonderful 2009
Nicole, for the Bruce team
*************
Can someone please interpret the first line of her email????? That makes no sense whatsoever.
So apparently they are taking away my acceptance into the program because I was trying to make a responsible decision! So frustrating! But they definitely have something to hide if I scared them off like that just by asking to be put in contact with volunteers!
Comment About VOLUNTEER PERU
Anonymous commented about Thailand versus Philippines Culture, On Sunday January 4th, 2009 06:47:00 PM
I'm really wondering why you're saying that your heart is in the Philippines and your body is in Thailand? But my guest is you've stayed for quite long in PH, got lots of friends whom you really miss and fell in love with a Filipina, but a Filipino deceived you ... like a swindler or money scam of some sort. It does happen in my country.
Anyways, I really did appreciate this blog entry. It made me realize what it lacking in our culture and identity as Filipinas. Back in grade school, we Filipinos have been given the impression by our teachers that we are Asians, but having read about Asian cultures and our culture and how foreigners think about our culture, I really do think that Filipinos are no more than anthropologically Asians. We look like Asians, and we speak an Asian language, but our culture is must more like Latino and Western but not so it almost looks undefined. Also, the Philippines is less of a touristy place than Thailand, even for a native Filipino who knows how to get his way throughout the archipelago, travel is so muc difficult. And our government ... clueless? It is already 2009 that I post this comment and anothing much had changed in our country and we continue to have clueless arrogant leaders that the stupid voters keep on electing. I feel sad for my country and for my culture. But I'm still proud that I am Filipino and that I'm hopeful that things will improve in the coming years.
Comment About Thailand versus Philippines Culture
Anonymous commented about The Lost World of Khao San Road, On Tuesday December 30th, 2008 04:39:00 PM
sorry that you never enjoyed Tu's place. Most of us who go there regularly are not looking for luxury, we just want to experience a nice time in an authentic Thai house with friends.
Comment About The Lost World of Khao San Road
Anonymous commented about Sabang Underground River, On Monday December 22nd, 2008 06:15:00 AM
Hi Andy just read your views on the underground river and Philippines in general its a poor country definately ive travelled a bit there and yes there are scammers everyware but you only get scammed once.
Never been to the underground river but will try it next year Dry season i think Donsol for whale sharks is actually pretty good the locals have laid a new road small smart motel and i can say that its semi organised although same boat without a "silencer" also try the hot springs south Bicol great for a day out very basic but bloody hot take a jeepney from Sorsogon everyone knows it and its only locals price same for everyone a dollar to get in all day cant be bad, try climb mount mayon in legazpi but again dry season only if you travel in wet season its impossible and dangerous anyway good to read your review all philippinos i have met have been great even the scammers which you should spot a mile off they ooze a kind of " im a scammer" smell but always play along with them anyone who is trying to scan a few bucks probably needs it in the philippines oh and if a jeepney doesnt leave cause its not full just pay the fare for everyone else approx 20 people max 20 peso each you have the whole jeepney for 400 peso or 800 return which is pretty good and you can collect the fares of anyone who gets on
keep up the good work
JON
Comment About Sabang Underground River
Anonymous commented about Camouflage Barbados, On Monday December 15th, 2008 09:34:00 PM
I just got back from a cruise that stopped in Barbados. I was told to take off my camo patrol cap before I left the boat. I've got 2 kids in Afghanistan and that's how I show my support for them. Bush approved military aid to Barbados, Trinidad and Tobago. If you're taking my tax dollars to aid your military then don't tell me what to wear. Get your hand out of my wallet if you want me to respect your opinion. And one other thing Andy, you're right on target with the respect arguement. They have none in Barbados. The man in charge of the taxi station at the port said that it was 2 dollars a head. When we got to town, the old guy driving the taxi/minivan tried to charge an elderly couple 3 dollars a head until the rest of us overheard what was going on and called him out on it. Scratch Barbados off the travel list and cut off the supply of US tax dollars. There are other islands in the carribean that are hospitable places to visit. Visit and spend your money there. Antigua and St. Maartens were nice.
Comment About Camouflage Barbados
Anonymous commented about 10 Ways to Pay for the Girl, On Monday December 15th, 2008 07:01:00 AM
hm..you make it sound like it is okay to buy sex. ewww....why not help these girls without having to use them for sex.
Comment About 10 Ways to Pay for the Girl
Anonymous commented about Thailand versus Philippines Culture, On Wednesday December 3rd, 2008 10:15:00 PM
Good day to you!!! ^^
Uhmmm, I happened to find your blog and I was able to read what you said about my country the Philippines.
First of all, you do not have the right to compare the two countries as to whom is greater or not. You have only set your foot on a very small area in the Philippines. What you saw was not the entire Philippines. Do not be that superficial in judging other countries or races. You can give your observations but not your HARSH judgments. We Filipinos might be doing that certain thing because it's a part of our culture. FILIPINO Culture... Not of the PIG's culture... Well, when you said something about our government I think, again your looking at things superficially. For if we compare the two countries now, which of the two suffer severe civil disorder due to immaturity in governance? Is it my country? Or Thailand... Next time you vomit out words better be careful. A western thought maybe very different from how we perceive it. For instance, you western people say that it's the Age of Exploration, but we ASIANS see that as an AGE OF EXPLOITATION... NOT exploration...
Be careful with your mouth. It stinks... Duhhh....
Comment About Thailand versus Philippines Culture
Anonymous commented about Opening a Hostel Hotel, On Tuesday December 2nd, 2008 09:52:00 AM
Hey Andy, a friend of mine is currently working on helping people open up hostels. She's looking for people like yourself who want to open up their own hostel but are unsure of everything that goes into the process of opening up a hostel. I'm currently helping her find people to talk to, kind of get a small community going to discuss everyone's needs, and was wondering if you wouldn't mind being a part of this mini-hostelling movement :-)
I travel a bit myself and have always wished that more hostelling options were available here in the states. I think you and her, and anyone else who wants to open a hostel, could do some amazing things if you got together and figured out a way to get this thing going. Feel free to shoot her an email: mollika_basu@yahoo.com ... her name is Mollika and she'd be more than happy to hear from you.
- Nate
Comment About Opening a Hostel Hotel
Anonymous commented about Boukombe Benin, On Sunday November 30th, 2008 07:45:00 PM
I am very interested in finding out how long you stayed in Boukombe for, could you tell me please?
Cheers
Comment About Boukombe Benin
Anonymous commented about Togo Phosphate, On Thursday November 27th, 2008 12:00:00 PM
Read all about phosphorous at this resource:
http://fipr1.state.fl.us/PhosphatePrimer
v. interesting blog by the way
Comment About Togo Phosphate
Anonymous commented about Sex Tourism, On Monday November 10th, 2008 06:57:00 PM
Dear Andy - I'm a journalist writing a feature story about sex tourism. I noticed your post. Do you happen to know what sites, forums, what have you, have many sex tourists? I'm looking to interview some, male or female, gay or straight. I'd really appreciate any leads. I can be reached at tonyvalenzuela@gmail.com.
Thanks!
Comment About Sex Tourism
Anonymous commented about Barbados Girls, On Tuesday November 4th, 2008 12:15:00 PM
Hah! Looks like that wicket is made from old tent or scaffolding poles.
Comment About Barbados Girls
Anonymous commented about Travel Natitingou to Kandi, On Thursday October 30th, 2008 03:54:00 PM
Not that this matters anymore, but the best route is to go to Parakou first (since it's all on paved road) and then catch a bus up to Kandi.
Comment About Travel Natitingou to Kandi
Anonymous commented about Niamey to Maradi Niger Bus Trip, On Tuesday October 28th, 2008 01:25:00 PM
Yep, its millet. I lived in a village near Maradi for two years. I've eaten a lot of millet...
Comment About Niamey to Maradi Niger Bus Trip
Anonymous commented about Popular Blogs, On Wednesday October 22nd, 2008 01:54:00 AM
Subject Line : Beat Long Poll Lines with Absentee Ballots from StateDemocracy.org
Many state and local election officials are encouraging voters to use Absentee Ballots to avoid the long lines and delays expected at the polls on November 4th due to the record-breaking surge in newly registered voters.
Voters in most states still have time to obtain an Absentee Ballot by simply downloading an official application form available through www.StateDemocracy.org, a completely FREE public service from the nonprofit StateDemocracy Foundation.
Read More: http://us-2008-election.blogspot.com/2008/10/beat-long-poll-lines-with-absentee.html
Comment About Popular Blogs
Anonymous commented about Fava or Haba Bean, On Sunday October 19th, 2008 09:30:00 AM
they look the same as the fried broad beans i eat in thailand.
Comment About Fava or Haba Bean
Anonymous commented about Used Books for Sale in Bangkok Thailand, On Friday October 17th, 2008 08:51:00 PM
Are there any (English) bookstores in Khao San, or anywhere in Bangkok that you do like? I agree that most of the English bookstores in Bangkok (and especially Khao San) are annoyingly overpriced, but I don't know of any alternatives.
And yes, that plastic wrapping thing is despicable.
Comment About Used Books for Sale in Bangkok Thailand
Anonymous commented about Marrakesh Express Lyrics, On Wednesday October 1st, 2008 05:06:00 AM
Really awful lyrics.
Comment About Marrakesh Express Lyrics
Anonymous commented about Utang Na Loob, On Wednesday October 1st, 2008 01:11:00 AM
THIS IS GERANIE
HELLO!A PLEASANT DAY TO YOU.I HAVE JUST READ YOUR MESSAGE.IM A FILIPINO TOO,A COLLEGE STUDENT HERE IN PHILS.ACTUALLY IM QUITE SAD ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE HERE IN OUR COUNTRY.YOU HAVE A POINT ON THAT BOUT THE PEOPLE YOU HAVE MET HERE BUT IM VERY SURE THAT NOT ALL DO THE SAME.EVEN IN OTHER COUNTRY,OTHERS DO THE SAME TOO.BUT WE CANT BLAME THEM BECAUSE NOBODY IS PERFECT.ALL WE CAN HELP IS TO TRY TO GIVE THEM COURAGE TO MAKE A CHANGE OR SOMETHING THAT CAN HELP TO INSPIRE THEM TO MAKE A NEW BEGINNING.LIVING IN A PEACEFUL WAY.BUT I KNOW YOU HAVE A GOOD HEART AND YOU MEAN IT.THANKS FOR BEING A BLESSING TO OTHERS YET THEY JUST DONT REALIZE ITS WORTH.THANKS!GOD BLESS!
Comment About Utang Na Loob
Anonymous commented about Nigeria Number One, On Saturday September 27th, 2008 06:41:00 AM
I read this piece about Nigeria Number One in the USA and was greatly saddened. I am proud to be a Nigerian and I know the beauty of working hard.
My question is did your organization report these few individuals to the appropriate authority like the EFCC that handles economy and cyber cafe crimes.
If you have done that before shuting it down these frivilous individuals would have been apprehended and rot away in jail.
Now the question is if I have now navigated to your site how would I as a Nigerian know you exist. Shuting it down is not the answer.
Let us work together to get rid of these bad eggs from the world not only in Nigeria.
Thank you and wish to see Nigeria up and running again on your site.
Prince Rich Adetule, USA
yorubanationopp@yahoo.com
Comment About Nigeria Number One
Anonymous commented about Living in Cebu, On Friday September 19th, 2008 02:43:00 PM
I plan to go to cebu and trying to do my homework. I want to stay for two months in cebu and this is my first visit to Philippine. Hotel may be too expensive but do they have paying guest system in philippines? If they do then please guide me to the right path.
Sal
Comment About Living in Cebu
Anonymous commented about Comparing Danger of USA and Africa, On Friday September 12th, 2008 09:31:00 PM
lang3THis comment is in regards to Andy's statements:
"The USA ghetto is the most dangerous place I know.
The Mexican police are the second most dangerous.
Belize City is dangerous, but the Islands are not so dangerous.
West Africa does not have guns, and they also do not have police, therefore nobody is around me with a gun. The Military in Mexico and Bolivia or many countries get drunk, kill, and rape people. It is hard to see a gun in Togo, just at the banks, and they are relaxed.
Asia is safer than Togo for violence; I am less likely to be killed by people in Asia, than in Togo, however more likely to die in Thailand because of getting hit by the too many cars."
I'd love to see any stats that confirm what you've said. In fact, I have stats that completely disprove your statements. You should research your material more thoroughly because someone reading this crap might actually believe it....
Comment About Comparing Danger of USA and Africa
Anonymous commented about Bamboo Construction in Hong Kong, On Friday September 12th, 2008 07:57:00 AM
"If the bamboo are grown in sustainable ways for this use, then good. maybe they are not, probably"
Well that's the fun with bamboo, it is. Plants keep on living underground and they regrow quite fast. It is the most ecological building material available.
You can't compare it with steel or even wood.
Comment About Bamboo Construction in Hong Kong
Anonymous commented about Nepal No Gas No Propane No Electricity, On Friday September 12th, 2008 02:03:00 AM
Well man why do you think that the new boss is worsee....Well what 75%+ Nepalese think that The New PM is better than any other.. THe Bosses previously on Nepal were many corrupt well.. at lease Maoist are not corrupt they have shown us that are better than any other.....We all we die with smile but we will not tolerate any other country forces here..Its better to die than to be coward.....
Comment About Nepal No Gas No Propane No Electricity
Anonymous commented about Bangkok Hotel Problems, On Monday September 1st, 2008 03:34:00 PM
a bit late but go to MBK nr siam. theres a few hotels over the road
Comment About Bangkok Hotel Problems
Anonymous commented about Travelin' Man, by Bob Seger, On Sunday August 31st, 2008 09:56:00 PM
these are not exactly accurate.
Comment About Travelin' Man, by Bob Seger
Anonymous commented about Kametonou Togo Auberge, On Thursday August 21st, 2008 07:18:00 PM
you went 2 so many places that u r confused what is Togo and what is ghana. Badu is not in Togo and when u go 2 somebody's contry don't come and write things just to please the USA population. be realistic, the old woman not speaking french and blah blah blah, do u speak the languages she speaks? if u visit our country just 2 come and make mockery out of it then we do not want ur visit. we are comfortable with our lives just the way they are.
Comment About Kametonou Togo Auberge
Anonymous commented about Dhulikhel Nepal, On Wednesday August 20th, 2008 02:24:00 PM
Hi Andy,
Reading your article makes me strange and surprise of your visit of Dhulikhel, Nepal. Instead of Dhulikhel you should make mountains hike or trip ( not snowkeeped ones), where you don't meet anyone, may be some birds, animals and trees for many days.
You want to visit around Dhulikhel vilaages, but how can you visit there without passing or crossing Dhulikhel? If you first visit at Dhulikhel, then you can gather information from there and to vist further ahead villages for months without meeting tourist like you amd which names are not metntioned on your (tourist) guide book.
At last, sorry to say if you don't want to see any tourist, you should visit may be Antartica.... Because in Nepal you can meet more tourist even on the Everest top than random street of Kathmandu!!
Wish you happy vist to anywhere of our planet!
Reg.
RP Shrestha (Dhulikehel)
The Netherlands
Comment About Dhulikhel Nepal
Anonymous commented about Made in Russia, On Tuesday August 19th, 2008 09:46:00 AM
Searching for ways to boycott Russia I have since discovered Army/Navy surplus stores carry flag scarves made in Russia labels. Ask your local surplus store to stop purchasing from supplier.
Comment About Made in Russia
Anonymous commented about Utang Na Loob, On Monday August 18th, 2008 09:49:00 PM
i agree with wat d others said...
uv just met d wrong persons...
im sorry for what happened...pls do not overgeneralize or give conclusions based on your "one"-time experience...
thanks anyway for sharing ur story
Comment About Utang Na Loob
Anonymous commented about Why there are very few backpackers in Philippines, On Monday August 11th, 2008 06:51:00 AM
in the end the philippines is amazing.FACTS manila have the largest numbers of expat in asia.most numbers of americans.we have huge malls than any other country in the world.the philippines is 4 rich and very affluent asian tourist only like koreans,japanese,taiwanese chinese and australian coz dey have money to spend the government not targeting any poor white backpackers coz dey dont have enough money to spend around the counrty.the philippines is a very diverse.all in all wer else on earth wer u can find a country dats have it all.we have amzing nitelife,powdery white sand beaches,century old churches,diverse environment,hospitable people.and for the crime,usa is far more dangerous than the philippines
Comment About Why there are very few backpackers in Philippines
Anonymous commented about ECUADOR COINS, On Sunday August 10th, 2008 12:14:00 PM
I second, the comments made about the Ecuadorian indeginious people who are trying to make a living in a third-world country. What they are making is a pork finger food type side street dish called "Fritada", it's actually very tasty its served with white corn and sauteed onions. If you've ever visited Time Square in New York, you'll see the US's version of these side street vendors selling one of my favorites.. NY hotdogs.
Comment About ECUADOR COINS
Anonymous commented about Streets of Manila Photos, On Wednesday July 30th, 2008 12:01:00 PM
Unfortunately begging has become a profession in Manila and other parts of the Philippines. It has surpassed old fashioned street begging as well.
I work as a investment banker so I have few spare hours as such I use internet dating on occasion. I recently received a message on one dating site from a "girl" in the Philippines. There was a photo attached of a very pretty girl. She said she was looking for a serious relationship leading to marriage and that was a traditional religious girl. I emailed her back and thanked her for her interested but said as I lived in a America, I wasn't interested. She persisted saying distances can be overcome and that love can transcend national boundaries. Sounds good right? Then when I would log on I would get instant messages from her. She asked me to chat with her and see if I liked her. If I didn't I could always leave she said. Well it sounded like a risk free offer.
Despite her claims of being a traditional girl she soon started sending me pictures of herself in skimpy outfits. She said she was studying Business Management at Central Mindanao University. However she seemed to know little of Business Management and the University's schedule.
She claimed her parents had been killed in an accident and that she was living with her sick, aging grandmother whom she partially supported by working part time in a store.
Very quickly she claimed she lost her job and couldn't afford to pay for her grandmother's medicine which she quite urgently needed. She was unable to tell me the name of the medicine as she was too busy to be bothered with such things. She said she had never ever asked anyone for money but was asking me know if I could send her some money. I was obviously wary but offered to send a cheque for $20. She said it would take too long and that she needed $100 and could I wire transfer the $. I played dumb and said I didn't know how to do that. All of a sudden she became an expert on international wire transfer and how she could get the money in 10 minutes & that I could send it from my computer.
I declined but offered to pay the pharmacy directly, some how this wouldn't work according to her. As time went on I heard pleas for money for school fees, food, medicine, etc. Each time I offered to pay the school/shop/doctor directly and each time she refused.
I have since found out that for many young girls in the Philippines this is a full time job. These "virtuous" girls will even masturbate for you on camera if you pay them.
When caught in their own lies many will come clean but they are unrepentant. They look at it like a job, their attitude is you have it I want it. They get very angry if you don't send money calling you a liar and saying you were never serious about a real relationship. Yet they are the ones who admit cyber begging is their full time job.
Comment About Streets of Manila Photos
Anonymous commented about Macau to Hong Kong Ferry, On Tuesday July 29th, 2008 08:05:00 AM
hi andy!
i will be following your footsteps from macau to HK!
Thanks for useful guidelines!
Comment About Macau to Hong Kong Ferry
Anonymous commented about Utang Na Loob, On Sunday July 27th, 2008 08:43:00 AM
If they try to sell you something like viagra on the street, just say "meron na..." (I have it...) and just walk fast. Because the more you say "no" the more they will pester you. This is what I would tell my foreign friends. Then try to look busy when you walk because you are not giving them reason to holla at you on the street.
Filipinos are great people. Give them a chance and get to know them without the presumptive views underlying the impact of the social problems this country is facing. It is there because it is embedded in our culture but you know, such "utang na loob" is what keeps most Filipino families together.
Comment About Utang Na Loob
Anonymous commented about AeroPostal Airlines, On Monday July 14th, 2008 01:57:00 AM
Hey Andy,
How much did that flight to Trinidad cost you? We are thinking about doing the same, but possibly out of Cartagena.
Comment About AeroPostal Airlines
Anonymous commented about Forgot Olympus Camera Cable, On Saturday July 12th, 2008 12:36:00 AM
i think ur uninformed of the tru meaning of dread locs becuz someone has natty locs doesn't mean they're imitating Bob Marley that is extremely far fetched thats like saying Becuz i am Cuban im imitating Fidel Castro see how rediculous dat is.(very) for a real dreadlocs it is part of who you are your recognizing that your essence is Spirit and to cater to your appearance is of the flesh and is conformity to an vanity filled world now dont assume that all forms of grooming is in this catagory but a little meditation in the LORD the Almighty your Creator will make you realize how far this world is from him also don't mistake me for sayig you must have dreadlocs with enlightenment that would be a misinterpretation too but FAM God Bless L1OVE
Comment About Forgot Olympus Camera Cable
Anonymous commented about Togo Africa Bat or Chauvesouris, On Thursday July 10th, 2008 11:23:00 AM
Go to Mayotte [Indian Ocean] : you'll see bigger bats !!!
["les roussettes" in french]
Comment About Togo Africa Bat or Chauvesouris
Anonymous commented about SOGO, On Sunday June 29th, 2008 05:42:00 PM
i stayed at a SOGO hotel 2 times, both times i was with a girl the first time i just requested a room for the night until the next day at noon and they gave me a nice hotel room with 2 double beds AC Tv nice decoration like a standard middle of the road hotel I liked it quite a bit for the price (1260 PHP)and they used a swipe card for the locks to the room
the second time i went there i asked for a room and they gave me a regular metal key and the room was super tiny barely fit the 1 double bed and there were 2 lights in the room a red one and a regular bright one, the small room didnt even have sheets on the bed i think and the tv was maybe 15 inch, also they told me i needed to pay by the hour that time (somewhere around 100 PHP per hr)
both of those times it was the same exact hotel
Comment About SOGO
Anonymous commented about Learning French in West Africa, On Saturday June 28th, 2008 11:59:00 AM
Hallo, I would like to learn French as well, how did you find this program and/or which organization?
Thanks,
Miguel
Comment About Learning French in West Africa
Anonymous commented about Blog by SMS or Cell Text Message, On Saturday June 28th, 2008 03:57:00 AM
Did you guys got to use MobiYard Software ?? Check this out Free Mobile SMS Worldwide.. Let me know if anyone have used it.
Comment About Blog by SMS or Cell Text Message
Anonymous commented about SOGO, On Saturday June 21st, 2008 12:46:00 PM
Hi,
There is an sporadic rise of short-time hotels in the Philippines, and as you drive around Metro Manila, you'll see hundreds of SOGO, and other MOTEL selling their rooms for at least P100-P200 ($2+) for 2-3 hours... I am a Filipina, yet I dont like seeing all these MOTELS around the area. I dont like the reputation branding my country a cheap fucking placem, but what can I do? if you look around there ae so many MOTELS offering short-yime service not just SOGO.
If you're really curious what inside SOGO, you better go there and check-in. Their lobby has individual cubicle, and you will see couples (some are young, mid age, old) waiting for their turn to go inside the room and release the heat of their bodies.
I know, because I made a research about this case.
Its a shame, but that is the reality of life in the Philippines where 80% of the people are claiming to be religious... staging MORALITY... Geesh, HYPOCRISY....
Comment About SOGO
Anonymous commented about Caribbean Ferry, On Monday June 9th, 2008 07:24:00 PM
Im in the same situation. I would rather save some money by catching/hitching a ride on a ferry than flying from island to island.
Comment About Caribbean Ferry
Anonymous commented about RURRENABAQUE BOLIVIA, On Monday June 9th, 2008 08:27:00 AM
Hey you pay 15$ a day you get a 15$ tour, you stick to only the places in the guide book you end up at all the tourist traps. If you walked further than the two blocks in the centre or dared to enter a local place you might have met some interesting people (if your spanish is as good as you say). If you payed more for a tour that would hire a decent guide not just any local kid who wants to sleep with tourist you might have had a different experience. Personally I only wish I could have stayed longer in Rurre. I had an excellent guide who was informed and informative in the pampas. We didn´t feed the monkeys, we didn´t see another tourist boat let alone camp, we did see an anaconda (but our guide tells us is rare these days because of irresponsible tourists booking cheep tours with guides who pick them up and let the tourists handel them with insect repellent on their hands which kills them) and the dolphins actually came up to us and played tag with us. Not to mention the monkeys, caiman and hundreds of birds we saw. When I went on a jungle tour (not the pampas boat trip, but into the Madidi national park) it was all hikes, wild camps and washing in the river and learning a hell of a lot about the traditional medicinal plants. I´m sorry to hear you had such a bad experience bescause Rurrenabaque is deffinately one of my favourite place in Bolivia so far.
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Anonymous commented about TONS OF PHOTOS OF MOSUL AND ERBIL IRAQ, On Friday June 6th, 2008 08:53:00 AM
Dear Andy,
it's good to have people visiting my city, we are pleased to receive torusits and poeple who comes to Erbil. we want to intorduce our nation to the world, how great we are and how strong we are! I just recommend you that if you ever come back to my city just let me know, i can help you to have better view pictures so you can franschize your website.
you can reach me thru
dr_amerali@hotmail.com
00964-750-456-6957
Best Regards
Amer
Comment About TONS OF PHOTOS OF MOSUL AND ERBIL IRAQ
Anonymous commented about Water Skiing in Poland, On Wednesday June 4th, 2008 03:33:00 AM
I found a web-page with some information about skiing in Poland, I was in Poland at Summer and was brilliant, I plane to go some skiing at Winter also. http://www.skiing-poland.com/
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Anonymous commented about SIHANOUKVILLE TOMORROW - CAMBODIA BEACH, On Saturday May 31st, 2008 10:15:00 PM
you sound very bitter in your criticisms of Cambodia
... lighten up a little
and then maybe people will be a little friendlier
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Anonymous commented about Manila Philippines Street Children, On Wednesday May 28th, 2008 07:47:00 PM
Like many countries the Philippines has an issue with over population. Unfortunately this is unlikely to go away anytime soon based on the lack of education and the Catholic church. The answer is simple, but difficult to accomplish.
Comment About Manila Philippines Street Children
Anonymous commented about Camouflage Barbados, On Sunday May 25th, 2008 05:17:00 PM
I found notices on most every travel site I looked at before going to Barbados as well as both US and Canadian travel advisory sites. Most everyone on the island has a uniform for work. I imagine that wearing a part of military uniform may be disrespectful to the military, that and an island the size and nature of many of the small islands around the world could be taken over in a coup by a small well armed well trained well funded group of operators and makes these governments, some corrupt, nervous about any sort of military clothing arriving on their shores.
I think a little more research on your part before traveling is needed. I am usually treated very well when I travel but I arrive with no expectations and try to be as accepting of the local laws and customs as I would ask others to be coming to my country.
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Anonymous commented about Philippines Not Girl Friendly, On Sunday May 25th, 2008 05:06:00 PM
Philippines Not Girl Friendly-
false. certainly incorrect
Comment About Philippines Not Girl Friendly
Anonymous commented about Used Books for Sale in Bangkok Thailand, On Monday May 19th, 2008 01:22:00 PM
I traveled through Pattaya Thailand recently and found a little gem in Canterbury Tales Cafe bookshop, and they exchange books, not swap but you can get credit on your books for money off thier books, I gave them a 2006 lonely planet Thailand book and a recent Chris Ryan book and they gave me 180 baht credit for the 2 they have a website www.canterburytalescafe.com
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Anonymous commented about Africa Fashion, On Saturday May 17th, 2008 11:51:00 AM
wow, she is gorgeous.
Comment About Africa Fashion
Anonymous commented about Subic and Angeles is Sodom and Gomorrah, On Wednesday May 14th, 2008 11:20:00 AM
You and people like you are the ones who propagate the problems in this world. The compassion and involvement is what can save the world. If your goal was to be superficial about a culture and a whole lot of people living in Angeles and Subic, you succeeded. If your plan was to give an idea of an area, you have failed miserably. Any of the things that you said, a traveler could observe in the places of the world that you, I am sure, would classify as being great. When you go to London and New York, or LA, or Paris, you can get to see the slums, the prostitution and the "haze" that ash saw in Goa. It is only when you look deeper and past the suprficiality, that you can truly see the way people are. Pampangans are one of the most sincere people of the Philippines with kind hearts and warm words. If you would have made some time to sit down and talk to them, you would have noticed it.
Echoing rex galan, I think it is important to think a little more why is it that these people are the way they are. And, furthermore, what role you played in their lives - just another tourist or an interested person who really cares about the world and its inhabitants?
Furthermore, I suggest you stop using judgments and "God Bless" in the same post. Either you follow the word of the Lord or you do not. You cannot have it both ways.
Comment About Subic and Angeles is Sodom and Gomorrah
Anonymous commented about Ghana Food Fufu Video, On Sunday May 11th, 2008 11:15:00 PM
I am a woman from the US.. I recently took a trip to Accra, Ghana. The reason being..I married a Ghanaian man named Jackson. I spent two awesome weeks in Accra, and I cried when I left. I tried fufu, and Banku and other African/Ghanaian dishes and I have to admit that it was different to my taste but yet still very good. Even though my sweet husband almost choked me with my first bite of fufu while I was trying banku for the first time. I am amazed while watching woman making fufu in Jacksons nieghborhood. My first thought was"How do they keep from getting their hands smashed?" I am trying to get the hang of african cooking because I made a promise to my husband that, eventhough he may live in the US now..I still will make him his African meals because they are part of who he is.
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Anonymous commented about IS INDIA DIRTY?, On Monday May 5th, 2008 04:54:00 PM
I didn't know how dirty India could be until I went there to witness it.
I just came back from a 21 days trip in Rajasthan and I was shock of how filthy Indian people live and this goes for both the rich and the poor Indians that I saw there.
Many of the Indians do their washing and bathing (without soap) in a lake or pond. They treat cows, monkeys, and goats better than their own kind as I have witness.
Perhaps it's in the culture, but the Indians that I saw in India could sleep anywhere, even if it's in the middle of a street and next to a bunch of cow dunk full of flies.
Comment About IS INDIA DIRTY?
Anonymous commented about Camouflage Barbados, On Wednesday April 30th, 2008 06:29:00 PM
I've lived on the island of Barbados for 56 long years, and I can assure you that the payback for slavery thing is very much alive and well on this island.
The man is entirely right in assuming that the surly orders from officious Officialdom are closely tied in with a PAYBACK FOR SLAVERY thing going down here, as fostered by a small Marxist-Leninist/Black Nationalist cadre operating out of the local campus of Univ.W.Indies at Cave Hill.
No-one wants to talk this bluntly, but let me assure you that what I say is correct, and very unpopular, like I give a shirt!
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Anonymous commented about ARRIVED IN SEONI INDIA, On Saturday April 26th, 2008 09:52:00 PM
hey man I have been struggling with this too, I am a vegetarian and sometimes give into eat but i kill all insects in my house. I have a hard time coming to terms with this, maybe baby steps is the answer, less leather stricter veggies, first. check out my blog drop a lime
here
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Anonymous commented about Philippine Call Center, On Monday April 21st, 2008 07:35:00 PM
the philippines is the largest call center workers in the world because of their ability to speak english fluently.
Comment About Philippine Call Center
Anonymous commented about The Shame of Passing Judgment, On Monday April 21st, 2008 07:33:00 PM
some expats said bad things to the Filipinos but and even called them pigs or coachroach but for me Filipinos are nice and peace loving people and high IQ citizens only those foreigner who doesn't know how to value life is.
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Anonymous commented about Why there are very few backpackers in Philippines, On Monday April 21st, 2008 07:17:00 PM
what ever country you will go its not safe. in thailand last year i think there was 1 female from UK rape and murder by thai fishermens, my friend from canada was died in bombings in hatyai and another tow russians sexy ladies was shoot to death daylight in Phuket but in the Philippines i didn't here any foreigner in tourist destination killed in bombings or rape as long as you will not go to the place which is not safe at all. I went to boracay, palawan and the amazing race was there for there series, cebu,in mindanao I went camiguin, dakak, samal island, lastly in general santos city sarangani province wow a very virgin white sand powder beach in gumasa Glan was very fantastic and never been explore we stayed there for 2 weeks and I enjoyed a lot. What ever country you will go its not safe at all as long as you know how to avoid.
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Anonymous commented about Africa Enslaved by Love, On Thursday April 17th, 2008 04:24:00 PM
hi,
thanks again for your Niger experience shared to us, it has touch me. I really respect you for that.
Aksanti!
Raďs N. Boneza
An African somwhere in Scandinavia
Comment About Africa Enslaved by Love
Anonymous commented about Buying Candles in Niger, On Wednesday April 16th, 2008 12:44:00 PM
I realize that this is a very old post, but it made me laugh to see the section about Nigeriens not wanting to admit that they don't know something. My fiance is from Niger and one day he asked me "Do you remember such-and-such from the other day when I said _____"
I said "no, I don't know what you are talking about"
He laughed hysterically and said that I said that in Niger when we go visit everyone would be asking him what kind of stupid girl he brought home.
Apparently you have to just pretend you know/remember EVERYTHING.
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Anonymous commented about Togo Food Biscuit Kolonto, On Monday April 7th, 2008 06:55:00 PM
what are the ingredients for togos Biscuit Kolonto one of my freinds gave me some it was so good with humas cause i wanna make some there asoume!!!!!! :)
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Anonymous commented about Efio Tiger Nut Togo Food, On Monday April 7th, 2008 06:34:00 PM
were do you get seeds for Efio Tiger Nuts? cause im doing a project on togo and i want to get a type of food for togo for sampling with my project. tell me if you figure out or alredy now were to get the nuts email me at jordanruckerski@gmail.com
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Anonymous commented about CITY CODES FOR IRAQ, On Saturday March 29th, 2008 11:50:00 AM
Thank you Very much for the valuable information
Comment About CITY CODES FOR IRAQ
Anonymous commented about Women Workers in Benin, On Sunday March 23rd, 2008 12:07:00 AM
Interesting, however I really must have missed something in your article.I'll read it again just to make sure the vibe I'm getting about your motivation is accurate.
I'm headed to Benin on a pilgrimage next year.Your experience reminded me of Vegas,Miami, LA and just about every city or town I've visited. I'll be sure to try and get some anwsers to your questions from my dear friend the Minister.
p.s.Was her real name Sophi or did you assume she would be ok with have her name published on the web?
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Anonymous commented about Nat Tours Travel Agent Bangkok, On Tuesday March 18th, 2008 12:30:00 AM
I've been using Nat Tour and Travel since 1995. Bought many tickets from Jorin. They've been in that same location around 15 years. Will use him again soon for ticket to usa. Always reliable.
Comment About Nat Tours Travel Agent Bangkok
Anonymous commented about Indiana USA Waitress Gets 10000 Dollar Tip, On Monday March 17th, 2008 11:55:00 AM
sorry i need to say this. Im only 15 but was recently in Italy, and that by far is the best pizza in the world
Comment About Indiana USA Waitress Gets 10000 Dollar Tip
Anonymous commented about Cebu Pacific Airlines, On Thursday March 13th, 2008 10:29:00 PM
it's terribly horrible!!!!!!
Comment About Cebu Pacific Airlines
Anonymous commented about Cheap Hosting Wanted, On Monday March 3rd, 2008 05:22:00 PM
I currently use netOxide.co.uk, superb price and I have found them to be really reliable.
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Anonymous commented about Thailand versus Philippines Culture, On Saturday February 23rd, 2008 04:26:00 PM
My current boyfriend stayed in Thailand and used to have a Thai girl. We had a number of conversations re Philippine-Thailand comparison. He likes Thailand because of the distinct Thai/Asian culture, and the nice beaches. He likes Thai food too. But I think he's way appreciative and open-minded. I let him go with me in the provinces to not only explore our beautiful beaches, but to really see the history behind the very hospitable Filipinos and the country per se. I even bring him to Divisoria and Quiapo!! Two of the busiest and crowded places in Manila. Dirty... yes. Again, because of the very populated Manila. But to call or describe Filipinos as pigs. NO. And I don't think he will ever do it. It's not being biased because he has me as of the moment, but it's more like giving a just description. Having the right person and the ample time to explore the beauty of a country do present more justice to any kind of description.
By the way, I am certain he likes being with a Filipina than a Thai. Humor-wise... yes. And I don't think he would really care whether I bring him every day to Quiapo church or let him do the 26-hour bus ride to the North. Having traveled to nearly all countries in the world, he does not care much about what the country looks like (after all, each country has its set of imperfections). He cares more about whom he's spending the serious political conversations with, and whom he can laugh aloud with anytime.
Asking about what you value most is a great start to finally decide where you really want to stay. After all, choosing a home is more of a heart related job. =)
LEI
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Anonymous commented about IS INDIA DIRTY?, On Sunday February 17th, 2008 05:29:00 AM
Re: "Is India dirty?", I am Indian and speaking for myself, I almost always have a bath everyday and it involves soap and water and scrubbing everywhere.
Regarding the rest of my countrymen, though i can't speak for all of them, I'm fairly certain that many people brush and bathe once a day. When i say countrymen, i mean the maid that works at your house, the chauffeur, the guard, most people you bump into on a day to day basis. How would i know? Well, It's fairly easy to verify. I live in a city with slums and the teeming masses all around. If you can be troubled to stir slumbering bones and walk through a slum around 5ish , then you can hear and see it. The working class has to get up fairly early if they have to get to work at 8AM. However I can't vouch for people living in absolute poverty - water is very often not available to them.
However more to the point: Yes, Indian roads and infrastructure are very dirty, partly due to corruption and partly due to indifference and willful folly on the part of the poor. The poor have no stake in the country that is "India", so many a time they deliberately choose to destroy what little is left of their India. Indian homes however are a lot cleaner.
Comment About IS INDIA DIRTY?
Anonymous commented about East Timor Culture, On Tuesday February 12th, 2008 01:34:00 PM
Nice pics of Australian Army M113 Gavins on patrol! FYI, they are tracked armored personnel carriers aka light tanks not wheeled "armored cars"...
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Anonymous commented about KFC Cairo Egypt, On Friday February 8th, 2008 03:14:00 PM
Andy, there are lots of places you can find good food in Cairo - what in particular are you looking for?
Also, the cultural feel of Cairo is French, not British. And increasingly American, as the fleet of yellow school buses will prove. Again, your criticism doesn't quite ring true to people like me who have spent a lot of time in Cairo.
Comment About KFC Cairo Egypt
Anonymous commented about Thailand versus Philippines Culture, On Sunday February 3rd, 2008 07:31:00 PM
Philippines.
> The monsoon rains does not pour as of now (July).
> The Philippines is way more varied, and its' spectacular landscape has been compared to New Zealand and Costa Rica, which are eco-toruism destinations.
> Boracay in the Philippines has been voted the best beach in the entire Eastern Hemisphere (Europe, Asia, and Africa).
> Nightlife in Asia is the best in Philippines, because it is liberal in the fullest sense of the word, being the only country in Asia whose culture is classified as Western.
> Since the Philippines has been greatly Americanized and Hispanicized, it is also the one country in Asia which stands out and enjoys a fusion of Asian, Pacific Islander, European, American, and Latin cultures. It is also highly Christianized, so culture is fairly similar with the West.
> Manila is the only Latin-Asian city in the world.
> Quite understandably, the Philippines also is the most heterogenous of all Asia's countries - all races are represented, and Filipinos, being a mixed combination of Asian, Pacific Islander, and Caucasian, has the HIGHEST number of Miss International contestants who have won - sharing it with Venezuela.
> In terms of destination, the Philippines has 7,100 varied islands to choose from.
> Language wise, the Philippines is the third largest English speaking nation in the world.
The Philippines represents the whole world (and the solar system) through its various sceneries:
1. Ibiza, Spain = Punta Fuego, Batangas province
2. Ko Phi Phi, Thailand = Bacuit archipelago, Palawan province
3. Malacca, Malaysia = Marawi, Lanao del Sur province
4. Scottish Highlands = Batanes archipelago
5. Sahara desert = Laoag sand dunes, Ilocos Norte province
6. Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, USA = Callao Caves, Cagayan province
7. Appalachian mountain towns = Baguio City
8. Himalayas = Cordillera mountains
9. Texas Sandbanks = Bolinao, Pangasinan province
10. Maldives = Hundred islands, Pangasinan province
11. Napa Valley, CA = Central Plains of Luzon
12. Moonscapes = Mount Pinatubo slopes, Pampanga province
13. Cape Town, South Africa = Subic Bay Freeport Zone
14.Pompeii, Italy = Submerged towns of Batangas province, now underneath Taal Lake, near Taal VOlcano (the smallest active volcano in the world and a natural spa is currently in the making)/
15. Paris = Greenbelt
16. Sydney = Manila
17. Tokyo or Hong Kong = Makati City
18. Manhattan = Fort Bonifacio Global City
19. Berlin = Eastwood City
20. Switzerland and Alpine slopes = San Mateo, RIzal province
21. Tonle Sap, Cambodia = Taytay, Rizal province; La Mesa Watershed
22. Old European cities = Intramuros, Manila
23. Monaco = Bay City (under construction)
24. Jagged Micronesian and Polynesian coasts = Caramoan peninsula, Camarines Sur province
25. Nauru = Polillio group of islands, Quezon province
26. China / Kowloon, Hong Kong = Chinatown in Manila
27. Lake Titicaca, Peru = Lake Caliraya, Laguna province
28. Alpine foothills in Italy = Mount Bulusan
29. Best beach in the whole world according to many observers = Boracay
30. Underdeveloped Boracay = Malapascua island, Cebu
31. Bali = Mactan Island, near Cebu City
32. Hawaii = Siargao island, Surigao del Norte province / Baler, Aurora province
33. Venice, Asian-style = Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi province
34. Papua New Guinea highlands = Southern Palawan islands
35. Tropical paradise = Amanpulo island, Palawan (voted the best tropical paradise in the world).
36. Bora-Bora, French Polynesia = Coron islands, Palawan province
37. Pacific Islands = Kalayaan (Spratly) islands
Needless to say, the Philippines also has the longest discontinuous coastline in the world, the best reefs, the best diving and surfing spots, great biking routes, a fishing haven, and great cities.
Only in the Philippines will you find a nice mixture of the East and West, both in the ancestry and culture of the people. It also has the largest number of Eurasians and Amerasians in the world today. Filipinos also have a known reputation to be the most hospitable in Asia.
Not only that, since the Philippines is a well-kept travel spot, only those who venture will discover the 7,107 tropical paradise that millions of visitors visit in secrecy to discover the greatest and most beautiful country in the world.
Its' cities are considered as world cities, and are at par with Hong Kong, Tokyo, and Singapore, and are rated way more higher than Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. Manila, Philippines is also considered the Dining and Shopping Capital of Asia due to its numerous restaurants and shopping malls available. Lots of observers reckon that the skyline of Manila skyscrapers is way more impressive than that of Los Angeles.
Good luck to your trip to the Philippine Islands, the bridge between the East and West! ; )
Note: Regarding the answerer above that stated that the Philippines
is a haven for bomb threats - he got it all mistaken.
Both the Philippines and now, even Thailand, have Islamic separatist groups,
and as long as you just avoid their territory, you will remain safe.
Americans reckon that Mindanao (Islamic entrepot in the islands)
is way more safer than in the streets of Manhattan. Also, bomb threats
in both countries are really not that alarming - its' just the Western-based
media sensationalizes things around. If you should think of safety,
the Philippines is still the option because Thailand is under martial
law and has not even elected a civilian government until now.
Also, the Philippines currently has US forces and makeshift bases that can respond to any attack if anything happens. It also has the largest number of Americans outside of the United States so it is a sure thing that: 1) you will not be stared upon by the natives (unlike Thailand), and 2) if you are an American or at least a citizen off a NATO-member state (e.g., UK), you are protected much more in the Philippines.
Comment About Thailand versus Philippines Culture
Anonymous commented about I Am Perfect Syndrome, On Sunday February 3rd, 2008 06:13:00 AM
for humans, perfection is not never making mistakes... it is realizing when you make them and learning from them.. peace
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Anonymous commented about African Slave Fort Tour, On Monday January 28th, 2008 02:28:00 PM
The slave forts were often very unpleasant and because people had often died there, very smelly. Also they were partly underground therfore also dark.
Hope this helps in whatever way.
Comment About African Slave Fort Tour
Anonymous commented about I FOUND A NEW MANILA GUESTHOUSE, On Wednesday January 23rd, 2008 02:28:00 PM
just want to address this comments to the persons who was complaining the mattress or pillows,10 dollars is nothing if you even you stay in other country u can find that price for the hotel,what your gonna expect for 10 dollars..and i dont believed you that the matters was smelly cz normally Pilipino people are the most clean ever..so next time when you try to save money so that you can affored a five star hotel..
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Anonymous commented about TAM MILITARY AIRLINES BOLIVIA, On Tuesday January 22nd, 2008 06:20:00 AM
I find this page for TAM Bolivia
www.tam.bo
Comment About TAM MILITARY AIRLINES BOLIVIA
Anonymous commented about ARRIVED IN A CITY DIFFICULT TO SPELL, On Saturday January 19th, 2008 04:46:00 AM
Was searching something and i reached. Was curious to read what outsiders felt when they visit India. I felt that there is a good side to India that you did not see. If you going by sleeper class, places like Varanasi what do u expect. It is not like South America is prefect and all clean
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Anonymous commented about ARRIVED IN SEONI INDIA, On Friday January 18th, 2008 08:57:00 PM
Why is it natural for Indian men to want to meet Western women!?!
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Anonymous commented about Ivory Coast Typical Food, On Monday January 14th, 2008 08:55:00 AM
you and the media has to show the poor parts of any country in africa let me tell u something their is a rich side honey so u and the media need to stop that, it hurts what if i show how fat americans get off of fastfood and if i show how marketing is not going well (etc.) how would u feel u need to think before u post (S:uger H:oney I:ce T:ea)ONLINE SO THERE U GO...
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Anonymous commented about No Bag save a Turtle Please, On Sunday January 13th, 2008 11:59:00 PM
did you see this about some research into plastic bags and turtles?
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Anonymous commented about Creedence Clearwater Revival Lyrics - "Who'll Stop The Rain", On Wednesday January 9th, 2008 04:24:00 PM
I was listening to an old ccr cd and Who'll stop the rain came on.
I heard that song for the fist time
In Sydney on R&R from Nam.
It really choked me up that first time and still hits a raw chord everytime I hear it.
I decided to ceck out the lyrics
and here I am.
I was in Cambodia in 1970. I guess the rain will never stop for some of us.
Mar 70-71 RVN US Naval Advisor
Comment About Creedence Clearwater Revival Lyrics - "Who'll Stop The Rain"
Anonymous commented about Starbucks Trash Baby Manila Philippines Street Children, On Tuesday January 8th, 2008 07:19:00 PM
I was browsing over the Internet to look for beautiful images to replace my desktop wall paper...it was an irony that my eyes were caught by the photograph of children sleeping on the street...
As a Filipino...this is embarrassing...it really is...
I share the same sentiments and anger, and lots of Filipinos feel the same way too...but I feel helpless everytime I pass by those people living on the streets of Manila...
I cannot change their lives...all I can do now is to perform my job well.
Comment About Starbucks Trash Baby Manila Philippines Street Children
Anonymous commented about Teach Me Bad French Please, On Saturday January 5th, 2008 08:37:00 AM
Fascinating blog Andy!
I am Togolese but don't speak the language to my children.
That popcorn lady could be my Mum!
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Anonymous commented about Manila Philippines Street Children, On Friday December 28th, 2007 03:29:00 AM
i agree with the comments here..living in Manila would make me a witness of that quandary in the philippines. the problem is, informal settlers increase in number because:
1. the major cities of Metro Manila are crowded because rural settlers come and find jobs in Manila.
2. meager housing projects
3. budget for such projects are dedicated to profit-oriented projects such as malls, and overpriced government facilities.
it seems to have become an inevitable reality..so long as the government keeps itself busy with unnecessary issues, these conditions will be here to stay.
Comment About Manila Philippines Street Children
Anonymous commented about Rodney Liwanag LAB Lightweight Adventure Backpack, On Tuesday December 25th, 2007 06:19:00 PM
Hi Andy, I can only hope you and Rodney can finalize the design and construction of your Hobo Traveler Bag.
I met Rodney through a lightweight backpacking site. A couple of emails and he made an excellent lightweight bag to my specifications. I was surprised at the excellent workmanship, fit and finish. The bag has performed beautifully on several canoe trips through Canada.
Best Holiday wishes to all who read Hobo Traveler.
hoz
Comment About Rodney Liwanag LAB Lightweight Adventure Backpack
Anonymous commented about SIESTA IN SPAIN AND IN EUROPE, On Tuesday December 25th, 2007 03:15:00 PM
Just because stores are open longer hours in the US, doesn't mean they make more money. Ever gone to the mall at 9:30AM on a Tuesday? Do you see a lot of people shopping?
In Europe, everyone knows that the stores will be closed on Sunday, so they get all their shopping overwith on Saturday or during the weekdays. They don't wait until Sunday like Americans do.
Siesta is especialy important to Southern Europeans, for a veriety of reasons. Traditionally, lunch -not dinner- is the biggest, most important meal of the day for Southern Europeans (for Americans, it would be dinner). You need a few hours away from the office in order to prepare the meal, and then sit down with your family to have a long meal and a conversation. Dinner is less significant for Southern Europeans (unlike for Americans).
Additionally, the afternoon sun in Southern Europe can get pretty brutal during the summer months. Workers who work outside (construction, farmers, etc) shouldn't be working during the height of the day. Hence, siesta time.
There are no lost hours of producvity. Many -if not most- Southern Europeans start their workday at 7AM or 8AM (while Americans generally start at 9AM), and their workday may last beyond 5PM. In fact, Spaniards and Greeks actually more hours per week than Germans, Dutch, and Swedes. Italians and French actually work just as many hours a week as the Germans do.
Things are changing now, as this schedule may not suit office workers in the largest cities (like a government employee in Madrid who commutes all the way from the suburbs). However, siesta will never completely die, because for very many Southern Europeans, it's very important (and perfectly practical) that they break up the workday for a siesta.
Comment About SIESTA IN SPAIN AND IN EUROPE
Anonymous commented about Starbucks Trash Baby Manila Philippines Street Children, On Sunday December 23rd, 2007 06:22:00 AM
Looks like a family business. They are separating the trash, cardboard, plastic, glass for recycling. Going to make a few pesos to purchase their daily fish and rice.
Scenes like this are an everyday occurrence in the Philippines, especially in the big cities. To me it's heartbreaking, but to native Filipinos it's just a fact of life.
hoz
Comment About Starbucks Trash Baby Manila Philippines Street Children
Anonymous commented about Number 1 and 2 Padlock Hasp Sliders, On Thursday December 20th, 2007 03:56:00 PM
I've got similar zippers on my Patagonia MLC bag. They're just YKK zippers. Go to the YKK website to order them: http://www.ykkfastening.com/global/search/index.html
Look at the size 10 sliders, for example the 10M DFLS
Comment About Number 1 and 2 Padlock Hasp Sliders
Anonymous commented about Video of Hyatt Hotel Philippines Street Children, On Thursday December 20th, 2007 01:17:00 PM
Be careful what you post andy. If they want the could arrest you for that stuff. Look what they did to one couple for taking pictures of their Own clothed child >http://tinyurl.com/39tjju
Comment About Video of Hyatt Hotel Philippines Street Children
Anonymous commented about WHAT MOTIVATES TRAVELERS, On Wednesday December 19th, 2007 01:55:00 PM
Costa Rica is a country with a extremely sense of freedom. The landscapes are for much the most green in whole center america.The chances of investement are way to high, the average of Americans, European and people of the entire planet who is buying here is up in the sky !!!
Great investment opportunity in Costa Rica: costa rica for retirement, properties in costa rica, costa rica land for sale. Visit us for more info at: http://www.costarica4retirement.com
Comment About WHAT MOTIVATES TRAVELERS
Anonymous commented about Video of Hyatt Hotel Philippines Street Children, On Tuesday December 18th, 2007 01:01:00 PM
Hey Andy. Thx for the vids of the street children.
I have a hard time when we visit the Philippines. To see such abject poverty coexisting side by side with wealth is dizzying.
Something is not right. Filipinos are hard workers and adapt quickly when they make it outside their country.
It must be the Philippine government, the oligarchy. If you have it you keep it in your family.
At one time after WWII the Philippines maybe could have succeeded like the other "Pacific Tigers", Japan, S Korea, Taiwan, Hong Kong. Instead they got left behind.
hoz
Comment About Video of Hyatt Hotel Philippines Street Children
Anonymous commented about Repairs Made to Philippine Girls, On Monday December 17th, 2007 06:22:00 AM
Vagina repair=hymen repair, "revirginize" a girl for her wedding night.
Comment About Repairs Made to Philippine Girls
Anonymous commented about Make a Motorcycle Side Cart, On Monday December 17th, 2007 05:55:00 AM
You are right Andy, many times a Filipino will say something, even if it's wrong, just to "save face".
I have seen everything being hauled in those sidecars. From shopping goods, to kids to full grown pigs for market.
hoz
Comment About Make a Motorcycle Side Cart
Anonymous commented about Make a Motorcycle Side Cart, On Saturday December 15th, 2007 11:47:00 AM
Hi Andy, 20k P at todays exchange rates = $476.00. That's pretty high for that sidecar.
I think maybe you got the "Kano" price from those guys.
Everything is negotiable in the Philippines. Usually, a white guy jas to start from a higher price than a local.
Best,
Hoz
Comment About Make a Motorcycle Side Cart
Anonymous commented about Philippines Elephant Ride, On Friday December 14th, 2007 05:04:00 PM
I wonder if the girls accompanying these small children are their mothers? They seem awfully young to be having kids. Maybe sisters or yayas?
Comment About Philippines Elephant Ride
Anonymous commented about Mariveles start of Death March of Bataan, On Friday December 7th, 2007 06:05:00 AM
Hi Andy, In Lafayette, Indiana Subaru built an automotive plant. Of course, Indiana liked the jobs but just to gig the Japanese the highway that passes in front of the plant (In 38) was named "The Bataan Memorial Highway".
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indiana_State_Road_38
Hoz
Comment About Mariveles start of Death March of Bataan
Anonymous commented about Philippines Photos are fun, On Tuesday December 4th, 2007 05:44:00 AM
Yes Andy, I bought a BP from Rodney several years ago and picked it up while visiting Manila.
Rodney does good work and is reasonably priced, at least to a "Kano".
When I read you were having trouble in Nepal developing a Travelers BP I notified Rodney to see if he could connect with you. Hope it works out.
Hoz
Comment About Philippines Photos are fun
Anonymous commented about How to Get Control of Your Time and Your Life, On Tuesday December 4th, 2007 12:58:00 AM
Make friends with a video seller. Buy all the movies you want copy them and sell them back. Works out well for everyone except Steven Spielberg.
Comment About How to Get Control of Your Time and Your Life
Anonymous commented about Philippines Photos are fun, On Monday December 3rd, 2007 06:11:00 AM
One word for the street hawkers Andy. Just shake your head and say "Hindi" (NO).
Looks like you're settling in in Manila. May I suggest heading to Camiguin? A small, friendly volcanic island off Mindinao.
Comment About Philippines Photos are fun
Anonymous commented about Subic and Angeles is Sodom and Gomorrah, On Sunday November 25th, 2007 09:54:00 AM
i live in the whore house angeles city... i have for years....i kind of like it and i havent been indulging in commercial sex at all....its actually a cool place but i can understand that its easy to get blinded by hot chicks for sale.....
Comment About Subic and Angeles is Sodom and Gomorrah
Anonymous commented about VOLUNTEER PERU, On Tuesday November 20th, 2007 02:42:00 PM
los profesores que trabajan en su ong son maltratados nunca les dice gracias es desagradecido, ellos trabajan y dan todo de us perte y usted se aprovecha de eelos su mujer es una puta y mierda, hace poco robaron una tal alejandra el dinero de los nińos que tipň de gente son directores por eso lo denunciare ante el ministerio y que vean cuanto roban ustedes.
Comment About VOLUNTEER PERU
Anonymous commented about VOLUNTEER PERU, On Tuesday November 20th, 2007 02:39:00 PM
hola seńor bruce usted es un ratero y maltrata a los profesores me entere que no paga a los profesores en cusco y les paga 25 soles a la semana que ratero se aprovecha de los nińos. lo voy a denunciar.
Comment About VOLUNTEER PERU
Anonymous commented about KFC Cairo Egypt, On Tuesday November 20th, 2007 01:19:00 PM
What is Alexklimentos' problem? Maybe he has lived in Egypt TOO long. He also must have, "less of and education." Nice grammar.
Comment About KFC Cairo Egypt
Anonymous commented about Firefox Problems, On Sunday November 18th, 2007 02:02:00 PM
The main reason I use Firefox is for security. In the past, IE was known to have horrible security problems whereas Firefox and Opera and Safari did not have these problem. I think those problem have mostly been fixed by now (IE 7), but I am still very mistrustful of Microsoft. Microsoft has a deserved reputation of being willing to use insecure technology if they think this will appeal to naive users (like your mother). Yes, Micrsoft makes things easy to use at first. And then all of a sudden, the whole computer is filled with malware and is not at all easy to use. In fact, it may no longer be usable at all.
Comment About Firefox Problems
Anonymous commented about Manila Philippines Street Children, On Saturday November 17th, 2007 06:04:00 AM
franz said,
street children in manila is very common not only now but even before but sad to say up to now the governmnet is still dont hve a solution for this problem dont u know even here in surigao city it is now common, so very obious it is very rampant not only in big cities but even in a small cities like surigao city.why governtment cant find solution because both of the parties either administration or opposition are busy debating who will seat to the high position...puro nalng damayan bkit di nalang magtulungan.
Comment About Manila Philippines Street Children
Anonymous commented about Firefox Problems, On Thursday November 15th, 2007 11:19:00 PM
I also always read your site with Firefox and never have problems. As for your mom--yes, just let her use IE. It's easier than installing something new. Firefox is better and more secure for the rest of us, though.
Comment About Firefox Problems
Anonymous commented about CAMBODIA COFFEE FILTER, On Wednesday November 14th, 2007 05:50:00 PM
you can buy it in any asian super market in america or cambodia if you happen to be there.
Comment About CAMBODIA COFFEE FILTER
Anonymous commented about CNIA Cellular Network Internet Access, On Sunday November 11th, 2007 01:04:00 PM
I was beginning to wonder much like you do now if satellite ISP’s where ever going to offer better plans and prices than some of their ground based competition. I went looking on the internet a couiple of days ago for ISP’s that offer satellite broadband internet connections to begin pricing their services. I have to say I was surprised by a few that where really good but there was also the usual overpriced, overhyped service plans. I swear, some of them make it sound like you’re going to be able to stand at the South Pole and download 10 zettabyte’s a second. Thankfully most people like myself who are looking for mobile connections know better than to fall for those kinds of promises. I haven’t totally decided on which company to give my business to yet but I’m leaning towards IP Access International.
Comment About CNIA Cellular Network Internet Access
Anonymous commented about Photos are Gone Computer Crash, On Sunday November 11th, 2007 01:05:00 AM
Hi.
I think you should purchase a laptop with a DVD recorder inside. Or at least buy a thin external DVD-recorder. If you have a dell laptop, you can swap out the current cdrom/dvdrom drive for a writable one.
You can also buy blank dvds almost anywhere and then send them home via the postal service.
Blank dvds can carry about 4.5 gigabytes each. It takes about 15-20 minutes to burn a dvd.
There are affordable 4 gigabyte SD cards now which you can use to store data as well.
hope this helps.
Comment About Photos are Gone Computer Crash
Anonymous commented about Who is Krung Thep, On Thursday November 8th, 2007 07:18:00 AM
Krung Thep is the thai name for Bangkok!
I have read your blog fo a year without comment.. It is very good :)I like to read about how you manage your budget and cost around the world. Intresting.
Nicholas.
Comment About Who is Krung Thep
Anonymous commented about Who is Krung Thep, On Thursday November 8th, 2007 07:12:00 AM
Krung Thep is the thai name for Bangkok!
First comment on your blog, i have read it for a year.. Very good! :)
Comment About Who is Krung Thep
Anonymous commented about Secret Cell Phone Rules, On Monday November 5th, 2007 07:48:00 PM
Another Hoosier here from down south in Salem. Ive been living here in the Philippines for about 5 years. Its the land that logic forgot......
Comment About Secret Cell Phone Rules
Anonymous commented about Bamboo Construction in Hong Kong, On Tuesday October 30th, 2007 01:29:00 AM
Here is a New York Times article for a more complete perspective:
http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?res=9403E6D8133BF934A15750C0A9649C8B63
Comment About Bamboo Construction in Hong Kong
Anonymous commented about ADSL, On Wednesday October 24th, 2007 03:00:00 AM
ADSL works very well in Morocco. Unfortunately, many of the cybercafes don't set things up very well, overload the link, and have little to no firewalling or virus protection. Most of the links to cybercafes are full even when there is nobody sitting in front of the machines.
They aren't arguing, that's just the way they talk to each other.
Comment About ADSL
Anonymous commented about Taliban Discovered in Huaquillas Ecuador, On Wednesday October 17th, 2007 07:39:00 PM
no you r wrong huaquilaas is part of ecuador. man you got to read his story before talking.
Comment About Taliban Discovered in Huaquillas Ecuador
Anonymous commented about The Presence of Asia on a Jet, On Tuesday October 9th, 2007 09:41:00 PM
Funny.
Comment About The Presence of Asia on a Jet
Anonymous commented about No Territorial Claim in Bangkok, On Saturday October 6th, 2007 09:48:00 PM
This is the Ultimate African Test.
http://tinyurl.com/2jpkhe
Will Bono help these working African Farmers ?
Comment About No Territorial Claim in Bangkok
Anonymous commented about WIFI in my room, On Thursday October 4th, 2007 04:16:00 AM
Using WIFI in hotel is like a donut. There is plenty of substance there, but there is still the donut hole in which nothing is there :\
Comment About WIFI in my room
Anonymous commented about Arrived in Bangkok Thailand, On Wednesday October 3rd, 2007 01:02:00 AM
Andy,
Where do the keep all the stick thin dying children in Africa that are being raised by grand and great-grand parents ? I was watching a program about World Vision charity and it looked like you would trip over these people if you went to Africa. It made me cry. But the NGO's had nice clean clothes. Looks like they didn't have to wear anything twice but the kids looked like they only had one dress or shirt (ripped dirty)just wondering were they are ? Sudan ? Detroit ?
Comment About Arrived in Bangkok Thailand
Anonymous commented about ECUADOR COINS, On Monday October 1st, 2007 01:28:00 AM
to who ever it was that posted the photo of the bus stop in ecuador and the person cooking that so called disgusting meat.well for all you know it could be alot more healthy than the meat here in the states.by the way the cooking outside at the bustop thing it's called trying to make a living in a poor country.how would you survive if you lived there ?
Comment About ECUADOR COINS
Anonymous commented about Bamako Mali, On Wednesday September 26th, 2007 05:29:00 PM
If Andy the Hobo has had enough. I don't blame you bro'. You gave it a good try. May I suggest Myanmar for your next Hobo adventure ?
Comment About Bamako Mali
Anonymous commented about Thailand versus Philippines Culture, On Wednesday September 26th, 2007 10:50:00 AM
Seems most of the comments are from the Philippines. Poor Thai they still need English Tutors from the Philippines to contribute to this thread. Good thing there are a lot of online English teachers in the Philippines, teaching not only to Asians but to Europeans and Americans as well. Hehehehehehe....
;-)
Comment About Thailand versus Philippines Culture
Anonymous commented about Peace Corps Invades Togo, On Monday September 24th, 2007 09:24:00 AM
Dear Andy,
I AM a Peace Corps volunteer in Niger, and you've got it all wrong. That's the point: we live in small villages. I don't have electricity. I don't have running water. I live in a mud hut and my villagers surround me. I live the exact same life as them.
We don't come into our villages and say "This is how you do it," or "This is the American way." Instead, we move into villages, get a feel for the life and problems of the village, and help where we can. We have access to project money, project ideas, materials and other things that villagers will never be able to get without us.
Do we party? Of course we party. Everyone parties. And after spending a few weeks out in the bush with our villagers, speaking the local language and living the local life, we get together and do the American Thing, which admittedly, is partying. Most Peace Corps volunteers are young. We party. Get over it. We do more than just that.
As for the cars, haven't you noticed? All the cars here are Toyotas practically. And only Toyota makes the Land Cruiser that can actually handle dropping us off in our villages, many of which are several km into the bush with no roads, just sand. The cars are not the issue here. Your misconception of this entire organization is.
Comment About Peace Corps Invades Togo
Anonymous commented about The Six Languages to Learn, On Thursday September 20th, 2007 10:59:00 PM
In defence of German: German is the 3rd most popular foreign language world-wide (after English and French). It is the most popular foreign language in Japan and the second language of the internet. Finally, it is one of the most "neutral" of studied foreign languages (i.e. two speakers communicating in German, it being a native language for neither one).
Comment About The Six Languages to Learn
Anonymous commented about African Guidebooks, On Monday September 17th, 2007 10:24:00 PM
Andy, I agree with what you say about the lonely planet. They are cruising on their reputation and going downhill. Much better is rough guide and the footprint handbooks. KC
Comment About African Guidebooks
Anonymous commented about African Guidebooks, On Monday September 17th, 2007 11:04:00 AM
Nice piece of work keep it up.
Comment About African Guidebooks
Anonymous commented about The Hotel Site I Want, On Thursday September 13th, 2007 01:08:00 AM
Please add www.portsalutbeachhouse.com It is the Best hostel in Haiti. Well maybe the only one. We hope to see you Andy there someday.
Comment About The Hotel Site I Want
Anonymous commented about Po Mosquito Net Hotel, On Thursday September 13th, 2007 12:25:00 AM
So I take it that with a lot of bars there are not to many Muslims ? I never have compared any place with Ho Chi Mihn (Saigon) Po must be pretty cool then. How is the beer ?
Comment About Po Mosquito Net Hotel
Anonymous commented about Travel Ouaga to Po Burkina Faso, On Tuesday September 11th, 2007 03:57:00 AM
yeah cool living in Africa. Generally good respectful attitude from the locals. I like the way if you're hot or whatever the women ask me to come inside to cool off and make me tea - just have to do a little babysitting! Just spot the foreign policy, yet they're kind about it and don't blame us as individuals. Dying to go back, may do so this Thusday driving trucks. Have writ account of my journey through Morocco to Bamako www.jillrees.com
Comment About Travel Ouaga to Po Burkina Faso
Anonymous commented about Hotel Fans, On Thursday September 6th, 2007 08:11:00 AM
Why search several hotel reservation websites one by one
when you can compare prices from top hotel websites at Hotels Combined in one click!
Comment About Hotel Fans
Anonymous commented about The Path in Ghana, On Tuesday September 4th, 2007 06:07:00 AM
It seems you are tired of the normal reading fare. Well, it's a good one for you to download and read off-line. I found it at the Gutenberg press. It's a 1916 'travel blog' of Tahiti complete with photos of cute naked hotties.
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/14384/14384-h/14384-h.htm#illustr02
John Pinil
P.S. I sent the comment about the vitamins that knocked you out.
Comment About The Path in Ghana
Anonymous commented about Ghana Volunteer Option, On Monday September 3rd, 2007 05:42:00 AM
nIGER
hello when are you going Niamey Niger
if you are planning on going let me know i wil announce you on
http://www.niger1.com/
Comment About Ghana Volunteer Option
Anonymous commented about Trinidad Airport, On Wednesday August 29th, 2007 06:09:00 PM
It's Port of Spain
Comment About Trinidad Airport
Anonymous commented about Barfroat Ashanti Ghana Food, On Monday August 27th, 2007 05:39:00 AM
That doughnut looked exceptionally tasty. Hey, though, watch out about ingesting some inks from newspapers, which can be detrimental, or so I think I've heard somewhere. I suppose soy based inks would be okay, though (?). Either way, a freshly baked donut always seems to taste better now, rather than old school (day old) Ha! Doesn't it?! Yep, yes indeed, yes indeed.
Comment About Barfroat Ashanti Ghana Food
Anonymous commented about Nkawkaw Ghana, On Saturday August 25th, 2007 01:44:00 AM
Hey,
Just in case you haven't found it out yet, the language that you are speaking is spelled "Twi."
Happy Travels!
Comment About Nkawkaw Ghana
Anonymous commented about Escapades in Nkawkaw Ghana, On Saturday August 25th, 2007 12:18:00 AM
Watch-out for these Monkeys as reported on BBC. Apprently they have been watching to many American Rap Videos. > http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/africa/6959209.stm
Comment About Escapades in Nkawkaw Ghana
Anonymous commented about Tagalog Language of Philippines, On Friday August 24th, 2007 07:22:00 AM
hey im a foreigner im from new zealand and have no filipino blood in me but i studied the language back in 2003 and i can onestly say that im fluent in tagalog! i even got to the point where i would correct filipinos on their word usage and grammar! it takes alot of work but it is possible..... cokestar_@hotmail.com
Comment About Tagalog Language of Philippines
Anonymous commented about Depression Caused by Vitamins, On Tuesday August 21st, 2007 05:58:00 AM
I read about your misfortune with those vitamins that made you depressed and sleepy. I looked at the ingredients and said to myself 'no wonder, he is lucky he was not driving at the time'. Cyproheptadine is also called Periactin. It's an old and powerful anti histamine and anti serotonin. It's actually closely related to major tranquilizers. The antihistamine action hit you like dramamine which is used in sominex to produce sleep and the anti serotonin effect is a direct depressant. (Most modern antidepressant like Prozac enhance or amplify Serotonin's effect in the body.
Cyproheptadine is a nightmare of a drug. Maybe it would cure the bite of a black mamba but to compound it with vitamins and sell it is rediculous. I never heard of such a thing.
I think I can figure out why they compounded it that way though. Cyproheptadine is one of the few drugs that strongly stimulates the appetite. If you bought it in Africa then maybe it is being sold to aids patients since they lose their appetite AND can also use vitamins.
Ref: http://www.drugs.com/mtm/cyproheptadine.html
I really like your excellent website.
John Pinil
Comment About Depression Caused by Vitamins
Anonymous commented about Boss Captain Sir, On Monday August 20th, 2007 03:17:00 AM
As a British overseas territory Anguila shares its head of state with the United Kingdom and her commonwealth, currently, Her Majesty Queen Elisabeth II. Besides which if you read into the history of Princess Diana, she was more powerful and valuable as a person than a princess. The title is not regarded with much authority and after Charles and Diana separated she was stripped of her status and left only with her title because of public, democratic pressure. This is a memorial to a humanitarian, who happened to be called Princess.
Comment About Boss Captain Sir
Anonymous commented about Problems with Philippines Vitamins, On Sunday August 19th, 2007 12:20:00 PM
asus.. basahin mo muna ng maayos.. $44 = Php2,050.x.. eh magkano ba ang Centrum? Php9.x Eh, do the math.. amp..
Ludicrous ka..
Comment About Problems with Philippines Vitamins
Anonymous commented about Accra Ghana has Great Internet Cafes, On Saturday August 18th, 2007 01:29:00 PM
Since you know you can download emails and not send I would recommend getting your new mail, go back to hotel, write your responses in text files, and then send them with copy/paste the next time you are online. Idle time in cafes costs a lot. This worked well for me and cut my cost of internet time by half.
Comment About Accra Ghana has Great Internet Cafes
Anonymous commented about Is Accra a Clean Delhi, On Thursday August 16th, 2007 11:26:00 PM
Your going to Liberia ? This may be the end of teh Hobo Traveller ? Goodnight Andy and good luck your going to need it. Although I would rather take my chances there (Liberia) than E. Los Angeles
Comment About Is Accra a Clean Delhi
Anonymous commented about Bogota Colombia Art Photos, On Tuesday August 14th, 2007 02:30:00 PM
Hehe, very good photos, I'm colombian, I can't speak english very well, but I know the history of my city. "El bobo del tranvia" was a man who lived in 40's years, and he runed at back of the tramway 'cause he always taked to his little sister, one day she scape with a boyfriend and since taht day, he runed every day to "pick" his sister. He dressed like a police of the ways (I don't know how you call them)and directed de ways and stops of the tramway. Do you met so special country in another side?
ˇColombia tierra quedira, himno de fe y armonia!
Comment About Bogota Colombia Art Photos
Anonymous commented about FERRY TANGIERS - ALGECIRAS, On Saturday August 11th, 2007 02:38:00 PM
I think when you travel to other people's country, you don't expect them to speak your language. You should expect yourself to try to speak their language. And perhaps a little bit more respect to other people and their culture...
Comment About FERRY TANGIERS - ALGECIRAS
Anonymous commented about Importance of French Spelling, On Monday August 6th, 2007 10:22:00 PM
why make a guest house there ? To house travelers with malaria ? No repete business bad business model
come on Andy are you losing your mind ?
Comment About Importance of French Spelling
Anonymous commented about Philippino Power, On Monday August 6th, 2007 06:57:00 AM
cool if i say penoy pride even though i ain't penoy? lol
they still kick ass! :P
Comment About Philippino Power
Anonymous commented about Niamey to Maradi Niger Bus Trip, On Thursday August 2nd, 2007 07:38:00 AM
Mil is short for millet. Eaten all over the world by people and animals for thousands of years. The bitter nuts above are Cola nuts. They are a mild stimulant, but do taste very bitter.
Comment About Niamey to Maradi Niger Bus Trip
Anonymous commented about CUSTOM MADE BACKPACK - UPDATE, On Wednesday August 1st, 2007 06:17:00 PM
Any pics of your packs? I'm curious as to what features you feel are required and differ from the typical fair out there.
Comment About CUSTOM MADE BACKPACK - UPDATE
Anonymous commented about Selling Photos to NGO or News Media, On Monday July 30th, 2007 03:05:00 AM
Andy
Why do they buy? I once worked in a press office, we had a budget and would web surf for photos, forget our database which was hard to search. We would email the photographer and make an offer for good photos, much easier to search and it was't my money anyway.
Comment About Selling Photos to NGO or News Media
Anonymous commented about Tearing up a Map, On Friday July 27th, 2007 03:41:00 AM
You could also laminate them if you find a shop that does it.
Comment About Tearing up a Map
Anonymous commented about Selling Photos to NGO or News Media, On Thursday July 26th, 2007 06:44:00 PM
I thought that if you sold it then they did not have to acknowledge you. Also, as you mentioned, you could request that they did not use your name. How much do they pay for a photo anyway?
Comment About Selling Photos to NGO or News Media
Anonymous commented about Selling Photos to NGO or News Media, On Thursday July 26th, 2007 06:02:00 AM
I like your attitude to these issues, it's good to see that not all Americans support the naive "save the world" crap. Good! :-)
Comment About Selling Photos to NGO or News Media
Anonymous commented about Camouflage Barbados, On Wednesday July 25th, 2007 06:18:00 PM
Will Someone tell me WHERE is this law posted in Barbados, my son had to change his pants at the airport and he is just 8...I would have not brought camouflage wear had I known...the airline or travel agents do not tell you when you pay your money to Book the trip..I do not have a problem with the law, but can you let you Visitors Know before you come...I still love it there.....and I will go back.Without camouflage wear.
Comment About Camouflage Barbados
Anonymous commented about Learn Ewe Language in Lome Togo, On Friday July 20th, 2007 08:26:00 AM
Or better still: Global Positioning System Coordinates. Works all the time :)
Comment About Learn Ewe Language in Lome Togo
Anonymous commented about Packing for Europe, On Friday July 13th, 2007 04:15:00 PM
why is there an ulna on your desk? :)
Comment About Packing for Europe
Anonymous commented about Bus from Manila to Clark Airport, On Friday July 6th, 2007 08:37:00 AM
Also check this site: http://resa.mine.nu/index.php?name=News&file=article&sid=222 (alot of info about Clark and how to get there)
Comment About Bus from Manila to Clark Airport
Anonymous commented about Richard Quest, On Friday June 29th, 2007 08:18:00 AM
Hughes Solar Energy Corporation
A global provider of solar power systems and supplies.
Equipping people, business, homes and research projects with abundant Solar energy through better Products & Know-How.
http://www.hughessolarenergy.com
Comment About Richard Quest
Anonymous commented about Best Zipper Slider I have Seen, On Tuesday June 26th, 2007 07:34:00 PM
These zippers are also on http://zenbackpacking.net/Zippers.htm
Comment About Best Zipper Slider I have Seen
Anonymous commented about Kpalime Togo, On Monday June 25th, 2007 12:59:00 PM
Nice blog. Ill be back.
Comment About Kpalime Togo
Anonymous commented about Tobago Fruit, On Saturday June 23rd, 2007 01:47:00 PM
It's a Passion Fruit, which when ripe, it's used to make passion fruit juice, or jam.. etc etc..
and by the way.. Tobago IS NOT more dangerous than Colombia.. are you crazy?! Tobago is one of the safest Caribbean isles in the W.I... but there can be crimes, JUST LIKE ANY OTHER PART OF THE WORLD. You just have to exercise common sense as you would anywhere else.
Comment About Tobago Fruit
Anonymous commented about E-Hobo.com, On Friday June 22nd, 2007 11:34:00 AM
Done much globetrotting myself.been to Ghana, nigeria, china etc. btw got my passport through a company called Passportready.com almost overnite.
Comment About E-Hobo.com
Anonymous commented about Teach Me Bad French Please, On Wednesday June 13th, 2007 12:15:00 AM
Love your blog Andy. You put a lot of time and thought into this. I appreciate reading them.
Paul
kokoinme@wholesaletravelnow.com
Comment About Teach Me Bad French Please
Anonymous commented about Why there are very few backpackers in Philippines, On Tuesday June 12th, 2007 02:39:00 AM
Hi Guys and Gals,
The Philippines is not a safe place like all the places in the world, what is nice about this country is almost all walking in the streets can speak a little and understand alot of english if you just speak slowly. They are not making fun of people, they are just born funny and wants to laugh all the time. if you lost your wallet, policemen are very helpful, remember travellers like us are not the target .
Comment About Why there are very few backpackers in Philippines
Anonymous commented about Room Rent On Planet, On Saturday June 9th, 2007 04:04:00 AM
good gracious!thanks for this informative information.keep it up,goahead.
http://www.johnbeckland.com
Comment About Room Rent On Planet
Anonymous commented about CAMBODIA COFFEE FILTER, On Saturday June 2nd, 2007 06:21:00 AM
I just had "vietnamese" iced coffee for the first time and it was wonderful! I looked on the internet and found a filter for sale on Amazon.com. Cheers.
http://www.amazon.com/ImportFood-com-Vietnamese-coffee-filter-set/dp/B000ELGPAO
Comment About CAMBODIA COFFEE FILTER
Anonymous commented about Best Tourist Investment is in West Africa, On Saturday June 2nd, 2007 03:44:00 AM
You haven't traveled much in Europe if you think the Europeans are incapable of competing. Wal-mart got it's butt kicked in Europe because it is dependent on the American automobile-based suburban lifestyle and doesn't know how to compete when faced with the compact walkable cities that Europeans prefer. Wal-mart also can't compete in New York City, which is one of the few American cities which ressembles a European city. Champion, LIDL and the other big French retailers think nothing about running a bunch of small-town overpriced mom-and-pop stores out of business, nor do the french consumers have any qualms about shopping at these big retailers (though they might walk down a side-street to avoid being seen by the owners of the mom-and-pop stores carrying bags from the big retailers). You should read that wiki bit about confirmation bias, etc very carefully, because there are few people on this planet who have been more brainwashed than you, Andy the hobo, about all sorts of subjects, the state of the European retail market being just one of many.
Comment About Best Tourist Investment is in West Africa
Anonymous commented about Commonality of Values, On Friday May 25th, 2007 11:25:00 AM
I have never been in your position so my opinion may not mean much, but I do not see killing yourself to be brave. I see NOT killing youreself when things really look bad to be brave. Killing yourself is easy, get drunk/drugged to the point you no longer are thinking, then do it. What I assume gets in the way is the bravery, the underlying strength that says "be strong, we can get through this." Fortunately, this bravery is stronger than most people realize in most people.
Bob L
Comment About Commonality of Values
Anonymous commented about Commonality of Values, On Wednesday May 23rd, 2007 08:34:00 PM
It is good to see in public someone who supports Bush and Blair. So often I hear bad things said about both men by people who think they are the majority because so many loud people say bad things about these men.
What the loud ones don't realize is that, they are actually the minority. I have found that angry, unhappy people saying angry things are usually the loudest and most noticed. That does not make them the majority. There are many of us who support Bush and Blair, whether we agree with everything they do and say or not.
Bob L
Comment About Commonality of Values
Anonymous commented about Women Working in Africa, On Tuesday May 22nd, 2007 11:18:00 AM
Same as Black America
Comment About Women Working in Africa
Anonymous commented about Are Hippos in Nangbeto Togo, On Tuesday May 22nd, 2007 07:38:00 AM
my name is Kiki Kewou, a tour guide in Lome Togo.
Sure there are hippos in the Mono River at Nangbeto.
The very easy way for a hippo walk around the lake is going to Hotel le Mono on the very site of the dam.
Should there be any interest, kindly get in touch: akatovi@yahoo.fr
Comment About Are Hippos in Nangbeto Togo
Anonymous commented about Streets of Manila Photos, On Sunday May 20th, 2007 09:26:00 AM
I am sorry, but I completely disagree with you. Just because tourists won't give to the poor doesn't mean the country will change anything. Places like Manila are completely different then America. These are real beggars not just like homeless in America that need the money for drugs. I am not shocked some little boy wouldn't want your partially eaten food either. Sorry if you are immune to starving children..
Comment About Streets of Manila Photos
Anonymous commented about Electricity I want for Travel, On Friday May 11th, 2007 07:04:00 PM
You got my attention again. I am sorry I do not post my e-mail address but publicly listing your address leads to spam.
Understand, when I am listing numbers/calculations, they are REALLY rough. Barely back of a napkin type discussions.
You said, "how much energy is expended in walking?" That is not the point. Energy expended in walking is energy to walk. Any addition energy to charge a battery etc. adds energy expended during your walk. Adding a device that charged a battery while you walk would make the walk harder. The only advantage would be that if you walk a lot of hours, you would have a lot of time spent charging batteries, so you could expend few watts. It would take the same amount of watt-hours, just less watts. (energy per second etc.)
One idea I had was making some sort of rowing machine using a rope, a handle and a device with magnets and coils. The magnet and coils would be attached to your feet or a bed in front of you in the "device". The rope, when retracted would be wound up in the "device" you would sit on the floor, with your knees bent, leaning forward you would then lean back, pullin on the rope in sort of a rowing machine motion. I have been working on a way to do this with minimal size and weight, and no rolling seat etc. How would this work? Probably not well. Bicycle type generators cn give you around 100 watts if you are in reasonable shape. They will really tire you out, but you could do it. Of course, carrying a motorcycle battery around will also tire you out. BTW, consider that a motorcycle battery is filled with a very nasty acid that will leak out if tipped over unless you get one of the more expensive kinds that are designed to be mounted on their side or whatever. They also release hydrogen gas when charged that can explode. Be sure to vent the gasses and take other precautions. Also, shorting the posts can create fire, explosions, acid splashing, global whining and all kinds of mean nasty things.
As far as the 10 AA batteries. NiMh bat's are around 3 watt-hours each, for the good ones. This is from fully charged to fully empty presumable. That means roughly 30 watt-hours for ten assuming no losses and you will use all the power. My Dell laptop was measured between 19 and 30 watts depending on what you are doing. Lets forget about inefficiencies and just use the 30 watt number. Those ten AA's would power your laptop for one hour. If you were on a pedal bike, you could supply 3+ hours of power for that laptop if you worked hard for one hour. Could you do it? Yes. Does it make sense? I don't know. If you figured out a way to charge your computer battery off of a car/taxi, maybe you could just pay someone a little to charge it for you? Maybe you could just spend an extra dollar or two a night for a hotel that has power more often. I don't know the solution.
Since you want to bring a laptop anyway and only occasionally really have a problem with power, think about this: Get an older palm pilot that runs on AA or was that AAA batteries. These were black and white and lasted a fair time on the batteries. when power is a problem, you won't have internet anyway, and you won't be able to charge your phone etc. SO you can do your writing and simpler things with the palm and folding keyboard and then when the power is on, hook the palm to your computer and do what you do. There are probably other things that you could use such as a phone or something with a blackberry type keyboard. Even if you don't have service, where you are there are probably some that could save your typing and then be hooked to your computer. Won't be AA battery powered, but might last a long time on a recharge. I am sure there are some that can be hooked to a folding keyboard. I was looking at what TravelVice.com guy does, and it would be perfect if that device he has ran on AA batteries and lasted a long time with them.
I still think just accepting the fact that you may not have power often and living with it would be your best bet. If I was in your shoes and wanted to use the computer a lot with intermittent power, I would buy an couple extra computer batteries and charge them up for those periods when the power is off.
Your power "serious wants" basically come down to:
1) computer typing
2) internet use (computer and cell phone)
3) light
4) Fan
solutions:
1) see above
2) wait 'til the power comes on
3) LED headlight with AAA batteries
4) no practical solution that I can come up with, but a motorcycle battery and a 12 VDC fan sort of works. A hell of a lot of money and weight for a little convenience/comfort.
Comment About Electricity I want for Travel
Anonymous commented about Off the Grid, On Thursday May 10th, 2007 01:43:00 PM
I started out writing a short post, but it grew like a fungus.
My 15 watt compact Flourescent Bulbs use about 11 watts when warmed up and
are the equivilent to a 60 watt incandescent if I remember right. Running
4 for 5 hours per day = 220 watt hours.
A typical car battery can supply, with 80 % discharge, about 2,112 watt
hours. A typical bike batter (Kawasaki KLR 650) 115 WHrs @ 80% discharge.
A typical 12 volt deep discharge battery from Wallmart might give you
1,152 useful watt hours ($250). Bringing a regular battery to 80% discharge
repeatedly will kill it VERY soon. Bringing a typical deep discharge
battery to 80% frequently will kill it soon enough, but it will last longer
than a car battery.
Assuming you will be using this a lot, you would get a deep discharge battery and try to never bring it below 50%. If we got the cheaper Sears marine battery at $200 with 860 WHrs you would get 430 WHrs, which would allow you to run your lights for about 2 nights, in case one day there is no sun or there is a problem with the system that you did not notice until you got home (those damned kids)
To generate the electricity with a photovoltaic, you have to plan for the worst part of the year. Lets assume you are not far from the equator so you are getting about 6 hours equivilent of useful sunlight. I don't know how much you would really get where you want to use it, but this number could be high. That means you have to have a 37 watt panel. A panel that small may be tough to come by, but if we use the estimate of $5/watt purchase price it would be $185. It would be a good idea to have some sort of charge controller and if you want to use AC lights rather than DC, you need an inverter. So a rough guess, for battery, panel, electronics and bulbs is pushing $600. That's if you did the work yourself. You could get away with making things cheaper, by using less electricity, buying cheaper quality stuff etc. You might want nickel-iron batteries if using the system with less knowledgable people as these can tolerate more abuse and will last longer, although they are less efficient.
You could also go with LED household bulbs. They are a bit more efficient than flourescent but they are directional so you need less light for tasks, reading and such. You could easily get away with a 1.5 to 3 watt model for most work. But they are also a lot more expensive (ten times) and impossible to find in remote areas.
All of a sudden oil lamps and candles are looking pretty good. Besides, you could make a fairly cheap system that could charge the batteries up from a bicycle to provide that much power. two or three hours of bicycling will give you that much.
I just noticed you said provide the LIGHT of 4 - 25 watt bulbs. lets call it one 100 watt bulb, which would be about a 25 compact flourescent. Now we are talking 125 watt hours, so the system, presumably would cost half as much.
http://www.ece.gatech.edu/research/UCEP/solarfaq.htm#11
As you said, most people don't need TV, lights, electric water pumps etc for personal use, only a fan. Businesses are different.
Now, my ceiling fan uses 40 watts. A 20" window fan uses 144 watts. A table top fan uses around 50 watts. Even if you only used the ceiling fan to slee, you are talking mybe 8 hours at 40 watts = 320 watt hours. That's less than $.05 worth of electricity from the US grid, yet we are talking $400 to $800 for a system. A little creativity and scrounging and you might get the price down to a couple of hundred, but there must be a better way. If you don't have to store the electricity for night time the system becomes much cheaper (no batteries) but that requires hooking to a grid. One solution as you have said is a localized shared system, but you would have to have someone to run it, some way to charge people etc. Generators are used worldwide for a reason, they make more sense most of the time (right now anyway). I would love to see the price come down as you requested. Using the 125 WHr number your $10 = $.40/watt installed, with wiring etc. THAT will probably never happen.
BUT. Think of it this way. A company could make a cheap quality LED task light powered by AA batteries for a couple of dollars cost. If these use 3 watts (quite a bit of light really, you could get by with 1 watt or less), and are used for 5 hours, it would be 15 watt-hrs. now you could easily create the power to run these with a hand crank or foot power of some sort. If you wanted to use rechargable batteries, you could charge them up in 5 hours outside using a 3 to 5 watt panel. You can buy one of these for about $80 so cost must be more like $40, then add some batteries for around $5 and you have a system. Of course, you could just buy $80 worth of AA batteries. AA NiMh batteries can hold 2-3 watt-hrs each. You would want 3 or more so that you do not excessively discharge them and so your electronics would be simple.
Still, the best would probably be a good quality LED run by some mechanical generation means (hand/foot crank) or just by charging a battery in a car/off the grid. Maybe some sort of thing where you buy a battery and pay someone to charge it every week or two. Some day large scale solar will take off, as will various other methods of producing power. The technology is here to do it, but not to do it economically. What people fail to realize is there are plenty of fossil fuels. Just not cheap fossil fuels. The market is an amazing thing, if we stop subsidizing any type of power generation and force the market to decide what is best, we will get what is best. Maybe best will be to just stop using so much energy.
Bob L
Comment About Off the Grid
Anonymous commented about Off the Grid, On Wednesday May 9th, 2007 02:33:00 PM
ALSO:
Currently, solar panels are running roughly around $10/peak watt installed. Assuming an equivilent of 4 hours average sunlight and your quest for 50 homes using 50 watts for around 5 hours per day = 12,500 watt hours. You would need 3,125 peak watts so you are talking around $31,125 for a system that could do what you like. I don't think that even includes the batteries, but the numbers stated above are for home sized systems, for a big system you could probably get teh equipment for cheaper prices etc so maybe the above price could include the batteries etc. You will see estimates that are MUCH lower, but from Homepower.com I do not see that being a reality.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Photovoltaics
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solar_power
http://64.233.167.104/search?q=cache:_mBUP3Oo0qwJ:www.state.mn.us/mn/externalDocs/Commerce/Minnesota_Solar_Primer_092104053212_Solar%2520Primer.pdf+solar+photovoltaic+panel+cost+per+kw+electricity&hl=en&ct=clnk&cd=3&gl=us
Bob L
Comment About Off the Grid
Anonymous commented about Electricity I want for Travel, On Wednesday May 9th, 2007 02:16:00 PM
There is no practical way to provide the power you want. Some have created generators from bicycles. These provide around 100 watts of power if you are in pretty good shape. Not that great since your computer probably takes a minimum of 30 watts while working on it. 1 hour of pedaling would give you 3.33 hours of run time, assuming NO losses converting from your generator to charge the battery, then from your batter to your computer etc. Real world you would be lucky to get 1.5 hour of usage from 1 hour of pedaling. AND you would have to have this contraption with you. Your best bet is to either:
1) stop using so much power. Use an LED headlamp for light if you need it (AAA bats, rechargable) and only use your computer when you have power to charge it.
2) carry a heavy 12 volt gel cell battery and charge that up when there is power. Use an inverter or whatever to power your 'puter.
Don't know what the solution would be for having a fan run all night. Probably a 12 V battery and either a 12 v fan or a regular fan and an inverter.
During power outs at home (occasionally during storms/winds) I use a car jump starter (just a sealed battery in a plastic housing) to run a couple of compact flourescent lights off an inverter. This allows us to read etc. For moving about the house we use LED head lamps or flashlights or candles. As you have said, candles are cheap and available everywhere they are needed.
What I have wanted, but were never really made would be something like this: Give me something like the old Palm Pilots that used AAA batteries and had black and white screens. Allow me to hook up a folding keyboard. Allow me to use a flash memory card like that used in cameras. Make it cheap. I like to write when on the road. I have tried modern Palm Pilot type devices. They all need a separate charger and don't stay charged long. Plus they are expensive. I tried a stand alone e-mail device from
www.pocketmail.com. Too expensive of a service for what it did and hard to touch type. Laptops are too expensive, fragile, stealable, etc.
Another idea I had, but it would have to be cheap and available anywhere. Give me a basic, smaller than normal laptop style computer. Use a black and white screen like on the Sony Book Reader device (uses very little power). It should not have a hard drive, too fragile and uses too much power. Make it run off of either 12 volt or any voltage so you could use a batch of rechargable AA's or whatever. Use internal flash memory for loading programs like Linux and OpenOffice. Use USB ports for flash memory for data etc. WIFI is OK. Make it really basic. If it has wifi it should work with firefox. Hell, if it had internet capability and a basic text editor and could work with a Flash Drive it would be all set. You could even do it without any onboard memory, just load linux on a flash stick and use that.
Bob L
Comment About Electricity I want for Travel
Anonymous commented about Off the Grid, On Wednesday May 9th, 2007 01:54:00 PM
Look at homepower.com
Solar Electricity is NOT currently economically viable in the US. From what I have read, in Germany there are so many Government kickbacks to those who install the panels that you can come out ahead. Taking money from one taxpayer and giving it to another does not make it viable in my opinion. There are some Government incentives in the US that make a photovoltaic system on your house pay itself off in about 15-20 years, IF you forget about the fact that you could have invested the money spent in the stock market and earned a pretty good return. Without the incentives, most would never pay themselves off, once you factor in the occasional repair/replace/maintenance costs.
I am a fan and an advocate of solar and other alternative energies. Unfortunately there is a lot of hype about them. You made a comment: "Sustainable means it works as a business investment, not as a donation." that shows Photovoltaics to be weak. BUT, if there were a true level playing field, where there were no government incentives/donations to oil, coal and gas companies and everything worked on the same business competition rules, solar might not look so bad. It would probably still be cheaper to use grid power, but it might not be quite so much.
In the US, grid power is cheap. If you wanted to provide all your power with solar, wanted to live like a typical American, and you did not want to be hooked up to the grid, you would need a large, expensive setup with lots of batteries etc. THAT would be an economic disaster. What most people who have access to the grid do is use their array to sell power to the grid when they have excess and buy it back when they need more. Many are able to provide all their electrical power for the year. It still is more expensive, but it makes them feel good so that is fine. Right now, to provide the huge amount of electricity that most households use would require a $20,000 system (or more, depending where you live).
If you do not have access to the grid, or just really want to do it without being attached, you really need to cut down your usage. Most who do this use a propane refridgerator and super efficient everything and just plain do not use much electricity. I do not have solar. Most people I know have electric bills well over $100. My electric bill is $30. $7.60 of that is just a hook up fee. I measured my fridge and found it took more than half my electricity. It cost about $19/month to run. Just getting rid of that would save a ton, but I still want to keep my food cold. I can get a REALLY efficient fridge, but the cost is such that it would take 10-20 years or more to pay itself off.
All over the third world the NGO's and others have put in Solar electric systems. Usually they come in, spend many thousands of dollars putting in a barely adequate system, then leave. No training on how to operate it or to maintain it. A few years later it is toast, or stolen. There are some organizations that do it right, but most would be better off just giving the poeple the money and let them buy beer.
Bob L.
Comment About Off the Grid
Anonymous commented about CAMBODIA COFFEE FILTER, On Monday May 7th, 2007 09:11:00 PM
Hi!!
I'm the one who fell in love with this filter. My friend let me try once then I keep looking for it. Fortunately, I found it in Chiang Mai yesterday hahaha!! It's just 99 THB for each I bought it a lot. Do you want some just e-mail me at babonabus@gmail.com
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Anonymous commented about Togo Hippopotamus Hippopotame, On Thursday May 3rd, 2007 12:38:00 AM
We went in about the end of April. We saw a bunch of Hippos from where the Power Plant was. They were far away but spectacular. The guards were a little pissed that we tried to go down the hill to get close. Our local buddy got fairly close. Took some good photos. Have you made it there yet? I show you if interested.
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Anonymous commented about Auberge Atakpame Togo Hotel, On Tuesday May 1st, 2007 03:41:00 PM
I love your blog, you're totally inspiring me to hobo my way to new continents!
Tara
http://www.hobostripper.com
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Anonymous commented about Happy New Year 2006, On Friday April 27th, 2007 03:30:00 PM
New Year's Day is the first day of the year, in the Gregorian calendar, falling exactly one week after Christmas Day of the previous year.casino online
In modern times, it is January 1. In most countries, it is a holiday. It is a holy day to many of those who still use the Julian calendar, which includes followers of some of the Eastern Orthodox churches, and is celebrated on January 14 of the Gregorian calendar due to differences between the two calendars.
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Comment About Happy New Year 2006
Anonymous commented about Difficult Mosquito Nets, On Monday April 23rd, 2007 06:18:00 AM
1. You absolutely need to soak mosquito netting in Permethrin to make it really effective. Permethrin is a chemical which is now synethetically produced but which is similar to what is produced naturally by chrysantheum plants. It acts as a nerve poison for small insects but is easily deactivated by the human liver/kidney (at least in the small quantities resulting from brushing against the mosquito netting at night or not washing your hands after soaking the netting) and so can be considered safe for humans (in small quantities--though NOT if a child drinks the whole bottle). This same chemical is used in flea/tick collars for dogs (but not cats, which don't metabolize the chemical as well as dogs/humans). Any mosquito/tick or a variety or other insects that brushes up against a net that has been soaked in permethrin will go into nerve spasms and die instantly. Thus the netting will remain effective even with small holes and you don't have to worry so much about carefully securing the bottom of the netting. Just drap the netting around the bed and the mosquito is sure to brush up against the netting on its way to bite you--and that is enough to kill it.
Permethrin can also be used to soak clothing so you don't have to wear DEET and other mosquito lotions during the day. The idea is that before a mosquito bites your arm or face, it is likely to land first on your shirt or hat--and if the shirt or hat is Permethrin treated, that will be enough to kill the mosquito. Permethrin soaked clothing/mosquito nets are mandatory for US soldiers in tropical areas (like Iraq). You can buy Permethrin at US outdoor shops. Get the Military soak style rather than the spray on style which is less effective. The Sawyer Military Style Treatment, for example, is sold for about $6 at rei.com. The treatment should last for about 6 months to a year for a mosquito net which is never washed (only a few weeks for clothing which is washed frequently, however).
2) Nylon mosquito netting will normally be stronger/durable than knit polyester, and both will normally be much stronger/durable than cotton. You will probably have to buy good nets in the US/Europe since the 3rd world tends to use el-cheapo cotton whereas nylon is a much more expensive fabric (polyester is in-between).
Avoid mono-filament polyester no-see-um netting if you are JUST trying to protect against mosquitos. No-see-um netting is for protection against gnats/midges/sand flies which are much smaller than mosquitoes. The holes in no-see-um netting are much smaller than the holes in mosquito netting, and hence block the breeze much more. Also, the mono-filament polyester used in no-see-um netting does not absorb Permethrin effectively.
3) If you treat a hammock with permethrin, then mosquitoes won't be able to bite through the bottom, since they will die as soon as they land on the hammock. If you sleep naked agaist the hammock, then your skin will tend to deactivate the permethrin, so you'll probably need to retreat every 2-3 months rather than just every 6-12 months as with a mosquito net. Also, since hammocks are large, you may need several bottles of treatment chemical to soak the whole thing effectively.
4. Permethrin treatment will last longer if you keep the fabric away from sunlight and oxygen. So if you carry a netting around but only use it occasionally, then I would recomment storing in a plastic bag when not in use.
Comment About Difficult Mosquito Nets
Anonymous commented about My Only Choice is French, On Friday April 20th, 2007 11:49:00 AM
french animal is pronounced animahl and is singular (1 animal)
french animaux is pronounced animoe and is the plural of animal (more than 1 animal)
as in english, the plural is normally used unless you are talking about a specific animal. "Je vais voir des animaux" = "I am going to see the animals", rather than "Je vais voir l'animal" = "I am going to see the animal"
Comment About My Only Choice is French
Anonymous commented about WHAT MOTIVATES TRAVELERS, On Friday April 13th, 2007 02:54:00 PM
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