And Then Mr Global Traveler Said...

[Khleerm]

Here's the story. I've been working alongside this fellow for over a year now and we're relatively close. He's from North America and had said in times past that were it not for the bleak job market in his hometown he would probably never have come here. But bleak it was, so he put himself out for recruitment, signed on the dotted line, jumped on a plane and started working in Bangkok. That was 5 years back.

According to him, his belief is that, since he is here, he ought to take advantage of the opportunity presented him and thus, he's traveled far and wide whilst being here. Now, it can be said in earnest- he's one very frugal fellow indeed.

Now I was indeed more than a little perplexed, last year, when upon his return from our neighboring country, in response to my asking him how his trip was and whether or not he liked the country, his only response was "Oh, Myanmar was great! I saw the whole country and spent only 30,000Bt." Hmmm... not what I'd asked... but okay... moving along converstionally then....

Now that might not sound so bad to you, the casual reader, but I must point out that, it was plain as day when he'd said it that he could not correctly pronounce the name of the country from which he's just returned! Alas, I let it slide and thought nothing further of it.

Now he's got me flummoxed for sure!

So the other night, I invited him out to dinner with me and my girlfriend. He'd never met her before. I'm quite fond of this gal and had mentioned to both, in anticipation of this dinner, that both were not only keen travelers, but were both well traveled, too. She's got a least 6 country stamps in her passport, which I think is quite impressive for the average 20something Thai gal.

Naturally, up comes travel as our topic, they both laud their journeys, pat themselves and each other on the back, sum up the number of the country journeys. And then, quite suddenly there I was: not knowing what to think.

What happened was this: He says to her, "Well you know, I've been to 18 countries now. And do you know what I'm beginning to discover?" We both paused.... waiting for it... And he goes on with, "Once you've been to that many countries, you find that they all start to look the same."

Oh lord! I was and still am beside myself. Can't believe it came out thus! But he said it. That is so anathema to my lust for travel, my hunger for exploring other cultures, my experiencing other worldviews [as each being unique!] that I have decided since then, that for all intents and purposes he and I are now through as friends.

However, just to add an anecdote, I must confess, I no longer find it odd now that he still can't correctly pronounce the name of that last destination of his: Myanmar

What do you all make of this? Would you be as turned off as I, or am I just overreacting?

Thank you!

Me Flummoxed

Edited January 20, 2007 by Khleerm

[Jet Gorgon]

You better get Bendix in here for the erudite remarks.

Guy sounds like a farm boy who just wants to impress people when he goes back to the farm. Sounds like he's too ignorant for redemption. Talk about Idaho potatoes or apple pie when you have to yak at work and never socialise with the ######.

[cdnvic]

Guy sounds like a farm boy who just wants to impress people when he goes back to the farm. Sounds like he's too ignorant for redemption. Talk about Idaho potatoes or apple pie when you have to yak at work and never socialise with the ######.

As opposed to a city boy who thinks food comes from a store, and can't drive in a half inch of snow?

[Jet Gorgon]

Guy sounds like a farm boy who just wants to impress people when he goes back to the farm. Sounds like he's too ignorant for redemption. Talk about Idaho potatoes or apple pie when you have to yak at work and never socialise with the ######.

As opposed to a city boy who thinks food comes from a store, and can't drive in a half inch of snow?

Bet the city boy would know how to say Myanmar.

I'm a city girl and I know beef off the hoof and can drive in a foot of snow, unlike those pansies in Victoria.

[cdnvic]

[quote name='cdnvic'

I'm a city girl and I know beef off the hoof and can drive in a foot of snow, unlike those pansies in Victoria.

I concur about the Victoria pansies.

In fact, anyone west of Hope is useless in the snow unless they came from further east.

Edited January 20, 2007 by cdnvic

[Johpa]

....What happened was this: He says to her, "Well you know, I've been to 18 countries now. And do you know what I'm beginning to discover?" We both paused.... waiting for it... And he goes on with, "Once you've been to that many countries, you find that they all start to look the same."

Oh lord! I was and still am beside myself. Can't believe it came out thus! But he said it. That is so anathema to my lust for travel, my hunger for exploring other cultures, my experiencing other worldviews [as each being unique!] that I have decided since then, that for all intents and purposes he and I are now through as friends.....

I can understand his position. Once upon a time in my far younger days I had a penchant towards vagabondage, yes, I was one of the despised backbackers on a budget. I happened to be in Nepal when it suddenly struck me that the novelty of encountering yet a new culture was beginning to wear off. But instead of continuing on my journey and then to return home all burnt out as far too many people did in those days, I made what I think was the smarter choice but to return home before the burnout. Mind you I still yearn to travel, but I can understand the sentiment.

[Jet Gorgon]

In fact, anyone west of Hope is useless in the snow unless they came from further east.

Nah, any city/place in Canada, the snows melts, four months later the snow falls, and it's road pandemonium because they forgot how to drive in the stuff. Annual occurrence. Kind of like trying to train pet rocks.

And ya, Johpa, you made the right decision to go home before burn out, I reckon. Some folks are better at home. This is fine by me.

[Florin]

....What happened was this: He says to her, "Well you know, I've been to 18 countries now. And do you know what I'm beginning to discover?" We both paused.... waiting for it... And he goes on with, "Once you've been to that many countries, you find that they all start to look the same."

Oh lord! I was and still am beside myself. Can't believe it came out thus! But he said it. That is so anathema to my lust for travel, my hunger for exploring other cultures, my experiencing other worldviews [as each being unique!] that I have decided since then, that for all intents and purposes he and I are now through as friends.....

I can understand his position. Once upon a time in my far younger days I had a penchant towards vagabondage, yes, I was one of the despised backbackers on a budget. I happened to be in Nepal when it suddenly struck me that the novelty of encountering yet a new culture was beginning to wear off. But instead of continuing on my journey and then to return home all burnt out as far too many people did in those days, I made what I think was the smarter choice but to return home before the burnout. Mind you I still yearn to travel, but I can understand the sentiment.

Actually, if going through the backpacker trail, I can definitely see how each place would look the same: similar looking hostels, bars, people, conversations about what's wrong with the world...Plus, this kind of trip is usually far longer than it should be. When I hear these people tell me they've spent one or two weeks in Luang Prabang or even Angkor, I really wonder what it is they have to do there for such an extended period of time. I can understand older people (who need the rest) and full-time professionals (who only get 2 weeks off and decide to relax as well as visit), but the whole "gap-year" concept with aaages spent in just one place is very strange to me.

[Khleerm]

Mind you I still yearn to travel, but I can understand the sentiment.

Thanks for your candor, Johpa. Mind you, I'm quite surprised that the sentiment came from the likes of you- being so familiar as you are with the rural village life and lore. I presume you are a man of great empathy.

In the case of this colleague, in all the time he's been here now, his Thai vocabulary could probably be counted on one hand.

And Jet called it correctly- the fellow is indeed from a very rural area. A third colleague actually stressed this numerous times when we three were all originally getting acquainted. VERY! rural, according to the third.

Edited January 21, 2007 by Khleerm

[Jet Gorgon]

[And Jet called it correctly- the fellow is indeed from a very rural area. A third colleague actually stressed this numerous times when we three were all originally getting acquainted. VERY! rural, according to the third.

So, there, cdnvic.

[GuestHouse]

So the guy has a different outlook that you. People do you know.

[Jet Gorgon]

So the guy has a different outlook that you. People do you know.

I agree, and said so in a previous post here. Whatever makes people comfortable and content in their surroundings is best. Sometimes folks think they have to go with a different herd because somebody says they should do so. The coworker in question moved from rural America to Thailand to get a job, and is travelling to chalk up country stamps, which seems cool to him, I guess. But, I don't think he is content or else he has a big ego or...? Dunno, just surmising. No slur intended on his character.

[calibanjr.]

For some reason, I've found that a lot of people, including people who've been here a long time and/or been to Myanmar pronounce it Miramar, like the military base in CA.

[Jet Gorgon]

For some reason, I've found that a lot of people, including people who've been here a long time and/or been to Myanmar pronounce it Miramar, like the military base in CA.

I thought miramar was a movie production studio...oh, oops. miramax? Not really any better am I? Working Miami time zone kind of twists yer brain...

[terry57]

i have been travelling since ive been 17 years old.

i work for one reason only and that is to travell, asia and los being my favorite destination.

never get bored as i figure it is a privilage to travel and experience new people and destinations.

just being in los is a pleasure for me.

some people have no desire to travel anywhere and know nothing of other cultures and destinations.

these are the usually the one's that are racists and the most boring sort of person.

this guy you are referring to sounds like he is only in los under sufference so his attitude to his travel stands up.

it's sort of like the person who comes to los because they have to, (the business man) (the guy married to thai lady who wants to come back, but they dont )

these are the ones who will find fault in all thing thai.

i would say, give this guy the flick mate, as he sounds like a boring and uninspiring tosser to me.

get some new friends who appreciate diversity in this word.

[Jet Gorgon]

He has to work with him, Terence.

And careful with the racist mudslinging. My folks are from grizzly-in-the-middle-of-nowhere country, and they are, well, um, ya I guess you're right. They travel alot and bring home stories of the lesser-developed civilizations and their filthy customs, habits, morals, etc, which are so unlike the modernity and global savvy of redneck grizzly country.

[dumspero]

To me it's all about what he meant by his remarks. Certainly those who've travelled widely are struck as much by the similarities as the differences. We're all just folks, after all, who love our kids, go to work, eat, sleep, etc. The differences make travel fascinating. The way we're all the same in so many ways is reassuring, what binds us together as a race and what gives us the potential to, someday, to achieve glbal peace.

[terry57]

He has to work with him, Terence.

And careful with the racist mudslinging. My folks are from grizzly-in-the-middle-of-nowhere country, and they are, well, um, ya I guess you're right. They travel alot and bring home stories of the lesser-developed civilizations and their filthy customs, habits, morals, etc, which are so unlike the modernity and global savvy of redneck grizzly country.

thanks miss jet,

as i knew you would agree with my infinate wisdom.

maybe you could write a poem about that dude that thinks all places look the same after a while.

it would take some one of your calibre about 2.5 milliseconds and consist of half a line.

the subject matter would be real hard to inspire you, and definately not on the same level as tutsi and i.

[Jet Gorgon]

maybe you could write a poem about that dude that thinks all places look the same after a while.

it would take some one of your calibre about 2.5 milliseconds and consist of half a line.

the subject matter would be real hard to inspire you, and definately not on the same level as tutsi and i.

Not many things are beneath me, but I think this could be one. We already wasted enough words here.

Mind you, if you started a limerick, I might be enticed to add a line or two... Start out with home, home on the range...

Did you see my revised tutsiterry poem?

Edited January 21, 2007 by Jet Gorgon

[tuky]

I know a few folks who have lived in Pattaya for a long while, have teenage children and still call the place Pathaiya, we are Ferangs etc etc. I have never been able to set anyone straight on this because in reality who am I to do it? But it irks me that some folks just never put in the effort to get name, places correct as per the local pronunciation rather than the short time tourist pronunciations.

Wow, I had a huge night last night and I can't get my head clear.

[Jet Gorgon]

I know a few folks who have lived in Pattaya for a long while, have teenage children and still call the place Pathaiya, we are Ferangs etc etc. I have never been able to set anyone straight on this because in reality who am I to do it? But it irks me that some folks just never put in the effort to get name, places correct as per the local pronunciation rather than the short time tourist pronunciations.

Wow, I had a huge night last night and I can't get my head clear.

Oh. I've been here 10.78 years. I thought the pronunciation was Padthaiya.

Emailing you a brandy for your java, Tuky.

[dgoz]

She's got a least 6 country stamps in her passport, which I think is quite impressive for the average 20something Thai gal.

That is impressive, and eyebrow raising.

What does your gf do for a job?

[naka]

....What happened was this: He says to her, "Well you know, I've been to 18 countries now. And do you know what I'm beginning to discover?" We both paused.... waiting for it... And he goes on with, "Once you've been to that many countries, you find that they all start to look the same."

Oh lord! I was and still am beside myself. Can't believe it came out thus! But he said it. That is so anathema to my lust for travel, my hunger for exploring other cultures, my experiencing other worldviews [as each being unique!] that I have decided since then, that for all intents and purposes he and I are now through as friends.....

I can understand his position. Once upon a time in my far younger days I had a penchant towards vagabondage, yes, I was one of the despised backbackers on a budget. I happened to be in Nepal when it suddenly struck me that the novelty of encountering yet a new culture was beginning to wear off. But instead of continuing on my journey and then to return home all burnt out as far too many people did in those days, I made what I think was the smarter choice but to return home before the burnout. Mind you I still yearn to travel, but I can understand the sentiment.

After many years of living in Asia I tend to agree. A village/small town in the boondocks is much the same whether it is in Thailand or Cambodia, Laos or Java. And from a Farang perspective they have much more similarities than differences.

Same goes for the bigger towns. Larger towns are not much different whether you are

in Thailand or Malaysia, Capitals excepted.

The only country that stands out as being different in SEA is Singapore, due to it's

unparalled affluence in the region.

Naka.

Edited January 21, 2007 by naka

[pumpuiman]

maybe you could write a poem about that dude that thinks all places look the same after a while.

it would take some one of your calibre about 2.5 milliseconds and consist of half a line.

the subject matter would be real hard to inspire you, and definately not on the same level as tutsi and i.

Not many things are beneath me, but I think this could be one. We already wasted enough words here.

Mind you, if you started a limerick, I might be enticed to add a line or two... Start out with home, home on the range...

Did you see my revised tutsiterry poem?

Home home on the range

where I've been I sure like to say

And although I've heard

I still can't speak a word

of the countries where I've had a stay

Home home on the range

where I go seems to all look the same

but I think I've got pull

cause my passport is full

I can brag and then not feel so lame

[Robski]

Everybody is different, the guy has the right idea in as much as he's travelled this far so he should have a good look around while he is here.

It sounds like a case of familiarity breeding contempt, this is just the sticking point, there's no need to condemn the guy, just spend less time with him and agree to disagree.

[Jet Gorgon]

maybe you could write a poem about that dude that thinks all places look the same after a while.

it would take some one of your calibre about 2.5 milliseconds and consist of half a line.

the subject matter would be real hard to inspire you, and definately not on the same level as tutsi and i.

Not many things are beneath me, but I think this could be one. We already wasted enough words here.

Mind you, if you started a limerick, I might be enticed to add a line or two... Start out with home, home on the range...

Did you see my revised tutsiterry poem?

Home home on the range

where I've been I sure like to say

And although I've heard

I still can't speak a word

of the countries where I've had a stay

Home home on the range

where I go seems to all look the same

but I think I've got pull

cause my passport is full

I can brag and then not feel so lame

Awesome, brilliantly awesome, PPMan! I raise a glass to you, Sir.

[pumpuiman]

maybe you could write a poem about that dude that thinks all places look the same after a while.

it would take some one of your calibre about 2.5 milliseconds and consist of half a line.

the subject matter would be real hard to inspire you, and definately not on the same level as tutsi and i.

Not many things are beneath me, but I think this could be one. We already wasted enough words here.

Mind you, if you started a limerick, I might be enticed to add a line or two... Start out with home, home on the range...

Did you see my revised tutsiterry poem?

Home home on the range

where I've been I sure like to say

And although I've heard

I still can't speak a word

of the countries where I've had a stay

Home home on the range

where I go seems to all look the same

but I think I've got pull

cause my passport is full

I can brag and then not feel so lame

Awesome, brilliantly awesome, PPMan! I raise a glass to you, Sir.

I humbly bow.....and ask you to kindly continue!

Home home on the range........

[Jet Gorgon]

I humbly bow.....and ask you to kindly continue!

Naw, you take the cake and champers on this one.

[autonomous_unit]

If you wanted to be charitable, you could instead interpret what the guy said as a sign of his personal growth. If he had come from an isolated, rural area he may have had his head filled with silly misconceptions. I met more than a few farmer's children who went to university with intentions to escape to the big world outside. Quite a few of them came to realize that the world outside was better in their fantasies, and that the limits of their childhood homes were also largely imaginary.

Admittedly, I've never claimed to be a "global traveler", but I've often wondered what motivates travel junkies. It strikes me very much like someone browsing all the magazine covers in a book shop, but never sitting down to actually read a good book...

[tycann]

For some reason, I've found that a lot of people, including people who've been here a long time and/or been to Myanmar pronounce it Miramar, like the military base in CA.

My friend is from Myanmar and I can't pronounce it the same way she does... with 'Myan' as one seamless syllable. I can't help but add a hint of a second syllable there.

To the OP, I can somewhat sympathize with your friend, if we expand his statements to long term stays in different countries. I've lived (not travelled) in 5 different countries and you do eventually get caught in a pretty similar pattern no matter where it is. The scenery may be different, but on an average day you wake up, go to work, come home, eat dinner, relax a bit, repeat... no matter where you are living. You've gotta commute, cook, do laundry, go grocery shopping, etc. everywhere. Daily life is not so drastically different anywhere.