Touts are people who annoyingly “tout” (sell) products or services. Many touts, particularly tuk-tuk and taxi drivers, have incredible knowledge of the local area. Nearly all touts are cultural experts from having lived their entire lives within miles of where they work. Most touts have something valuable to offer tourists. Being approached by literally over
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Several months ago, I wrote about stereotyping and why it is helpful for personal safety. Stereotyping has always bothered me in that so many people stereotype stereotypes as being horrible, mean, nasty ideas that should be banished from existence. Today I want to repeat my belief in the benefits of stereotyping, particularly when approached thoughtfully.
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I’ve visited a few countries with US issued travel warnings, and have been pleasantly surprised with the hospitality and safety I felt in all. Only last night after an article’s insightful comment, did I really think about how tourism policies are used by countries to reward or punish other countries. Travel warnings can greatly diminish
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“How much for books?” Tom asked the old lady, figuring it best to start negotiations with a general inquiry. “Not all books the same,” replied the Indonesian used bookstore owner, sitting perpendicularly to him on the floor with her back against a bookshelf. “Um, okay, what about this one?” He lowered the book to her
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Go! Go! Go! Motorcycles everywhere. Hundreds. We call them “scooters” in the US. 110cc machines with a cutout in front of the seat, you know, like a girl bike. Motorcycles. 50 miles per gallon? 100 miles per gallon? Lots of miles per gallon. $1.50 to fill tank. Why do people think travel is expensive? Everyone
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Yesterday was Nyepi, or Lunar New Year. Nyepi is a distinctly Balinese Hindu tradition, in which no “fires” (lights) are to be used, no one is to be outside houses, and everyone is to spend time meditating or reflecting. I spent my day reading the last 400 pages of John Steinbeck’s The Grapes of Wrath,
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“You killed my God!” screamed the woman as I stepped on a Hindu offering and looked around guiltily. Less than two hours in Bali, and I was already offending people—nearly a record for me. Within the next hour I would accidentally step on yet another Hindu offering, learn about a very unusual cemetery, and have
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Street food is the best way to eat in SE Asia. I have an ever-growing respect and fascination with street food because of its low cost, entertainment value, and personalization. Street food is cheap. Here, in Thailand, I eat two, maybe three times per day. Each meal costs $1-$1.50, or about $3-4/day. Not bad, right?
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Quite possibly the most important question to determine, prior to traveling somewhere in particular, is what you will do when you get there! Instead of sitting in a plush hotel room all day, or skipping from Starbucks to Starbucks, do a little research and make a gameplan of things to see and do! Occasionally I
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Jill and Stacey are two girls from Canada who left the cold behind to “Do the Roo” (Travel Australia). I asked them to do a guest article telling me the best “can’t miss” experiences if I ever make my way down under. Check out videos and articles of their adventures on their blog! Hey Brook!
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