When I was younger, I experienced anti-American sentiments on occasion, usually in larger cities. There is something comforting about now being a little old white lady who is easily overlooked and seen as non-threatening. When I lived in Canada, I picked up a small Canadian flag pin. I've taken to wearing that when I travel internationally. No other words are necessary.
In September, 2001 (10 days after 9/11) I was with a group walking the Inca Trail. At several villages people came out and asked 'Americans ?'. The three Americans in our group were then hugged and asked to stand in front of a US flag hanging in the little square for photos with the villagers making the peace sign.
Loved the video podcast! It was great to see your faces as you told us about your adventures in that very special area of Australia. Christopher, you get the photo of the year award for the wallaby posing by the sign! Priceless!
I spent most of my life traveling around the world. Over 70 countries during the time I was exploring. I've been retired for 12 years and now thinking about traveling again at seventy years old. I feel it is how you come across and not how bad our country has gotten. There is always a chance you could be impacted, but that was always the case. I believe if you treat people and their culture with respect, they will treat you the same. As far as the videos vs just audio, I always like video best.
Have not encountered any anti-American sentiment, but a lot of sad, questioning, astonished, pitying sentiment for what is going on in the States. We always try to remember that we might be some of the few Americans people might meet, and act accordingly so they think Yanks are nice and respectful people. I think that counters some of that anti-American sentiment, hopefully leaving them thinking not all Americans are terrible people..
Do more videos of your trips and adventures! While the audio is nice, I enjoy watching your expressions when you describe a place. Your words might say "incredible" but your faces say "it's okay." Keep traveling and telling stories.
I have been traveling for nearly four weeks --- Australia, Bali, India --- and have not received any negative comments, rather many people I've met express deep sadness for the current state of the American government and want to discuss the situation.
I enjoyed the video, more engaging than just audio. Have not experienced anti-American behavior anywhere in the world, really.
In regards to Uluru, AKA Ayres Rock at one time, while on our honeymoon in April, 1978, we took a road trip from Alice Springs to Uluru/Ayres. At the time, there was no airport at Uluru, just 250km of paved road, then 200km of corrugated dirt road, in a 15 passenger, Toyota Bus, with very rigid suspension. Felt every bump. Overnight, we stayed at the only hotel there, a 10 room no star rated "rustic" hotel, with plywood walls, and shared facilities down the hall. The next morning, I climbed to the top of the "Rock", which at the time was legal, encouraged, and somewhat strenuous. I was the only one from the bus to go. Much had changed by March 2019 when we returned to Alice Springs for a visit, mostly for the worse in my opinion. Crime, roving gangs, drugs, all the makings of a large city had taken over large swaths of the city. The flies were always there, never went away.
My experience with anti-American feeling is personal, directing my disgust toward my fellow Yankees in Ajijic, Mexico and area. Too many of the Expats residing in that wonderful part of Mexico appear clueless that they are in Mexico. Last year and this year we spent the entire month of Jan there near the shore of Lake Chapala, a beautiful place but sullied by dumbbell Americans. What amazes me is, despite the obvious distain displayed by many of the Americans, the locals remain kind and friendly. And I was almost hit by a car driven by a mindless Yank. When I confronted him, it was "Who, me?" "How could I have done anything wrong?"
Maybe you're a little jaded from world travel, but Uluru can be a unique almost religious experience. You both keep mentioning "if you want to see red rocks;" but the "redness" is beside the point. uluru is iconic and like nothing else in the world. I would call it a Wonder, all the red rock aside. It's massive and overwhelming; the heat can help to make it an existential, holy, other-worldly experience.
Yes, liked the video - especially the pics. Was nice to see where you traveled. And of course, if I don't want to watch the video I can just listen, so there is that option. Constructive criticism -- Chris, talk to the camera more rather than talking to your son. I know that is not natural, but from the viewers standpoint, talking to the camera is more natural.
My college room mate and I went to Europe in 1973. We met so many wonderful people in England while biking who put us up in their extra bedroom, cooked us breakfast, let us stay in their back yards, buy us beers, they were wonderful. Then we went to France and for some unknown reason got kicked out of their hotel. I have had many encounters with people from across the world over the years and the overwhelming majority of experiences were good. I really try to be a humble traveler.
When I was younger, I experienced anti-American sentiments on occasion, usually in larger cities. There is something comforting about now being a little old white lady who is easily overlooked and seen as non-threatening. When I lived in Canada, I picked up a small Canadian flag pin. I've taken to wearing that when I travel internationally. No other words are necessary.
In September, 2001 (10 days after 9/11) I was with a group walking the Inca Trail. At several villages people came out and asked 'Americans ?'. The three Americans in our group were then hugged and asked to stand in front of a US flag hanging in the little square for photos with the villagers making the peace sign.
Loved the video podcast! It was great to see your faces as you told us about your adventures in that very special area of Australia. Christopher, you get the photo of the year award for the wallaby posing by the sign! Priceless!
Haha! The wallaby was posing for us.
I spent most of my life traveling around the world. Over 70 countries during the time I was exploring. I've been retired for 12 years and now thinking about traveling again at seventy years old. I feel it is how you come across and not how bad our country has gotten. There is always a chance you could be impacted, but that was always the case. I believe if you treat people and their culture with respect, they will treat you the same. As far as the videos vs just audio, I always like video best.
Have not encountered any anti-American sentiment, but a lot of sad, questioning, astonished, pitying sentiment for what is going on in the States. We always try to remember that we might be some of the few Americans people might meet, and act accordingly so they think Yanks are nice and respectful people. I think that counters some of that anti-American sentiment, hopefully leaving them thinking not all Americans are terrible people..
Do more videos of your trips and adventures! While the audio is nice, I enjoy watching your expressions when you describe a place. Your words might say "incredible" but your faces say "it's okay." Keep traveling and telling stories.
We spent 3 weeks on safari and travel in South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana. People were welcoming, gracious and most accommodating .
I have been traveling for nearly four weeks --- Australia, Bali, India --- and have not received any negative comments, rather many people I've met express deep sadness for the current state of the American government and want to discuss the situation.
I love the video chat. Podcasts are nice but it is a step up to see you guys!
I enjoyed the video, more engaging than just audio. Have not experienced anti-American behavior anywhere in the world, really.
In regards to Uluru, AKA Ayres Rock at one time, while on our honeymoon in April, 1978, we took a road trip from Alice Springs to Uluru/Ayres. At the time, there was no airport at Uluru, just 250km of paved road, then 200km of corrugated dirt road, in a 15 passenger, Toyota Bus, with very rigid suspension. Felt every bump. Overnight, we stayed at the only hotel there, a 10 room no star rated "rustic" hotel, with plywood walls, and shared facilities down the hall. The next morning, I climbed to the top of the "Rock", which at the time was legal, encouraged, and somewhat strenuous. I was the only one from the bus to go. Much had changed by March 2019 when we returned to Alice Springs for a visit, mostly for the worse in my opinion. Crime, roving gangs, drugs, all the makings of a large city had taken over large swaths of the city. The flies were always there, never went away.
My experience with anti-American feeling is personal, directing my disgust toward my fellow Yankees in Ajijic, Mexico and area. Too many of the Expats residing in that wonderful part of Mexico appear clueless that they are in Mexico. Last year and this year we spent the entire month of Jan there near the shore of Lake Chapala, a beautiful place but sullied by dumbbell Americans. What amazes me is, despite the obvious distain displayed by many of the Americans, the locals remain kind and friendly. And I was almost hit by a car driven by a mindless Yank. When I confronted him, it was "Who, me?" "How could I have done anything wrong?"
Maybe you're a little jaded from world travel, but Uluru can be a unique almost religious experience. You both keep mentioning "if you want to see red rocks;" but the "redness" is beside the point. uluru is iconic and like nothing else in the world. I would call it a Wonder, all the red rock aside. It's massive and overwhelming; the heat can help to make it an existential, holy, other-worldly experience.
Yes, liked the video - especially the pics. Was nice to see where you traveled. And of course, if I don't want to watch the video I can just listen, so there is that option. Constructive criticism -- Chris, talk to the camera more rather than talking to your son. I know that is not natural, but from the viewers standpoint, talking to the camera is more natural.
My college room mate and I went to Europe in 1973. We met so many wonderful people in England while biking who put us up in their extra bedroom, cooked us breakfast, let us stay in their back yards, buy us beers, they were wonderful. Then we went to France and for some unknown reason got kicked out of their hotel. I have had many encounters with people from across the world over the years and the overwhelming majority of experiences were good. I really try to be a humble traveler.
Ppl s ask Chris to look at our text