Home is relative not just to ones needs but it's also subject to the ever changing world around us

Defining “home”

This is not an easy thing to write. By its very subjective and relative nature such a definition cannot be captured in one short article. A book might do it. But I would imagine it would equally be condemned by the majority of its readership for being one-sided or at the very least for unbalanced impartial views.

By virtue of the most common words of advice, and in some cases virile arguments, presented to me over the years the global definition of home is:

“Home is where the heart is”

If you like that notion, or don’t like the raw reality of the world we really live in, please read no further. Be happy with what you have and love it till you die. Consider the rest of this article a one-sided, uncompromising, opinionated and inconsequential mish mash of a lost man’s words.

If however you are mildly curious to my findings. Then I suggest you pluck your own thoughts from my words and culminate such findings into your own definition of home. For the reality is, home is where you make it.

Defining the definition of home

Of all the conversations I’ve had regarding my own journey, most come from two “classes” of modern-day society. One class are the people who have jobs or live in a part of a “moderate/high income society”.

Mi casa, es su casa ... so long as you meet all the requirements and actually want to live here

Those that might be reading this on their work computer, on a phone, iPad or laptop on a daily commute, or at home after a long day looking for a bit of off time escapism. There are also those who are looking for inspiration for reboots in life or that final push that sets them off a similar track.

The other sector comes from those reading this at home during the day or middle of the night, from a “lower income part of society”. Generally people from this side of things may not be working full-time jobs and are searching for visa information,  jobs overseas, immigration laws and education overseas.

Either way, in terms of the “home” subject matter these are the “type” of people who tend to email me.

There is an interesting pattern to the two “classes” mentioned above. Both come from all nationalities the world over. From the U.S.A to The Philippines I’ve had middle to upper income people from both spectrums ask for the answer to “Home”. Mainly because they’ve had enough of living in their current life’s ways in one shape or another.

I’ve had out of work people from the U.K. to Pakistan asking me how to get out of their rut. Where is there a better place to live? And, I’ve had rich people from France to Honduras ask me where the best place to start over is.

Wealth it would seem does not define home.

Moreover I’ve had all classes from all over the world offer the “Home is where the heart is” solution.

Romanticism is closer than wealth in defining the answer to home.

If there is one global thing we all share, no matter our race, income, religion or beliefs; it is that we all want a place to call home.

The problem starts when we get it. Because we as humans, in general, always want more in some form or another.

What do we need to call a place home?

Let’s start at the very basics here. Clean water. You don’t live anywhere for very long without clean water. Never mind the comforts of electricity, living without water is not possible. Food, shelter, security the list goes on in the basics of home dwelling.

The majority of the world’s population do not have access to these basic things we need to call a place a simple home.

Much like the middle paleolithic period some 200,000 years ago our ancestors were probably faced with similar problems. Droughts, famine, disease, climate or even war would have meant entire human colonies moving to new regions just to survive. Though in some cases, quite possibly, someone may have had the notion that there were better pickings or shelter further along a river or coast.

So even from our origins we have always sought out the very basic necessities in setting up a home. Or possibly places that have had more than enough resources for us to live on and grow with the minimum of hardships.

Staying put

That is not to say the entire colony would have left. No, the old, young, sick and indeed even some smart people would have stayed put. For where there are fewer people there are more resources to be had. Some people are happy to make do. Others have no choice. Others more elect to share the burden of helping those less fortunate and so they stay behind.

Then, the next generation comes along, and the cycle starts again.

The basics of home never change

Today is no different when it comes to the basic needs of home. Think of hurricane Katrina in the U.S.A. and the homes that were destroyed. The people who rebuilt them, and the people who moved on. Think of typhoons that hit The Philippines every year. Homes wiped out, and rebuilt every year. And the people who move away to more stable territories both in-country, and overseas.

When India was split in two there was a huge migration of people who looked to move to a place they felt would be better to live culturally. Or, more sadly were forced to leave. In Afghanistan yet more people were forced to migrate to better places due to invasion and war. While in parts of Africa famine and drought removed the basics of home so people frequently move to newer grounds.

In Europe famine, pestilence and war have seen great sways of migrants over the centuries. Today it’s an economic migratory process as people seek employment and civil status elsewhere.

Mingle national migratory paths with that of individuals who have sought an equal need to relocate. Death, abuse, finances, greed, mistakes, love, victimization, prejudice, civil liberties the list goes on for solo migratory needs for new homes.

However the basic needs that everyone still seeks remain no different than 200,000 years ago. We seek water, shelter, food and a means to gather all in one place for security and in most cases comfort/prosperity. This is what we call home, even if we do not truly own it.

Advanced “home-a-nomics”

So what happens when we find a place that meets our basic needs, and even exceeds them? We prosper, procreate and acquire. We reach levels of possession that provide us with further security, comfort and finally status.

Therein lies one of the characteristic traits that define us as human beings today.

The more we have, the more we want.

This holds true not just in our possessions, but also our mentality, and status. Wars have been started for less.

Indeed wars have been declared just on the paranoia of losing all that we have built and acquired around our homes.

The truth is that since the dawn of our civilizations we have invaded other people’s homes not just to acquire, but also to secure and protect our own.

Fragmentation of society

If we leave our own society to find a better one we often become isolated. Trying to find another society that accepts our values may be asking too much ...

Without home there is fragmentation. Our society scatters once it has been shattered by war, famine or other means of homelessness. But, we still take our own values and definitions of culture with us.

Immigration has seen this as cross cultural integration. We heralded this a further step on our evolutionary paths during the last century. Only the path has become cracked under the strain of unknowing cultural weight. The merging of cultures in Europe broke in 2011 as leaders there declared that it simply was not working the way they envisioned (source.1 boston globe / source.2 bbc). Indeed even the UNHCR is having similar problems within Nepal with cross cultural marriages leading to high divorce rates (*source: my republica) 

In the Americas a continent is seeing a social pendulum swing hard as the north struggles under the freedom of a weighty bureaucratic system struggling with economic inequality (source: the economist). While in the south economies distance themselves even further and gently prosper under the similar traits that their Eastern “developing” counterparts embellish.

In Asia the cultural path is being paved more with financial might than moral rights. And the profits are being reaped proving the latter has indeed less regard at this point in history (source: the independent).

Social integration lost in the wind

Given the fragmentation of a home once it is broken up what hope does one have when taking your beliefs into a new land? Social integration for me on a long-term basis was an utter failure. You cannot be someone else other than yourself no matter where you live. Either for yourself or for someone else.

To me the answer to this is simply that at this moment we as human beings are not yet evolved, on a global scale, to truly accept everyone into our own worlds for who they are, let alone give them equal rights.

Without home there is fragmentation

So we move back to knowing that we need a home not just for shelter, but for a cultural foundation. In today’s world if we do not know our culture we do not know ourselves. Or we become lost in trying to be someone we are not just to fit in. So instead we argue and bicker over whose culture is correct on many levels.

In reality can you ever really fit into a different culture? Moreover, can they accept you? For the short term yes. For the long term ...

Is it my right to live in another culture and tell them that drinking unfiltered water is bad? Or is it their right to tell me they’ve been doing it for all their lives and I should adopt their ways? I will argue health and medical reasons, they will argue the harsh economics and physical presence of reality.

My home is fragmented. I will lose the argument even if the evolutionary path of wisdom and experience is on my side. This is human nature. I will hold my silence and create my own well to survive. And so a divide will occur and I will always be the outsider. A fragment of another society living in a culture that is on a larger scale most likely also being invaded by a more dominant cultural force with a different set of rules.

Individual extinction is on the cards as a battle for home is fought on all sides. We have indeed, come full circle.

For me my home for now is right here. The fragments of information I’ve gathered are strung together for all to see. And yes, I am well aware that such a web of personalized twine hangs perilously close to a global razor’s edge.

One small snippet for the those seeking not a home but themselves

How often do we feel lost within ourselves? Or have met others who claim to not know themselves anymore. The simple statement of not belonging in a place is a common finding that you might experience when travelling the world or even before you leave. If not, then you will surely meet such a person sooner rather than later.

The person going in search of themselves

Personally, I already know who I am. As such I am not seeking out who I am, nor what makes me tick or why I am un/happy. I found this out years ago. But not everyone is so fortunate nor have they followed a similar path.

In among a midlife crises, a marriage or relationship, even a professional lifestyle one often sees the frustrations of “finding oneself” intermingled with leaving home and going out to find a better one.

I can tell you the un-romantic truth to this right now: You will inevitably return to your original home at the end of such a journey.

In such cases, you were not looking for a “home” but rather a meaning to your own “life’s questions”. A travel experience will often provide you with such answers. Hence you will often end up back where you started.

There’s a greater chance of happiness now as you’ve seen yourself, others and intermingled experiences for better or worse. If you are still not happy at being back then perhaps you are seeking such things as less responsibility in the guise of freedom. In which case it’s still not a “home” you are looking for, but rather answers to who you are.

Find yourself before you try to find home

Is a permanent home abroad so different to what you have now?

Forget one month, six months or even two years. Imagine permanent relocation to greener pastures. Move past cultural or even social integration. Forget work visas or even residential visas, least of all permanent citizenship that few in reality will ever acquire in all but a few “western developed countries”.

Never-mind owning property in your own name from any country other than the one you were born in.

Forget about marrying someone from another land and the many years of bureaucratic tape required to let you live in your chosen country together. Never mind the paragraphs above that they too will now have to endure. And on that note do remember: One person’s paradise can be another’s hell.

Lastly ignore the fact that if you have a tidy sum of money, or political connections most of the above can be eliminated or at worst eased.

Focus instead on the reality of living abroad

Surviving the first two years over with, be prepared to look up from your phone and see the same dull faces on a commute to work. Yes, the surroundings will be different. But when living a monotonous life of survival then most things look the same no matter the location.

Your dreams of home are someone else’s reality

So there you are surrounded by the dull lifeless faces of others on your commute to work. Or alongside you in an office built for another hammering out a days work, all with the same intention of going home to something better.

What's paradise to one person is the reason to leave for another. Then again if we are not happy with ourselves then that paradise can be just as bad as the place we fought to leave

A television offering escapism. A couple of hours of cable therapy will numb the pain. Living a life through others offers a titular hope that helps us pass into a nights sleep with hopes of a better tomorrow.

The notion of somewhere better cannot help but pass through our minds. We are essentially looking for better pastures once again.

While next door there is a person who fought to escape a war, a drought or the collapse of a political system. They marvel at the running water from a tap. They sit upright in-front of a television they just purchased for the first time. Tomorrow they start a new three month contract for a meaningless job. Yet will marvel with pride at a weekly pay check that will allow the first visit to a dentist for their child.

They are living the life you have from their dreams of yesterday.

It will continue until the novelty wears off and they too look for a form of escapism on a commute to work and when looking at those similar faces or moreover; see yours staring back.

The solution to the definition of home

A home is not the answer to many people’s definition of what it “should” be. We can have ten homes scattered across the globe and jump between each one at random intervals and still, eventually, grow lacklustre with a longing for something more.

In this case, “home” is not what we seek. What we seek is a better life to live in our homes. By leaving such homes without understanding this we become fragmented and lost. If that is the case then all the home searching in the world won’t bring you peace.

The four rules of home

Understand the basics of survival.

Understand that no four walls nor roof will ever suffice unless you know what you want in life.

Understand that once you have a family, it’s not just your home, but theirs too. Live in it together, for each other.

Understand that once you have what you want … you’ll eventually want more. Be prepared.

The final definition of home in 2012

My conclusions in these writings are my own.

Reread the opening paragraphs otherwise it is a fruitless endeavor to conclude on my thoughts.

Throughout these 7 years I know that the thought of home evokes many impassioned emotions on many levels from many people. I wonder why this subject becomes just so impassioned.

There are probably several television series on moving abroad. They are not built for reality, but for ratings. Escapism is a good rating ploy.

As a matter of comfort we generally like, need, and want to define home as:  Home is where your heart is most happy. Home is a place where you are loved unconditionally. Home is where you feel safe and protected. Home is where I am right now.

The physical reality is this:

“Home is located in the place you are best at adapting in”

It may never be a permanent abode but knowing what you want in life are the true title deeds of home, take such knowledge and make the most of it based on this foundation.

This is an additional editorial featuring travel related articles, view points, conversational topics and helpful resources based on experiences I’ve learned from my around the world journey

*additional news source added post first publication

What do you think about this? Leave a comment & let me know about What is the definition of home? (2012 edition)

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Sunset in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, Malaysia

Move to or live in Sabah, Malaysia?

I previously wrote about what would it be like to live in Malaysia? A controversial post in many people’s eyes if you read the comments. And to others, it simply offers up some home truths. I won’t repeat a lot of what I wrote there, my views nor opinions haven’t changed. I wasn’t even going to write this entry as Sabah, is a part of Malaysia too.

But, the truth is, although it is one of the 13 states that make up Malaysia, it is a very different place to Peninsular Malaysia. Indeed, so is Sarawak, Malaysia’s largest state.  So, in that regard, I do feel strongly enough to treat it as a separate entity when it comes to finding a place to live.

A brief explanation and history of Sabah, Malaysian Borneo

A former British colony, occupied by the Japanese during World War 2, on August 31st 1963 Sabah became independent. Then, from a prior vote,  on September 16th Sabah joined Malaya, Sarawak and Singapore to form the Independent Federation of Malaysia. Sabah then became a part of the formation of Malaysia in 1966 along with Sarawak.

Today Sabah is not without controversy. The Philippines claims a large part of Sabah as its own. This stems from when the Sultanate of Sulu was given the territory for helping the Sultan of Brunei. Sabah was then leased from the Sultanate in return for arms to protect them from Spanish invaders. As of 2004 the Malaysian government was still paying the descendants of Sultanate of Sulu rent for the region.

Sabah, Borneo is not all jungle and swamp ... it's a pivotal balance of modern civilization and nature

Today the region is still officially declared by The Philippines as theirs. However, it has been designated a current “non-issue” in the interest of improving relations and security with the government of Malaysia. This doesn’t stop the waves of Filipinos, both illegally, and those seeking asylum from the conflict zone of Mindanao (southern Philippines), arriving every year to live in Sabah.

What’s Sabah, Borneo really like?

After reading that brief history of Sabah you might think that the whole place was a bit of mess. But nothing could be further from the truth. In terms of day-to-day living there it’s very peaceful. Indeed, the capital of Sabah, Kota Kinabalu, is one of the quietest and well-kept cities in all Malaysia. In fact, let me go out on a limb here and say Kota Kinabalu is one of the nicest capital cities in all South East Asia.

The rest of Sabah is quite mountainous with a huge coastline where three-quarters of the population live. Sabah is of course famous for its national parks, wildlife reserves, and pristine jungle. It seems Sabah has something for everyone!

What are the people of Sabah like?

Malaysian’s or Sabahans? Most of the people I spoke to in Sabah, were happy with both terms. But, were adamant that they were from Sabah, and not just “Malaysia”. Whilst over on Peninsular Malaysia people called them Malaysian’s from Sabah. For the remainder of this article I’ll refer to people from this region as Sabahans.

I found Sabahans to be incredibly friendly to the point in noticing a serious difference between them, and the other regions of Malaysia. People here are more interested in you as a person I found. While in other regions the typical tourist / foreigner dollar approach was more prevalent.

I’ve had less “Where are you from” type conversations here, and far more “What do you like?” conversations.

Yes, Sabahans seem to take more of an interest in you as a person, rather than you as a stereotype. And to me, that is a very rare trait to find today, anywhere in the world.

A little more about the people of Sabah

Most of Sabah’s population is mainly made up of indigenous people from the region, with a huge 25% of the population being Filipino/Indonesian. From personal observations I note Chinese store fronts and restaurants are common place in Kota Kinabalu whilst Indian ones are not. This becomes even more evident as you travel further out from the capital. Quite a different experience to mainland Malaysia.

Conversations I’ve had with Sabahans have, for a large part, always been pleasant unbiased and informative. I always got the feeling of worldly education amongst many Sabahans. They seem to be up to date with many international events, and happy to converse about them.

That’s not to say there are no issues here. Economics plays a role here, and a percentage of the population have grown up without completing formal schooling. But still, the trait of Sabahan friendliness and want of learning remains.

Great Food from Sabah Malaysia

The food in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo

If you’re a regular reader here, you’ll know I think Sabahan food is fantastic. Fresh seafood is the highlight, along with tangy not to spicy hot sauces. I won’t say what region of Malaysia has the best food, the result is being saved for a dedicated post. But, the variety, freshness, and flavorsome dishes in Sabah certainly ranks up there with some of the best places in the world to eat.

Curious to know more? Check out my series on food from Sabah, Malaysia

Now let’s get to the nitty-gritty of actually living in Sabah, Malaysia …

Job prospects in Sabah, Malaysia

Not good! Well, having just written that I can’t really think of many places in the world in 2011 where job prospects are actually good. Sabah is actually the poorest of all the Malaysian states, yet the cost of living is higher than that of west Malaysia. The poverty level here is around 16% (2007), which is an improvement to 22% in 2004.

Most of Sabah’s income comes from its natural resources. Timber, rubber and cacao being the most profitable. The second biggest income source is tourism, followed by exports of seafood.

Couple all that with an estimated 500,000 illegal workers from The Philippines, Indonesia, China and Timor; and job prospects are not the best here.

Expat jobs in Sabah

Most of the foreigners I’ve met in Sabah were working for large multinational companies. Oil, lumber and palm oil being the primary industries. There are several other expats who’ve settled here working in cottage industries and small businesses set up with their spouses.

There are also a surprising number of foreigners working here in the tourism field. Mainly, again, from overseas companies offering jungle excursions, wilderness training and package school trips.

Whilst not impossible, to find work here as a foreigner, seems to primarily involve getting a job from ones home country before relocating. Or, to have enough capital to open your own business here.

Kota Kinabalu is a small modern clean capital city that works well

Finding a house or apartment to stay in Sabah

This, is surprisingly uncomplicated depending on your requirements. Rentals in Kota Kinabalu are relatively easy to find, affordable, and well maintained. Of course this all depends on your lifestyle and needs. Holiday homes and the like can be extremely expensive here, but for longer term leases things can be a lot less. My advice, if you are looking, is to do your searching on the ground here rather than online.

Outside Kota Kinabalu accommodation becomes a little more basic, but again, pay a little more, and you can get some newly developed housing.

For permanent relocation to Sabah, and if you have the capital, you should really do some reading up on Malaysia’s ”My Second Home Programme” (official website).

Driving and getting around Sabah

Car rental is easy, though a little pricey. Buying a vehicle for long-term stays might make more sense. Though, if living or working in a city like Kota Kinabalu it might be a better option to use public transport. It’s cheap, clean and efficient. Purchasing a small scooter is also another option.

That said, Sabah can get very hot, and heavy rain might require something more personal to get around.

Outside of Kota Kinabalu the roads are reasonably well maintained, while congestion and road traffic incidents are quite low compared to West Malaysia.

Cultural integration in Sabah as a foreigner (fitting in with the locals)

This one is always hard as it’s dependent on the person. I struggled hard with this in The Philippines, and was very surprised to see how my hard work paid off in Sabah. What I learned previously was very much applicable here. With some regional, cultural exceptions of course.

Sabahans can be shy, but once you find a common ground the conversation will open up.

Personally, I often wondered if Sabah’s colonial past and British education system plays a part here.Though, I don’t think that would ever be a popular statement to publicly make.

It certainly would be in West Malaysia. I did however find a lot more common ground with Sabahans in terms of conversation than I have in many other parts of the world.

Expats themselves here have their own little groups, but by in-large I found them coping well independently. A refreshing change from the many mini support networks I’ve found in other countries.

There are of course little sticking points in all this, with religion and cultural necessities often putting pressure on people from all sides.

While everyone wants something different in life, ultimately where we live has a lot to do with what we can accomplish

So, what would it be like to live in Sabah Malaysia?

I’d already traveled Sabah and left when illness brought me back for a longer stay than I thought. In turn I learned a lot about the place, the people and daily life. I can’t answer what would it be like to live in Sabah for you. I believe only you as an individual can answer that.

I can however tell of my experiences and whether or not I could live in Sabah Malaysia. The answer is yes I could live here. I really do like the place, the people and the way of life in Sabah.

There are two main reasons that give me issues though

The first relates to my original article on what would it be like to live in Malaysia. I don’t get the smoldering ticking time bomb feeling of race issues here. Though it’s never far away. The issue for me is that Sabah is a part of Malaysia, and there are serious issues there. Maybe it’s just that little bit detached from west Malaysia to not have as big an impact. But then again, maybe the spill over is not so far away either.

The second issue is more related to me than to Sabah. I found it near impossible to get a job here. Simple as that.

Finally there’s a whole host of little things that mount up, but nothing that ultimately can’t be sacrificed nor dealt with. If one really wants to live somewhere, then you really need to get a grasp on that idealism.

Conclusion on living in Sabah

“Take the jump”, is something I’ve heard myself repeating in my mind several times. Take the plunge and embrace Sabah for all your worth. Noble qualities. There never will be a perfect place to live, life is not designed like that.

The smoldering pyre that is Malaysia’s race issue is my leading concern. I’m also here due to an illness that I’m just recovering from. It’s taken a lot out of me. For now, I simply need to move on from the stigma of being sick for so long. And, in the process envelop the feeling of being healthy once more.

That to me is my new priority.

And, so I move on. Very happy to have discovered Sabah, its people, and lifestyle.

It might not be right for me to live in Sabah, just yet. But, it could really make a wonderful place to live for many other people.

Coming soon:

How to feel alive again … and simply get up and go

What do you think about this? Leave a comment & let me know about What would it be like to live in Sabah, Malaysian Borneo?

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Who kicked my boots over, again?

How important is taking your shoes off in Asia?

Removing footwear is a cultural custom in Asia. At least indoors. In people’s homes and houses I understand this perfectly. But, in hotels and guest houses?

It’s one of the most irritating things I’ve come across …

My non-foot fetish

Anyone who’s been reading my journals from around about the Turkey travel blog section onwards will know I have a thing about taking my shoes off. I don’t like it.

It’s not that I have stinky feet or anything, I don’t. It’s simply a personal thing.

And, no I don’t wear sandals either. I hate them. I wear big heavy trekking boots, even in the heat. My feet remain hallowed ground in terms of hygiene; which after seven years of no-return travel is not that bad.

The shoe removal rules in hotels on my journey so far …

Aside from religious places, and homes, this is how it’s panned out in regards to shoe removal in budget accommodation.

Europe, never had a problem. Turkey & Iran again, I never had a problem. Pakistan homes certainly, but not in any guesthouse accommodation I stayed in, and so it continues on into India where it pops on occasion. Shoe removal in accommodation takes a break in Nepal, and Tibet. China is okay with shoes in hotels as is the Philippines. Again, this is for accommodation, not when visiting homes.

Then came Malaysia, followed by Thailand, and all of sudden it was shoe removal time in budget accommodation. Strangely, not in moderate to above accommodation.

Dirty backpacker feet - Do I have to walk behind him? (click to enlarge)

Just a recap so far …

In homes and houses many people don’t like to wear shoes indoors for sanitary reasons. And, to a degree, cultural beliefs such as bringing in  bad luck etc. I regard this as a personal choice, and yes I still find it annoying – white carpets aside. But as you know, I respect local customs.

I can handle the whole religious thing of removing footwear too. Barely.

However, with guest houses and budget accommodation I have always found shoe removal very annoying and quite frankly: stupid.

In Malaysia this “custom” is commonplace in many budget hotels and guesthouses.

Upon my first hostel in Malaysia I was greeted by a sign outside of reception.

“Please show respect and remove your footwear.”

Let the games begin …

The annoying scenario of taking your shoes of in a hostel in Asia

There was a gaggle of shoes, rubber sandals and boots strewn everywhere. I put my backpacks down and began un-strapping my boots. Entered reception and asked to see a room. The girl showed me upstairs. I noted she was wearing sandals. Meanwhile, I felt my socks pick up bits of floor stickiness as we went.

I took the room and hustled back down to pick up my boots. They had already been knocked over. A giant stand filled with backpacker footwear glared at me as I snuck my boots upstairs to the safety of my room. My socks feeling very nasty by now.

It’s near impossible to get good socks over here, so bear with me on the sock preservation thing.

Man up, I hear people say. After seven years of travel, my feet are still as good as new. There’s a reason for that. I’ve seen the plasters, cracked skin and fungal infections of several fellow travelers. No thanks.

Footwear removal is an old obsession of no regard

Another town another hostel. Same rule, only this time there’s a human traffic jam as backpackers, student groups and various types in between all knelt, bent, sat and staggered in a cacophony of shoe removal and replacing. Then came me with backpacks in tow looking to do the same thing.

Bumping and nudging each other I watch a pair of shoes tumble-down the stairs.

Another reception ahead awash with dusty footprints. My room this time was 2 floors up.

A sign said “please remove your footwear when entering living area”

It said nothing about wearing footwear on the stairs. I was one of about 5% who dared to tout the rule and left my shoes on.

The insanity of shoe removal within hostels in Malaysia or quite frankly anywhere

Muddy shoes at the top of the stairs, put yours on top of mine and there will be trouble ...

Worse still are the bathrooms. Some Malaysian bathrooms are spotless. Others, well, even a greasy wet floor is enough to make me run back for boots or sandals. Worse yet is in a hostel overrun by teenagers who can’t aim, nor flush, nor grasp the concept of a paperless toilet.

I want my feet totally covered up, and I don’t want to wear the dusty rubber sandals provided in the room that 1001 people have also worn too. I have my own for the shower. But I’m wearing my trekking boots in those shared toilets.

Yes, I have been traveling for a long time, and yes this still bugs me.

In a house I perfectly understand all the shoe removal thing. Shoes bring in dirt.

Though, looking at some people’s feet, perhaps a foot-bath before entering a house would be an added bonus. Open feet in sandals collect the same amount of dirt as the top of a shoe. Probably more when you consider what’s going on in between the toes and skin fissures of some feet.

But in hotels and hotels??? Sorry Malaysia, and everywhere else that insists on shoe removal in budget accommodation, you may have some of the most welcoming people; But this whole shoe removal thing just has to go.

Business, culture, respect, tourism

You run guest houses & hostels, not homes. The average “primate” backpacker is a dirty creature who has feet blacker than the average shoe sole. And, they run around your accommodation like that throughout the day and night.

Your receptions and stairwells are awash with people falling over themselves taking them off.

It’s not about Malaysian custom nor culture. If it was then the 3 + star hotels would be doing the same. Likewise restaurants.

And, if that doesn’t make sense. For some reason Malaysia has most of their receptions built at the top of a flight of stairs in budget accommodation. Just where a parent funded GAP year student is likely to topple over and plummet to the sound of a lawsuit. All due to the foot removal frenzy you insist on.

Note to the Malaysian Tourism board

Why can I walk into a 3 star and above hotel and not have a problem leaving my shoes on (boutiques, and “experience local custom type hotel/resorts” excluded)? But then when I walk into a budget guesthouse or hostel it’s a rule?

What’s that you say? You’re trying to give tourists at this income level the warm feeling of a home …

Balderdash. Sorry, but when was the last time you actually stayed in a budget “backpacker” style hostel here? Beer for sale, DVD movie nights, the odd bit of bed swapping and the frequent sound of someone stumbling down the stairs during the early hours. I don’t think this is like an average culturally authentic Malaysian “home”.

In turn my friend, that excuse of trying to make people feel at home is a rubbish excuse.

Nice bamboo blinds, wall hangings and lounge chairs do not make a home like environment alone. Neither does seeing a dozen blackened soled  backpackers stomping around the place.

Do your tourism sector in Malaysia a favor. Send a note out to all your budget accommodation asking them to do away with this stupid, dangerous, unhygienic rule. Or if you want to save face, “just ‘suggest’ it at your next conference”.

Save shoe removal for homes, not tourist accommodation!

And yes, I know some budget accommodation is located in homes. This is then the owners choice. Common sense needs to prevail in such circumstances. But do take note of the following.

Kuala Lumpur honesty

Before, booking a place to stay in Malaysia (and Thailand), I always ask if they have WiFi. Now I also prioritize a question along the lines of, “do you make people take their shoes off?”

A Kuala Lumpur guesthouse owner laughed loudly when I told him this. And, that I was very happy to wear my boots inside his establishment. He agreed, and said shoe removal had no place in a hostels anymore.

We then both stared at a British backpacker who seemed to have not found his way to a shower for quite a few days. The owner nodded that this was one of the reasons he didn’t like to take his shoes off at work anymore. (he lived there too)

Grouchy old man, or reality?

Yes, I am that (slightly older) traveler who wears big heavy trekking boots. Yes, I notice the outraged looks on the faces of some of my fellow travelers as they lay sprawled out on the floor removing their footwear and I refuse to stay in such places.

Instead I seek out the guesthouses who know all too well that with a high turnover of guests: keeping shoes on makes sense on so many levels.

That’s my rant, and argument done. Am I the only one who feels this way?

Coming soon:

Wrapping things up in Borneo

What do you think about this? Leave a comment & let me know about Shoe removal in Malaysia and Asia: my pet hate

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When you never knew that someone died

A friend of mine for many years has died. Aside from the loss, what really impacted me is that it took a long time for me to find out about it.

Long-term travelers, people living overseas or those on a year round the world journey might benefit from this short article.

My Friend

Joseph was an old school kinda guy. Didn’t take crap from anyone, and made his own way in life. We got on well. We stayed in contact via email throughout my journey.

Over the years Joseph’s always kept in touch, urging me on, enjoying the places I’d visited, as well as filling me in on what’s been happening in his own life.

Last year Joseph got sick. He told me about the treatment, and I asked that he  keep me updated. And, he did.

He seemed to be recovering well.

Staying in touch

With anyone traveling long-term you’ll know that emails sometimes come frequently, or infrequently. But, the addresses in your email address book are always there waiting. You tend to just collect them, rarely adding connections to them.

I realized I’d not heard from Joseph for a few months. And so, sent one of those update mails.

And, then another.

And, another.

No replies … I began to get concerned.

Then, the last one bounced back.

A fear gripped me as I already knew why. But I hoped I was wrong.

I tried calling, but his number was disconnected.

We knew no one else in common.

After a lot of searching and calling, I finally found out my friend had indeed died.

Lessons not many people follow

It would have been easier to find out he’d died if we’d had a lot of mutual friends. But we didn’t. A lesson I share with many is this:

“Out of sight, out of mind”

Joseph’s family didn’t know me that well and certainly didn’t have my email address.

In these days of social networks, email and a life less settled it’s not always feasible in the traditional sense to let people know about private matters like death. Who to tell? Do you send out a message saying someone died. If you don’t know the relative, then you’ll never see the message.

Think about this

Have you met someone while traveling. Become friends with them. Exchanged email addresses e.t.c.,? Have you stayed in contact for a long time?

This is all good.

“But have you figured out what to do if the emails or updates stop?”

Do you know any of their family personally? I think not.

I scoured the internet telephone directories and called many people with Joseph’s name.

I had even asked for him to pass on my information when I learned of his illness to others “just in case“.

Maybe he did, maybe he didn’t. Who knows.

My point is this. If you are traveling long-term, or living overseas. Make sure to introduce at least one friend from one circle to another.

It’s a long shot, but one that can save you some worry, guilt and grief.

If you make good friends with someone living in another country, simply ask for one of their relatives email. Tell them why if you must, just make sure you have another close contact of theirs.

At least then you might avoid what I’ve been through recently.

A message to Joe:

“So you even managed to be a pain in the ass after you’ve died! Ha ha. But then I guess the world wouldn’t want it any other way, would it.

Seriously, I hope you are getting to see new and brilliant places once more. Thank you for all the help you gave me. I never forgot. And, I never will forget you.”

"As promised, a photo from Borneo"

“I thought you might find this photo amusing. Hope you are able to read along and look at the others I’ve taken in Borneo.

All the best, and onwards with the next adventure my friend.”

What do you think about this? Leave a comment & let me know about What happens when a friend dies and you are long-term traveling?

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Boats in dock at Sandakan Market in Sabah (click to enlarge)

An incredible few hours with some illegal immigrants at Sandakan Market

In my last few days in Sandakan I planned a short trip back to the modern market building to see the fishing port outside. It’s a small area, and the three-story beige buildings third floor gives a great view of both the Mosque in the background and the boats below.

A good place to sit with cold drink and reflect on the past few months, and the next stage of this journey.

In search of something interesting? Just go with the flow

The ground floor at this modern market is stacked with fruit & vegetable stores all neatly lined up, while further down refrigerators display sides of beef and poultry cuts. The second floor has a selection of clothes, materials, bags and a few places to eat. While the last floor is all dedicated to concrete sections dividing up family run food stalls.

Buckets of fish at Sandakan Market

The usual Sabahan smiles greeted me as I made my way up.

Nearly at full circle I cut through a section to get a glimpse of the food on offer. Precooked chicken in black pepper, squid in chilli and a host of other colorful delights were all lined up. I’ve never seen a tourist eat here, other than the German I brought up once, so this was real food at real prices.

Not to mention, a very welcome break from the heat outside.

Meeting a beautiful immigrant smile

A small lady in her 30′s gave me a big welcome. “Hello sir, you want to eat?”

A whole row of older ladies a bit further on noticed the foreigner being greeted and were all smiles and waves. The call to eat at their stalls quickly in full chorus. Call me a typical male, but I turned back to the first lady. The one who greeted me first.

There was something good about her smile that seemed somewhat familiar.

I asked what was fresh today, and in near perfect English she began to list off the two rows of food on her small table. I went for the Squid in chili, and a seaweed called Agar. Seeing that I wasn’t afraid to try local food, she pointed out some tapioca, and beef soup. All small dishes, but lots of choice.

Eating local style in Sandakan

Before I knew it I had about 5 small plates around me. Needless to say, this attracted a crowd. Smiles and small talk over with, I was surprised the girl sat down beside me and began to talk openly.

“You travel so far!”

“Yes, but today I rest.”

“And, eat Sabah food,” she laughed.

And, so began a genuine conversation. And, what a conversation it was.

Understanding the life of an immigrant in Sabah Malaysia

She asked about my journey, and background; with permission. And, with an openness unlike many others I’ve met.

Like most who hear about my background she said that she felt so sad. But then told me of her grandmother who was Filippino. And, so I learned that ’Tina’ was an illegal immigrant, or sorts.

Clothes section of the market in Sandakan Malaysia

A Malaysian girl with an immigrant past

Second generation born in Malaysia with a birth certificate to prove so. ‘Tina’ is still without a legal identity card though, and so is deemed an illegal worker.

This is apparently not a good thing in this part of Sabah, Malaysia.  The police often raid places searching for illegal Filipino’s and other migrant workers without these identity cards. Bribes have to be given and often things turn quite bad if there’s no money to pay them off.

“This why the market so empty,” ‘Tina’ said looking around. “Everyone afraid to come here.”

Indeed the food stalls looked pretty bare. Especially as it was lunch time. It seemed like only the workers from the dock outside were availing of it.

I will not publish her photo here

As we continued to talk, laugh, and agree on things more; immigrants came out to say hello. But then in typical Indo / Pinoy style disappeared shyly away. I didn’t blame them. I was there photographing; and the reality was I could have been anyone (hence I bring up the ethics of blogging & photography a lot).

The police do show up here, and I learned in Tibet that they will use blog photos to identify people.

I mentioned my website, and ‘Tina’ wanted her photo on it. But when I spoke of who might see it she understood straight away. If one thing was done today, ‘Tina’ realized the dangers of snapshots with tourists and the Facebook style of publishing that goes along with it today.

Sadly, few people seem to comprehend this. So I will repeat it, and repeat it again.

This is also not a post about the virtues of whether illegal immigrants are a good or bad thing. Save the hate for another day. It’s a post about my own realization.

A conversation about living in another country from a different perspective

Having this conversation with ‘Tina’, I found she understood me perfectly. Not just through a language barrier, but she also understood my journey, and about other things in life. Trying to find work. Saving money. Going hungry. The lonesomeness of travel versus the joy of travel.

“These are concepts few people I meet understand.”

‘Tina’s’ co-workers brought over and shared some siopao as we continued talking. 2.5 hours later and, I left.

I’ve met many locals who nod their heads, grunt, say yes, and so on when it comes to hearing my story. But ‘Tina’ is one of the few who ‘got it’ straight away.

What does it all mean?

Well, like I mention in my about section. My story is not so unique. Yes, people do actually try to live in a new country to work. A few less do it for new starts, new ventures,

Do I want to live in a slums or the apartment block? Neither, but I'd rather spend time with people I share a bond with ...

or better places to live. Fewer still do the same in order to travel in search of a new place to live. Fewer still again seem to do it without the support network of a family to fall back on. Or, so it would seem.

If you translate my story into many cultures across the world you will find thousands if not millions of people who have done, or are doing exactly what I am trying to do in one way or another. They just don’t publish their journeys like this.

Some, because of the very issues ‘Tina’ is facing here. Others because they are too busy literally trying to survive in a world that’s finding it hard to look after its own people; let alone others seeking a better life.

Most of the time a local will just see me as a tourist, or just another walking dollar sign. But sometimes, just sometimes I come across someone like ‘Tina’.

She’s already experienced all this in a way. And, is constantly surrounded by others in similar situations. It’s here, just for a while I feel a deep sense of relief.

“Someone knows what it feels like.”

It a missing part of long-term travel. Finding people who share a common bond.

One world, same dreams, different languages

Humans by nature are social, communal beings. We seek out others that have similar interests. And such things don’t occur much in the world of long-term travel.

The odds of meeting similar people are stacked against you much more in circumstances such as these. Little did I realize, but  it was this communal common bond that makes me enjoy visiting slums, and homeless people like I have been.

Yes, there are extremes, and non-relative points. But still, from my perspective it is that communal bond that’s attracted me. What others see is of course something different. It has to be, by instinctive nature.

As strangers we see each other differently, with misconceptions of who or what we are doing based on our cultural and societal understandings. An irony that beats at my heart whenever I see those eyes looking back at me. If only they knew. And, for the love of passionate dreams if only we could easily communicate this to each other.

The answered question

Many people ask me why I keep writing about slums and homeless people. Some think it’s because it highlights their plight, which it does. But there is another valid reason too. The communal connection that often goes only one way.

We are from different parts of the world, from different cultures, but share a similar basic need for a place to live.

It’s as simple as that.

After quite a few months, if not years, of wondering why I am attracted to slums, immigrants and the people who most walk by, I now know why.

Finally it’s time to move on, but never forget.

Coming Soon:

Back in the big (ish) city for the last time

Note: I changed names and locations for this entry; for obvious reasons.

What do you think about this? Leave a comment & let me know about A beautiful immigrant girl, me, and some answers to why …

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Sunken Cemetery, Camiguin island, The Philippines - Surreal as it may sound, but taking care of your "Digital Assets" has become as important as your physical assets

What happens to your email, website and social networking accounts when you die?

I’ve asked quite a few people about this. As you know from my previous article about what happens if you die when traveling overseas? It’s been something I’ve had to come to terms with lately.

One of the big questions I was not really prepared for at the time was: What’s going happen to my email and website if I die?

Not much is known nor talked about when it comes to managing your digital assets. Mostly because, well, the internet is still very young. Let’s face it, things really only took off in the last 25 years.

Not too many of the .com generation have kicked the bucket enough to entice the legal world to start enforcing a few things.

But, for more the curious out there, here are some facts and tips that will help you out. Or rather, might be of benefit to your family should you decide to pass away, or are unable to function normally due to hospitalization, illness or accident.

What happens to your email if you die?

Before we start here, a brief reminder. These days web-based email providers, such as the ones below, provide gigabytes of storage. Meaning tens of thousands of your mails could potentially be read by a family member should you pass away.

You might need to consider the pro’s and con’s of that.

Gmail requirements for next of kin to get access to your account:

Strangely Google’s Gmail has potentially the best policy for a family member in gaining access to your email account.

Gmail will let your next of kin get an archive of all your mail (image © Google)

They require the following:

• Your (next of kin or legal executor) complete name
• Your physical mailing address
• Your email address
• A photocopy of your government-issued ID or driver’s license
• The Gmail address of the deceased user
• The death certificate of the deceased user. If the document is not in English, provide a certified English translation prepared by a competent translator and notarized

Note: Gmail does not delete the deceased user’s account, but says the next of kin could choose to do so after gaining access to it.

How to submit this information to Google:

Send a document including the above information via fax or mail to Google. It should take about 30 days to process your request:

Fax: 650-644-0358

Mailing address: Google Inc., Gmail User Support – Decedents’ Accounts,1600 Amphitheatre Parkway, Mountain View, CA 94043

If you fail to provide adequate information, Google reserves the right for legal process including an order from a U.S. court and/or submitting additional materials

There’s more information on Google’s Decedents’ Accounts page

Note: Lately Google has come under fire for their naming policy. eg, your must have a real “sounding” name to have a google profile. Do remember to let your next of kin know this in case you have a pseudonym or gimmick name aka lalagoestoperutobuyallama@gmail etc. Otherwise, they won’t get access to your google account. 

Hotmail requirements for next of kin to get access to your account:

Hotmail will provide you with a CD containing all the deceased’s contacts, emails e.t.c. They will not allow you access to the account. They will close the account should you request it.

Hotmail will send your family a CD of all your mail (image ©MSN)

They require the following:

• An e-mail address that can be used to contact you in case of questions
• A shipping address to ship the data to (Note: they cannot send data to a P.O. box)
• A document that states that you are the benefactor or the executor to the deceased’s estate and/or that you have power of attorney for an incapacitated customer and/or are next of kin
• A photocopy of your driver’s license or other government issued identification
• A photocopy of the death certificate or, for an incapacitated customer, a signed note from the attending physician attesting to the incapacitated state of the customer
• Account name (Note: include the account name on all page of any faxed or mailed documents)
• First and last name of the person who owns the account
• Date of birth
• City, state, and ZIP Code/Postal Code
• The approximate date of account creation
• The approximate date of last sign in

The above details along with a request should be sent, all at once, to:

Fax number: (425) 708-7851

Fax number for those outside the United States: 001 (425) 708-7851

Attention: Custodian of Records

or

Mail to: Next of Kin, One Microsoft Way, Redmond, WA 98052

Yahoo mail won't let your family have anything! (image ©Yahoo)

Full details of Hotmail’s request for data from a deceased users account

Yahoo requirements for next of kin to get access to your account:

They will not give anyone access, period. They do however confirm, that if a user has left log-in details, including password in a will, the next of kin can access the account. Otherwise they will refer you to their policy:

“No Right of Survivorship and Non-Transferability. You agree that your Yahoo! account is non-transferable and any rights to your Yahoo! ID or contents within your account terminate upon your death. Upon receipt of a copy of a death certificate, your account may be terminated and all contents therein permanently deleted.”

What happens to your social networks if you die?

Social networks have become apart of many people’s lives. What happens to your social network when your life on earth stops?

Facebook’s policy on your death

Facebook has an interesting feature where they offer to close the account or memorialize the profile of a deceased user.

When a Facebook member is memorialized, only current “friends” will be able to locate it and leave a message of remembrance (customizable by the next of kin). Let’s hope none of your friends are spammers!

Facebook don’t allow you access to the account.

Here’s a link to Facebook’s Report a dead person’s profile form that can be filled up by the next of kin. Or, possibly anyone else judging by the look of it (sorry, wouldn’t be me if I couldn’t throw some facebook digs in there! Good thing Zuckerburg is not a hippie!) 

Twitter’s policy on your death

Twitter will allow the next of kin to both close the account, and obtain an archive of all the deceased’s public tweets.

Twitter will let your next of kin have an archive of all your tweets! (image ©Twitter)

Twitter requires:

• Your first and last name, contact information (including email address), and your relationship to the deceased person.
• The username of the Twitter account, or a link to the account’s public profile page.
• A link to a public obituary article.

All sent to either:
Email: privacy@twitter.com
Fax: 415-222-9958
Mail: Twitter Inc., c/o: Trust & Safety
, 795 Folsom Street, Suite 600
, San Francisco, CA 94107, U.S.A.
More information is available on Twitters page on contacting them about a deceased user

Linkedin’s policy upon your death

Linkedin will allow you to close a deceased users account by simply submitting their online form. Again, one wonders if somebody up to no good could make use of this?

Here’s a link to Linkedin’s “Verification of Death Form”

PayPal’s policy on your death

PayPal will only use the original user to close an account. They require an executor to contact them directly to release any funds currently being held within the account of the deceased.

They require the following:

To close the account of someone who died, the estate executor needs to fax the following to (402) 537-5732:

• A cover sheet that states the account holder is deceased and the executor wants to close the PayPal account
• A copy of the death certificate for the account holder
• A copy of the deceased account holder’s will or legal documentation that provides the information regarding the executor
• A copy of a photo ID of the executor

The documentation will be reviewed and, if approved, the account will be closed. If there are funds in the PayPal account, a check will be issued in the account holder’s name.

More information can be found on PayPal’s help center

What happens to your online photos when you die?

Flickr:

Owned by Yahoo, will keep an account open with photos viewable by the public. But, they will not allow next of kin to access them. Next of Kin can close the account following the same procedure as above for a yahoo account.

What happens your laptop and hard drives when you die?

How many people know your laptop password? Or know where all your hard drive backups are? Are they all also encrypted with some 256 mega encrypted password that not even homeland security can break into?  Again, you might want to think about this.

Back up hard drives are usually offline, meaning is there really a need to keep changing the passwords frequently like your online ones? If not, then you might want to tell a select family member what they are, just in case. Likewise, if you are traveling, telling a family member your laptop password back home could help both you and them out a lot should you become incapacitated.

While there are many “hacking” ways around these thing to gain access to your offline files, remember that your family or next of kin might not be comfortable with these methods.

You may have given the copyright of your photographs or written works to someone should you die, but if they can’t access them, then they’re not much good to anyone anymore!

It’s great to have all your things secured so no one but you can access them, but sometimes being over paranoid about it can lead to some great difficulties for your family should you no longer be around.

What happens to your blog or website when you die?

This is a huge topic given the diversity of websites. Do understand the difference between domain name eg www.thelongestwayhome.com and hosting. You’ll need to think about both.

Hosted blogs

If you have a blog that’s apart of a blog network e.g. “example.blogger.com” or  ”example.wordpress.com” e.t.c., you’ll need to deal with the parent companies and their polices. There are simply too many to list here. However similar protocols as listed for getting access to emails will be required. The difference here is “content”.

What happens to great websites when the owners die?

According to one legal expert: “You can bequeath your copyright to others,”

Self hosted blogs & websites:

If you own your own domain name eg. www.thelongestwayhome.com or www.google.com you will more than likely also look after your own hosting too.

Similar to hosted blogs, you will need to to provide much more than mere logins to your next of kin. Domain registration names, passwords, hosting account details, and business dealings will all need to be recorded along with a lot more listed below!

Things to include in your Will when passing on your blog or website: 

• Include full login details of your domain registrar’s
• Contact details and login details of your hosting companies
• Login details for your blog or website
• If possible, give the location and details of where you have stored backups of databases, designs, themes, content e.t.c.
• Make a list of all revenue sources for your website e.g. Adsense login details, PayPal (financial translator) details, affiliate details
• Include a list of contact details for people you regularly do business with online
• Include a list of contact details of public people/websites/blogs/social network contacts you had frequent contact with to notify them
• Be sure who (if any) you want to leave your contents copyright to!
• Give detailed instructions on how your blog or site runs, income sources, and what you want to happen to it e.t.c.
• Give detailed instructions on your online financial accounts, including taxes, payments due, subscriptions e.t.c.

Note: if you plan to bequeath your blog/website to a family member, do remember that they might have no idea about how to run, or even access anything like a website!

Things to keep in mind about running a website after you have died!

There will be a lot of work for whomever you left your website to after you have died. It’s important to keep this in mind, and take care of as much as possible for them before hand.

• Depending on your wishes, you may want someone to notify the public about your death on your website/s
• You might want to consider how long you want your site running for
• Who will fund the websites running costs?
• If the website is generating income, where should it go, and who will manage it?
• Remind them to make sure everything is transferred to their name!
• Make sure all your online partners, or business associates are made aware of your wishes, and changes that may occur
• Remember to delegate copyright of your original content to someone
• Should you wish the website to continue publishing, selling e.t.c., then you might want to give wishes of any future direction you had planned for it

Some helpful resources for dealing with your digital assets, before you die!

Passwords and logins are, and will be the biggest hurdle to overcome for your family.We are told to change them regularly to prevent malicious hackers from accessing our data.

As such, if we write them into a Will, a few months later they can become irrelevant. So, what do you do?

Suggestions:

• Hire the same lawyer who will be handling your will and set up an arrangement to email them every 2-3 months with new passwords/login details. I would suggest paying for this service before hand, rather than later. It’s simply a matter of them filing away your emails whenever they arrive.

The secondary benefit here is that they will also be automatically alerted should your emails cease for some reason.

• Use an online password storage tool like KeePass, LastPass, AnyPassword e.t.c. Save a master copy password which can be sent to your next of kin, lawyer e.t.c.  (online password tools save all your passwords, even the ones you change frequently)
• Use an online storage service to save all your important data securely
• Use a service like deadmansswitch.net or deathswitch.com to help monitor if you are still alive and online, if they suspect you are incapacitated, they’ll start taking the steps you requested them to! eg contact your family e.t.c.
• Assetlock.net allows you to designate one family member that will be given a secure key to access you information
• Datainherit.com, estateplusplus.com and executorsresource.com allow you to designate one or more people to access your private documents
• Eternitymessage.com allows you to send an email to one or more people one to sixty years into the future
• Ifidie.org will send you regular emails to check if you are still around. If not, they will send out emails you’ve pre-written to selected people
• thedigitalbeyond.com is a site set up with many after death digital resources and articles

** Keep in mind that you should do a full check on any company before handing over any personal information. 

** If you do use a service like one of the above to manage your future wishes, do insure that the company will still be around in the future too! 

Final notes, on your final departure

Technology has simply far outpaced laws written to assure the physical disposition of tangible assets.

Assets such as real estate, vehicles, liquid physical assets and other items of worth can easily be recorded and dealt with upon a person’s death. But, these laws were created before the Internet and have not been updated clearly or recently enough to deal with the digital age and digital assets.

A car has written proof of ownership that’s recorded in several places. So to do digital assets, only the majority are probably just stored in your inbox; where no one can access them should you die or become incapacitated

As a result, many old school lawyers and legal firms are quite unsure of what to do in many cases. Often resulting in expensive and lengthy cases. In my estimation, in this day and age of digital information; it’s vital that you put your best foot forward and take care of everything yourself beforehand.

If anything, just being able to find records alone will help those left behind overcome what will surely be a difficult process to deal with in its own right.

Update 2012:

In the U.S.A. Uniform Law Commission has approved a study committee on power of attorney and authority to access digital property and online accounts during incapacity and after death. Such laws come into effect when there is little or no current legislation for states within the U.S.A. to follow.

No one likes to think about all this, but you’ll regret it at the last minute if you don’t

Take it from my own personal experience, the last thing you want if you suddenly get sick or incapacitated, which none of us want or expect, is to think about all this.

So take care of it now, and then forget about it!

Before you go out on that final big journey, take as many steps as you can to take care of your digital assets!

Got something to add? Feel free to leave your own thoughts, tips and suggestions in the comments below!

Coming Soon: 

The travel journal continues … or ends … 

What do you think about this? Leave a comment & let me know about What happens to your online digital assets if you die?

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Monks skull from the Capela de Ossos (Chapel of Bones) in Portugal - All the monks remains were used to decorate this infamous chapel ...

What happens if you die when traveling overseas?

Death. A rather morbid subject, but one that’s been following us everywhere since the day we were born. In the “West” people prepare for it, fret about, think about it, and try to avoid it as best they can. In the “East” people accept it but don’t like to talk about it. In parts of Africa,at the moment, it’s simply happening on a mass scale.

One thing for sure: death is pretty unavoidable for all of us, including when we travel.

**I’ve recently had to deal with this potential inevitability, it’s been enlightening. You can read the details exclusively on my subscriber only newsletter. Current subscribers: Next edition will be sent out on Sept 21st.

So, if we do indeed kick the proverbial bucket outside the borders of our own countries, what happens next?

Do we get shipped home by the hospital, or embassy? What if we are traveling alone, how will people know?

What about my email or blog, what happens to that when I die? Continue reading to find out …

What happens if you die of natural causes overseas?

You’re on holiday with the family when all of a sudden “Gramps” flops over on the sun deck of your package hotel on the second last day. He was 96, not a bad run.

Aside from a few young hotel receptionists hired for low salaries, you might be surprised to find a hotel manager who knows exactly what to do.

You might also be surprised to know how many well established hotels have to go through this quite regularly!

A local medical representative will be called, along with the local authorities and Gramps will quickly be shuffled off to the local mortuary for safe keeping. At the mortuary you’ll be graced, hopefully, with a knowledgable person who will ask you some questions. Some of which will reverberate through this article.

Unless your details are found quickly, you could end up being buried in another country

An abbreviated list of primary questions:

• Do you have travel insurance?
• Where is the deceased’s home country?
• When are you due to be going home?
• What airline?

If you (and you should) have travel insurance, you’ll be advised to call them. If you’ve been fortunate enough to take out a proper insurance policy, then things should run smoothly from there.

They’ll want things like a coroners report from the local police, and mortuary certificate. At this time, it would be a good idea to also call your local embassy, while they are not going to be of much help, it’s important to keep a record.

Hopefully, things will run smoothly. Gramp’s might even be on the same flight back with you (in the cargo hold), but in most cases the deceased will be sent back on a separate flight. After that, your home.

What do you do if your travel partner dies when you are on holiday?

You went out for a night of beer, clubbing, and a few bad kebabs at 3am. By 11am you wake up, but your best mate is stone cold on the floor beside his bed. What do you do?

Firstly, don’t panic. You’ll have a hangover. Try to remember last night a little more clearly, just to be sure you guy’s weren’t up to something incriminating.

All clear? Good, now do what the family did above. Call the hotel manager. Then confirm that your buddy really has passed away and is not simply still comatosed on some great chemical mix from the night before.

Staying in a dodgy hotel in downtown Bangkok?

Avoid any memories of the “Hangover 2″ and call your embassy. Then call the hotel manager as they should/will also advise. The police will more than likely be called by the hotel manager. Remember your story, including your whereabouts last night, clearly.

You will also need to have the following information about the deceased:

• Full name
• Date of birth
• Passport number
• Where and when the passport was issued
• If you are not the closest relative yourself, next of kin of the deceased person

If your friend had any health issues, asthma, heart complaints, diabetes etc, now would be a very good time to mention them. Likewise if they had any infectious diseases eg HIV, hepatitis.

Even if it was not the cause of death, it’s important to report these things.

Remember you’re in a foreign country and language barriers can be problematic at this level. Keep it simple, and basic.

If you run into any issues, call your embassy again and request assistance. If you are in any kind of serious trouble, they might send a representative around (you’ll be waiting a while), or more likely, they’ll tell you where to find someone to assist. If you know anyone in the country/area, call them now as well. Lastly, call your family back home and let them know what’s happening.

Let them know the city you are in and the name of the hotel you are staying.

Take care about calling the deceased’s family at this stage. If you are in good condition, and your mind is clear then make that call too. Again, have all the facts for them before calling. Including the hospital / morgue name they’ve been taken to, and any police officer/station name.

Dealing with the police and death in a foreign country

Not every country runs things like they do in your home country. In some places the first person to report a dead person is often the prime suspect until cleared. In other countries corruption is high on the list of troubles to also consider.

But, in all likelihood, you’ll actually be treated respectfully, and with concern.

The main objective of the police at this point is to ascertain if there was any foul play.

As such, having a clear recollection of the night before will help you greatly. As will remaining calm.

After this, things should run much like they did for the first family above.

What happens if you die abroad while traveling alone?

Here, things get interesting.

There you are on your round the world year off when smack a local bus clears the road and planet earth of your body. Or, you fall prey to a pesky mosquito and surcum to cerebral malaria or … well you get the point. Alone, traveling, foreign country, you kick the bucket and no one knows about it.

Out in the open public the chances are someone will call the police about the event. Hopefully, you will also have a copy of your passport on your body somewhere.

If your demise occurs in a hotel room without room service, you might have to wait a day or two before the housekeeper finds your remains.  Again, a copy of your passport really comes in handy here too.

What happens to your dead body with a found passport

Easy, the local police call your embassy noted on your passport and inform them. Next, local procedures takes place such as an investigation, post mortem etc. Meanwhile your embassy, armed with your passport will endeavor to contact your local government authority who will endeavor to contact your relatives.

Tip: “Having a next of kin’s details written into your passport is really helpful in such cases!”

Should contact be made with your family, your embassy will pass on relative details so that they can get your remains home. Yes, you read that correctly, it’s up to your family to get your remains home, not your embassy (this might not be the case for every foreign office policy, but for the majority, it is).

What your family has to do, to get your body home

Your family will get a message that you have passed away overseas. They will need to call the foreign office, or the overseas embassy involved in the case.

They will give them the details of the police, morgue, hotel, and some other country contacts, and that’s about it. Your family now needs to make contact with the police station that logged the death or are investigating it, the morgue and any other relevant parties involved. eg the hotel (remember your possessions are still there, as is the bill, which still needs to be paid).

This can all get complicated or easy in a hic-up.

The easiest, most convenient way to assist your family in getting you body home is to have had a good travel insurance policy!

You did give your travel insurance details to your family before setting off right? It’s not a crumpled piece of paper stuffed into your backpack is it? Or worse still locked away in your email account that no one can get into?

Tip: Do leave a copy or three of your travel insurance policy with your family and friends before heading off!

Your travel insurance company can really come into play here. They should have in-country contacts and agents that can handle an overwhelming amount of these arduous tasks. And, save everyone a lot of money/time.

What if I died without a passport copy on me?

It can happen, though you really should carry one with you at all times. However, let’s say some undesirable person relieves your lifeless body of your wallet/purse including all your ID!

The police will take note of this, and having found nothing to identify you, may/should conduct a local investigation. Local embassies will be informed of an “unclaimed body”.

Meanwhile, after a coroners examination, you go on ice.

Your hotel is a key aspect in all this as if you die outside of it, they will eventually go into your room looking for you to pay the bill. Hopefully it’s a reputably hotel and they

Remember there will be different religions, customs and procedures that the country you die in will carry out before your remains are sent home

call the police to inform them you have not returned.

At this stage, and everything works as it should, someone will put 2 + 2 together and link your body up with some photo ID found in your luggage at the hotel.

What if they can’t find any ID, am I lost forever?!

No, your family will hopefully notice you’ve not been in contact with them recently. Maybe they are the type that fret every day if you have not been in contact. Or maybe it’s only every week. Or maybe you only shoot them a mail once a month?

In the latter case, it might take a good few months before they start to panic.

Hopefully they’ll know what country you were last staying. And, perhaps more importantly they might know some friends who you stayed in contact with more frequently than them.

So don’t be shocked to find out it was your ex on Facebook who first raises the alarm!

Once this happens your family should call their local police, followed by the embassy in the country you were last located reporting your disappearance. Again, with any luck, the embassy will have a list of bodies that might match your description. Remember, in this scenario you’ve been found without any ID!

Keep in mind, the above will take a lot longer to sort out than if you had ID. And, a lot of the above will depend on local authorities. For example, some countries might only keep bodies in a morgue for a maximum of 4 weeks before disposing of the remains. Usually a temporary burial plot, before a state burial plot. Or, as is frequently the case due to cost, cremation.

What happens if you die when traveling: a list of important highlights concerning a death overseas

Keep in mind that every country will obey their local laws and customs should a death occur on their territory, irrespective of the deceased’s nationality. Likewise, many countries will have different procedures for consular responsibilities in dealing with the death of a citizen overseas.

Important considerations that link all the scenarios of death overseas together:

• Your embassy will not shoulder the cost of shipping your remains home
• Having clear ID on you when traveling in these circumstance is actually a very good idea
• Having the correct travel insurance really pays off in such cases
• Giving your travel insurance details to relatives and friends is really important before you travel. Even if you don’t die, but are incapacitated, and you are the only one that has those details, they won’t be of much good to you now!
• Make sure you have a legal Will written before you travel. It will help your family and friends out after your death

Moderate considerations that link all the scenarios of death overseas together:

• Carry phone numbers, addresses and e-mail addresses not only of your next of kin but also for your doctor and dentist. Medical records may be the only way to identify your remains
• In some countries your internal organs will be removed as part of the countries legal requirement for a post-mortem, these are most often not returned

• Investigate deaths themselves
• Pay burial or cremation expenses
• Pay for the return of bodies
• Pay any debts that may be outstanding

Your embassy should be able to do the following:

• Confirm the death, identity and citizenship of the deceased
• Notify the local authorities in your home country to try and locate your relatives
• Aid in a mortuary certificate for custom clearance of your remains
• Provide information about the remains and the effects of the deceased

After death: What happens to all my online stuff?

Email accounts, social networks, websites, online accounts, the list goes on and is growing.

It will be a few decades yet before the “.com” generation will start dying off.

When this starts to happen, we’ll soon be bombarded with new start-ups offering services for the deceased online activities and digital assets.

As this is already quite a long article, I’ll be publishing a follow-up about what happens, and what to do about all your online accounts should you die, next.

Meanwhile … a personal note:

As many of you may know, I was recently hospitalized on my travels and faced with a lot of the above over a period of time (minus the grave). Hence the lack of updates recently, and the rather culminating previous post.

While not out of the water yet, I will be continuing my journals here. I can’t promise regularity, and it will take some time to catch up.

Private journals about what happened –  for email subscribers only

I am not publishing the details of what happened live on this blog/journal at this time. I am in the process of  writing the events on my newsletter that goes out to all email subscribers.

If you get this blog / journal by email already, then you also automatically get the newsletter too. It comes out every season.

I chose not to publicly publish the details of what happened here for many reasons.

Primarily it was due to the unexpected and rapid nature of the events at the time of my hospitalization.

I simply … ran out of time, literally. As is what happens when these things occur, there’s little choice in the matter.

Secondly, while there are many great readers, and subscribers to my journal here, there are ten’s of thousands more that simply browse by. While it might make a great casual read to them, I simply don’t want to be answering a mass of questions from strangers under what is an already taxing situation.

I do, however, understand, know, and respect the several thousand people who do follow my journey already and that have had concerns.

More over those that have taken the time to invest in subscribing to my journeys weekly updates. As such, I have every intention in keeping subscribers up-to-date on what’s been happening.

Let’s just call it, an exclusive membership to my very personal journals.

So, if you are interested in a more in-depth look at this journey that will contain all the events that lead up to me being admitted and current treatment in hospital in Asia, then do by all means sign up to my updates here.

**To read my personal journal you’ll need to  subscribe to my travel journals. It’s spam free, I don’t try to sell you anything, and there’s a free e-book included. Current subscribers: Next edition is due out on Sept 21st . (if you are currently getting my updates, like this article, then you’ll automatically receive a copy of the newsletter when it’s published)

If you don’t want to subscribe, and you are happy to continue reading my public travel journals published here, no problem. My unique journey and travel journals will be continuing on right here either way, enjoy!

Coming soon:

Death Part two: Death and your online digital assets!

What do you think about this? Leave a comment & let me know about Death & Travel: Preparing for the ultimate journey … just in case

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Malaysia's most famous mountain vs finding a place to live ...

“My kind of traveling” is very different to …

I don’t quite know how else to sum it up really. I often say to people who want to meet me:

“Are you sure, I’m kinda boring really”.

It’s like going on an archaeological dig, sounds cool to see all those old bones and maybe even a whole dinosaur! But, the reality is a whole day in a mud pit watching people with toothbrushes brushing away millimeters of dirt and then get very excited about it.

No, not my thing either. But Indiana Jones sounds so much better!

The romantic side to travel

Exotic destinations like island hopping in The Philippines. Exploring old European capitals like Budapest. Or watching hot air balloons in Turkey. Relaxed, fun and big smile destinations that will make your friends jealous no end.

Heart thumping adventures

Get stuck in the riots in Tibet during the second uprising. Travel overland into Iran as rumors of a U.S. invasion follows. Arrive into Pakistan during an assassination attempt, a climb to nearly 18,ooo feet in -40 degrees (wind chill),  plus another riot in Nepal, not to mention finding the pyramids in China.

Yes, my life has had a lot in it …

Take a year off. Take a career break. Take 2 weeks off and visit another country, eat new food. It’s so very different to what you are used to at home. Even a weekend getaway, it feels good thinking about it right now, doesn’t it?

Now wrap that into nearly 7 years. No, it’s not like the above. It’s very different. And, I do believe, near on impossible for the majority of people to fathom without knowing a lot more. Hence today, this journal, and in the future a book.

This is no vacation, nor aimless travel adventure.

The notion of real perpetual travel might seem ideal, the raw reality is far removed from anything remotely pleasurable.

A hard notion for someone stuck in day job to comprehend. Harder still for those that want the ultimate freedom of travel, that requires such a job to finance. Worse are the market pitches claiming it to be true, they do after all want you to buy something from them …

For me, travel is a means, not an end zone

Here we must depart I am afraid.

Yes, travel to me is a tool to accomplish my end destination of finding a new place to live. It is a pioneering journey, but one that humanity has done for eons.

Pizza Italiano senza uno montagna in Malaysia (Italian pizza without a mountain)

One that recreation has filled a void with, using short-term fixes.

I am looking for a permanent solution.

Climb Mount Kinabalu!

In the meantime these were the words asked of me one day by a group of nice travelers at a guest-house.

I turned down the chances to climb one of Malaysia’s most famous mountains that day without question.

Here’s why.

Conversation and information over pleasure

I like pizza, and it fills me well. The owner of this particular cafe is an Italian expat. No better an opportunity to delve into the expat community of Sabah.

An essential part of last years journey was all about fitting in when living overseas. But, I was trying to fit in with locals. The expats, though some nice, were mainly a lot older, heavy on beer and younger girls. Not really my social scene. Local integration is not without it’s bumps either though.

Kota Kinabalu is a tourist city. Meeting locals here is a different ball game. Moreover the expats here are a lot more diverse. Again, mainly retired, they don’t seem so caught up in forgetting about the world in can of beer every day.

In this case, I had struck up a conversation with an Italian pizza cafe owner. It was worth more to me than seeing Mount Kinabalu.

I explore new places in a very different way to most people

Most importantly the pizza cafe owner was simply a wealth of information about living in Sabah. Not only from a practical side of things, but also from a side of life that’s very hard to get good information on.

The man asked me questions not of travel, but of living in different places.

And, what a relief to my ears it was to hold a discussion with someone about the reality of a life overseas.

We then talked about the womanizing ways of the French and Italian Prime Ministers. We laughed over the stupid things. We complained about the heat. We talked about The Sopranaos and how nothing has replaced it on TV, aside from Dexter, which I don’t think he knew about.

Yes, we just had a regular conversation. And, that was what I enjoyed.

The biggest question I keep getting asked is not about me nor travel …

I enjoy meeting people as I travel. When I do, I enjoy normal conversation. Conversation not about travel; nor the usual 101 questions I get asked about myself.

Why? The questions I get asked about in real life are not really about travel nor myself.

Most people are simply not interested in me, though the pretense is there. They are however, interested in what they think I have in the form of a “little blue pill” that can help them jump out of a life less ordinary: To embrace the rapture of freedom. 

And, it’s true. Along with a few other things, I really do know the answer to this question.

But, it’s not as easy to swallow as “a little blue pill”.

Life’s big corner

I like, and have to do, things that most people find hard work when on holiday ... but to me it's a do or die routine like many others around the world

Sure Mount Kinabalu is great. Please do consider climbing it. Photographing it. Writing about it. But I’ve climbed mountains on the top of the world and know the stories well enough by now.

Returning, the travelers from earlier were full of mountain talk. I listened to some funny quips, and typical stories. Not so different, but good for them.

However, when they asked what I had been up to, and I told them. They nodded half heartedly and smiled in polite necessity.

I understand perfectly. I’m like watching that archaeologist in a pit to them.

“We are both traveling, but for different purposes.”

A not so stellar meet up

Last week I met a couple over coffee via an email from this site. It was kind of awkward. They were on a one year round the world trip and full of excitement:

Have you done this, have you seen this?

Me: no, nope, not today.

Them: How long have you been here again?

Me: Yea, it’s just a different kind of travel.

Them: Nodding of heads and stares at the guide-book (aka, hoping someone can rescue them).

“Travel” is great, i enjoy it, but I don’t want to live it 24/7

In Bangkok I met a traveler with their own travel blog. The conversation nearly/has driven me to the point of removing the word “blog” from my own site. Something I debated heavily when I started this site.

Their main area of conversation was Google. How to get to the top of the search engine rankings. How to make money to travel. How to get free trips.

It got worse.

Next was how do you think “this person“, does it? Do you think I should talk to them? Or go and meet them?

By now I’d switched off and was making up conversations in my head in the hope the evening would come to a close that bit sooner.

Only the person wanted to go out for beers … and couldn’t understand my answer.

“Thanks, but no beer, I’m working tonight, and it’s not on my budget.” A blatant lie due to my stomach, but the last person I wanted to share my medical problems with was this person!

“It’s only one night and … we’re here!!!”  (how many times have I heard that)

“I’m just gonna get something to eat and go back to the hotel.”

And yes, they were offended by all this. And no, at this stage of my life I didn’t give a hoot!

Been there, heard that 1000 times

After 6+ years of hearing the same questions … I avoid telling many people what I am doing. The really interesting people won’t be asking either.

I dare not say what I am doing anymore in a hotel or guest-house. Either that or I should just hand out a press-release of Frequently Asked Questions.

What a relief it is to meet someone like that Pizza maker, or a lone traveler on a train like last week.

They couldn’t care less about a blog, how many countries anyone’s been too. They just wanted a real conversation about life, and some interesting stories.

And, so do I.

Who knows what will happen in your life as you make your way down its many paths ... that's what makes it so wonderful when you meet people looking for other things, in their own way ...

I’m simply very happy to meet people who want to talk about anything other than “cool things to do” and everything about me or rather that “little blue pill”.

Sadly in person, just like that archaeologist; I’m actually a lot more boring to be around in reality than one might have thought.

It’s why I am very happy to write guides, how to’s, and all manner of helpful travel resources for everyone. But sit me down everyday and ask the same questions about how to get up and leave … well, I’ve answered that already.

The people I really enjoy meeting, and dare I say visa versa are those that know their path in life. And, are not looking for greener pastures one way or another. People with interesting tales, lives and stories. People that like to share experiences pro quo. Not those looking for quick answers.

At the end of the day, this, or any other really good lifestyle means: hard work.

The people I  enjoy meeting are rarities, and I cherish the moments our paths cross!

No return travel …

I’ve not gone home to anywhere in my near 7 years of travel. There’s a difference, I’ve met plenty of people who enjoy travel but savor going home for respite in-between the journeys.

In my life, I have done both.

So yes, I can claim to be a 20+ year travel veteran if I mix and match my life’s travel ventures.

Let me write that the former is by far more taxing, and I don’t recommend it. It certainly wears you down. A lack of support, stability, security, and resources.

Even 2 years in Africa or The Philippines does not cut it. It’s simply not the same as having a “home” base. By a long shot.

Maybe it’s a lack of family, permanent friends, and support networks. Maybe it’s a mix of cultures, bureaucracy, security, age, life … the list goes on.

I’ve done it, and am doing it. It’s an arduous campaign. I have no regrets. But if people are looking for a that “little blue pill” this is not it.

Maybe after my campaign is over, I can package the “blue pill” a little better. Write better instructions, improve the compounds that create it. Make it taste better, or make it easier to swallow. Sounds nicer …

The future brings …

If you subscribed to my updates/newsletter, you’ll know what I am going through right now. If not … well, you missed out on that bit of news didn’t you!

As such, writing here will become sporadic. Cease at worse. And hopefully, let’s be positive, will continue unabated for a long time to come.

For now though … I can only close this page on my journey by saying …

I am a fighter and a survivor. I am an adventurer and an explorer. I am proud and I have honor. I will endeavor to continue on ….

(insert grin from the right side)

What do you think about this? Leave a comment & let me know about Climb Mount Kota Kinabalu! Sorry, not today I’m having pizza & a blue pill

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Malaysia is not all beaches and jungle, there's an old peaceful side that attracts many people to relocate there

Move to or live in Malaysia?

Malaysia was always on my list of “possible” places to live in Asia. The primary reasons, for me, was that Malaysia seemed to be calling out for people to relocate there. It seemed living in Malaysia was quite viable, on paper.

Options were open, I took notes, filed them away, and 6 + years later I finally made it here.

Now that I am here, what’s the on the ground reality of a possible life in Malaysia really like?

First, a brief exploration of Malaysia, by way of travel

Writing down Malaysia as a possible option to find a place to live is one thing. Actually arriving and experiencing Malaysia, or any other country for that matter, is another thing.

I start with an idea, some practical knowledge, some experience, and say … “Okay, now lets put all that to the test …”

It’s only when I physically arrive in a place, that I can actually get a gut feel of whether things would be good or not.

Traveling a country is a good way to understand more about how the place works

For me, when I arrived in Sabah, Malaysia, my gut instinct was a good one. I liked the place. Especially Kota Kinabalu. The city is just nice.

It was only when I arrived that I really could understand that Malaysia was split into three very separate parts. And, in more than just the physical sense.

Peninsular, or West Malaysia, Sarawak (Borneo) and Sabah (Borneo), are all part of “Malaysia” but very different from each other.

Traveling Malaysia to get an understanding of its culture, people and lifestyle

Travel in Malaysia is very, very, easy. It’s a tourist hotbed, and as such, everything is presented to you with ease.

This, however, also brings the small challenge of going beyond travel and actually discovering how the real Malaysia works. As opposed to what the hotel receptionist or tour guide is trained to tell you.

And, I very much enjoyed traveling Malaysia. In particular, Sabah which I will return to. I also had to postpone parts of Sarawak for a personal reason**.

**This is a very personal update. To read it you’ll need to subscribe to my travel journals. Current subscribers: Next edition is due out on June 23rd.

Meanwhile, West Malaysia has been very simple to travel. You can go anywhere with relative ease.

This type of infrastructure enabled me to cover a varied range of the country, and get a fair idea of what it was like. Taking with me the knowledge I’ve learned over the years on my search.

Peeling back the layers of Malaysia to reveal its heart & soul

I saw a very good heart in Malaysia. A vast and rich cultural background makes Malaysia the most ethnically diverse country in Asia.

As an outsider, I did however find huge differences between the people of Sabah, Sarawak, and West Malaysia.

Even if you take the people from the south of West Malaysia and compare them to the north there are of course differences. But, these differences, to me, are substantially greater over the three main regions of Malaysia.

And strangely, although great in many respects, all these differences caused my first inkling of trouble in Malaysia.

So while I did see a very good heart in Malaysia, I also saw a troubled soul.

Problems with living in Malaysia

I am mainly going to deal with living in West Malaysia here. The reason is that this seems to be at the heart of many issues. While culturally diverse, Malaysia has serious underlying human rights issues.

Not everything is blissful in Malaysia

These types of human rights issues don’t make world headlines that often. And, they are vastly complicated. So much so, that many Malaysian’s I’ve spoken to, don’t fully understand what’s happening themselves.

And, I don’t particularly want to debate these issues here. But, for me, they are important when it comes to choosing a place to live, permanently.

The main issue I found here was to do with ethnic racism. I know many Malaysian’s call this by many different names, which is possibly half the problem in itself, but this is the term I am using here.

Not always visible to the tourist, or even the retired couple living in a town. But, stay a while, travel a lot, listen to the different ethnic groups throughout Malaysia, and you’ll quickly discover a lot of anger and outright hatred.

This, and learning of some quite disturbing stories, makes me put my mental brakes on outright living in Malaysia.

Examples of problems in Malaysia

Even as I write this, I know that’s it’s impossible not to offend someone in Malaysia. For if I say that many ethnic Malays or Indians see the huge majority of Chinese Malays in political power as a serious issue. Many Chinese Malays will retaliate and say these people are using religious elements to place blame on them.

There is a multi-cultural vying of power in Malaysia in terms of commerce, politics, religion, education etc.

On the outside, as a tourist everything looks great, but beyond the Malaysia Truly Asia tourism smiles are some serious issues.

Add to this a strange quasi educational / financial / caste system that’s never really spoken about, and you’ll see a glimpse of a modern dark underbelly that runs through Malaysian society today.

This man is Malaysian, has he too many rights? Or not enough?

A modern-day caste hierarchy in Malaysia

This took me a while to finally catch onto. Mainly because of the different interpretations of a caste system in dealing with a country like Malaysia which has a huge Indian population. Wipe your mind of that. And, think about a specific Malaysian caste system that’s not spoken of.

Money talks in Malaysia, as it does in the rest of the world. But here I also noticed presumptions, of which there are of course many exceptions.

But, for the sake of argument here we go with some common perceptions I picked up on from speaking with everyday Malaysians: (keep in mind, these are not my perceptions, but those of Malaysians I’ve spoken with)

• Chinese Malays with money rule the roost, will keep to their own, and are often linked with still being influenced by China, but argue they have the least rights of all groups in Malaysia.
• Indian Malays are often accused of misgivings, really promoting their own caste system, and again keep to their own while often promoting Indian only business.
• Ethnic Malays are often said to have too many rights, are lazy, and generally end up working for other people whilst having more support than any other group.

How bad can all this really be?

A Chinese Malay man was refused entry to university because a greater portion of placements were set aside for ethnic Malays. He moved to Korea for work, married and had a son. He is now being told that his son has to go on a waiting list before he can claim citizenship in Malaysia.

Has letting traditional values from home countries caused Malaysia to lose its way?

An Indian Malay had his house destroyed in a flood. He claims that the government did not help his community out financially as they were busy promoting an election where another ethnic group were seen as being more important in that region.

An ethnic Malay has worked for a Chinese Malay company for over 10 years. He is still paid less than his Chinese counterparts, and says he will never get a promotion here as the Chinese Malay’s will favor their own.

Life in Malaysia as a foreigner

I’ve met quite a few western foreigners either working, or living in West Malaysia. Most, are very happy there. To separate them, and their logic, I split them into two groups.

1. The foreigner who is working there, but will not live forever in Malaysia
2. The foreigner who’s married, or retired in Malaysia

I do this, as these are the main people I’ve met in Malaysia.

The working foreigner has taken advantage of Malaysia’s relatively open and free visa regulations (for certain countries only). They are earning money filling a niche, or for a company. Either way, life is good for them as Malaysia is really a beautiful country. And, one day they know they will leave.

The permanent foreigner may be married, or taken one of Malaysia’s many incentives for living here. An example is the government supported “Malaysia My Second Home Programme” (official website).

Here, if you have the money, you can buy a second home in Malaysia, and avail of a special visa to live there near on permanently.

So yes, there are some interesting options to living in Malaysia.

Malaysia's multicultural population is to its credit, but will it also be its downfall?

My own view to living in Malaysia

As I mentioned at the start of this article, I had Malaysia listed as a strong potential in Asia. One of only two that I could see on paper.

Once here, the world of Malaysia opened up before me. And, again, it’s a very beautiful place, with a lot of great opportunity and amazing cultures.

Yet, through all this I see something that I personally have always struggled with on this journey. Inequality, bitterness, resentment, corruption, money-centric culture, and something dark which for lack of political correctness I shall just label as racism.

Would I live in Malaysia? Yes. Certainly if an opportunity came about to stay longer in Malaysia I would have no problems in staying for some time. Maybe I could even learn to accept all this.

But, can I say right now that I want to live in Malaysia with all my heart?

No, I can’t.

Simply put: Our hearts are beating to different rhythms.

Moving on from Malaysia

I left Borneo without fully exploring Sabah nor Sarawak in the way that I wanted. This was of no choice of mine. Again, something quite personal happened. I will not make it public here yet, but if you want to know more, it’s on my latest subscriber newsletter (if you get my updates like this one via email already, you’ll get the newsletter too. If not, sign up here).

Unlike many other countries I have traveled, I will return to Malaysia soon.

In summary:

Malaysia has a beautiful heart, but her soul is in anguish

I look forward to returning, writing, photographing and exploring Malaysia very soon. But, for now, this is what I am concluding.

Coming Soon:

Let’s not delay the inevitable: a train ride away, Bangkok awaits … what will I make of the city backpackers & travelers have raved about for decades?

What do you think about this? Leave a comment & let me know about What would it be like to live in Malaysia?

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Traveling to "certain" countries might just trigger PayPal's security system and get your account blocked!

What is PayPal, and why it’s good for travel?

PayPal is basically a financial middleman for online transactions. You can make online payments safely due to their strict security processes, and international border-less transactions.

It enables you to make payments without having to enter your credit card details on many sites.

Moreover, it’s a great way to receive payments for those doing online work, or sales.

How does PayPal work?

Simple. You set up an account. Send a payee your email address which is now registered with paypal, and they can then pay you via their own PayPal account, or through a secure webpage with a credit card.

Alternatively, you can just email an invoice to someone via PayPal.

You can also set up buttons for purchases or donations on your website.

After this, it gets a bit more complicated as there are various types of PayPal accounts. Unverified Personal, Personal, Premier, Business, Student.

Basically a Unverified Personal is quite restricted. You can’t make Merchant services, but can receive payments.

Give PayPal your address, telephone numbers, credit card details and you become verified once they remove $2 dollars from your credit card as part of their process. The world of online payments can now begin.

But, be careful if you are traveling out of your home country and using PayPal, you might just get your account and money frozen or worse …

(logo ©PayPal

The problem with traveling and using PayPal

PayPal track your ip address for security reasons. Your ip address is basically the internet address of where you are located. If this changes, it tells PayPal that perhaps someone other than you from a different location is trying to access your account. AKA it’s an alarm signal to PayPal to see you change location.

As you can imagine, as a traveler moving from country to country this can cause a lot of problems.

Restricted PayPal account!

This is the dreaded statement that many a traveler will have heart palpitations over when they login ready to pay a bill. It basically means you cannot make any payments. But, you can still receive.

You will now need to jump through several painful loops to undo this situation and free up your money, and your PayPal account.

How to unrestrict your PayPal account

There will be instructions on how to do this on your PayPal account. The requirements of which seem to change every year or so. Recently they have been requesting you to give them your home telephone number, and then tell you to wait for a call with a code you can then enter into your account to unblock it.

For a traveler, that can be a serious difficulty as PayPal insist the number you give them is from your home address. So unless you are on roaming. And don’t mind a huge bill, this can be a dead-end.

Another request that’s come in is for you to fax, or email in your passport details. Again, this is not always an easy thing to do.

Options to prevent your PayPal account from getting restricted

- Travel notifications: Many users are now reporting the long-awaited travel notifications option appearing in their PayPal dashboards. Use it!! Not every country has them displaying yet, but if you are lucky enough to see this option, then fill in the details and let PayPal know what country you’ll be accessing your account from. Otherwise, keep reading.

- Send a message: Before traveling, send them a message through your PayPal account telling them you will be in “____” country next. This is often reported to work, and if not, gives you a little ground to stand on should you still be restricted.

They will send you an email confirming the countries you have told them you will be logging in from. Should you be traveling, they will then only ask for other verification methods; rather than a home telephone number.

- Telephone them: Call them before you travel.Yes, depending on your country, PayPal may have options for you. The most common one is to open another account in the new country you are going to. This is not sensible to me, but it may work for shorter term travelers.

- Don’t try to cheat: Do not use a VPN system to set up a proxy server. It may work for a short while. But unless you really, really know what you were doing. You are asking for trouble should PayPal catch you. And yes, I met a Swedish web designer with just that problem recently and his account was closed.

- Don’t log in everywhere! Keep a spreadsheet with all your accounts on it. PayPal send you an email when you get paid. There’s no need to log in and check all the time. Especially if you are only passing through a country briefly.

- Invoice people: If a company or person requests an invoice before payment. Make up an email template and send it to them, together with your PayPal or other payment details. Most companies requesting an invoice before payment will accept this.

- Play their game: Open a different Basic PayPal account in any country you are travelling through to deal with small transactions. And, don’t use your main account until you are in a better location.

Other tips on dealing with PayPal

- Don’t save: Do not keep a vast amount of money in your PayPal account. It’s basically earning PayPal interest, and if you do get restricted, at least you will not loose everything.

- Fraud Squad: Ask to speak with the fraud department should you get one of the less competent call center employees not understanding you (a serious problem). The fraud department is based in the USA, so you should be prepared for that time zone when calling.

- Blood pressure: Be prepared for many phone calls. And, a terrible IVR system (automated machines). Keep your mind cool, and as you wait for a long periods on the phone try to work on other projects to avoid all that pent-up frustration from getting to you.

- Okay, cheat: If you can, get someone from your “home number” to pretend to be you should your account be restricted and they want to call you. Just be sure you can trust the person with your information, and they have your details.

Alternatives to PayPal

Lastly you might look at alternatives to PayPal. Whilst none are widely used as PayPal, you might find one helpful depending on your own needs.

• http://checkout.google.com US/Europe
• http://www.moneybookers.com UK/Worldwide
• http://www.paymate.com NZ/Australia
• https://payments.amazon.com/sdui/sdui/personal/money Worldwide

You’ll need to read their terms and conditions carefully, as many have country restrictions and are not accepted as widely as PayPal.

Beware of fake PayPal websites

If you’ve run into trouble with a restricted PayPal account when traveling, the chances are you’ll have come across many “I hate PayPal ” websites out there. Including many offering solutions, ebooks, and VPN’s to solve all your problems. My advice is to leave them all alone, and deal with PayPal yourself.

How to calculate PayPal fees

PayPal charge you for payments and transactions if you providing a service, or selling something. A personal payment is free, but do too many of these any they will block your account!

Many people add-on the PayPal charges to anyone paying for a service. The easiest way to calculate how much this would be is to use an online PayPal fee calculator.

PayPal for location independent travelers a good thing, or a bad thing?

PayPal has many haters. And, if things go wrong, many more. But, the system does work. And, when you look at the alternatives PayPal is still way ahead. The company has made a fortune by getting in early. If you have ever seen their data centers, you’ll see just how high-tech and big this e-bay company is.

Love it or hate, many are stuck with it for now. Taking some of the above suggestions into account before, or during your travel may help you stay clear of any annoying, frustrating, and challenging issues you will encounter.

Feel free in linking to this article as a reference that may help you or others in using PayPal when traveling

This is an additional editorial featuring travel related articles, view points, conversational topics and helpful resources based on experiences I’ve learned from my around the world journey

What do you think about this? Leave a comment & let me know about How to deal with PayPal when you travel

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Is Singapore a Utopian vision of humanities future? An architects model city? Or is it Gattaca?

First impressions count in Singapore

“Looking for Singapore? It could easily be found sitting on any city planners desk”

There are very few people who would not agree that Singapore, as a city, works. In fact, it works incredibly well. Bar public WiFi that I’m sure someone from Singapore’s tourism ministry is going to look into right now (hint, hint).

The strange thing about my above public WiFi statement is, it probably will get fixed very quickly if someone does read this from the government. That’s just how Singapore is, everything is meant to work perfectly.

A population with everything provided for them is a happy workforce

Why is Singapore so Efficient?

Singapore is often seen as the poster child of successful urban and economic development. A parliamentary republic, Singapore has virtually no natural resources, nearly everything from water to electricity is imported. Over 40% of its population are foreigners, and its natural population is decreasing.

Little India in Singapore, but without the chaos ... Nothing like the real India

Such negativity, yet Singapore is the world’s fastest growing Economy. It’s the world’s 4th largest exchange trading center. Virtually everyone has a job and has the ability to own incredibly expensive accommodation due to government incentives.

Singapore has a huge interest in refining imported goods. As an example; Singapore imports water from Malaysia, processes it, and then sells it back.

The reason why everything works so well in Singapore? The way the Government runs things.

Singapore plans for the future not just in years, but in decades and beyond

Singapore is vulnerable. With no natural resources it could easily collapse. But as a financier told me, it’s not going to happen. Why not?

“Simply put, Malaysia and Indonesia are too corrupt. We profit from their lack of an effecient system in this region. If they got their act together, Singapore would collapse.”

Death, canning, and a “Fine” country

Don't worry, there are plenty of signs to remind you of what you should not do

Enjoy the off hours Singaporean lifestyle

Take a look at how this country runs at street level. If you, even as a tourist, are caught with drugs, you can be put to death. If you speak out racially against another person, a canning.

Cross the road illegally, S$50 fine. Eat on the MRT, S$500 fine. Litter on the streets and you will have to work in public service cleaning the roads wearing a special jacket. Vandalise anything, a canning. Sell fireworks or copied DVD’s, canning and jail.

Get the picture? Don’t break the law in Singapore. There is a reason why locals joke that Singapore is a “Fine” country.

Obey the law, do what you are told to do, and reap the rewards of a comfortable life.

Crime is virtually non-existent in Singapore. And, strangely for such harsh rules that perhaps could easily be related to a dictatorship, Singaporeans, on the outside, seem very happy, and are very friendly.

Chewing gum is not illegal in Singapore

Just as a sub-note: the rumor that chewing gum is illegal in Singapore is incorrect. You can bring it in for personal consumption. You can even chew it in public. But, you cannot spit it out. Nor sell it, nor possess large quantities of it.

I brought in two packs as personal consumption “gifts”, and was fine, not fined!

Singapore: The Utopian society

I saw the proliferation of CCTV in the MRT in Singapore. I thought nothing of it really. Likewise the shopping malls, and in hotels, hostels and well … just about everywhere.

Then as I entered another MRT I stopped to watch people move by. Rows upon rows of medium paced queues walked by. Smart phones in hand people played games, talked on bluetooth headsets and waited patiently for a train to arrive on time.

Arrows on the ground mark where you are to wait, and not cross over as people “Alight” from the train. And, people obey without question. They seem happy it all works so well.

Singapore: The Directors Cut

I took an escalator down to the MRT feeling quite happy with how everything was running. Then, it hit me. Huge wall to wall posters with a Hollywood actress endorsing a certain pink product. Not just one, but she was everywhere. And, as I neared the bottom of the escalator not one, but three CCTV cameras stared beady eyed at me.

This image of life in Singapore sent a shiver through me ...

It was like a scene from Gattaca. I was walking through Orwell’s 1984 as a speaker droned out warnings of terrorist activity.

Watch those around you, report anything suspicious.

So enamoured was I in all this futuristic reality I toured back around for a second glimpse at this society at work. Camera in hand I photographed the cameras watching me. And then waited for a hand on my shoulder to escort me to a room for some “re-education”

Singapore’s efficiency works but at what cost?

I spoke to several Singaporeans about all of this. The answers were pretty much all the same. Head nodding, knowing smiles and a blunt reality.

Singapore is not all about big tall financial buildings, it also contains very quaint streets

The most common answer was, “Yes, but it works.”

The only underlying issues I could detect were tiredness at the same old routine jobs day after day.

But, as one Singaporean put it, “When you are raised in Singapore, you are raised to be a part of the system that makes it run so well. This helps.”

I found these answers quite unsettling. Not in terms of Singapore, but in terms of human nature.

Singapore’s Government is intelligent

No person wants to suffer. We all want to live long, enjoyable lives. We all like luxury whether we admit it or not. We want to be comfortable.

How many people are tired of the constant fight? Tired of corrupt politics, locking your doors twice over, and different rules for the rich?

Singapore’s government has found a near Utopian solution. It has created a society where everyone can be comfortable. And, enjoy their lives. So long as you obey the laws, work long hours and be productive. Disobey this, and you will be punished in more ways than one.

Singapore is not perfect in many peoples eyes though. But, even they must surely admit, it’s a unique place.

There is perhaps nowhere else on the planet that has a society like Singapore.

Singapore seems to have tapped into the human genome of being “comfortable” and has become successfully efficient because of it

The raw reality is, could you give up your small freedoms in life in exchange for no more worries in an efficient, safe and prosperous society?

Coming Soon:

An illegal entry into another new country …opps

What do you think about this? Leave a comment & let me know about Is Singapore the Utopian solution?

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An old monk reflectively looks out on a very different Nepal ...

Nepal is one of the few countries I have hope for

It’s a country like no other I’ve visited. A cross between old and new. Centuries old cities mixed with new society and a blend of otherworldly qualities.

On the outside it’s a great place to travel, hike, find solace, enjoy, experience.

Stay a little longer, see beyond the top layers, and you’ll be heartbroken. At least I am.

I’ve been sick recently. Its given me some time to look at the other side to this journey.

Years on I still think of Nepal

As many people reading here will know, Nepal is the only place I’ve categorically stated “felt like home“. It was a sledgehammer like feeling on the side of the head I will never forget.

Why did I leave is the usual question, and the answers are always long. Read my Nepal Travel Blog to get an idea.

In summary: The country was kicking out its King at the time, was in the middle of a Maoist uprising, and I was on an overland mission.

The trouble with Nepal is one many people come across. Once it gets to you, it stays with you.

A summary of Nepal’s problems

Medics walking through tear gas during riots in Kathmandu, Nepal

• It’s one of the poorest countries in the world
• It’s sandwiched between two giant super powers (India / China)
• Its political system is a disaster
• There is very little media coverage on Nepal’s plight
• Nepal has many religions & many holidays for them all
• Nepal is landlocked, and has few natural resources available to it
• Regular electricity is a thing of the past
• Kathmandu is overdue for an earthquake that seismologists have said will flatten it & cause one of the worst humanitarian disasters of the modern age
• Tourism is its primary source of income

A soap opera like brief history of modern political problems in Nepal

• 1959: King Mahendra unites the country under democratic rule
• 1960: King Mahendra dissolves parliament, abolishes democracy, and changed the constitution to monarchy lead or rather a “partyless” system.
• 1972: The king’s son Birendra took over, political reforms were put in place and a prime minister elected
• 1992: Continued protest mount to riots over land and economic reforms. Human rights violations occur and the country erupts into massive protests.
• 1996: The communist party (Maoists) lead the charge to replace the parliamentary monarchy. Violence again spreads across the nation as it’s view split
• 2001: Crown Prince Dipendra went on a crazed killing spree. The death toll included 9 members of the royal family along with his own father the King, and the Queen. He ended the shooting spree by killing himself. Prince Gyanendra (Birendra’s brother) took over the throne.
• 2004: The monarchy’s popularity waned in the rise of revolution. In 2005 Gyanendra abolished the government, and put the country into emergency rule.
• 2005-2006: the country is in turmoil with human rights violations and freedom of the press being curtailed. Political rallies mounted over the entire country
• 2007: A seven party coalition government abolished the monarchy.
• 2008: The Maoists win a majority victory to rule Nepal.
• 2009: The Maoist Prime Minister leaves office in protest at Nepalese presidents sacking of an army chief. A new communist leader is elected.
• 2010: A new constitution is still not seen as deadlines pass with infighting between political parties. The prime minister resigns. The UN leaves Nepal.
• 2011: Nepal is still without a stable leadership, nor constitution. The economy is in dire straits, the country dwindles on candlelight, imports and foreign aid.

Lack of international media on Nepal’s plight

Sadly Nepal seems to be forgotten by much of the mainstream international media. It’s not violent towards its neighbors. Nor is it an oil-producing nation. They’ve had their protests and civil wars. This is what’s left.

With China and India on either side vying for economic and political control over the tiny nation few international politicians want to mention Nepal; even in passing.

Nepal is well and truly on its own. Least its own “leaders” sell the country out to one of its bidding neighbors.

My personal experience from a few months in Nepal (2007-2008)

I found Nepal is be a truly wondrous place during this pivotal time in its history. And, an amazing place to witness a change such as this happening. It was the end of an old country, and the start of a new one.

Stupa overlooking Nepalese mountains: only a few places hold this sort of beauty

There were very few tourists, and yet the place was filled with optimism. The few tourists that were there; were of a different class. Adventure seekers, expats, and travelers.

“I felt like Nepal was the last bastion of true old school travel”

I held out in optimism that one day I would return if things got better. Times have changed, and Nepal has too. But its age-old internal strife has not.

2011 Nepal’s year of tourism and plunder

My friends in Nepal keep me updated. They know my feelings about the country. Their emails are sad and trembling. Yet, as always, hopeful. NGO’s continue to pop up everywhere, as do orphanages. All seeking aid. A great money-maker that tics many people off. I’ve seen it, experienced it, and rescued plenty from it during my time there.

The current government is promoting 2011 as best they can using such outdated trends as marking Nepal a “Gay” friendly country. Offering free visas (but only if you are going up Everest), and saying Nepal: Once is not enough. Least we forget a myriad of entry fees for just about anything these days.

India controls Nepal’s source of fuel, and food. Meanwhile from the North Chinese investors smile at last years agreement to allow chinese banks to open in Nepal.

It’s like the country is selling itself off; on the streets.

Nepal’s leaders get a slap to the face

It seems Nepal’s people are also at their wit’s end. I read recently on the BBC about a local Nepalese man who slapped the chairman of one of the main parties across the face.

He likened it to feeling like “soft cotton”.

A sign of the times as Nepal’s temporary politicians dine and live in relative luxury due to “expenses paid“. While most of the nation’s weather beaten people live hand to mouth in a country currently living on electricity rationing of up to 16 hours a day.

Corruption on top of corruption

All is not so bleak though. On the streets of Kathmandu rich business types from China and Korea wish to buy up and renovate vast ancient areas. Replacing old historical building and walls with profitable shiny new ones. Malls are being built near some of the oldest buildings in the world. Shadowing them in freshly imported concrete dust. India dictates new fuel prices, and food prices have only doubled.

Even Nepalese passports are made in India.

Take solace in the upper class “oxygen bars” that are appearing in Kathmandu; so expensive only the elite can breath in the imported air. A respite from the smoggy fumes rising low from the mass of imported motorbikes outside, churning away on low-grade fuel.

Turn a blind eye to the profitable NGO’s setting up camps all over the nation. Adopt a baby, sponsor a family, or volunteer: all for a few hundred or thousand dollars a month depending on your gullibility.

A friend of mine in Nepal once said this to me:

Nepal is a big cake, the politicians today have divided it all up for themselves; and left us mere crumbs.

A hopeful rise of woman power may solve Nepal’s troubles

Indeed as I read my Nepalese emails I do see a change.

Women protesting in Nepal against the government who were protesting for strikes

The one thing I find amazing in Nepal is the power of the Nepalese women. While the men are outspoken, can talk for hours and have done so for decades. I notice Nepalese women taking the reigns.

In a class system many women have little say in public matters. But times are changing. Last year a consortium of local female business leaders took to the streets of Pokhara to demand that the Maoists “not” hold yet another protest strike.

“We’ve had enough of this. No more strikes. We want our businesses open and our children going to school”

It’s a shrewd move supported by the men too. The violent political youth gangs that have terrorized previous “male” protests were powerless. Admitting that not even they would want to raise a hand against their own grandmothers.

It worked. The Maoist party did not go on strike. And, the nation applauded the women’s defiance.

Last week Nepal voted for the 17th time in 6 months for a new Prime Minister. Yet, it’s the same old faces vying for power – with this sort of behavior; it doesn’t look good for a stable future. But will the international media even report on this story?

Is there hope for Nepal?

I still have a lot of hope for Nepal. It is the bridge between two massive super powers and should surely be taking a far more assertive stance than its current sub-servant role. It’s up to the people of Nepal to decide their future, no one else.

Surely the new government should be obedient to the needs of the Nepalese people, and not just to their personal wants. As education spreads throughout this tiny country people are waking up to this and seeing the plunder around them.

From South East Asia comes hope

I sit here in tropical South East Asia with a fever. Common flu that I will recover from. But, it’s given me some time to sit and watch.

Some internet, and a laptop enable me to have a room with a view on a world in turmoil. It’s like watching a Science Fiction movie from the 90′s to watch international news today. And, I think of the little forgotten country sitting on the roof of the world.

I hope one day soon Nepal will walk a new road towards enlightenment. I hope they will have room for my return. I hope the strong kind people of Nepal will find their way again; before it’s too late.

This is an additional editorial featuring travel related articles, view points, conversational topics and helpful resources based on experiences I’ve learned from my around the world journey

What do you think about this? Leave a comment & let me know about Nepal in 2011: abused, raped, plundered & forgotten

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Who is Francis Tapon?

It’s very rare I get to come across travelers and writers that make me go  “wow, he’s on a mission to succeed”. Francis Tapon is one of them.

Francis Tapon, traveler, author, speaker.

Not only has Francis traveled extensively, and is now making a living from it. But he’s also a genuinely nice guy willing to help and share his knowledge.

Moreover, prior and during this interview I soon discovered we had some things in common. Francis was more than willing to share some great career, travel and writing advice to everyone here.

Read on and discover the great world of Francis Tapon!

Who, why and how? Can you tell the readers here a little about your background. Where you grew up and your job before travel?

My mother is from Chile and my father is from France. I was born in San Francisco. I went to a French school for 12 years. I have Religion BA from Amherst College and an MBA from Harvard Business School. I co-founded a robotic vision company in Silicon Valley. I also consulted for Hitachi in Latin America and Microsoft in Redmond.

Is travel writing along with motivational speeches now your full-time occupation, or do you have to supplement it with another job?

Ever since 2006, selling my WanderLearn books and videos have been my only source of income (and it ain’t much!).

Your first book Hike Your Own Hike: 7 Life Lessons from Backpacking Across America was published in 2006. Tell us how this came about, and the difficulties involved?

After thru-hiking the Appalachian Trail in 2001, I started writing Hike Your Own Hike. However, full-time consulting slowed down my writing pace, so it took five years to finish.

I was a first-time author, but my brother had published two novels with a big publisher. Seeing how little marketing support they gave him, I made a half-hearted attempt to find a publisher. After getting rejected everywhere, I happily self-published.

One of the most fascinating aspects you hold above many other travelers is that you have methodically listed out a precise 10 year goal. Is this you as a person, or is this the best practical solution to accomplish everything you want?

It’s both. I love to dream of the future. But I’m also practical, so writing it all out helps. If you concretely visualize your future, then it’s easier to backtrack and figure out a way to get there. Most importantly, be flexible and spontaneous.

I clearly say in my 10-year plan that it will almost certainly change. It’s just nice to have a long-term goal, just like you have a goal to find a home.

Francis in Croatia

Francis’ goal

“Visit every country in the world” – (he’s doing just that with some adventure too!)

Your website is well thought out, structured, and quite unique in the terms of personal travel sites. Is this again you as a person, or are you really a business mastermind too?

I wish my life was as organized as my website! I created my first home page 15 years ago just to learn HTML. Now, with hundreds of pages and photos, it’s easy to get lost. I picked Joomla over WordPress because Joomla works better for complex sites. I structured the site so that it’s easy for visitors to find what they want. It’s not much of a money-maker, so I need to work on my mastermind skills.

What has been the worst thing to happen to you when traveling?

I went for a day-hike in the Olympic Mountains of Washington. I got lost for three days without shelter, food, or adequate clothing. I had frostbite because it was snowing and raining. During those tough three days, I saved my partner’s life twice.

What has been the best one time experience you’ve had while on the road?

When I hiking the Rocky Mountains from Mexico to Canada, I spent a cold night high in the snowy Colorado mountains. I woke up because my sleeping bag had become soaked when snow had sneaked under my tarp. So I got up at 2 a.m. and hiked until 8 p.m. to stay warm. I was a bit worried where I would camp since my down-sleeping bag was dripping wet. Then the miracle: before sunset, I found an unlocked cabin, complete with firewood. I dried out and was happy.

Francis on Triglav, Slovenia's Tallest Mountain

Is it true that you’ve never owned a television set? Is this a key to staying focused on your own reality and goals rather than living through others via T.V.?

It is true! Don’t get me wrong. TV can be a great tool: I love the Discovery Channel and other educational shows. However, just like a car is the biggest money sink, a TV is the biggest time sink. Minimize it.

Many people reading this want to travel, and many want to accomplish their dreams. What are your two top tips for getting a dream realistically accomplished?

First, live like a monk. It’s hard to pursue your dream when you’re burdened with debt and expenses. Downsize everything and you’ll hardly miss it. Once you have savings, your liberty, confidence, and ability to pursue your dreams will soar. Second, learn from others. Follow their best practices to minimize painful mistakes.

You’ve covered the USA 4 times on foot, and written all about it. What’s next?

I’ve spent 3 years traveling in Eastern Europe. In late 2011, my second book, The Hidden Europe: What Eastern Europeans Can Teach Us, will come out. In 2012, I plan to start a three-year trip to all 55 countries in Africa (check out his plans for traveling all 55 countries in Africa!)

Many thanks to Francis Tapon for sharing his incredible travel story with us here today.

Travelers are a plenty, inspirational ones are hard to find

Today’s world is full of people seeking out places to travel, or looking to accomplish goals in their lives. It’s very hard to come across people with such plans written down and mapped out like Francis has done.

I know that I’ve learned something from reading about Francis. Map your goals out, write them down in an orderly fashion, keep that list in focus. Then, of course, go for it!

This is an additional post about travel & life, hopefully it will help others with their own goals and accomplishments in life

What do you think about this? Leave a comment & let me know about Interview with Francis Tapon – world traveler & travel writer

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A beautiful smile is all a part of the tourism industry, but does it mean friendship?

How hospitality in tourism can be delusional to a traveler

As I upload photos from my new destination, and write-up the first post for next week I just realized something. I’m coming face to face with a lot of new faces with old problems solved.

One of them is about who can you trust when you travel? Not trust in the sense of life and death, but trust as in friendships; be they temporary or long-term. I thought writing out my past mistakes and lessons learned might remind me about this, and maybe give readers here some insight for their own plans.

All those happy faces?

Smiles and travel go hand in hand. Smile at the receptionist. Wave at the housekeeper. Make a joke with the security guard or taxi driver. It’s nice to be smiled at, and to smile back at people.

We do it automatically. It’s courteous, and rewarding. It can open many doors, and makes the world a better place.

But, there is also something called too much of a good thing.

If you are a short-term, once a year traveler, you may not get this article.

If you are traveling long-term, make friends when living overseas, travel on a budget, or trying to make friends as you travel read on …

The value of a friendly smile for the tourist

I won’t go into this too much. We all know about a good smile. We all know about the fake smile of courtesy served by many a hotel or recreational service around the world.

Some smiles are good, others fake, others just for business.

No, I am writing about when you smile too much and become an unknown target.

Smiling nice guys finish last … with a frown

When traveling long-term or living overseas you’ll no doubt end up staying somewhere for a while you like. You’ll be trying to make friends with people in the same area as you. And, you’ll get to know the staff well where you are staying pretty well too.

Two different types of smile ...

No point in being grouchy to the receptionist when you know they are the key to making sure housekeeping arrive on time. The hot water works. Your laundry arrives on time. And, will happily tell you all the tips of the town you are in.

Yes, being friendly to the receptionist works.

However, you can over do the smiles and end up being taken advantage of.

House keeps, security guards, maintenance, and staff are not your friends

You don’t know many people. So it makes sense to say hello to the housekeeper and jest in a friendly manner. Or have a joke with the security guard. You pull back a little when you realize that maybe they don’t speak your language so well. They still laugh and smile though, so everything must be alright.

The truth is though, they see thousands like you every year. They are cleaning your mess, and standing around all day watching you enjoy yourself.

What’s more, every other tourist is asking the same thing and making the same jokes.

But, you are different and go the extra mile. Now they give you a big wave and smile every morning. The hand of friendship has been extended by you.

It’s now the problems start to occur.

Friendship vs performance in tourism and travel

The house keeper arrives and makes conversation. You are curious and want to make friends. Maybe they will do a better job and give you an insight into life in the country.

They talk a little. Probably about how hard life is there. They do their job and leave. Smiles and waves all around. Then, one day they don’t show up.

At around the same time the maintenance are meant to fix something for you but you notice them taking their sweet time about it.

You ask again as if they were a friend letting you down. Sure enough they eventually come.

But, the longer you stay, the worse it can get.

Personal experience with the smiling friendship approach versus all business

I’ve tried the all smiles and friendships with everyone approach, long-term. And, the less smiles, no friendships all business approach. What’s more, I’ve done both at the same accommodation. At different times of the year, with different staff.

What lies beneath this smile ... friendship or business?

Without doubt, sadly, the less smiles, no friendships all business approach worked a lot better.

The “let’s be friends” approach resulted in more frustration and loss than anything else. One by one items of my “branded” laundry went missing. To the point that the manager had the staff come to my room to apologize.

“The problem was, the staff were laughing and smiling as if I was their best forgiving friend.”

Some would say it was the culture that forced the laughing smiles or nerves. I know better.

The all serious approach

Previously I had taken no time to get to know the staff other than the manager. I was not interested, and too busy to chat with anyone. I never had a problem. The few times minor things happened, I let loose some vented rage at the manager. And, the problem was solved.

The all smiles, be friends with everyone, approach simply instills a false sense of friendship and value in the situation for you. To others it’s a sign that you have let down your defenses. Don’t forget,  the hospitality industry whether in a developed or undeveloped country is trained to smile and be friendly.

Is there a middle ground to smiles in tourism, travel and friendships overseas?

Yes, it’s called respect.

The hotel manager and head receptionist are the real keys. Many staff in developing countries are paid a low wage, and are only employed for 6 months at a time to avoid government benefit payouts.

Respect all and be courteous. Throw the odd joke and smile at the manager or head receptionist to show you are human. These are the people you need when the other staff go awry.

Making friends with housekeepers, maintenance and security seems to have more negative effects than positive. Smile, but don’t smile too much. Show respect, but don’t get personal. It could well backfire on you.

Short term vs long-term travel friendships

I freely admit to sighing a huge relief when I walk into a “branded” coffee store. Hands go up, and people wave hello. They know me by name, and even know what I drink. It is nice. But, they will not become my real friends. The truth is, this would be very rare.

No matter how lonely you get in a new country or on the road traveling – remember that people working in these places see thousands like you monthly. It’s their job to be friendly. Don’t confuse this with friendship,

You will be gone soon. They know this. No harm in being friendly while you are here, it can even open small doors. Just remember if you take it too far and rely on this;  it may come back to bite you.

Show respect, and you’ll have a much better time. Find friendships away from where you are paying for things.

This is my experience, maybe you’ve had the same or disagree.

This is an additional article on travel and life overseas to help others and serve as a reminder in this journey

Next week … first journal from a new country …

What do you think about this? Leave a comment & let me know about Delusional happy smiles don’t work with travel

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Can I join in please?

Can you ever really fit in socially when living overseas?

As my great quest at social integration when living overseas draws to a close here; I find myself looking for answers to prove me wrong. Call them my last desperate attempts at understanding the psyche of trying to fit into a new country, society and culture in the long-term. Of which I have failed. But, believe I know why.

Is knowing why you’ve failed at something a precursor to succeeding?

For those that have not read my first article: here are my initial thoughts on social integration and trying to integrate.

Everyday I think about what has gone wrong, and where I have made mistakes and what new thing can I do to make things work.

How not to live in a new country

There needs to be a few criteria set up here. Let’s eliminate backpackers and tourists setting up camp for a few months to half a year. Also volunteers who’ve been in country for a year or under. Why? Well, most of these good people are not

Ah come on, I know how to build a fire too?

looking for a permanent place to live, simple as that.

The backpacker is welcome

Most are looking for cultural immersion and stimulation. A backpacker is also looking to enjoy themselves in going out, party, make friends, see new places and learn a little. They and not settling down. And, this is great for them and what they want. But, they do usually have a ticket to move on.

The volunteer is welcome

A volunteer leans more on the cultural side of things. But again I’ve seen it countless times, they jump in hard and fast. Normally associated with dressing like a local, and trying to swallow the whole country in one giant gulp. And, this is good, to a point, for them.

The expatriate contract worker is welcome

Filled with a big salary they move amongst a different social trend. A mix of management, diplomatic invites, and new families. Again, a contract says the length of time they’ll be here. Invariably it’s extended. They’re almost in a different world here. Shuttled around in big cars they have “lived in The Philippines“. But, perhaps not The Philippines the majority of the country knows.

Yet, those around them will make them feel like they are.

The common thread that makes you think you are accepted

But, for someone trying to put down roots, the above springs up a host of problems. Namely the fact that you are new.

As such, you will be treated as a mini anomaly for quite some time.

Local people will also treat you differently whether you realise or it not. Why? Because be you backpacker, tourist, or volunteer you have a set time frame. One day, you will leave. Hence, people know, and will treat you differently as such.

You can play a game of basketball in The Philippines, but can you join the team?

This can be great, and wonderful friendships made. But, the key thing in this article to remember in regards to this is; “you are leaving”.

Common threads of trying to fit in overseas:

• Eat locally
• Learn a language
• Become involved in the community
• Show interest in other people’s hobbies
• Offer to help with things you know
• Ask for help in ones own projects
• Help people in business

When locals realize you are here for the long-term

The trouble sometimes starts from the beginning. But often times only emerges after many months, and certainly once you move over the one year mark.

Remember, they’ve known from the start your intent is to move into, and live in their country.

The human elements of trait and hate

No matter the culture, humans share similar traits. From racism, prejudice, misconceptions, and peer pressure there are many underlying factors not often spoken of.

Breaking the misconception

Take The Philippines as my example. A foreigner is automatically assumed to be American and rich. You now have the battle of convincing people who you really are. All this has to be done without insulting anyones intelligence.

Next up as a single male the assumption is you are here to find a wife or to party on a beach. Again, explanations are needed.

Now it gets utterly confusing for many people. Why then are you really here?

Why is it confusing to live in this country?

Because you just came from a country many people here want desperately to get into. The concept of you wanting to live in a place they see as inferior rises suspicion, and non-understanding.

This all happens behind human natures closed mind. It is never said.

And, if one tries to explain it, then it will make little sense. For the grass is always greener on the other side.

When locals turn their back on you

So now you’ve been here a while, proving your point. You eat locally, you speak some local dialect and you take an interest in the local community. You even dip your feet into national events, and politics.

But, it simply does not impress good things upon anyone in the long-term. Again, why?

One might on the outset think it is because you were not born here, so therefore could never understand said country well enough. A sliver of national pride seeps through here too. This is slightly closed-minded, but I can accept it to a point.

The problem occurs when your efforts to live in a country make you more knowledgable about the place than a local!

embarrassment, rebuttal, and conflict

Small town or big, you will be the subject of gossip and idle chatter

Open a discussion on politics or a local business and hear the points being made by a local. Go away and learn all you can about it. Come back to the same conversation and dazzle your “friends” with the correct information, laws, and past examples.

The table will go silent. Why? You’ve just challenged and proven that you know more about a national subject than they should. Bad, move. The gossip has already started to oust you.

Travel, foreigners and the everyday soap opera of life

Why are soap operas so successful? Gossip, and scenarios of looking into other people’s lives without it affecting your own.

Many people trudging through week after week of working all day or night need an escape. A look at someone else’s life or something more to distract from their own. Even if only for an hour in the evening.

So what happens when a foreigner comes to a new town? Well, you too are now a distraction.

“Who, why, where, what” questions shoot around like no tomorrow. People will go through the usual stages of is he/she a tourist? Volunteer? Expat Worker? No?! What are they doing here so?

“What!? They are not here to find a wife to take home with them?”

And, so you start to make friends. Weed out the ones looking for free beer and ‘investment opportunity’s' quickly, and now you are looking at a brand new set of rules.

When gossip goes wrong …

The foreigner has been here a while. They are not moving. People continue to find this confusing. By now they know all about you. They know your past, present and future history. Interest is waning.

A friend comes to visit them, and all of a sudden you are the constant topic of conversation. Why is he here? When is he leaving? What does he want?

The chain of gossip leads to the train of exaggeration, miscommunication and … finally aspects of spite.

Don’t hate me because I learned more about your place, and want to live here

Invite the foreigner over … no more. Why? Well, your other guests will soon learn that the foreigner has taken the time to learn just about everything about the place that you don’t know. You’ll be showing them up. Not good.

At the end of the day, it's his country. Will he ever share it as if it was yours too?

Instead gossip dictates that all the foreigners faults, be they genuine or misconceptions or even misconstrued rumors, are brought up.

The foreigner now becomes the subject of spiteful quips and snide remarks behind closed doors. The foreigner living in their town is more popular, more knowledgable than they who befriended them in the first place out of curiosity and possibly, obligation.

Now the tide has changed and the underlying current of talk is – for you to leave.

Fighting it only brings more resentment, this is human nature. You are after all at a disadvantage here.

Exceptions to the rule of fitting in

There are always exceptions to this. The gentleman expat who keeps his mouth shut, and pretends he’s never heard of the country’s problems or never speaks of them openly will always be held in high regard. They challenge no one, and are even seen as being understanding and knowledgable themselves.

The missionary who’s been here for years is working under God’s name, so thou shalt not question them. For they must know best, and are here for will of the people’s creator.

The rich person who can afford to buy “friends” either charitably, for “love” for “investment” or just because they can.

The one who does not socialize, and keeps to the expat community and or buys a lot for their “friends”. Such people, are always right.

The foreigner who has little to do with locals, or uses his partner to shield them from the reality of where they are living.

And so it continues …

Idle gossip is not the fault of any one culture or country

Gossip like this is human nature. It happens everywhere. To the Indonesian worker moving to London and treated as though taking jobs from locals there. To the Frenchman looking to work in New York and treated similarly.

People are territorial by nature, and it does indeed seem to span globally and manifest itself in making things even harder for the foreigner. No matter where they are from; when trying to fit in.

What’s the answer to fitting in?

Great question, I do not know the answer. Other than to stay silent, not have a voice, and do as expected. I have not found it.

What I can say is that a comment left here a few weeks ago was maybe half the answer. They said to look to one’s own in the big cities. In other words socially integrate with expats.

This would mean taking an odd dip into local life, but mainly live and make friends with people from your own culture.

Is that the answer, only dip into locals lives and run your own separately?

Perhaps the expat route is the right one. Maybe true acceptance is not possible in a new country.

Then again is this a Philippine only phenomenon? Or Asian? I know it happens in West Africa, so maybe it is global. Or, possibly only in developing countries?

Do people moving into developed countries experience the same problem with social integration? I think so.

To the victor: experience in trying to integrate socially in a new culture

There seem to be more questions than answers yet again. Though I must say, at least I have experienced this first hand. Rather than just hypothesizing.

That might just be over half the battle in trying to integrate as a foreigner. Useful or not, I take with me the knowledge I’ve learned and experienced here as I move forward.

If real acceptance truly is not possible, then I know what awaits elsewhere. Perhaps the biggest battle has already been won.

N.B: If you are looking for a new place to live, or having problems fitting in abroad, you might like to read my article on “the definition of home“. It brings many of the points raised here to new level.

Coming Soon:

Who gets the next Great Modern Traveler Award??

What do you think about this? Leave a comment & let me know about When locals get tired of you: social integration gone wrong

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Fulani woman (African Nomad) - just traveling by; it's all smiles, but stay a little longer in a different culture & you will learn a lot about miscommunication - it goes both ways though (click to enlarge)

How to Deal with miscommunication when you travel or live overseas

Miscommunication happens in every culture, but is highlighted when you travel or live overseas.

Think you know a country well? Speak the language so well that there’s no miscommunication? Good, you’ve only just begun. And, you’ll probably never reach the finish line.

Travel & miscommunication go hand in hand

Anyone who’s traveled will know the woes of miscommunication. Anyone who’s lived overseas should hopefully know the darker concepts of “miscommunication”.

Indeed, anyone who’s taken a shoddy tour in another country will get an inkling of what I am referring too.

“Sorry sir, he didn’t understand you.”

The different levels of miscommunication

Linguistic miscommunication is a given to anyone trying to speak another language anywhere in the world. I fail at this miserably. Yes, I speak more than one language, but the plethora of the rest is made up of badly pronounced greetings, directions, and costing.

This is only a small fraction of my point here

The real truths are that language, mixed with a foreign culture, is a complex and vast subject.

Without getting into the grammar of past progressive sub-nouns belonging to the gluteal region I shall continue.

Yes, learning another languages verbs, nouns and grammar are all very important at different levels. Depending on your duration and reason for visiting. But, quite amazingly, I’ve never been to a language course that teaches you about the cultural meaning of a word or phrase.

This is where miscommunication in travel really comes into play

Lets take something easy, like Pidgin English. It’s an adapted form of english spoken in parts of Africa. In this case, West Africa.

“I de go come.”

Literal English translation: “I am going & coming”

Not everything is as black & white as it seems in the Philippines

Literal English meaning: I am both going & coming - possibly stuck in one place, or going nowhere.

West African real meaning: “Don’t worry, I will go ‘somewhere’ but I will be coming back”

More miscommunication from around the world

Amazon: there are tribes (Pirahã) that do not have any word for numbers, there is only “a lot”, or “a few” – try buying at a market there.

Russians have additional words for colors, making them very good at describing them.  - now imagine taking a painting class in Russia.

Polish rarely use the word “please” as it’s already implied when asking for something. – just in case you thought they were being rude.

In Korea, they “eat medicine” rather than take it – enjoy going to the pharmacy.

Cultural miscommunication within ourselves

In many countries there are different languages or dialects spoken throughout. The nations people are often faced with difficult and confusing times as they misinterpret what they mean. (perhaps this can be attributed to the many problems within a country with many languages)

Now enter the poor tourist, expat or foreigner with so many other things to take into consideration.

Foreigners being taken advantage of due to miscommunication

Here we have culture vs culture vs language. In the Philippines the foreigner is assumed to be from the U.S.A. and rich. And, for the better part they might well be. But, that doesn’t mean miscommunication between you and a well educated English speaking person here won’t happen, it will.

Ask for a product at a high-end store,  and you might get something other than what you asked for.

Try to have a logo designed, and you will see something that’s interpreted quite differently.

Spend copious hours working with someone to produce a product to a certain standard, only for it to look different.

Mention the delicate and subtle tastes at a restaurant and get strange looks. It’s not that people here don’t taste them too, but it’s not a part of the culture to describe subtle tastes. Food in The Philippines, is still regarded as sustenance by the majority, and no more. (snack foods don’t count I am afraid)

Dealing with miscommunication, cultural differences, and …

Years ago I put it down to laziness. My dear African workmate, yes you must actually work to get this project done.

Then I learned about the culture. Yes, it is the afternoon, and hot, you must sleep and then we can work tonight.

After this, I learned it can also be a little of both - No my friend, all week you had to go home early; this week we work all day. So sleep well, or learn what loud music and coffee can do to wake you up at work!

Uncovering the secret to “miscommunication” in other countries

Why did I spend two years living in The Philippines? Lot’s of reasons. But this can be used as an example to show why so many foreigners have difficulties in any country outside their own culture.

6 months or even one year, I have already learned, in trying to live overseas is not enough time to understand the subtle undertones of communication within a single different culture or society.

Example: My personal answer to “miscommunication” in The Philippines

The word “miscommunication” in the Philippines can take on a much deeper meaning. It’s often used to dilute conflict or put an

Children from different countries are often a lot better at communicating than adults

argument to rest.

It’s also used to forget about a misdoing or wrongdoing for the sake of peace of mind. Often times it is a “buffer” word.

To a stubborn foreigner from another culture (aka me), this can be like a red flag to a bull.

I like to know the in’s and out’s of a scenario, not to pass it off as a “miscommunication”

So something goes wrong, and you are out some money. You investigate. Only to find the cause and ask why it happened. The answer is eventually passed off as a “miscommunication.”

If you push this any further in the Philippines your asking for insults, even if you are the one that has been wronged. The word “miscommunication” in the Philippines means -

“The conversation on this topic is over.”

It doesn’t mean the topic has ended. For day-to-day things, it means that behind the scenes there maybe words said to resolve a situation. But, it doesn’t mean you will ever get feedback on it either.

Unless you ask again at a later stage.

Then again, all this maybe just a rouse to do the “stupid” foreigner out of some cash. After all, the foreigner “doesn’t understand” the language nor culture, therefore – easy game.

Miscommunication in all cultures around the world

Words have different meanings in every culture. Some words don’t even have a meaning or have a translation.

What’s important is to realize this before you over step over your mark as a foreigner.

How you do this, will be dependent on the culture you are in at the time.

The act, or art of miscommunication, within a culture and in travel is in fact; a deeply psychology affair.

Coming Soon:

So what happens when you stay in a country sooooo long that the locals get fed up of you!? Yes, it happens …

What do you think about this? Leave a comment & let me know about The Miscommunication of Travel & Life Overseas

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