Name: Nik vWurzbach
City, Country: Düsseldorf, Germany
Sent: 5.12 PM - 11/15 2002
Hi Ramon,
cool thing! You are a real modern global nomad. Please stay save and show the
world that human beings are not so bad at all. Your courage is great.
Good luck.
Nik v. Wurzbach
Name: Sharlini
City, Country: Kuala Terengganu
Sent: 6.30 PM - 11/14 2002
Hi Ramon!
It's nice to see a new and improved site after months of wondering what happened
to you. I hope your back gets better and that your health will keep improving
since you quit smoking.
Take care and enjoy!
Sharlini
Name: Leonard Stephen Ondu
Majakil
City, Country: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Sent: 12.39 PM - 11/5 2002
Sorry, me a neanderthal dragging everyone into different posting. Bret, a post
is better than no post. May I repeat what has been written somewhere in www.
related to lmsfad.com author. Yes indeed and I believed, he says life is about
communication, understanding and respect. If you don't communicate, you can't
understand them. If you don't understand them, you can't respect them.
Why spent trillions and trillions on seconds(time) or whatever resources on
space explorations and communication development with alien beings when we
can't even be in rhythm and tempo with your fellow humankind in your own
backyard.
My belief is that lmsfad.com is just about that. To communicate, understand as
well as respect our nearest neighbours (you and me). Californian orange juice
is incomparable or irreplaceable but me a surviving native of Dusun tribe still
and forever prefer the polluted Borneo mineral water. Why? There is no way to
survive the situation here, too. Might as well be in the exodus. I believe that
there are millions similar to Ramon daily routine except on a different mode
selection. In actual fact, if you are in 'an island life'(by Micheal Franks),
you have no way out except collect all those empty mineral bottles with caps
and tied them altogether and sail out but still you are in this home planet
earth. The next and always the best thing is still what Ramon has said on
communication, understanding and respect.
Indeed and I believe that as Tom Spence of Brimsmead predicts that BIG THINGS
will keep on happening to RAMON. Yes, he is the author and advocate of lmsfad. He
doesn't have to be graduated to be a journalist as he knows the story at the
horizon. My opinion is that, if Ramon is ok, everyone is ok too and vice versa,
because his life is made up of all of us.
Lots of Love,
LSOM always.
Name: donatella
City, Country: milano, italy
Sent: 2.09 PM - 10/28 2002
hello! after quite a month, I can now get a connession to this website (last
week I tried, but there wasn't anything). the new design is nice, easy to be
read 'cause it looks like the old one. I've read the lines you've dropped on
the front page, ramon, and is nice to see that you go on with your
"usual" life. I thought that I'd missed lots of thinghs & reports
in this month but looks like it isn't. I'd like to send a greet to all the
"old" writers here, I've just read the messages on this board.
ciao, donatella
Name: Diane,
City, Country: Australia
Sent: 4.06 PM - 10/26 2002
Its just as well you have a sense of humour, Ramon! Cyber beggar? Out of
curiosity I paid a visit to some of those other sites and believe me, you're
not in the same league. The difference is that you treat your
"benefactors" with respect. Those journos need to do their homework.
Name: Rahul Mehra
City, Country: jaipur, India
Sent: 6.17 AM - 10/26 2002
I see your site great !!!
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 1.51 AM - 10/25 2002
Brian,
Interesting thought regarding the name of Ramon's book. Perhaps a forum
discussion with ideas? It needs to be .... unique......like the project, but,
will a book with a title "letmestayforaday.com" catch buyers, or will
they think it's just another "dot com" book? ;-)
Then again, Ramon's pic on the front with a backpack will help. :-)
Cheers,
Joan
Name: Brian
City, Country: Durban, South Africa
Sent: 6.30 AM - 10/24 2002
Hey hey hey! It's the same good ol' Ramon, with a brand new funky website!
Ramon, this new look site is great. I've started exploring, and will eventually
get to try all the things. Funny, just this morning en route to work, I was
wondering what you were up to, and when next you will set foot into the great
wilderness of the world.
It's good that you've started on the other part of your project - The Book. Any
ideas on a title yet? I s'pose it could simply be "Letmestayforaday.com".
Or do you have other ideas?
Will the book "bare all" in terms of specific things that happened
that you excluded from the daily reports? Will the people's names be
included...? All the details? I remember your comments at my place about the
"freeloader" accusations from the press... :-)
Ramon, you keep working as hard as we know. Enjoy the travel break, and the
company of your friends.
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 2.05 AM - 10/24 2002
Ramon,
You probably already know this, but photos are not available.
RAMON:
Yep, saw that after uploading everything, but didn't have the time to work
it out at that moment (had to go to work again, hehe). Now everything should be
working. Minor bugs could still be here and there.
I'll also recreate that 'click here for the visitor's book'-link. ;-)
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 1.56 AM - 10/24 2002
Hi Ramon and all,
Missed you, wondered what happened. As I was reading about the huge bill you
received from your provider, I thought I was going to have to open PayPal
again! :-) Glad to see you got it sorted. But I WAS ready to fire up PayPal for
ya! :-)
I like the new page design. Took me a bit to find the "Visitors"
link, as I was so used to seeing MessageBoard and Forum in the left side menu. I
have not tried the new message links, but read some. Pretty cool!!!!!!
Just one request. Hehehe, you know me, I am not shy! :-) Can you add back the
link here that lets one open the message board full screen? The one where it
said "If you don't see the messages, click "here"." The
little separate box and scrolling on the main message board is kind of
difficult to review sometimes. And my mouse scroll wheel gets real confused as
to where I am located with multiple scroll bars (3 currently on screen). Me and
my mouse are dizzy trying to find where we are. :-)
Sounds like you are busy working for a while to pay the rent and daily
expenses. But, good fun "working" also. Enjoy your time bartending
and DJ'ing, it sounds great and well deserved. I gather you'll be home through
the New Year at least, since you have a gig booked. We want reports though,
just 'cause you are home, you are not off the hook, hahaha!
Enjoy!!
Regards,
Joan
Name: Evamaria
City, Country: Netherlands
Sent: 9.03 PM - 10/23 2002
I am glad to see Ramon's site again and hope that the messageboard will soon
come back to life.
My best wishes for your back, your book and other plans!
Evamaria
Name: Anne
City, Country: Trang,Thailand
Sent: 1.36 PM - 10/14 2002
hello, ur trip sounds fun hope u enjoy it!!
i hope sometimes i'll get that like u ;-)
xxxxxxxx@xxx.xxx
Bye Bye
Name: Margaret
City, Country: Minneapolis
Sent: 6.53 AM - 10/13 2002
I can't see them either. But I can see Aug. 31 pix fine.
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 3.53 AM - 10/13 2002
Just wondering if anyone else is having trouble getting the Sept 1 pictures
from daily reports? I am not getting any displayed.
Thanks,
Joan
Name: Bret
City, Country: CA, USA
Sent: 6.48 PM - 10/11 2002
It's a message board! That means you leave a message to all who read the board.
It's very much like a chat except you aren't in real time with the other
people. I'm with Joan on this one. What harm was there trying to lead someone
else away from the board and into the forum where they can continue an ongoing
conversation. Sorry LSOM if you didn't get that post.
Bret
Name: Gert M.
City, Country: Belgium
Sent: 11.41 AM - 10/11 2002
I think Ramon or his backup team has good reasons to keep the messageboard
proper by deleting posts and simple responses. Probably it has nothing to do
with other readers OR the project if "A" is posting messages to say
hello again to "B" and "C". This ain't a chatbox. Thanks Ramon.
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 5.32 AM - 10/11 2002
OK, I am stepping away now, as I see too many posts deleted for whatever
reason.
I'll keep checking for Ramons travels, but can't participate here any longer
because posts are just randomly deleted, including simple responses such as I
posted welcoming Cynthia/Beth here.
The threads are being lost, as are the posts and "communications",
thus, I am leaving for now, until Ramon and his Backup team want to change this
to a moderated board BEFORE things are posted, versus letting things be posted
and then disappear.
If you want a censored/moderated board, do that, no problem. But don't allow
things to be posted and then delete them.
Joan
Name: Charles
City, Country: San Diego, California
Sent: 12.11 AM - 10/10 2002
I have a confession to make as well. I'm really "Charley, San Diego."
:-) ;o)
Name: Margaret
City, Country: Minneapolis
Sent: 11.02 PM - 10/9 2002
That's good to know, Cynthia. Welcome back with your true identity. Honesty is
good even when inconvenient.
Name: Cynthia
City, Country: USA
Sent: 10.52 PM - 10/9 2002
I see everyone is here, Brian, Margaret, Bret, Joan, Charles. I have a
confession to make. I'm really "Beth, Anytown USA" I felt I had worn
out my real name on this message board. Hi
everybody!
Name: Brian
City, Country: Durban, South Africa
Sent: 6.15 AM - 10/9 2002
Hi all
Hey, why the bun-fight? The last about 20 or so posts reflect society at large,
and through it we can understand why we have wars. It is through lack of
respect.
All those who are criticising Ramon, or anyone else, please, stop. Reflect on
what you are saying. Reflect on what Ramon is doing.
We all have some form of daily activity. It might be filing invoices, it might
be driving trucks, maybe managing a company. Or, it could be showing those who
want to learn exactly how kind and benevolent the world can be, by travelling
around the world and reporting the findings and adventures on the internet.
Whatever it is, we all do something.
If you are jealous then you need to take a hard look at yourself, and decide
what you can do to fix yourself. Let Ramon be. He is working damn hard at this,
and like Joan and others have said, he needs a break, just like everyone else
does.
Yes, it is hard, but my mother brought me up under the maxim of "If you've
got nothing nice to say, then keep your mouth shut!". It works. No-one is
perfect, and the sooner we accept that, and have respect for each other, the
sooner we will live in peace.
Ramon, you keep going, dude. Those who matter are right there with you. The
critical folk will hopefully learn one day that their criticism achieves
nothing other than tarnishing their name.
Sala kahle.
Brian
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 3.16 AM - 10/9 2002
To All, New and Old,
Yes, Ramon does edit messages here as well as the Forum. Actually, they are not
"edited", they are deleted if inappropriate in the opinion of Ramon
or his backup team. I've come to accept that, since this is a unique site, not
like a chat room or a Newsgroup. Even though the Forum was designed (I thought)
for more off topic things, it still is prone to deletions. I've had a post or
two "deleted" there.
So, we should all just think of these services for a Message Board and a Forum
as "moderated". I.E., censored. No problem, it's the nature of the
site. Sometimes I have had entries zapped, but hey, it's a moderated group. If
it was a total free for all like unmoderated internet newsgroups, it could
become really a "world wide mess" and potentiall quite nasty. So
though I don't agree with some of the edits, I respect the right of Ramon and
his team to manage this site, their site. I just move on, still loving the
project and everything about it, and all the work it takes to make this happen.
Keep on truckin' Ramon. And I hope you find a new clothing sponsor.
Cheers,
Joan
Name: Margaret
City, Country: Minneapolis
Sent: 12.18 AM - 10/9 2002
To Beth:
I admire Ramon in many ways; I'm generally an appreciative person and think his
project and outlook are inspiring. I also criticize him from time to time
(maybe I like playing devil's advocate!), and in fact have had messages
deleted. I don't mind. His job is to keep his website clear and effective. He
also doesn't need to defend himself against nay-sayers any more than he already
does; things have a way of all coming out in the wash. Anyway, I do appreciate
this website, the project, and also participation by readers such as you, Bret,
Joan, et al.
Like everyone else, I look forward to Round 2, whenever it begins. Meanwhile I
still like looking at old pictures in the daily reports, etc.
Name: Beth again
City, Country: Anytown, USA
Sent: 11.37 PM - 10/8 2002
Margaret, you are truly Ramon's champion. Do you wish that Ramon would defend
himself more against the nay-sayers?
Name: LSOM
City, Country: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia.
Sent: 4.33 PM - 10/8 2002
I would like a rest if I am tired of anything polluting my very soul. Where?
Quiet atmosphere and with fresh air. Live for working or work for living -
neither, Ramon. It supposed to be a free world but look - birds are for the
wide sky and they are still being caged. It's only the tip of an ice berg. Working
is a slavery trade if there isn't any interest in the welfare of the human race
or mankind. Even in the airforce, if it is meant to destroy others, is also a
slave of the political gimmick or propaganda set out to entice human to one
direction in life but the end product is always set to enrich those who think
they are powerful, educated, better off or you name it. Hacking? - well,
prevention is better than cure. See what I meant. To be good, be punctual(in
updating). Show the world the beauty, the goodness as well as the truth about
not wasting even a second of your life. As I mentioned earlier, I would take a
rest if I am tired. Every breath of your life is a blessing. I am not here to
add insult to any quarter injury but my personal opinion and experience.
Yes, hacking is not a good work for living neither do DELETING people opinions,
views, perspectives, ideas which are meant for sharing amongst us.
Mr. Ramon, this website is also my site. Thanks as I can post messages which I
think are constructive. Yes, definitely it is a free world if there isn't any
toll in life.
To Airforce - spiritual warfare? (I can see you), I am one of the generous guys
who will sent you tons and tons of Borneo water buffoloes' shit.
Thanks Ramon and please do forget the CHALLENGE for the time being.
JOY,
LSOM always.
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 6.26 AM - 10/8 2002
John,
Don't know that you are a true follower, because if you were you would know
that Ramon does indeed deserve his break. In addition, though I was awaiting
the last reports from Australia, I understood that Ramon only posted some pics
and was just taking a break before writing those reports. He said he would
write them and I trust he will, he's just a tad behind. No big deal.
Give him a break. I know sometimes I cannot even keep up with my work and
little daily life emails, let alone the reports Ramon has commmitted to
writing, and has fulled that committment 95% of the time. So we are missing the
last reports, we'll survive. Consider the VCR screwed up, and we'll just have
to wait for the next installment. :-) It's a great novel, continuing saga. I'm
hangin' on for the next chapter for sure!
Cheers,
Joan
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 6.14 AM - 10/8 2002
I get 160 hrs, 20 days (4 weeks) plus 10 holidays a year, so that's 30 days, 6
weeks. :-) And if vacation is not used, I can carry over to a limit of 240 hrs
the next year, 30 days. Meaning I could have 7 weeks vacation not including the
10 holidays time off. :-)
Ramon, I work for a living, I don't live to work. It pays the bills. I like my
job, but would not shed any tears if I no longer had to work! :-) Anyone have
the upcoming winning lottery numbers? Hehehe!
Cheers,
Joan
Name: Ted
City, Country: Adelaide Australia
Sent: 6.11 AM - 10/8 2002
I'm with you John, we were promised closure of the last trip and it didn't
happen. Ramon's credibility is on the line here. Start a job...finish it.
Ted
Name: Beth
City, Country: Anytown, USA
Sent: 12.58 AM - 10/8 2002
Wow, I get 18 days after 13 years on the job. I need to move to London
RAMON:
But do we all live for working or work for living?
Name: Charles
City, Country: San Diego, California
Sent: 10.06 PM - 10/7 2002
Karen, do you seriously get 25 days of annual leave per year? If so, I need to
move to London. I'm lucky if I get 13 days off a year.
Name: Margaret
City, Country: Minneapolis
Sent: 3.57 PM - 10/7 2002
OK John, where may we read about all that you have learned in your travels
around the world? Ramon is a journalist by trade. A communicator. How about
you? Not being sarcastic; I am truly interested in your travels, too, if you have
a forum whereby we may read about them. Thanks.
Name: John
City, Country: London
Sent: 1.48 PM - 10/7 2002
PS QUOTE from Ramon himself!!!'Next week another update. See ya!' posted 14
Sept, It is now 07 October, that's a long week Ramon.....
RAMON: Good one John! But it doesn't mean I am lazy at all. I just
happen to have a life in The Netherlands too. And am I happy with that! New
quote: Updates will be published when they are ready.
Name: John
City, Country: London
Sent: 1.43 PM - 10/7 2002
No it wasn't a joke. And i am not jealous, i travelled for 3 years around the
world but worked hard during that time to pay for my travels, in banks,
offices, shops, pubs, fruit picking etc. I must hand it to ramon for coming up
with such a unique idea however, it seems to me that he is running from
reality, wasn't it his intent to travel for 5 years non stop?? Maybe i read it
wrong. It is so easy for him to ride on the back of the media, I have not read
one report whereby he is really roughing it and when things get any bit tough
he seems to complain, is he always tired?????? Or the other option is to fly
home. What he doing now? He hasn't written a report for weeks, leave the
readers wait until he decides to take off again.. SAD!!!! I won't be waiting
around to see what happens next.............Ciao
RAMON
If I would be totally honest, I would start EVERY report with the words "I
am so tired", but wouldn't that be getting very boring? So I don't.
John, sure you watch some TV. See my project as a TV-show on the Internet. One
season it's ON and one season it's OFF. And of course you get a cliffhanger and
then you have to wait untill the next series.
And yes, certain things I have said in the beginning have changed. I never
expected this project to be able to get that big. Blame it on my own big mouth
(I hope to grow up when I get old).
And, you don't have to sit and wait and visit this website at the moment, just
submit to the newsletter and I'll email you if there is any news. Good day.
Name: Karen
City, Country: London
Sent: 10.02 PM - 10/6 2002
John in London: think you might want to reconsider your statement after reading
the rest of the website as I think Ramon has bene doing very well over the last
1,5 years and deserves a break (don't we all live our 25 days annual leave,
even after only working 40 hours a week, unlike Ramon who is on the road 24/7
when he is travelling!).
RAMON:
Oh, just ignore John. Enough people visit my site without enough knowledge of
what is going on Exactly and write it off in emails or on this board. It just
tells us all enough about those kind of people, doesn't it?
Name: Margaret
City, Country: Minneapolis
Sent: 3.24 AM - 10/5 2002
John in London . . is it a joke? Ramon lives one of the most real lives of
anyone I know! He earns his keep and his way. Must be a joke.
Name: MJ
City, Country: Denver
Sent: 4.29 PM - 10/4 2002
Poor John, he's just jealous. :) It's too bad that Ramon is at home, we miss
him!
:)
Name: John
City, Country: London
Sent: 3.47 PM - 10/4 2002
Ramon, i think you are pathetic, you bum your way around the world and keep
flying home for a bit of TLC, who pays for your flights home???? You should get
a job and get a life........Try living in the real world!
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 4.22 AM - 10/1 2002
Hi Ramon,
I hope you are enjoying your time off. And relaxing, etc. with your parents,
family and friends. Any hints on where you will go next, or when? Just curious.
Hope all is well with you.
Cheers,
Joan
P.S. I am not into this Forum debate, it is too stressful! :-) I'll back off
from that, just want to enjoy your site and travels and people, etc.
Name: Kyleigh
City, Country: Perth Australia
Sent: 10.33 AM - 9/17 2002
Just something small - it isn't 'small-puppy' syndrome, it is 'tall poppy'. Poppy
as in the small red flower. The theory is that when one person gets ahead,
rises above the other poppies in the field, the others cut him down. It can be
a sad reality in OZ, but thankfully it is not everyone who does this!
Name: Gerhard
City, Country: Fortaleza, Brasil
Sent: 9.56 AM - 9/17 2002
Hi Ramon!,
Nice interview at radio 1 in Holland last Monday evening. I've heard it by
internet. It was nice to hear you travel statement.
Keep travelling!
Greetings,
Joris. (volgend jaar januari weer
Alkmaar)
Name: Sarah
City, Country: Perth Australia
Sent: 3.37 AM - 9/16 2002
Hi Ramon,
Just letting you know on your daily update for the 14th of September you were
saying something about "small puppy syndrome". Its actually called
"Tall Poppy Syndrome" but you got the idea right.
See YA
Name: Margaret S.
City, Country: Minneapolis area, USA
Sent: 8.23 PM - 9/14 2002
Thank you, Ramon, for the Ketchup song. It's great! A nice way to share a
little bit of what's going on where you are now, home sweet home. Welcome home!
Name: donatella
City, Country: milano, italy
Sent: 8.03 PM - 9/14 2002
hello ramon, I've just read the latest report. just a joke: during my holiday,
my boyfriend and me were surrounded on the beach by french, english.. and of
course there were german people too. my boyfriend joked sayin' that germanic
tongues sounds like chewing stones (no offence for any german or northern
european!!), so now I was just wonderig how funny could be a netherlander
singing the impossible "asereje"...
RAMON:
Actually, the song "Asereje" is sung by the three Spanish (!)
sisters with the surname Tomate, so their groupname is Ketchup. As asereje is
their major hit in Europe, the song is also easily called The Ketchup Song,
because our Spanish isn't that great. The rest of the language in the song is
English and something fantasy. The song is about songs you don't understand.
ps: to cynthia from colorado. excuse me if I take the liberty of intervening in
this point between you & ramon. no doubt that some of the pictures are out
of place (the one on the tower, the one with the underfed child), anyway I've
been following this site so far and I've never found anything made with the aim
of offend no one else (at the contrary, I've often noticed here tolerance).
-dona
Name: donatella
City, Country: milano, italy
Sent: 7.09 PM - 9/13 2002
great most of the pictures! :D congrats to the artists!
:) donatella
Name: Cronan
City, Country: Dublin, Ireland
Sent: 12.14 PM - 9/13 2002
Hey Ramon,
I know you are now on a bit of a holiday, but are you going to finish your
australian reports?
Missing everything since 28th Aug, it is like the last few pages of a book
being torn out....want to get to the end.
I have been following the reports from Day 1 and hate missing out.
Have a good break,
C.
RAMON:
You are absolutely right, Cronan. I am back home, have time and can do what
I want, so I taking lots of breaths around here. But don't worry, the reports
are really coming up soon.
Tomorrow there is even an update coming up from my first week back home!
Name: Thorsten
City, Country: Krefeld, Germany
Sent: 5.45 PM - 9/11 2002
All the best for your trip. In 1997 I tried out to go to Spain without money. It
worked!!!!
Now I am in Egypt and I am going to go back to Germany, again without anything.
If I have had a flat, I would invite you. Hope to meet you in any time Thorsten
Name: Juut
City, Country: Groningen, NL
Sent: 4.44 PM - 9/11 2002
Heee Ramon! Still doing great! Take care and lots of love!! Judith de Groot
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 4.21 AM - 9/11 2002
Ramon,
I just logged on to say "Bless you all as we remember the tragedy of Sept
11, 2001." Thank you for your memorial picture and words here as well.
Peace on Earth! Bless you all! May we never forget!
Joan
Name: H-Alien
City, Country: Netherlands
Sent: 1.58 PM - 9/9 2002
Don't forget to run around among the cows while you're back home...it's a must
;)
Name: James
City, Country: Arnold, CA, USA
Sent: 6.56 AM - 9/9 2002
Ramon,
Welcome back or welcome to there. Sounds like in all events the other side is
coming up. I have truly enjoyed these past many months since first beginning to
follow and share with others your travels. Hopefully you'll rest mind and body,
and then, when the itch to go needs to be scratched again, you''l begin again
to enlighten us all. But if that's not for awhile, I 'll continue to surf for
other interesting web loggers.
Besides meeting new people, I think I'll miss the sunsets most.
J
Name: Brian
City, Country: Durban, South Africa
Sent: 6.12 AM - 9/9 2002
Hi Ramon
Welcome home! Don't hassle too much about your Romanian cretin, he probably
does not represent the rest of that country's population. Also, you can think
of it as a lesson in life. The benefits of which will be a stronger website, a
new skill acquired in the securing of websites and their servers, and you'll be
a brilliant chef with all those cakes. (Or you'll keep a bakery in business for
a while!)
You keep strong, Ramon. Get a physio to attend to your back, and relax until
you and your back are ready for more travels.
All the best, Ramon, we're all right behind you.
Sala kahle
Brian
Name: Roger
City, Country: East Lansing USA
Sent: 6.07 AM - 9/9 2002
Ramon.... what a great website and concept. I've started my own website these
last months... in fact next year, I'm giving up on my career to travel full
time... but I don't know that I could do the travel without a budget thing. But
if you have some pointers or places that I need to see, let me know. Here's my
website: http://www.thisworldtraveler.com
Roger
Name: Joan
City, Country: Ipswich England
Sent: 4.18 PM - 9/8 2002
Hi Ramon Its a terrible thing to happen to you , but dont worry , its not the
end of the world. You will be back after a good rest ,relating your adventures
in the next country. Keeping us on the edge of our seats, and making us laugh
at the things you get up to. Make the most of this break and being with your
family, and return refreshed because we cant wait to hear more about these
wonderful countries and nice people that you meet.
All the best Joan
Name: hanneng
City, Country: Singapore
Sent: 2.35 PM - 9/8 2002
I am glad that letmestayforaday.com is back online now. Ramon, tt's good to
take this opportunity to fix-up some security bugs, and revamp the sites.
Keep us posted, and we following you.
Best of luck.
Name: Bret
City, Country: CA,USA
Sent: 7.00 AM - 9/8 2002
What do you think Ramon? Is airforce for real? If so I do admire that he is
owning up to his irresposibility. We shall see in the coming days airforce how
everyone feels. I would suggest if people want to discuss this further, we take
it to the forum.
Sala kahle
Bret
Name: airforce
City, Country: romania
Sent: 7.12 PM - 9/7 2002
As you can see my friends...
I am not afraid to reveal my true identity ..
I will provide you with my real name and adress ...
As i said .. i`m willing to eaven go to prison for my actions ..
I am not afraid of this .. But in this country if u do only good things u are
prosecuted .. g33z .. my mother died when i was 14 ... my old man is 70 years
old ..
and u guys judge me so hard ..
I made a mistake ... as i can see it will be solved .. all that i can say is
yes i am sorry about this .. and no i dont live my life through a computer ..
g33z .. i cant eaven afford one ..the are too expensive for my pocket ...But
think of what i could of done if i had a PC ... and dont think bad!
I`m gonna mail everyone i hacked ... or i am about to .. and tell`em whats
wrong with they`re servers ..
If anywone wants to eaven consider that i desirve a chance in this gawd damned
"moral" world .. mail me at airforce@undernet.sh
btw ... my real name is Peter Pavel Eugen and i am located in Romania!
I am sorry ... and i appoligise to all of you:((
Name: Jasper van Dijk
City, Country: Netherlands
Sent: 12.31 AM - 9/7 2002
Hi Remon,
What a mess... getting hacked, I don't know why those stupid guys (or girls)
want to do that? let them think of a better way to get some attention...
Hope you get some rest back home, and wach your back.
regards, Jasper
Name: inge dietz
City, Country: Melbourne, Australia
Sent: 11.35 PM - 9/6 2002
Hallo Ramon, for many month I enjoyed your reports. hopefully you are back
soon. Best wishes inge
Name: Acadia
City, Country: USA
Sent: 9.18 PM - 9/6 2002
Glad you are home safe and well, Ramon. The rest will do you good. I am looking
forward to what will come next.
So sorry about the site SNAFU here. As the saying goes "It takes all
kinds".
Name: Bret
City, Country: CA,USA
Sent: 6.46 PM - 9/6 2002
Ramon, good to hear you had a safe journey home. Enjoy the rest, your deserve
it. Looking forward to the updates once things get straightened out.
Airforce, if your apologies are sincere, then they should directed not only to
Ramon, but to all of us that come hear daily to enjoy Ramons travels. You
really need to sit back and reflect on your moral standards. I think you know
what is right and wrong, but your enthusiasm for what you have learned has been
skewed. H-Alien is right, use your talents in a more meaningful way.
Name: Karen
City, Country: London, UK
Sent: 5.00 PM - 9/6 2002
Enjoy the stroopwafels, pannekoeken met stroop, Wieckse Witte etcetera!
Name: hariette
City, Country: the netherlands
Sent: 4.11 PM - 9/6 2002
welkom thuis Ramon!
Name: MJ
City, Country: Denver
Sent: 3.33 PM - 9/6 2002
I would say that all of these postings, rantings, and etc is exactly what the
hacker wants. Maybe the only way this hacker can live is thru his/her computer
and cannot make it in real society. Don't give him the satisfaction anymore of
acknowledgement; for that is what he needs. Let's talk about physics or the
pilot strike in France..or just Ramon in general. :) Worthy subjects.
Name: No1
City, Country: usa
Sent: 2.21 PM - 9/6 2002
what happened to my last message?
Anyway, once AGAIN, good luck Ramon.
RJ
Name: Ramon's mother
City, Country: Holland
Sent: 1.25 PM - 9/6 2002
Nevertheless hacking he is now home safe. May be for a short period but we are
glad he is with us.
Name: H-Alien
City, Country: Netherlands
Sent: 12.56 PM - 9/6 2002
in short you have 2 categories
1) point and go "uuuuh a weakness"
2) strengthen that weakness
right now you belong to category 1, while to accomplish your goal as you stated
being in category 2 would be far more logical.
Name: H-Alien
City, Country: Rotterdam
Sent: 12.51 PM - 9/6 2002
Airforce that somebody makes it easy for you to brake in, is not a valid
argument to actually go ahead with the brake-in, it's your own choice you broke
in, you're responsible no one else, simple methodolgy.
And the choice of your "victim" is pretty low if you ask me, Ramon
travelling around the entire world, hardly ever at home, working on a unique
project was a extremely easy target, and what do you gain? is this website of
major importance? does "the society" notice this hack? nope only a
small group of people who happened to follow Ramon's life, wow what a major
difference you made.
Easy target, nothing to gain, wouldn't you rather show your expertise as a
security advisor and make sure that people like you can not hack sites. From
your reasoning I conclude that what you are trying to accomplish is a safer
environment on the internet. Now instead of pointing out those weaknesses, why
don't you go and really make a difference, really go for what you are trying to
accomplish, why don't you use your expertise as a security advisor and
strengthen the weaknesses instead of pointing out, that's a far more honourable
job, it will do you good :)
Name: Leo
City, Country: from Holland
Sent: 10.34 AM - 9/6 2002
What an %*$hole that Airforce dude, just now yo're travelling to Holland...
Name: Ang
City, Country: Australia
Sent: 5.58 AM - 9/6 2002
Well said ToolkiT.. and I'll add my own opinion if I may.. You have to laugh
when Mr Hacker says in a previous message he didnt want to "destroy ones
dreams" HA!! Its going to take more than a hacked website to destroy
dreams.. especially the dreams of someone like Ramon.
I had the pleasure of meeting Ramon at the 'Make a Wish Foundation' charity
night. The money that was raised will make even more dreams possible for some
sick kids. What a great way to end his visit to Australia. I asked Ramon if HE
could have one wish granted, what would it be? The answer was nothing less than
what I expected "I would wish that I could make a wish every day"
What a answer! and what a night!
I want to say Hi to all the Dutchies I met that night at the Pumphouse, and
also to the guys from 'Dutch Online Promotions' who helped organise it all. I
hope everyone enjoyed it as much as I did.. :)
Name: ToolkiT
Sent: 2.13 AM - 9/6 2002
'Airforce'
Your logic makes no sense at all:"the only ones that are guilty are the
"experts" that configured the server my friend.. wich themselves
should be blamed for this shit ..
"
Thats like saying I have no responsebility of wrecking a car because I hotwired
it and ran it into a tree, but hey the guy didnt lock the boot and I could get
in the though the backdoor....
Or I can't be blamed for torching the place because I got in through a window
that was left slightly open...
Because something has a weak spot in its security (or no security at all for
that matter) does not give you the right to get in...
That you live in a poor country does not change that 1 bit. Non of this gives
you the right to break the law..
How about using your skills for something constructive? If you are such a
Unix/security expert go find a job using those skills...dont use it to trash
other peoples machines...
Trust me that will backfire on you...
"I never judged anywone my entire life .."
Yes you did, you Judged, sentenced and executed Ramon because of the security
loophole on his server...
"I also could of mailed Ramon.. and i have right after i /hack the server!
"
Why AFTER you hacked his system??? you could send him an email before you broke
the law..
"I wanted a legit shell at the server" the only 'legit' way to get
that is to contact Ramon and ask him for one... if you would have emailed him
instead of hacking him he may have offered you a (unpaid) 'job' as his security
advisor... which would look very good on your resume increasing your chances in
the real world...
Hacking a server of somebody who's on the road all the time and can't keep up
with every security exploid is not the biggest achievement as a hacker, but
thats off topic...
As for my Unix skills, you dont know me so you cant judge my Unix skills at
all...
Please realize that hacking in this way is a destructive way of life, use your
skills and energy for something positive...
p.s. using a spellchecker, you 'l33t' talk makes you sound like a
scriptkiddie...
Name: Brian B
City, Country: Raleigh, NC
Sent: 6.52 PM - 9/5 2002
Ramon, hope this server mess doesn't cause you too much worry. At least it came
at the end of your Australian trek instead of in the middle of it. Have a
relaxing break.
Brian B
Name: airforce
City, Country: nowhere
Sent: 6.23 PM - 9/5 2002
To Tollkit,
scriptkiddie my friend??
u have no ideea what i can do ...what harm i could do to so manny servers in
this gawd damned world ..
after all i donno why the heck i am condemned for this shit ..
the only ones that are guilty are the "experts" that configured the
server my friend.. wich themselves should be blamed for this shit ..
and about what i used to hack this server .. is something that i made myself ..
btw .. u call u`reself a guy that knows shit right??
why couldn`t you prevent this to happen??
ha??
tell me ... all of you ..
Ask ramon .. nothing was erased... nothing was damaged by me ..
My only mistake was makin` a psy on the server... a psy that was heavily
flooded ... thats all ..
So dont "scriptkiddie" my friend .. when u have no ideea what unix
means ..
One more time .. i tell to all of you !
Do not judge me too hard .. i have my guilt, but i have to live with that ..u
have no phukin` ideea how bad i feel for doing this ..
so dont lecture me about what good or bad .. u dont have this right!
i live from this shitty internet, i worked so hard to get here ..
I know stuff that u guys will never know .. becouse knowledge is power in our
days ..
But i live in a country where i cant eaven afford a PC .. Dont talk to me about
what is wrong or right when u guys dont eaven give a shit ...
I have done wrong to Ramon .. and i know that ... it is my mistake and i am
willing to accept the consequences!
So dont judge me!
I never judged anywone my entire life ..
P.S.: and yes .. i can be a guys friend ... but what chance do i have??
I also could of mailed Ramon.. and i have right after i /hack the server!
You can ask him!
I wanted a legit shell at the server .. g33z ppl ... think before u say
something!
Name: donatella
City, Country: milano, italy
Sent: 3.06 PM - 9/5 2002
hello ramon, after all the mess with the hacker (smart people everywhere...) I'd
like to wish you a good relaxing and funny time at your own home. stay well!
ciao, donatella
ps: also a greet to all the readers who often write on here (the so-called
"supporters") - ciao* dona
Name: Menno
City, Country: Beaumaris VIC Australia
Sent: 11.29 AM - 9/5 2002
Hey Ramon,
We crossed paths between Europe and Australia! I just returned from Holland
this morning, only to find that I can't read your post-Tassie reports at the
moment. Bugger....
Anyway, I reckon you must be happy now to be able to "recharge your
batteries" for a while, after all those travels, faces, life stories and
having to adapt in your daily role as guest. No place like home....
I have a deep respect for what you achieved and the way you achieved it, *your*
way! And I am glad to be part of that little community that helped make it
possible.
Regards,
Menno
"The way to stay sane is to be crazy now and then...."
Name: Ron from Dutch On-Line
City, Country: Sydney
Sent: 10.44 AM - 9/5 2002
Ramon,
Thanks for visiting Oz
I think raising $675 for the make a wish foundation is a good amount
Hope you enjoyed the whole country
Sally from Make a wish in Sydney send your info on the the Dutch Make a wish
foundation
The charity night was nice and relaxing
But do come back we have so many bitterballen, frikandellen en Grolsch beer
left over.
Have a safe trip home
From
Ron Ellen Bradley and all those nice people at the Let me stay for a day
charity night
PS Did you leave the Novotel mini bar on your last night as is or will I get a
bill haha
as you would say .......Its Good Night from Sydney ..........
Name: Perth Sales - McCaffertys
& Greyhound Pioneer
City, Country: Perth, Australia
Sent: 8.57 AM - 9/5 2002
Hi Ramon,
Firstly, I must say how saddened I was to hear about this 'airforce' character
and what occured with your web page.
Secondly, ditto for what Brian B - North Carolina says.
I hope your Charity night was a success. The kids at 'Make A Wish' will no
doubt be wishing for more 'stars' like Ramon. "when you wish upon a
star..."
Safe journeys on your way home.
By the time you get home you will probably need a holiday.
Nice to have met you and maybe we will meet again someday.
Kind Regards
From All The Team At McCaffertys and Greyhound Pioneer.
Name: Marc Howard
City, Country: Sydney, Australia
Sent: 7.36 AM - 9/5 2002
Hi Ramon,
All the best for your coming journeys!
Was great to meet someone that has such a confidence in their own ability to
achieve your goals even in such a inhospitible place as the Australian Outback.
Will send you through a few cards soon!
Name: KlergyC
City, Country: Perth, Australia
Sent: 7.04 AM - 9/5 2002
Hey Dude. Sorry Some Di**Head Fu**ed Your Site Up. Hope Your Up Soon.
Safe Travels...
Name: Ramon Stoppelenburg
City, Country: Sydney, Australia
Sent: 4.54 AM - 9/5 2002
From the postings below you might be able to
understand what happened with the original content of this website. Hopefully
the backup will be up and running again after the coming weekend.
At the moment I am about to board the plane from Sydney to Hong Kong and to
arrive in The Netherlands again on Friday.
See ya back on the real website soon. ;-)
Ramon
Name: ToolkiT
City, Country: Australia
Sent: 2.06 AM - 9/5 2002
To Airforce, who posted below:
With friends like that who needs enemies? :/
If you wanted to 'to show you was that you`re server is vulnerable' you could
have emailed him telling him what the weak spot was...
To me you are a cracker not a hacker... probably not even that, just a
scriptkiddie...
If you are a man you expose your identity and face the concequeses of you
actions... you really put Ramon in a shitty situation by your wanna be
hacking...
Name: Jo Neller
City, Country: Erina, NSW, Australia
Sent: 11.54 PM - 9/4 2002
Ramon
Have a safe trip home. Thank you for your support and advice when you stayed at
my place. I have given Graham the flick. He was definately not worth the
trouble. I have been going out with a lovely gentleman for 5 days. His name is
Gary. He treats me well and with respect. It has taken four since my divorce
and I'm really happy. Thank you once again. I hope all your dreams come true. I
hope you and Irena can patch things up. Life is too short. Your living your
dream and I have learnt alot from your stay. My motto in life now is to be
happy and live life to the fullest. Hopefully we can catch up in the future. I'm
going to Europe next year. Thanks again. Have a safe trip. Jo
Name: stefan purucker
City, Country: vienna, austria
Sent: 10.43 PM - 9/4 2002
well, you have been here already, i guess.
so it´s hard to invite you again.
but we look at your route. keep on going.
a brilliant idea, but how do you feel meeting all
these people every day?
how many families have you met?
wish you all the best!
RAMON:
Hey Stefan, lots of questions, less time right now. I have only stayed one
day in Austria until now, so I will certainly come back there again ... one
day...
Name: Aila Karppinen
City, Country: Sweden
Sent: 7.32 PM - 9/4 2002
Hi Ramon!Thank You for your ansver,it was nice to here from You?Are You still
in Australia??My favorite place on Earth(one of favorites.)You are a wery
speciall person,and brave, for doing what many people are dreaming about,to
travel around our Beautiful Planet!Hope to here from You.God Bless on Your
Journey!
Name: airforce
City, Country: nowhere
Sent: 7.18 PM - 9/4 2002
Hi Ramon ...
I`m the ####### that is responsable for messing up you`re page ...
All that i can say is that i am sorry ..
I never got to "hacking" thinking that i would destroy one`s dream...
All that i ever wanted to show you was that you`re server is vulnerable ..
And if it wasn`t me .. it could of been someonelse who might of screw`d up the
whole server ..
I am trouly sorry for this shit ..
All i wanted was to be friends ..
G33z ...
Name: Fiona
City, Country: Adelaide
Sent: 2.33 PM - 9/4 2002
Hi Ramon!
I just logged on to wish you a safe journey home!
Happy travelling!
Fiona, Wayne, Imogen and Jasper (report #400!)
Name: Nancy
City, Country: Leiden,Netherlands
Sent: 2.29 PM - 9/4 2002
Voor ramon, zodat je weer een beetje kunt wennen:O)
Home sweet home- peter gabriel
Met this girl called Josephine and took her up on my machine,
We had a little fun, and now we got a little one.
Had to get married, being chased out of town.
Found ourselves a place to live, we put all our money down.
Called it Home Sweet Home, Home Sweet Home,
Eleven floors up in a tower block, happy just to have a home.
I've gone and changed the lock on our home.
Nothing really worked out right; things got broke, they stayed that way.
None of our friends came round at night, little Sam got no place to play.
"We've got to get out of here, Bill," she said,
"I've been telling you all the while,"
When I came home from work that night,
She'd jumped out the window with our child.
From our Home Sweet Home, Home Sweet Home.
Just a place to take a rest, just a place to make a nest.
We call it home.
When the insurance money came through,
It seemed dirty, didn't know what to do.
Took out the cash, went down to the casino,
Down on the wheel on a double,
And I won, yes I won, like I never won before.
Bought myself a country house with an antique carved oak door.
It was Home Sweet Home, Home Sweet Home.
Just a place to lay our head, think of all the things we said
About in our Home Sweet Home.
Name: Willem
City, Country: Nimy-mons, Belgium
Sent: 2.05 PM - 9/4 2002
Keep it up Ramon!!!
Regards, Willem
Name: Brian B
City, Country: Raleigh, NC
Sent: 1.59 PM - 9/4 2002
Ramon, sorry about the internet troubles, hope they will be cleared up before
you leave Australia. Good luck with letmestayforaday.com Charity Night. What a
great way to give something back to the Australian people for helping you along
in your travels. Just think, 16 months ago when you started your journey, did
you ever dream it would come this far. I think you probably did. I don't know
how long you can keep this up, but if you spend 6 months in all of the
countries you have invites in, it would take you 35 years, haha (i realize you
won't stay 6 months in each country).
Good luck with the charity night and have a safe trip home. One bit of advice,
try and finish up the Australian reports before you get to Zwolle (on the plane
or something), because I have a feeling you won't feel like writing reports
once you are back home (I don't blame you I wouldn't either, what with all that
Grolsch beer you speak so fondly of).
Thank you Ramon for opening our eyes to parts of the world that many of us will
never see.
good luck.
Brian B
North Carolina
Name: Anne
City, Country: Melbourne Australia
Sent: 1.31 PM - 9/4 2002
I hope the memories of your time in Australia will stay with you always. Stay
safe as you continue your travels.
Name: Sherry
City, Country: Glebe
Sent: 6.03 AM - 9/4 2002
Hey dude? How are your knee's? haha!
Had lots of fun with you at the bar and
Glebe Village Backpackers!
Catch you on the flip side!
Ciao
Sherry:)
Name: Alexandra
City, Country: Adelaide, Australia
Sent: 2.48 PM - 9/2 2002
Wishing you all thebest for your travels back home!! Take care
- Alex :):)
Name: Jamie
City, Country: Naperville, IL USA
Sent: 7.58 PM - 8/30 2002
Hi Ramon, how all is well with you..
...just a quick note to Brian..
...I am afraid I am not in your hometown, but here in the US. I should have
been clearer when I said I was "currently in Durban", as I meant that
is as far as I got reading Ramon's reports.
Name: Brian
City, Country: Durban, South Africa
Sent: 5.58 AM - 8/30 2002
Hi Ramon
Just a short note to wish you well with your party in Sydney. It's good that
you are raising funds for charity. Hey, all the Sydney folk, you guys have to
go! I don't want any excuses, you have to support Ramon in that party.
Jamie, from Naperville, Il, I see that you are "currently in Durban".
Is that in the reports, or physically? If physically, then welcome to my home. Perhaps
we can get together for a drink. If in the reports, then happy reading!
Sala kahle
Brian
Name: Renee
City, Country: Currently Delft, Netherlands
Sent: 8.52 AM - 8/29 2002
Hoe gaat het! This is Renee from Ramons Brisbane & Mooloolaba stay (and we
also ran into each other on Magnetic).
Just thought I'd say hello from your own country Ramon! You know how I love the
Dutch - well I kept in touch with a guy I met on Fraser Island 18mnths ago
& he flew to London to see me when I got back from Canada. We've been a
couple since and are very happy! :) He loves Aussie girls and I love Dutch guys
so it's a great match, not to mention a lot more in common and he is the most
wonderful boyfriend in the world :) So now I'm staying-for-a-month with him,
and he will be with me in the UK in September for a week and we're working out
beyond that, but he's been planning on living in Australia since I met him so
hopefully we'll both end up there in about 2004. Meanwhile I'm trying to learn
Dutch and it's rather difficult! Have also just learnt to ride a bike, been for
a cruise up a canal and am eating lots of cheese. So I can now totally
associate with you having to learn all new things in your travels as now I'm
doing it all in your own country!
Anyway wanted to wish you good luck returning back home and enjoy your break :)
Doei.
Name: James
City, Country: Arnold, California, USA
Sent: 10.19 PM - 8/28 2002
Sorry, but I want to weigh in back with the comments on world awareness. There
is an international newspaper printed in the US and many other countries called
the Christian Science Monitor. Yes it does originate from a religious group,
but 98% of its content is international news and comment. It is widely read. Take
a look it has opened up my view of the world. Especially since it tries to
focus and the people and the issues, not the sensationalism of the news.
Continue on, keep em' flowing
J
Name: Jamie
City, Country: Naperville, IL, USA
Sent: 5.31 PM - 8/28 2002
Ramon,
you are an inspiration to us all. I have been reading your site from day one
(currently in Durban, South Africa)... your insite into people is truely
amazing.
Safe Travels.
Jamie
Name: Bart
City, Country: Belgium
Sent: 3.19 PM - 8/28 2002
The name of the Dutch guy who "discovered" New- Amsterdam (New York)
was Peter Stuyvesant
Name: ...
City, Country: ...
Sent: 7.41 PM - 8/27 2002
Careful Robert,
Manhattan was not "discovered" by the Dutch. Natives had been living
there for countless generations. Some of the Dutch and the Puritans attempted
to exterminate the Natives, and many were captured and sold as slaves. Not the
prettiest chapter in American history.
(Not trying to alienate anyone or start any arguments on the actions of people
hundreds of years ago - I just don't like the "discovered" claims!)
RAMON:
Thanks ... But what is wrong with a simple name for you?
Name: Linda
City, Country: Hobart, Tasmania
Sent: 1.23 AM - 8/27 2002
I just noticed one of the comments in Ramon's report on his arrival in
Melbourne. Thanks for sticking up for us Tasmanians, Hamish!
Linda
Name: lazystudent.co.uk
City, Country: UK
Sent: 12.29 AM - 8/27 2002
Ramon
Its always great to see that you are doing well we keep checking and
everythings running really smooth. Australia sounds and looks great from the
pictures you you have taken. We also like the write ups on the day to day
events.
Your doing fantastic.
Talk to you soon.
lazystudent
Name: Craig & Lauren
City, Country: Bendigo, Australia
Sent: 9.08 AM - 8/26 2002
Ramon,
Lauren and I want to thank you for including us in what must be an amazing
experience for you. It is truly astounding what a little hospitality from one
person at a time can accomplish; and for someone to have the courage to take
that leap of faith and make it work is fantastic. We wish you luck in the rest
of your travels and hopefully one day we will get to Zwolle and visit you (if
you are home that is...lol)
Anyway, thank you again. You were the perfect houseguest and most welcome to
stay if you are in Bendigo again.
Good luck!
Craig & Lauren
Name: Robert
City, Country: Indiana, USA
Sent: 2.54 AM - 8/26 2002
Ramon,
I was just thinking, New York City, ie., Manhattan,
was discovered by a Dutchman. His name escapes me,
at the moment, but you may know his name. Now, in
NYC and in other US cities 50 years ago, we had pay
toilets in hotels and other establishments. It, also,
occurs to me that another Dutchman invented the "Limbo" to enter
these pay toilets. Are you
related to this guy?
Name: Acadia
City, Country: Maine, USA
Sent: 12.49 PM - 8/25 2002
Lew,
Aptly put.
Name: Lew Bretz
City, Country: Elephant Pass Tasmania, OZ
Sent: 3.49 AM - 8/25 2002
Hi Ramon,
I'm glad you're caught up with your diary and that your minor storm over
Tasmania got cleared up.
For the group, though, or those who read about his night at Elephant Pass...
there were a few misremembered details in Ramon's
posting, mostly not errors that would concern anyone. But I'm shocked, Ramon,
absolutely shocked, that you could suggest I'd ever drive anything manufactured
by Honda! ;-)
But for any Americans I should clarify what I meant in reported comments on
parochialism in the US and elsewhere. If Ramon didn't grasp it all, I
may be the guilty party. I not only did the explaining in what was, for Ramon,
a foreign language, I was also pouring his wine!
I certainly admit that half of the US is indifferent to almost everything
happening overseas that doesn't directly concern them. But it's arguable that
almost everywhere else half the people, at least, aren't much
different.
Half of them, after all, have below average IQs and education levels. You can
get through university, even, without having studied social issues in
depth past age 16. And how much did any of us understand at 16?
Although I don't speak Dutch, I've got enough language background to follow the
news in several European languages from France to Russia. I've often detected
the same parochialism in these European channels, which we can watch in
Australia thanks to its ethnic media network, SBS. It's always interesting for
me as an American to see how they handle US-related
stories and which ones they find of interest. It often says more about them
than about America.
Even in an outward looking culture, which Holland has been for 5 or more
centuries and Australia is since its British trading network ended, local stuff
is what
viewers generally want. I just now listened to Australia's ABC radio news this
morning--the ABC is our equivalent of Britain's BBC or Canada's
CBC--and nearly all its stories were irrelevant to anyone outside its minority
listening audience--irrelevant even to most of Australia, to say nothing of the
wider world.
I'll save the list of stories in case Ramon, as a longtime student of
journalism, is interested--they'd probably bore anyone else. But the list shows
how, in today's complex world, we all tend to drastically scale down our
attention span, and look for some connection between a story and our lives; if
there's no obvious link, we don't have much patience for it and our minds move
on.
Media proprietors hate that. We are not their customers, we are their PRODUCT. The
advertisers who want our attention are their real clients.
I hope this wasn't too wordy, but looking back on it the topic it seems to
warrant this much attention; maybe someone else could put it simpler without
dumbing it down. And perhaps some others tracking Ramon have some views on this
too? I know he's busy mulling over such stuff and hopefully he'll share his
conclusions with us when they're "ripe".
cheers and best of luck on your return trip Ramon,
Lew
RAMON:
I could not have said these things better. Lew, you keep amazing me. You
really must have been a great teacher at the schools you taught, because I keep
learning new sorts of insights from you.
Blame it on my age, I'd say, but hopefully I keep learning all these new things
along the road. As I am, a student of life.
Thanks, Lew!
Name: Anne
City, Country: Cairns, Australia
Sent: 3.39 AM - 8/25 2002
Dear Ramon,
How Vickie could think you are anything but a gentleman, I don't know. You
certainly did not leave our house in a mess either! We cannot force others to
do what WE want just for our own satisfaction. You happily joined in our
family's activities and outings, but if you had declined through tiredness or a
wish to update your travels we would have honoured that.....indeed your final
day was just that ...catching up.
To Ramon's mother...you can be proud of your son...he is a perfect guest.
Enjoy your break back in Holland.
All the best,
Love Anne and the crew.
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 2.49 AM - 8/25 2002
Hi Ramon,
I had to comment on your report of Aug 21 where you begin with "When I
woke up this morning my hostess Linda had left a note in the kitchen with the
instructions how I can survive for breakfast or lunch."
I know this has happened to you at other host/hostess homes as well. I believe
it is a testament to your web site, your integrity, your reporting expertise,
your photos, etc. which allows people to not only let a "stranger"
into their home, but to also leave him ALONE in their home when they go off to
work. Amazing trust and faith in you. For people to leave you in their home,
where your could "in theory" rip them off or invade their private
things, mess with their possessions, etc. - but then again, you'd be easy to
track down as your travels are not secret! :-)
I just think it is really a testament to you and your idea and your web site
that allows people who invite you, and allows you as well, to have an implicit
trust in one another. Really refreshing.
P.S. Loved the hermit crab races. But I think they could do a better job of
painting those shells to match some F1, CART, IRL, NASCAR or AUSCAR cars! :-)
How about a "Schumi" crab or a "Castroneves" crab or an
"Andretti" crab or a "Gordon" crab or an
"Earnhardt" crab? ;-) Just to name a few. (OK, I admit it, I am a car
racing fan!)
"Weather is here, wish you were beautiful!" :-)
Happy trails.
Joan
Name: Kevin
City, Country: Zimbabwe
Sent: 10.56 PM - 8/24 2002
Ramon,
This is my first visit to your site, and man I'm impressed- such an original
idea. I see you get around a fair bit, and have even ventured to such EXOTIC
locations as South Africa. If you get the chance maybe you like to venture a
little further north next time, so come up and see us!
Stay well, and enjoy your travels.
PS Enjoyed reading about the Zimbabwean you met between Pembleton and Perth
(21.07.02)
Name: took
City, Country: thailand
Sent: 2.11 PM - 8/24 2002
I am took , thai woman. i am a little officer in independent organization ,
work about develop's work with poor people and community in thai.
Frist, i am sorry ,i want to tell you that " i cannot use English
languange well , sometime it's very bad " ok! I will try...
i knew you from Future magazine , after i read your story already , made me
interested !
Do you know Thailand? Thailand has many placeS are nice , and the people are
kind [almost tourist knew that]
but there is one more corner , many person never see , "it is real thai
life corner" There are many people are poor in thai , they are very
diffecult.They don't have some food / house and every things ...The life is
without chance and hope.it is empty
i knew that you travel a lot and see many things in the word . you can write
and link a lot imformation and the sponsor's company .
i think that , if you need make good thing in your one life and for the other
people are in the same world . you can do , it is very easy for you.
if you take thier story [poor people] when you travel in every country , write
and link together . you may doubt that "what will happen with this
doing?" and "what are you receive ?" i can answer you that
"i don't know and you cannot receive any thing ."
but one thing i believe , you will feel good and hope that , sometime there is
some one think like me and you and want to help them . I need to see help's
network [help and help and help] i think that , it is a good way for human in
the same word.
i don't request you do it , just want to do the thing which i think that "
make my life has value , i have only one life . i don't need to think and do
for only myself. i don't know about impact of my develop 's work. i don't have
money or knowledge a lot for help them. but one thing which i alway try to do.
it is try to think and do good thing with the people are around me and every
time , if i have a chance.
now you have big chance already, you have big contact in the word . you are
become known and " you have power for do good thing and build value in
your life " . i believe that!
if you come thailand , i welcome to bring you to see diffecult life , one
life's corner which nobody interest!
THANK YOU ALOT FOR YOUR READING MY . i still do this thing . although , you
will do or not
let's visit thai! you can see new thing ...
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 5.22 AM - 8/24 2002
Vicki Curtis, the oddball in Tassie. That you are. Not more more to be said
there!
Hey C.L. Robbins, the picture of a Cowboys T-shirt does NOT mean the Cowgirl
thugs are liked around the world. :-) Dallas Cowboys are "worthy"?
;-) Worthy of jail time perhaps. Hehehehe.
Joan
Name: C. L. Robbins
City, Country: Dallas, TX USA
Sent: 10.43 PM - 8/23 2002
I really enjoy reading your journal entries and seeing your pictures. I am a
Dallas Cowboy fan. You can imagine the surprise in your "Calendar
Contest" picture from Australia, seeing an AIKMAN #8 shirt. The
"worthy" Cowboys are liked around the world!!
Name: Marieke
City, Country: Holland
Sent: 4.46 PM - 8/23 2002
Well frmo what I read in your postings, I think Vicky has some kind of mental
disorder. ADHD (Hyperactivity disorder) might be a possibility. That means you
react in an extremely impulsive way and do lots of things you regret later on. You
react on emotions in a very primal way: impulsively. And later you regret what
you have said/done because you migth not even really mean it.
From reading the posts I do not get the impression Vicky is a nasty woman or
anything. After all, she seemed over the moon with having Ramon. I think it
went a little different form what she expected and that was a change in her
'plan' and she did not really know how to cope with that.
Name: Vicki Curtis
City, Country: Hobart Tasmania
Sent: 2.37 PM - 8/23 2002
Hey guys - please dont bag me anymore. I truly am sorry. There are things I
cant say publicly - but there's a reason why I am 'different'. Please welcome
me guys. I've made a huge mistake. Im sure Ramon will forgive me when he reads
his email about what happened.
Name: donatella
City, Country: milano, italy
Sent: 2.04 PM - 8/23 2002
hello ramon, I've just read your 2 latest report, the mailinglist made me quite
curious about that fuss with the hostess in hobart. I'd like to tell you what
is obviously plain: it can happen to meet on your route unpleasant people (the
problem is that you can't realise it before accepting the invitation...);
probably the more you go on --> the more you become "famous"
--> the more you risk to meet people or media that want to use you and your
experience as a kind of fenomeno (or a rag doll, as you wrote). I'm generally
speaking, don't want to judge wickie - you know, the report of the aug.19th is
a little disqiueting in its irony... (did you have a premonition?) I mean, it
sounds like that wasn't much feeling from the start with the lady.
probably the best thing is speaking clearly to her and making clear about your
opinions once again, then you'll have made all the possible: it's up to her to
understand.
go on right your own way, this is your project. best wishes :)
ciao, donatella
Name: Alexandra
City, Country: adelaide
Sent: 1.56 PM - 8/23 2002
RAMON ROX!
Name: Fiona
City, Country: Adelaide
Sent: 1.55 PM - 8/23 2002
Hey Ramon!
I hope you don't think all Anlgican priest's wives are wacky! Remember when you
stayed with us and we had dinner at a table with a glass of wine! You were the
perfect house guest and we would have you again in a flash! Imogen still asks
where you are so I have been showing her the pictures on the site!
Those of us on the mainland always say Tesweigans have 2 heads!
Name: Vicki Curtis
City, Country: Hobart Tasmania
Sent: 1.44 PM - 8/23 2002
Hi this is Vicki Curtis the oddball from Tassie.
This is my public apology to Ramon for causing him so much grief. I have
written him a long email and I hope that he finds it in his heart to forgive me
after reading what I have to say to him. I have wasted a precious opportunity
in like. Maybe Ramon will publicly accept me back to this site?
Vicki Curtis the 'different' one in Tasy.
Name: Sue
City, Country: Hong Kong
Sent: 1.34 PM - 8/23 2002
Glad to hear Ramon had a great day biking in the Tamar Valley, also that he
went to my home town (George Town) as a lot of visitors find it a bit out of
the way. By the way, the bridge is called the "Batman Bridge" after a
John Batman, a busranger who used to hideout in the area, I believe. Unless
they have changed the name sometime in the last 20 years!
It really is great to see all the pictures from Tasmania, thanks!
Name: Acadia
City, Country: Maine, USA
Sent: 11.18 AM - 8/23 2002
Sounds like you met up with a good one in Lew. I would have loved to be a fly
on the wall during your long conversation.
Whatever happens with this Vicky person happens. You know who you are and what
you are. Perhaps she had the wrong expectations of your visit. Maybe she
figures her road to fame is by being the anti-Ramon. Sad.
Name: Gail
City, Country: Launceston, Tasmania, Australia
Sent: 1.19 AM - 8/23 2002
Hi everybody,
I can't believe that a person can invite someone to stay with them as a guest,
knowing that they have no money, transport or other means by which to make life
easier, and then say to the media that they "used" them during the
stay!
This particular host must be one stressed out bunny!
Cheers and keep on cranking, Ramon!
Name: Belinda
City, Country: Hobart Tasmania
Sent: 10.42 AM - 8/22 2002
Hi Ramon
There was a lady on the radio down here this morning giving you some bad rap. Apparently
she's having it published in the local rag. I just want you to know that I am
sticking up for you. I think that you are great. Keep up your great stories.
RAMON:
This lady you mentioned is my ex-host Vickie Curtis who invited me to stay
at her place in Hobart last Monday. Appearantle she did not enjoy it that much,
because she called the Mercury newspaper as soon as she dropped me off in the
city centre the next day.
The newspaper contacted me about it and she stated to them that I left her home
in a mess, I was uncommunicative, ungrateful and that I "used" her.
"I wish to confirm the view that this guy is a free loader," she had
said to the newspaper. "Maybe my expectations were too high ... I expected
a polite housetrained young man with a mature outlook ... instead I got the
opposite."
The newspaper decided not to run a story about it because they had their own
reservations about Ms Curtis' claims, and her right to make them as _ after all
_ she did volunteer her home and hospitality.
Then it seems that Ms Curtis jumped to the phone to call the radio station and
then brag about me and how terrible I seem to have been.
What fascinates me the most is that Ms Curtis NEVER has contacted me about the
things that bothered her. I will extend my opinions this all in the report
of August 21, coming up soon.
Until now I have not heard anything from the lady personally. So maybe she does
kick on media attention, as you will find out in my report of August 19 too.
I'll give her a call myself to clear things out and to hear for the first time
what I seem to have done wrong and will include the results in the report of
August 21.
Name: Lew Bretz
City, Country: Elephant Pass TAS Australia
Sent: 9.54 AM - 8/22 2002
Hi Ramon,
Still having trouble with your GMX addresses--mine keep 'bouncing'--but I
managed to get in touch with the Mercury reporter in Hobart. No story is being
run, apparently. For more info phone me at
(613)63 7222 63 cheers, Lew
Name: Brian
City, Country: Durban, South Africa
Sent: 6.07 AM - 8/22 2002
Hey Ramon
Linda's account of your supper has me laughing. Not to be rude, but because
I've had exactly the same experience. Thai green curry is wonderful, if not too
hot. But then, "too" is a relative term, and some people have
leather-lining in their gut. :-)
Ramon, I hope the after-effects were not too bad. Can you taste again? :-)
Just kidding. You keep well, and continue with that great reporting.
Hamba kahle
Brian
Name: Linda
City, Country: Hobart, Tas
Sent: 2.40 AM - 8/22 2002
Hi Brian
Actually, I discovered that Ramon only *thinks* he's had a hot curry before! I
asked if he like hot curries, then picked up some thai green chicken curry and
beef rendang. i'm afraid it nearly blew his head off. and he didn't believe me
when i told him it was no hotter than usual. We've got tough stomachs here in
Tasmania!
Anyway, I made up for it with some cooling mango sorbet, so things settled
down. Sorry again, Ramon!
Linda
Name: Fat Flapper
City, Country: Launceston now Cairns
Sent: 2.00 AM - 8/22 2002
G'DAY RAMON, HOW THE BUM RECOVERED FROM THE BIKE RIDE?
THAT GREEN STUFF IS CALLED "MIDOURI" AND IT WILL KILL A
BROWN DOG. ANYWAY I GOT THAT JOB AND I'M ABOUT TO FLY TO THE GULF OF
CARPENTARIA, KARUMBA, SO I'LL CATCH U LATER. FAT FLAP THE BIKER.
Name: Acadia
City, Country: Maine, USA
Sent: 10.58 PM - 8/21 2002
Yup, nice pic for the desktop.
Thanks.
Name: MJ
City, Country: Denver
Sent: 3.49 PM - 8/21 2002
Ramon, Thanks for the gorgeous sunset picture. Passed it to friends, to
everyone at work, and family. They all love it.
:)
Name: panya
City, Country: Thailand
Sent: 3.42 PM - 8/21 2002
Hello.......
well come to Thailand
Name: Brian
City, Country: Durban, South Africa
Sent: 6.25 AM - 8/21 2002
Hi Linda
What did you feed Ramon last night? Cooked pumpkin? Or chicken with apricots? He
prefers not to eat these things, I discovered last year. Don't feel too bad,
no-one eats everything.
Ramon, it was odd to see you in the snow in that pic, we also have winter here,
but it's 27 degrees and sunny today.
Keep strong, Ramon, it's only about two weeks and you'll be resting (read
drinking) with Munk and Gerben again. And it will be a well-deserved rest.
Hamba kahle
Brian
Name: Linda
City, Country: Hobart, Tasmania, Aust
Sent: 5.49 AM - 8/21 2002
Hello
Well, if Qantas hasn't done its usual trick of delaying flights to and from
Hobart, Ramon should be almost back in Melbourne by now. I dropped him at the
airport after a much too brief visit to Tasmania - he could have spent the
whole six months here, and still not be finished! At least he got to go up the
mountain, like every tourist in Hobart - the snow was just a lucky bonus. And
believe what I'm sure he'll say in his report - it was FREEZING up there!!
It was a bit unreal finally meeting him after following the exploits on this
site, but, Ramon, you're doing it well. I can understand you being a bit
impatient to get home for that hard-earned rest. Of course, once you're there
you'll just want to head off again, I'll bet. There's no cure for itchy feet -
especially not after an experience like this.
Sorry for poisoning you with dinner last night, but just remember - everything
is bigger and hotter in Australia!
Stay well.
Linda
Name: Bella
City, Country: Townsville Australia
Sent: 7.45 AM - 8/20 2002
Hi all. Need to set things right about Bootmen. It starred Adam Garcia not
Andy. Adam is Australian and much younger. Regards to you Ramon. I have been
following your journey daily. Hope you have a well deserved rest when you leave
our shores.
Name: Gail
City, Country: Launceston, Tasmania
Sent: 5.57 AM - 8/20 2002
Hi Ramon,
Forgot to ask, how is Kimbal's work holding out?
Name: Gail, Phillip, Heidi &
Mel
City, Country: Launceston, Tasmania
Sent: 5.52 AM - 8/20 2002
Hello everybody.
We have just had the pleasure of hosting Ramon for a couple of days and now our
life has returned to normal (more hectic than while he was here!).
At least we were able to have a rest while he caught up on the mountains, and I
say again, mountains of email/website/photo duties to be attended to.
Ramon's "travellers life" is certainly not all fun and games, more
like bad backs, dirty clothes, overwhelming correspondence, media circus after
circus, and an occasional quiet moment when not playing "Guest"!
We found him to be a true wit, all the time mindful of his guest role, and
although he probably may never pass this way again, we would certainly love to
see him again.
Happy Trails, Ramon.....
Sent: 4.38 AM - 8/20 2002
Name: Cynthia
City, Country: Denver, USA
Sent: 1.51 AM - 8/20 2002
Andy Garcia is Australian?
RAMON:
No, he is from Cuba.
Name: Rob
City, Country: UK / NZ
Sent: 7.54 PM - 8/18 2002
Hi Ramon,
You might find my web organisation useful on your travels. It lists places where
you can help out at places like farms in exchange for a bed and meals.
It's called Help Exchange, find it at www.helpx.net
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 2.54 AM - 8/18 2002
Hi Ramon,
I wanted to again commend you on such great stories and photos. I've spent the
last few hours catching up on your travelogue and photos. But then I had to
search back to March reports, when you visited the Newcastle area of the West
Central Coast. Why? Because this afternoon on T.V. I watched a really good
movie. "Bootmen", filmed and located in Newcaste steel mills. I
seemed to have recalled you had visited the area so I had to go back and find
them.
Great Aussie movie staring the Aussie Andy Garcia, good story, and excellent
music and dancing, if anyone wants to catch it. I never heard of it before
today when it aired on an HBO cable channel. The dancing really is incredible!!
Some web links, hope they don't get nixed. :-) Just passing info about a neat
movie about a place where Ramon has visited.
http://www.foxsearchlight.com/production/bootmenwed.html
http://www.boxoff.com/issues/aug00/bootmen.html
Cheers,
Joan
Name: Maria
City, Country: Belgrade, Yugoslavia
Sent: 12.10 PM - 8/17 2002
I am in loved in traveling and i admire people who travel a lot. But....you
fascinate me complitely!!! You are young, you travel a lot and don't spend alot
of money! Your idea about "invitation" is perfect!!
I'm jelous:))) Just kiding!
Good luck and have some fun for all of us!
Greetings from Yugoslavia!
Name: Brian
City, Country: Durban, South Africa
Sent: 10.38 AM - 8/17 2002
Thank you, Ramon.
I am genuinely honoured. Really.
Brian
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 4.36 AM - 8/17 2002
Ramon,
You are a tickler and a tease lately. :-)
Cheers,
Joan
Name: Ramon
City, Country: Tasmania at the moment
Sent: 3.37 AM - 8/17 2002
To explain the message below for those who missed
it. Just for a day or two this messageboard was renamed into the Brianboard (of
course caused by the many contributions of South African Brian). Of course that
was just a temporary joke!
In September there will be some major changes on this website and I can already
reveal to you all that the "Board of Supporters" as how the frequest
messagers call themself, will get their OWN thing... I'll keep you posted!
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 5.26 PM - 8/16 2002
Brian, the Brianboard does have a nice ring to it. I like it. :-)
Sala kahle!
Joan
Name: Message
City, Country: Durban, South Africa
Sent: 4.38 PM - 8/16 2002
Ramon?!
Huh? What the...! Brianboard?! Ramon, I'm at a loss for words. I'm flattered, I
think. Jeez, it's wierd.
Is this a hint that I'm here too often? Or is this for someone else? Is there
something particular that I should say? I'm quite flabberghasted, and
gobsmacked!
At first I thought you'd managed to use the IP address to identify us, and
personalise the board. Then I saw what Joan and Donatella had to say, and,
well, I really did have eyes like saucers!
Ramon, you are clearly in a more relaxed mode now, after the last week or so in
the Wayward bus, and now in Taz. It's great. Who gave you this idea? What in
the world inspired it?
Anyway, what I really did intend to say, is that it's good, no, it's wonderful,
that you went to Todd's school as a live specimen for his "show and
tell". He must have been bubbling with pride and excitement. That was a
really kind thing to do. You should also be full of pride. The reports will be
an absloute must-read for all.
You have shown, yet again, that you are a genuinely considerate person. You
have returned the favour to your hosts in a way that cannot really be measured,
but surely will be appreciated and remembered. There is immense value in what
you did, even if was only for ten minutes. Well done. Really.
Well, ..., that still boggles the mind. Brianboard!
Have a good time in Taz, Ramon, and try to avoid getting bitten by a 'Devil.
Hamba kahle.
Message
Name: sijmen
City, Country: utrecht, netherlands
Sent: 3.10 PM - 8/16 2002
I discovered your page because it's practically next to mine on the
"reisverhalen-australie.pagina.nl"
I did a traineeship in Brisbane for 5 months and it was funny to read about the
similiraties.
eating cheap pasta in one of the bassment malls and I also did a sandsurfing
trip with the same tourguide as you ("Barry"). You are getting more
famous, while I travel Europe I've met one who told me about the site.
Name: donatella
City, Country: milano, italy
Sent: 10.42 AM - 8/16 2002
my congrats for the message.. ops.. brianboard idea! it made me smile!! :D
ciao, dona
Sent: 10.02 AM - 8/16 2002
Ramon
Don't forget to visit the Dutch Pub in Melbourne
Jongeren Borrel Avond
1ste Donderdag van de maand
The Lambs go barrrr
Owner Marc Bayle
135 Greeves Street
Fitzroy
tel: 03 84150511
Just tell him Ron send you
See you soon in Sydney for the party night
Ron
Dutch On-Line Sydney
www.dutch.net.au
Name: John
City, Country: Costa Mesa, Ca USA
Sent: 6.27 AM - 8/16 2002
I've been trying to keep upwith your travels, I really enjoy going over the
emails. The time it must take to prepare them. It takes me so long just to go
through one with all the photos and all. If and when you get to CA, you'll be
put up for as long as you need, not to mention Disneyland, oh I mean the beach!
Keep up the good work. I always look forward to your updates. John
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 4.56 AM - 8/16 2002
Brianboard??????
Name: Ellery Kuhn
City, Country: Sacramento, California, USA
Sent: 1.42 AM - 8/16 2002
Enjoyed seeing photos and reading about our close friend, Louis down under with
you on the Waywardbus. You should know that Louis is quite the traveler himself
and, yes, he does probably snore respectfully.
Name: LSOM
City, Country: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Sent: 6.06 PM - 8/15 2002
Hi Ramon,
Thanks! Its great to learn something good about Australia this 6 months.
Love to emulate a living legend. Mind teaching me to smoke a cigeratte and
drink alcohol. (different country=different brand=different taste) Whats a
life? I hope I can be gentle and patience as you. Take care. I 'll be around.
As always, LSOM.
Name: David & Sue
City, Country: Langwarrin, Victoria
Sent: 7.14 AM - 8/15 2002
Hi one and all. Sue & I have just got back from dropping Ramon off at
Melbourne Airport, for his flight to Tassie, after having had the pleasure of
his company for the past 24 hours.
Firstly, to anyone contemplating the thought of "inviting" Ramon to
stayforaday....Do it!
Even if he has too many invites for a particular city to stay with them all. At
least it gives Ramon the choice and also shows him that his "Project"
is still alive and kicking. (I may be off the mark, but my interpretation of
his project is to show that there still is good will and kindness throughout
this planet. Dispite what some narrow-minded people might think!!)
We had the honor of having Ramon spend a night with us and our four sons(aged 4
up to 9). While the boys are a tad too young to understand and appreciate the
magnitude of what Ramon has done, and continues to do, they will remember him
as someone who took the time to acknowledge them as individuals and take the
time out to make THEM feel special. After all the youngsters of today are the
future of tomorrow and I know that Ramon's short visit will never be forgotten
by the older three!!(The 4 y.o had just recieved a spiderman dress-up costume
and his only real interest in Ramon was showing him how he could cover him in
imaginary spiderwebs!!)
My oldest son Todd had asked me to ask Ramon if he could take Ramon to school
as his "show and tell"! Some of these "knockers" should
perhaps try taking into account what Ramon had experienced in the last few
weeks in regards to negativity from the odd writer and his own feelings, (how
tired and emotional would you be after nearly 6 months of travelling the way he
is!!! CUT THE GUY SOME SLACK!!!!!!!I witnessed first hand as he spent hours
updating his website, sorting out photo's and captions, replying to emails
etc....... More like hard work then a holiday to me!!)
Anyway I asked Ramon if he would mind doing this for my son and he didn't
hesitate to say yes. The look of joy on my sons face as he got to introduce
Ramon to his teacher and classmates will be with me forever. To see the way
Ramon spoke to and fielded questions from 25-30 nine year olds was amazing. Due
to having to get Ramon to a photo shoot and to the airport he could only speak
to the children for 10 minutes but let me tell you that he has probably
inspired at least half of these kids to realise anything really is possible!
Ramon informed me after he left the room that that was the first time he had
been in an Australian classroom. It really is a shame that it will probably be
his last as he leaves our shores in a few weeks.
He jokingly said he could go on the "school circuit" talking to
children......Ramon is a real peoples person and he is living proof that
"Anything is possible"!
You are a living legend Ramon!
I hope one day that our paths may cross again.
Until that time
Take care, Don't change & Thank You.
David, Sue (& the tribe, Todd 9, Jarrod 6, Bailey 6, Joshua 4)
Name: Brian
City, Country: Durban, South Africa
Sent: 6.30 AM - 8/15 2002
Hi Greg
As you may know, and Ramon does know, South Africa is a country of many cultures.
One of the "tribes" / cultures/ whatever is Zulu. This is one of the
three most spoken languages in SA.
"Sala kahle" is Zulu for "stay well". "Hamba
kahle" is Zulu for "go well". "Well" can read
"safely". It is polite in the Zulu culture to say this to people when
you part ways, or finish chatting.
I am white English, but I use these expressions sometimes to show respect.
For reference, the only (I think) black family that hosted Ramon in South
Africa (Stellenbosch) was a Xhosa family, I believe. They are from the same
historical root as the Zulus.
Interestingly, most of the so-called "black on black" violence that
you may hear about is between Zulus and Xhosas. Our government (ANC) is
predominantly Xhosa, hence the intense rivalry with the IFP, who are Zulu.
Ramon, did you pick up any of this while you were here? I hope that you did,
since it might help with the ROW understanding how we live in a country that is
represented in the international media as being so terrible. But then, with
your wonderful reports, anyone who followed you thru SA will appreciate the
truth about our incredible country.
Hamba kahle
Brian
Name: Greg
City, Country: Pemberton, WA
Sent: 2.16 AM - 8/15 2002
Ok, Brian, spill the beans...
What the heck does 'Sala kahle' mean?
Name: MJ
City, Country: Denver
Sent: 11.21 PM - 8/14 2002
MJ gives Cynthia a prize-we live in a great city!
I think this website is a prize..
:)
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 1.28 AM - 8/14 2002
Hi Ramon,
I have a request for you to consider for your page. When reading your reports,
at the end you have "Back to index >>". Would you consider
adding a "Next" option, so when reading a bunch, we can just go the
next report versus back to the index each time? Sometimes you update many days
at once and it would be very convenient to just select "Next". Also,
sometimes I find myself going back to an old place of interest and just want to
keep going to the next report. For example, if I am reading reports from last March,
I want the next report. By going back to the index the page is back to August
and I have to scroll down to March, and remember the last day I was reading. It
may even be nice to have a "Previous" button while you are at it,
which goes to the day before the one you are reading. ;-)
Looking forward to your travels in Tasmania.
Thanks,
Joan
RAMON:
If somebody knows how to jump from one report (or database I.D.#) with a
link at the bottom of every report, please tell me, because I haven't figured
that out myself.
The same thing goes for the longer and longer long index page. I should be
creating some extra pages there, instead of making one big list, but I don't
know how to do that yet as it is all created by the database.
If you know want to go from one report to the next or previous one, try to
change the report/?id=# with 1 up or down. That might help you skip the index,
but might not always work.
Name: cynthia
City, Country: Denver, USA
Sent: 11.49 PM - 8/13 2002
P.S. I guessed correctly to your next destination...Tasmania. Do I get some
kind of prize?
Name: cynthia
City, Country: Denver, USA
Sent: 11.40 PM - 8/13 2002
Hi Ramon, I just saw the article in Frommers. This is the first I've heard
outside this web site. You're getting around..Not quite celebrity status here
yet but it's a beginning. Someone showed it to me and asked "is this the
Dutch boy you've been following?" and I was sitting in front of the PC
with your site on it. It was a thrilling coincidence. I agree with Brian B. and
this is the closest I've been to a place without being there in person...Seeing
it through your eyes, ears, nose, etc...
Name: Lisa C
City, Country: F.B. USA
Sent: 9.16 PM - 8/13 2002
I have just joined your group ! You are going around the world on invitations? I
think this is a wonderfull thing! I Imagine, that you will write a book on all
your travels, and perhaps even a trillogy, or a series! I have sent you my
e-mail address in the send you a personal message link, and hope to hear from
you soon, your welcome to stay with me for the day!, and I can give you a grand
tour! giant redwoods, the pacific ocean,
the pygmy forrest, estuary area, guarrentees you will see ALOT of wildlife!,
and I can show you where you can get fresh tuna, salmon, and everything else
from the ocean,
right off the boats! now - THAT IS FRESH! (well you must eat while traveling
the globe)
Lol ,are you a vegitarian? the vegies are just as fresh here,right out of the
ground, fresh from the farm! Thank you, Lisa C.
Name: Brian B
City, Country: NC, USA
Sent: 2.32 PM - 8/13 2002
I think they got the 9 cents a day by taking the $35 you spent on the domain
name and dividing by the total number of days you have been on the road, ~ 400.
$35 / 400 = ~ $0.09
Anyway, looking forward to reading about your last 25 days in Australia. I have
learned so much about that country that I would not have known if not for your
project. You make it possible for those of us who sit behind a desk all day to
travel right along with you. thank you for that.
Good luck.
Brian B
Name: Munk
Sent: 1.23 PM - 8/13 2002
Hey Mones, time to get used to coming over to Zwolle for a while, Flying Horse
bar's opened again, my washing machine burned so I'm using yours :) and we've
got mice. Can you scare them away when you get back?
RAMON: You are using my washingmachine?!! Okay, just don't touch
those wires at the back when he's splashing around that water, hehe... I have
23 days to go today, so I'll be back in September, don't worry. Those mice can
be the pets of my new housemate, don't harm them. Wait for me!
Name: Nada Ross
City, Country: Gold Coast, Queensland
Sent: 3.58 AM - 8/13 2002
Hey Ramon,
I really look forward to your reports on your travels and I have missed them
this past few days. The last one I received was 3rd Aug.
Yesterday I looked up the daily reports on your menu and I noticed that there
have been others. Have I been removed from your list or is this the new format
for keeping up with you?
Your pictures of the SA coastline are just great.
Keep smiling.....God bless you......Nada
Name: Acadia
City, Country: USA
Sent: 1.14 AM - 8/13 2002
Now you have my curiosity piqued. How did the Japanese woman find out, and what
happened then?
I'll be on pins and needles until the story gets posted.
Too bad that the magazine did not get their facts straight before writing the
article. The truth is interesting enough.
Name: Acadia
City, Country: USA
Sent: 11.05 AM - 8/12 2002
You can clearly see in your postings that there is far less stress during this
last week or so. Good.
I have to wonder about your jacket, too. Perhaps some of these people have seen
your site/TV/newpaper exposure and are being courteous by not plying you with
questions.
I hope before you posted these fine peoples pictures to your website you let
them know that's what you'd be doing.
One last thing. I wonder if the article about the 9 cents a day was taking into
account the money you have been given by your hosts (which you note the amount
of in your postings), not just money you've spent of your own (which was for
your domain name).
RAMON:
1) RE The article: I have absolutely no idea where Frommers Budget Travel
magazine got the idea of 9$ a day, because there has never been a 9$ a day
thing during my project. It is made up, they could have contacted me about the
real fact! Waywardbus helped me out with some money, otherwise I wouldn't have
anything to eat and sometime people shout me a ticket for a bus or tram... For
myself, I have absolutely no cent in my pockets.
2) RE The Jacket: yes, indeed, like Joan also noticed (below), I was wearing my
letmestayforaday-logo-printed-on-the-arm winter jacket during my trip. I only
had to wear it in the evening or at the beginning of the day and when we were
out of the bus, I guess people have more attention to what we see outside that
to what is printed on my jacket. Believe me, up to the last 30 mins of the
tour, nobody knew who I was or what I did (and treated me like that). Until
that Japanese lady found out....
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 3.10 AM - 8/12 2002
Hi Ramon,
Great stories and pics of the latest travels, as usual. I note that you are
pleased you are somewhat "anonymous" on the Wayward Bus tour. But I
also noted in your pics "Walking along the lagoon in the Coorong
Reserve..." and in the inset in the "On our way to our first
destination to stay for the night, we stopped at this huge sand dune."
pic, that your were wearing your "let-me-stay-for-a-day.com" jacket. Did
no one on the tour pick up on that and ask about it? Just curious! ;-)
Cheers,
Joan
Name: donatella
City, Country: milano, italy
Sent: 9.10 PM - 8/10 2002
hello ramon, how are you on the island? you lucky... well, I ain't updated
about your latest news (I came back yesterday from my 2-week-holiday: rain,
rain, rain..), so I think I'll spend my next days reading the reports -
everything is good to avoid the books on my desk ;)
I took a glance only at the forum (thanks bret for answering) and at this
messageboard, as well (to Menno from leiden - cfr. aug,5th - sorry, I didn't
have the internet in those days otherwise I would have tried to translate the
lines from www.mediamente.rai.it, but Phoebe did a great job. about
www.pulsorock.com, I've taken a look but sorry, I can't speak a word in
spanish).
reading the other messages, I've noticed you were quite bored about repetitive
and silly questions you're expected to answer; I can imagine the situation. be
patient as much as you can, ramon. I'll read the reports. go on well!
ciao, donatella
Name: Tricia
City, Country: York, PA, USA
Sent: 4.48 PM - 8/9 2002
Ramon--
I just got my new "Budget Travel" Magazine, published by Frommers,
and there's a little article about your travels and website in it. I was pretty
excited, since I've been "following" you for quite a while and
telling all of my friends about your travels.
They talked about how you really know how to travel on a budget--- something
like 9 cents a day!
Best of luck!
Tricia
RAMON:
Hi Tricia! I have just read a scan of that article that a very friendly
person sent me by email. The headline indeed is: 'The Earth in 9$ a day' and
with the article mentions nothing about me spending money (I DON'T HAVE ANY!)
this headline is indeed a bit odd. Maybe somebody can ask those folks at
Frommers/Nomads about that ;-)
Name: donelle
City, Country: Perth, Western Australia
Sent: 11.51 AM - 8/8 2002
Ramon, Thankyou for staying with us when you were in Perth, (July 9, 2002). I
loved having you here, sharing time with you. Madeleine loved having someone
new to play Play-dough with. Brendan I and both appreciated the conversations
about literature.
I miss you - after looking forward to you coming for almost a year, spending 24
hours with you was just not enough!!!
I hope you come to Perth again when your LetMeStayForADay travels are over. Then
you can stay for more that one day!
Take care, be well, and enjoy yourself. I'll see you next time.
donelle
Name: Patty
City, Country: Brisbane
Sent: 7.40 AM - 8/8 2002
G'day Brian, yes, four photo albums, not counting the 300 digital photos we
took (so I like photos, ok? Get over it!) :)
I went back and read the reports of Ramons stay with you, so now I can
"see" you in my mind. Seriously, Africa is such an amazing place, we
loved it so much! I just wish I had the foresight to contact you before we
went, ah, such is life.
Name: Brian
City, Country: Durban, South Africa
Sent: 7.00 AM - 8/7 2002
Hi Patty in Brisbane
Thanks for your message. I hope it was four albums, not just four photos! ;-)
Seriously, though, it's good that we can put our sporting rivalry aside (you
are in the Bi-Nations with NZ, we are in the try-Nations...) and bring the
world closer together.
But then, Ramon is seeding all of this. Hey Ramon, did anyone ever tell you
that you are achieving a huge amount more than you may realise? It's true. You
are doing an incredible job.
sala kahle, each of you
Brian
Name: Allen Bettis
City, Country: Spring, Texas U.S.A.
Sent: 11.07 PM - 8/6 2002
Hey Ramon!
I enjoyed reading your report about Kangaroo Island. I enjoyed your pictures
also. I know you are looking forward to a well deserved break on September 3.
I can't wait till you come to Spring, Texas. If you need any assistance getting
here let me know.
Name: Natasha Berger
City, Country: Germany
Sent: 6.31 PM - 8/6 2002
Compliments for Margot for that story in the Cairns Post as posted on the front
page of your website. Loved that radio piece of you in Perth. Opening eyes and
mind!
Have fun on the road to Melbourne, dude!
Name: Brian B
City, Country: NC, USA
Sent: 4.35 PM - 8/6 2002
Ramon, it sounds like your break back home will arrive just in time. Enjoy your
last month down under.
RAMON:
Yes, it does indeed. Thanks.
Name: chris
City, Country: cairns
Sent: 11.35 AM - 8/6 2002
I think it does not matter, what the cheese country of the world is. I just
found it very nice of Rod to offer cheese and bratwurst...and helping out to
get a visa for the USA!
...and I am European also.
Cheers
Chris
RAMON:
Oh yes, I hope you have noticed that emoticon too.
Name: Greg
City, Country: Pemberton, Western Australia
Sent: 4.14 AM - 8/6 2002
I might just buy into this debate a little.
If you have had Ramon to stay with you, you will realise the enormous stress he
carries with him everyday. He can't really relax - he's in the middle of a
fairly significant project that has a certain momentum - and he knows better
than anyone does what it takes to maintain this momentum. Even when he's
'relaxing', he's still working on his plans: reading emails/invites, worrying
about his next lift, sponsors, columns in newspapers back home, is his mobile
charged up enough, what is the public thinking, how should he construct his
project in the coming months... etc. etc! On top of that, of course, he still
has to be a person and a guest. But, he has to do this everyday, because his
'work' is not a Monday-to-Friday, 9-to-5 job. He can't leave his work at the
office. I even wonder whether he sleeps very well most nights, because his body
and mind and pretty stressed and fatigued. Plus he is pushing himself to the
max, as is his nature. No wonder some back troubles have caught up with him!
A couple of years ago, I traveled through SE Asia for 6 months with my wife. It
was tough going sometimes, but even we got tired of being on the road everyday.
We took a couple of small breaks, but somedays were just tough! And we had the
BIG difference of being able to share the workload associated with constantly
travelling, finding accommodation, food and transport. Let alone being bothered
to enjoy the moments in between! Ramon rarely has the luxury of 'taking a day
off' - each guest expects (and deserves, however) their due respect and reward
for their donation towards Ramon's project. The difficulty, I believe, lies in
the 'daily' and 'ongoing' nature of the project. Staying only for a day is
perhaps fine for a few months or even up to a year if someone is superhuman,
but Ramon's project has been going on longer than that. Is the nature of the
project sustainable for so long? Ramon has had some small 'breaks' of sorts
(e.g. a pretty isolated couple of days in the resort in N. Queensland), which I
don't think he enjoyed much at all - he is a people person, a citizen of the
world. So just 'getting away from it all' probably won't do it for him. I'm
sure most of his hosts try to make it as comfortable for him as possible, but
this won't take away most of the things he still has to do/organise/worry
about. The stress is constant (sure, with peaks and troughs), and no wonder he
is fatigued.
Another difficulty is that there is little point in travelling just for the
sake of it. If an increasing amount of time is spent looking after the basic
needs of a journey, leaving little time or energy to actually enjoy it (and
let's face it, he's been through/to some pretty amazing places where we'd all
love to go - some would say he owes it to himself and all those who can't
travel to enjoy it), then it's time to call it quits for a while. Take stock.
Think about something else than letmestayforaday.com. That’s probably the only
real way to take a break and get his mind off things. Destress. Be at home. Chill
out. But this is Ramons call - it’s his project, and he knows himself best. Nobody
has the right to tell him what he should or shouldn't to (except perhaps his
Mum - where is Mrs Stoppelenburg telling him to come home?) - all we can do is
provide some advice, encouragement and support. And not give him a hard time. Ramon
is well aware of his public responsibilities and duties - this is exactly one
of the things that stresses him out. Nobody should think they can 'rescue' him
by offering him a break, because it just isn't possible at the moment. He's not
even the type of person to take such a break/'get away from it all'. Better for
him to rally for the last month, do his best, get home and then sleep for a
month (with the phone off the hook!)
Hope this helps.
Name: cynthia
City, Country: Denver, USA
Sent: 1.06 AM - 8/6 2002
Hello Ramon,
For those questions that are so repetitive...you may have some down-pat answers
that you repeat over and over again. Not so unusual, shorten your answers to
"I've been to Europe and Australia and South Africa." I'm
twenty(something)years old." I remember following an author on his book
tour and in articles and talk-shows, he had the same answers, said them the
same way over and over and over again. And he made them sound like they were
new answers each time...it was his job...I don't think the e-mail sending one
day in advance is such a good idea as when I have Ramon over, I might have a
friend or two over who haven't been following his travels and THEY will be the
ones to ask those questions. Am I expected to brief them before Ramon's visit? (Please,
don't ask Ramon obvious questions because he's tired of answering them) That's
just not natural.
Ramon, my advise, take some time for you (Ramon-time) and don't expect people
to not ask the same questions, you have no control over this, grin and bear it
and make your answers fresh like it's the first time you heard the
question.....think of it as a performance, then as the time goes on, you can
answer more thoughtful questions and get to know your hosts. But take time for
yourself, no one is a performer 24/7.
Your pal,
Cynthia
Name: Rod Nelson
City, Country: Sheboygan, WI 53081
Sent: 12.57 AM - 8/6 2002
Do you need assistance in getting a Visa for USA, How can I help? I know a
couple of congressmen, Petri and Sensenbrenner, Here in Sheboygan I wii feed
you our world famous Johnsonville Bratwurst, and Sheboygan WI is the Cheese
capitol of the World.
Best, Rod
RAMON:
It is still strange how people can call a particular city the cheese capital
of the world, while The Netherlands/Holland is the cheese country of the world?
And the Bratwurst is not world famous, it is just a typical German saucage. As
a EUROPEAN I Just had to correct that Rod ;-)
Name: www.pattycam.net
City, Country: Brissy Again
Sent: 12.42 AM - 8/6 2002
Message to Brian from South Africa!!! My family just spent three glorious weeks
in your country, and yesterday I managed to put the photos in albums (all four
of them!) Feeling a little homesick for those incredible mountains and
people...can't wait to go back.
Name: Patty
City, Country: Brisbane
Sent: 12.38 AM - 8/6 2002
Ramon, you need a big hug and about one week of silence...no questions, no
silly comments, just your own company and some rest and relaxation!
{{{{{{{{{{{{{{Ramon}}}}}}}}}}}}}}
Consider yourself hugged, and hope your back gets better soon.
Name: Rachael Cass
City, Country: Sunshine Coast AU
Sent: 12.19 AM - 8/6 2002
hi,
I"d just likt to sympathise with you. i host many many MANY backpackers
all the time to date i'v had 15 and i completely understand....1 night is not
enough time to spend with 1 family full of awe and inpiration of what you are
trying to acomplish, my small apartment has housed 3 canadians and 2 germans at
one time, and the reason they come here, because it's relaxing.
that and they run out of money but they are always welcome here free of charge
to regroup and regather on there next plans....they love it here...i work in a
cafe so i bring them home lunch and becasue i don't charge they are more than
happy to babydit my wee one. the fact is id on't bombard them, you can't, they
have seen so much and would love to tell you all about it, but need time and
the stories come out on there own, but 24 hours is not enough, i don't knwo how
you do it Ramon?, so many places for such little time, my BP's have stayed for
up to 4 months, they see everything and have a well deserved holiday on
their...well...holiday :)
so if you are fortunate to have Ramon stay for a day...just be there for him,
let him take in the area as he is on little time and know you have givin' him
the bext experience he can get from your area, not chain him to the kitchen
table and a good grilling, have fun, BP's are great and if treated with respect
remain great friends. :)
Name: Leon
City, Country: Enschede, NL
Sent: 12.23 PM - 8/5 2002
Plz keep the digicam from Micheal! That one makes way better pic's....
RAMON:
Michael will be very honoured by these compliments. Unfortunately I still
have my own cammie and he kept his one (way more expensive than mine either). His
digi-photos were made with a bigger resolution than mine and resized to my
regular web size. My own camera has a lower resolution and has the size ready
for immediate upload to the web. That's the little difference.
Name: Acadia
City, Country: Maine, USA
Sent: 12.11 PM - 8/5 2002
Michael Offe's picture looked great!
Name: Brian
City, Country: Durban, South Africa
Sent: 6.31 AM - 8/5 2002
Hi Ramon
You are quite right, answering inane questions is frustrating, and shows a lack
of genuine interest on the part of the host. These are the folk who want their
mugshot on the net, and are using your site as the means of achieving this.
But Ramon, don't worry too much. When you came here, I was filled with
questions too. Many of them never got out, unfortunately. None of the were
"obvious", as I look at your site at about four times a week.
You are doing extremely well, and in only four weeks you will have a break for
as long as you want. So far, you have displayed the sort of tolerance that is
synonymous with the Dutch, this under a hectic timetable and a lot of stress. Well
done.
Perhaps a few days relaxing in a cabin or a tent would be a good idea, doing
nothing other than sleeping, walking, and possibly catching up on reports. But
keeping away from inquisitive people.
Whatever you decide, and can get sponsorship for, we will be right behind you,
supporting you all the way.
Sala kahle, Ramon
Brian
Name: Phoebe Maxwell
City, Country: Adelaide, Australia
Sent: 5.28 AM - 8/5 2002
Hi Ramon,
I saw on your message board that you needed a couple of articles translated so
here's the Italian one for you (found on
www.mediamente.rai.it/quotidiano/news/formazione.asp)
I trust you're enjoying yourself in Littlehampton... Hope you got enough sleep
the other night after Kangaroo Island. The offer's still on to take you
ice-skating at Mt Thebarton if you're in Adelaide and have a few hours free.
A presto,
Phoebe
Let me stay for a day
Ramon, a 25 year old Dutch student and aspiring journalist, has a great passion
- to travel. But like many people his age he has little money in his pocket. So,
how does he go about it? By creating an Internet site to ask for hospitality. Thus
let-me-stay-for-a-day.com was born. Through his website Ramon collects
hospitality offers and organises his trip - strictly hitchhiking!! This is how
he got to his 36th day of travel. Present stop: England. If you want his next
stop to be your place, you only have to log on to the website and fill in the
card that you find there. In exchange, Ramon will recount the details of his
stay, up-dating his site between one stop and the next. An idea that perhaps
other students with a limited budget can adopt, now that summer holidays are in
sight, and thus start a new e-business. For the moment you only gain a place to
sleep, but then who knows!
Name: Wendy
City, Country: Adelaide South Australia
Sent: 3.56 AM - 8/5 2002
Ramon, I do understand and I am sorry if my comments were a bit harsh. I too
enjoyed having you stay with us and being a part of your travel adventure. I
guess it was a shock to hear your comments, but I should not have taken them so
personally. I can understand your frustration and hope you manage to overcome
the problem. As it is, I am glad you shared some stories with us. Troy now has
great plans I feel he may not have considered possible before he heard what you
were doing. Keep your chin up and remember you stars!!! (Which this week said
"More talk on travel!")
Name: Marie
City, Country: Springton, South Australia
Sent: 2.16 AM - 8/5 2002
Hey Ramon, just heard you on PowerFM this morning. Love your website! Finally
something interesting on the web, you got me hooked now.
I heard you are fully booked already, otherwise I'd invite you to stay at my
place in Springton. Have fun on the Wayward bus to Melbourne!
Name: Menno
City, Country: Leiden, Netherlands
Sent: 1.54 AM - 8/5 2002
Donatella, wanna help us with some translations?
http://www.pulsorock.com/foro/showthread.php?s=&threadid=25469
http://www.mediamente.rai.it/quotidiano/news/formazione.asp
Name: MJ
City, Country: Denver, CO United States
Sent: 6.58 AM - 8/4 2002
Well, here is my 2 cents. Basically, Ramon has a job that he does every single
day. It's a little bit different than what we all have, but still a job. It can
get tedious. Everyone wants to change certain aspects of what they do for a
living. Let him express his opinions, let him say what he needs to say, for we
all know this helps you continue. If you didn't have co-workers to gossip with,
would you be able to keep sane sometimes? It just so happens that the people
that visit this website are the co-workers and the managers. If they hadn't
read Ramon's reports of his visit, they would have never have known how he
felt. Maybe this is the time when he needs to vent to his
"co-workers" to be mentally and physically ABLE to travel to the next
place. I would tell Ramon, "tell us what you want to say and don't
worry" and to the people he stays with, "don't take it
personally". Life is too short to worry about what someone else thinks of
you. Rest my Beloved mother 7/3/02.
Just some thoughts,
MJ
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 7.31 PM - 8/3 2002
Hi Ramon,
Thanks for the response, that makes perfect sense. I can understand your
frustration with the small and obvious questions. That would certainly become
tedious. And as you say, people who invite you, or journalists seeking an
interview, would surely already know the basics about your travels, name :-),
etc. Heck, I even sought to hear your voice by listening to the interview
recordings here at your site. ;-)
I hope you are feeling much better. Be well, stay safe, happy trails to you.
Hugs [] [] []
Joan
Name: Wendy
City, Country: Adelaide, South Australia
Sent: 7.38 AM - 8/3 2002
I must say we felt a little hurt that our interest in your travels was not so
welcome! We thought we had offered you rest from a busy schedule, providing a
place to catch up on some rest and rehab. With all the TV exposure, radio
interviews and news paper stories many of your hosts would be excited to have
someone staying with them who did have some kind of 'celebrity status'
(understandable), but others were offering it in the true spirit of your
adventure. We wanted nothing more than to get to know you a little, offering
the hand of friendship. I hope that is what you felt, as we never set out to be
an annoyance!
We wish you luck in your continuing journey and hope your back is soon strong
enough to carry you further.
PS: Hope you enjoyed K.I.
RAMON:
Sorry Wendy for making you feel that I meant it personally to you, but I felt
rather welcome at your place, just like I reported about it. My remarks about
my health and certain disencouragements a guest where more of a global view.
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 2.50 AM - 8/3 2002
Well, I have been following Ramon from Day 1, and should he arrive at my home,
I would still have tons of questions I think. So I am not sure what else one
would expect. ?? One welcomes a world "internet traveler" in to their
home, and just says "Hi, how are ya? Here's your room and bed, let me know
when you leave!" ?
I think the inquires and inquisitiveness comes with the "job". It is
only "natural" that each host would be full of questions I would
think.
That being said Ramon, I can certainly understand your weiriness and impatience
at times with the same old bloody questions over and over again. "Understand"
in the sense I have not been in the situation, I can only "guess"
your feelings.
But I think you need to think of yourself as a corporate executive who meets
with clients one on one when given the opportunity. The corporate/company
message is clear in emails and out on the web site, but when one on one, it's a
whole different perspective. "Clients" (hosts) will ask about the
vision, where we have been, where we are going. It's the one on one, personal
contact, personal conversation that is important. Not what they have read.
I don't think you will be able to get away from that Ramon. You are a
"foreign" guest, invited via the internet, and your hosts are only
going to natually want to engage in what seems to you as repetitive
conversation. To you, it is the same old record. To them, it is a brand new
day/evening of having Ramon in their home.
Cheers,
Joan
RAMON:
It is of course inevitable that people ask me questions, that was not what
the fuss is suddenly all about. It's more about people asking me questions that
are clearly answered on the first page of my website. For example: if a
journalist calls me and asks me to spell my name, I know he has not eiven read
the first page of my site. What an example of bad journalism, too!
I rather have questions that are related with my travels as an overview, like
how I experienced South Africa as a country, in stead of questions of 'so,
where have you all been' or 'have you been to the US yet?'.
I hope you understand this view.
Name: Jeannine
City, Country: Karlsruhe, Germany
Sent: 9.38 PM - 8/2 2002
Hi Ramon!
Just take some time for yourself, think about waht your idea was meant to be
and what it is right now and if this is still your dream. Think of what you can
do that your situation becomes your dream.
I´m sure you´re going to make your way!!!
Name: Cynthia
City, Country: Denver, USA
Sent: 4.49 PM - 8/2 2002
Ditto, you need time to reflect, get some Ramon-time in.
Name: Marc
City, Country: Dresden, Germany
Sent: 4.48 PM - 8/2 2002
What is people are to lazy to read that email that arrives just a few days
before Ramon actually is standing on their door step? How long would the
document be? And isn't all the information already available on this website? The
front page answers mosts questions and the Frequently Asked Questions top it
all up. Any better ideas for Ramon?
Name: Jennifer
City, Country: Portland, USA
Sent: 4.39 PM - 8/2 2002
Hi Ramon,
I think that you ought to draft an email with a short history of your travels
and your basic information, age etc.. You could send the same email to each
host before arriving. In this email you could also list the reasons you are
travelling and the point of the website. Maybe this way you could skip
explaining these things each time.
Name: Andrea
City, Country: Milano - Italy
Sent: 4.28 PM - 8/2 2002
hi Ramon i read your message on 2 august i would likle to tell you that i
subscribed for let you stay to me not for have my photo on your site but
because i like your idea and then i am used to let stay friends at my home. So
please don't be paranoic: you travel too much !!! :-)) Andrea
Name: Max
City, Country: Leucadia, California
Sent: 4.25 PM - 8/2 2002
Hi Ramon, Maybe this is just the price of successfully traveling for free?? :)
But I think John (below) had a great suggestion: email your hosts a little bio,
link to your website, background info, pics, etc. (like you no doubt do for
your radio / TV hosts). If that's not convenient, maybe a little photo album /
scrap book (with captions?) that maybe your support team could put together for
you? And I think John's idea about setting people's expectations about your
need for time to do you reports etc. is also a good one. After all, you *are*
working (for that newspaper back home), not just wandering! Lastly, Evie's
right on too: get some time for yourself -- even if it's just a day or two. I
can't imagine being "on stage" 24-hours-a-day 7-days-a-week like
you've been doing without going completely bonkers. Time for a well-deserved
rest. And yes, I'm a little selfish in saying all this because I really enjoy
reading your reports and seeing your photos. It's my daily early morning
vicarious mini-vacation :)
Best regards,
- Max
Name: John
City, Country: Portland, USA
Sent: 3.07 PM - 8/2 2002
Ramon,
I could tell by your last email that you are growing weary of the same
questions over and over. What I suggest that you do is compose 1 email for your
host families that answers all of these questions in advance. Tell them what
*you* expect and send it to them the day before or the week before you are to
arrive at their house. If you do this, then you will not have to be faced with
the same 'ol same 'ol every time. Tell them that you need a little time to
collect your thoughts and to answer your email and so forth.
Best wishes and good travels,
John
Name: Evie Fieseler
City, Country: Florida
Sent: 2.58 PM - 8/2 2002
Ramon, hoi alweer, hi again. All I can say is that if I were you, I would by
now absolutely NEED some time totally alone, just to recapture _me_ in all of
this. I know you're a very outgoing person who loves people very much, but
still. Consider finding somebody to sponsor a week for you to be alone in a
tent or something. Or (I'm serious) find a monestary and take a silent retreat
for a weekend or even a week. Your feelings are all normal! You just need to
touch base with your inner self for awhile, and you will be fine.
Evie, wishing you well
RAMON:
Hehe, that big break was more planned in September, not now yet. But indeed,
I'll take things a bit more easier. My medicine man in the backup team tells me
I should go for a hike or do some swimming. We'll see...
Name: Fiona
City, Country: Adelaide, Australia
Sent: 1.33 PM - 8/2 2002
Hi Ramon!
I suppose I'll put my hand up as one of those hosts who hadn't read all you
reports as closely as she should have! I have although this week gone back and
read most of the reports for the last 6 weeks or so! (The computer pools have
been quiet at uni so I have been able to do some secret browsing!)
Your reports are just wonderful! I love the way you describe the people you
meet and the places you have been. You are very witty and I love the humour! I
will miss the detail you give them as you 'slacken them off', but I do
understand! I hope your back is better soon!
take care,
Fiona
Name: Dave
City, Country: Houston, TX USA
Sent: 1.29 PM - 8/2 2002
Ramon... I know your back pain and I hope you are feeling better soon. Enjoy
Australia, it is a wonderful place!
Name: joan
City, Country: ipswich england
Sent: 11.09 AM - 8/1 2002
Hi Ramon I am one of those little old people (70 yrs), who you mention
occasionally. Although I have a few aches and pains and my memory is far from
what it was,my mind still feels the same as anyone half that age. Im only
teasing you Ramon. I came across your site, on the internet somewhere, a couple
of months after you started and was very interested, thought it was a wonderful
idea. I read those then my computer gave up. I was without it a long time. It
was May this year before I got back to you and I have had all these months to
catch up on your travels. I have read every line since then and am right up to
date. I still have to go back to look through all those photos though. I
thoroughly enjoy reading all your stories. It is good to have something on the
net to get really interested in. I also enjoy reading all those messages on the
message boards. Thank you Ramone and everyone else
Good Luck Joan
Name: Hardik Patel
City, Country: Chennai (aka Madras) India
Sent: 1.08 PM - 7/31 2002
Hey Ramon, its great to see what you are doing right now. You act as an
inspiration to people like me to do something in life which is exciting. Way to
go Ramon. By the way, can you lemme know as to when you are gonna come to
India. While you are in India, please feel free to accept my invitation which I
sent you a couple of months back. Hope you have a splendid journey ahead of
you. Looking forward to meeting you.
Regards,
Hardik..
Name: Brian
City, Country: Durban, South Africa
Sent: 6.24 AM - 7/29 2002
Hi Ramon
Well done on chirping in the comedy show. No matter what the comedians say,
they love a mild heckler. It gives them material. And you, being a visitor,
were the ideal material for a good comedian.
I do the same thing here, coz I'm originally from Cape Town. South Africans not
from Cape Town are jealous of the place, so they poke fun at us. When a comedian
askes if there is anyone from out of town, I tell them, and they raise the
roof.
So well done, you did well. Happy trails, and it seems you might get a bit of
time to go to Taz after all. Hope you do.
Hamba kahle
Brian
Name: Fiona
City, Country: Adelaide, Australia
Sent: 4.08 AM - 7/29 2002
I finally got Ramon to Triple M this morning for his radio gig!
It was fantastic sharing an evening with Ramon, even if we didn't convert him
to AFL!
Best of luck with your Adventures Ramon and if you ever do head back to
Adelaide and need a place to sleep, please ask! I'll make sure we ditch the
sofa bed though- sorry for the bar in the back!
And for everyone else, Ramon is the perfect houseguest!
Fiona
Name: Wendy, George and Troy
City, Country: Adelaide, South Australia
Sent: 5.40 AM - 7/28 2002
Ramon arrived safely in Adelaide on Friday. Enjoyed a night out being the
centre of attention at the Comedy Club where he gave as good as he got! (He was
the main topic of one comedian who didn't know Ramon was sitting front centre!)
After a late night night he returned to the backpackers hostel for a good (?)
nights sleep. I met Ramon next morning at the Beehive Corner in Adelaide, went
for a stroll along North Terrace before returning home to local suburb
Rostrevor for lunch and a nap. Ramon had brought the good weather again so we
all went for a walk to the local Morialta Falls (where his Adelaide pic was
taken). Unfortunately the fine weather disappeared over night and it has rained
off and on since! Off to new hosts today in good spirits, ready for the media
attention coming through the week.
Name: Allen
City, Country: Santa Cruz, California
Sent: 8.44 PM - 7/27 2002
I do miss the friendly souls of Australia. Wonderful people. What a great idea
you had in doing what you are doing. When do you think you'll start your
journey through the United States? Hope you have a year or so.
Take care and be safe.
Allen
Name: Margaret
City, Country: Minneapolis area
Sent: 3.54 PM - 7/27 2002
About Pat Welsh's comments that what Ramon is doing is nothing new: I think
it's true that many people have hitchhiked around or whatever, but has anyone
else ever shared their adventures with so many people AS THEY HAPPEN the way
Ramon is doing? Some people have traveled and written a book, or given a few
media interviews (such as a guy from some European country who is now swimming
the entire length of the Mississippi River.) But what is unique about Ramon's
adventures is all the stories and pictures of real people far away from us all
that we can enjoy very soon after they happen via his photos especially, week
after week. Sometimes I get annoyed with Ramon for some reason but this
adventure is not all about just him; it's about all the people and places he
encounters and then SHARES WITH THE WORLD right away. It's community building
on a grand scale. But you're right that many travelers have experienced
goodwill from their hosts throughout history. We ought to ask Bedouins to share
some of their folklore with us about hospitality from strangers. I bet they
have a lot of stories about it.
Enjoy the journey, everyone.
Name: Coralie
City, Country: England
Sent: 3.41 PM - 7/26 2002
Hi Ramon - wow you really are seeing a lot of this world , who have thought it
- I remember seeing your name in our paper all that time before you set off ,
now look at you ??? You are also showing the world that there are a lot of good
people in the this world of ours - ...keep up the good work -
Hugs
Coralie
Name: Alexandra
City, Country: Adelaide, Australia
Sent: 2.45 PM - 7/26 2002
Hoi! I am a huge fan of Dutch people :) I think this site is really cool! A
friend from Holland recently back packjed around Australia. perhaps we could
catch up? Doei! Alexandra :)
Name: Pat Welsh
City, Country: Australia
Sent: 12.36 AM - 7/26 2002
Well done lad hope you are going well on your travles although what you are
doing is nothing new, ask any CB user who as travled they did the same and stay
with radio friends I .y self have had ofers to stay in different parts of the
world , keep it up i think it s great,
Pat
Name: Gus Campbell
City, Country: Australia
Sent: 11.50 AM - 7/25 2002
Hi Ramon, I see you are nearly in Adelaide, the home of Australias best wines,
best women (arguably) and the dryest state in the dryest continent in the
world. Sounds inviting doesn't it especially if you love nice big round juicy
morsels in your mouth (i'm talking about grapes of course). I look forward to
having you to stay for a day if you make it to the Adelaide Hills Ramon, i will
endeavour to get you to wherever you need/want to go with as much media
coverage as you require while you stay in South Australia.
Kind Regards
Gus Campbell
Name: Vanessa and Darrell
Nattrass
City, Country: BOULDER
Sent: 10.39 AM - 7/24 2002
The offer to come and Stay in Boulder is, of course, still open.
Don't miss the Goldfields, you'll regret it!!
Have sent you an email with info. on FREE TRAIN TRIP TO BOULDER.
Adelaide can wait. Plenty of transport from the Goldfields over to the East.
COME SEE THE GOLDMINING CAPITAL OF THE WORLD!!
Vannessa and Darrell Nattrass.
METROPOLE HOTEL,
Name: Greg James
City, Country: (Now) Perth, Australia
Sent: 9.47 AM - 7/24 2002
Just dropped Ramon at Perth bus station to set off to Adelaide. He's in for a
long three day journey, and so he'll be looking forward to a nice massage when
he arrives. Ladies...? I think he might be a bit hungry too!
Disclaimer: I was forced by Ramon to write this message.
Name: Maureen
City, Country: Denmark, WA
Sent: 7.36 AM - 7/24 2002
Farewell Ramon -Hope your trip to Adelaide is full of adventure for you. It
looks as though you will be leaving in the rain :( Did you have a guinness or
two when typing your Denmark report mate #;-) Can you alter my web page address
to http://www.members.iinet.net.au/~kcbrown/ Thanks for the link to the
Yorkshire Posts too. Anyone from Yorkshire out there should take a look at the
link. A great place to visit. Have a safe journey. Maureen, Kevin and Bella.
Name: Greg James
City, Country: Pemberton, Western Australia
Sent: 2.44 AM - 7/24 2002
I guess because Ramon stayedwithusforfivedays.com, there was quite a collection
of stories to tell. But because he was also taking a break (or
wasitbecausehedidn’tlikeus.com? or ishejustalazybum.com?), not all of those
made it into his reports. Let me fill in some of the details a little…
The cute little girl with red hair? That’s Josiene, our beautiful daughter. If
any Hollywood producer, advertising agency executive, or world class fashion
magazine editor is reading this post and wishes for a Nicole Kidman child
double, ‘face of …’ star, or downright sassy lady-of-the-world, then
giveusabellrightnow!.com. By the way, she is great at collecting chicken eggs.
The little boy with the killer smile? That’s Jasper, our
son-of-mischief-and-fun-and-cuteness. Ditto above, except he’s still learning
to collect the eggs…
The rooster? The rooster was an illegal immigrant who escaped from out of the
neighbour’s chookyard. And we ALL KNOW WHAT WE AUSTRALIANS THINK OF ILLEGAL
IMMIGRANTS, don’t we! In his own yard, other bigger roosters were giving him a
hard time, so he became kingofthekids on the outside, terrorizing the chickens
up and down the back laneway, leaping into their cages for a casual rape, and
waking up Jasper at 5:30am by cock-a-doodle-dooing outside his window,
neverminding what would happen when there was a full moon. The clincher was
when he attacked our poor old bantam rooster in the middle of our lawn, who is
well past his prime, but living out his days in a life of idle luxury in our
chook pen. The bantam (‘Pake’ is his name) was nearly pecked to death, except
that Minke came out of the back door of our house just in time. Enough became
enough! Our other neighbour (Murray, as featured in one of the photos) had been
hanging around for weeks waiting for his chance, hanging out his shed window
with a ‘wind shooter’ (in Dutchlish), um, air rifle. Then, whilst Minke was out
and only Ramon was home, he snuck through the gate in the side fence between
our homes, slunk down our yard commando-style (through all the duck-poo), and
POW! The Rooster was an ex-Rooster. He was first transferred to a bucket in
Murrays’ shed, and now resides in the forest on the other side of the road. Suchislifeinthecountry.com!
Ramon didn’t get the chance to take the obligatory photos.
The train? Pemberton received some unwelcome bad publicity a couple of weeks
ago when Australia’s Public Liability Insurance crisis finally caught up with
the town’s steam train and tram (amongst others) and the State newspaper ran a
negative story on it. Things looked grim, but the owner, who is a train buff,
at great personal expense, has managed to broker another deal that will allow
him to operate again! Joy, joy, the weekend morning ‘toot-tooting’ and romantic
coal-smoke drifting across town as the train puffs out of town is back again,
much to Jasper’s delight! The rest of the state of WA thinks it’s great too –
the paper ran a small follow-up article. So, Pemberton is NOT dying – it’s a
great little place, so comeandvisitusinPemberton.com!
The cat? Ramon and Siepie had a bit of a relationship going on. Siepie went
into Ramon’s room each night and went to sleep on his bed. When he didn’t come
(he was working on his reports), and so she came out to get him. One night,
THREE TIMES!!! Then we didn’t see either of them until about 10am next morning.
Check out the love in their eyes in the photos!
Siepie is now missing Ramon terribly. The first night after he left, she sat on
top of the fridge all night and just stayed there. She missed her bedtime
companion. Minke has finally managed to coax her down.
Letmewashyourdishesforaday.com. It wasn’t all fun and games for Ramon – we did
finally manage to drag him off his computer and wash a few dishes. He even
carted a wheelbarrowload of gravel for me! Still, I guess he did have a pretty
cushy time. He even informs me he is a master chef, although most of his guests
never get to see it or know about it … oops, sorry Ramon, did I just sell you
out?????!!!!!
I’m sure there are a few more tid-bits, but I’ll leaveitatthatfornow.com
Cheers!
RAMON:
What can I say... Thanks Greg!
Name: Brian B
City, Country: Garner, NC, USA
Sent: 3.44 PM - 7/22 2002
Ramon, I know the days in Pemberton must have been relaxing. Especially since
you stayed with a Dutch family.
I just read in the forum that you
will be taking a break in Holland again after leaving Australia. I'm anxious to
discover what part of the world you'll open our eyes to next.
RAMON:
Well, Brian, that's all up to anybody who wants to sponsor me in getting
somewhere
:-)
Name: Danielle
City, Country: Canada
Sent: 3.33 PM - 7/22 2002
Hi Ramon! My names Danielle and I just wanted to let you know I think what
you're doing is so cool!! My mom always follows where you go on your website. We
just registered our house for when you come to Canada! We're also friends with
Karin and Tom Spence, who's house you just stayed in while you were in
Australia!
Name: Maureen
City, Country: Denmark, WA
Sent: 2.43 PM - 7/22 2002
Hi Ramon, It was great having you stay with us. We wish you could have stayed a
little longer though. Hope all goes well with the rest of your journey. Keep
smiling. Maureen and Kevin.
Name: Brian
City, Country: Durban, South Africa
Sent: 6.21 AM - 7/22 2002
Hi Ramon, Joan, and Emma, and everyone...
Joan, thanks for your comment. Have you heard that world class Ozzie comedian
Kevin Bloody Wilson go on about how people sound so different? It is worth a
listen, if you can handle a bit of dirty humour.
Emma, thanks for your comments as well. Ramon is indeed a wonderful person, and
the more people that can tell the world that thru their own experiences, the
better for Ramon, and untimately the better for all of us.
Ramon, if you need a break, then ask to stay another night. You don't have to
be shy, we understand, it's incredibly hard work you are doing.
One more thing, Bret from California says hi to everyone. He is happy that the forum is still there. Speaking
of which, I'm off to see what's new there...
Sala kahle to all
Brian
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 1.29 AM - 7/21 2002
Brian,
I know what you mean about accents. I love hearing various accents from
different countries, that is why I was anxious to hear Ramon's voice. My mother
is British, so I am obviously quite familiar with that accent since I visit
Britain often.
Aussies I hear often with the stars in TV and movies. South Africans less
often. However, I am a car racing fan, and watch Thomas Schecter, South
African, in the IRL (Indy Racing League), and have even chatted with him at the
Indy 500.
I have also been fortunate to visit Brazil and loved hearing the Brazilian
Portuguese language (a truly Romance sounding language, much softer on the ears
than Spanish I believe), and I loved their accents when speaking in English.
As I am sure is true in many countries, there are accents and dialects in the
USA. Sometimes I have trouble understanding the "Southerners"
(Southeast USA) accent when speaking English.
I grew up in New Jersey, USA, which has a distinct accent in the Southern part
of the state. Then I lived in Boston, Massachusetts for several years, which
has a whole different accent. People in Boston jokingly made fun of my New
"Joisey" accent! Hmmph! :-) I now have a mixed mongrel accent, living
in the Southwestern USA.
Cultures, languages and accents are interesting!!
I love the world we live in - 'cause it's the only one we have! :-)
Peace to all on Earth, someday, I pray!
Keep on truckin' Ramon!
Regards And Hugs to all,
Joan
[] [] []
Name: Maria
City, Country: Perth, Australia
Sent: 5.52 PM - 7/20 2002
Emma, I love your comment on the forum. It seems you and Ramon both were pretty
impressed by his visit at your place :-)
Name: Anne
City, Country: Armadale: Perth : W.A.
Sent: 4.47 PM - 7/19 2002
Hey Ramon,
Have u already left Perth??
What about the invitation to stay with us?
I s'pose you have had 100's of invites to stay with people, but we were looking
forward to meeting you in person and having 'you-stay-for-a-day!!!
Never mind, mischien een andere keer!!
Enjoy
yor trip across the Nullabor wen u do it!! We did it 6 months ago and we LOVED
it!!!!
If u get the chance ... Albany is a GREAT spot as well!!!!!
Regards, Anne B.
Name: Emma
City, Country: Peppermint Grove, Western Australia
Sent: 1.29 PM - 7/19 2002
Hello to all of Ramon's supporters and followers...
thought I should come on here and say hi, as Ramon mentioned there were a
couple of messages about me/us!
Firstly let me assure you that Ramon was not in the best of health on the extra
night he stayed with me. It wasn't so much sickness, more sheer exhaustion and
fatigue! The poor guy just needed a break from the whole "Hi, who are you?
where have you been? where did you get the idea..." etc etc. He fitted
into my family immediately, and within an hour I felt like I'd known him for
years. We 'clicked' immediately and had long conversations about just about
everything! When he told me how exhausted and drained he was, I offered him to
stay another night- after all it was a different house so it wasn't exactly
breaking the rules of his project!
I couldn't believe the comment from one poster that Ramon didn't want to go
from 'upper-class' to 'lower class'!!! I have never read such rubbish! You are
talking about a guy who was quite happy to sleep in the back of a car? You
think a suburb's reputation is really going to matter to this guy? He shared
stories of staying in tiny shacks in Africa, made of tyres, rubbish and street
litter. Any house would be a palace compared to this. Ramon is not travelling
easily, or in much style- could you live out of a backpack travelling daily for
over 16 months??
I thoroughly enjoyed Ramon's company, and look forward to seeing him again. If
any of you reading this have not yet invited him to stay- don't hesitate at
all! Invite this warm, funny, adventurous man into your life.
~Em
Name: Brian
City, Country: Durban, South Afrcia
Sent: 6.30 AM - 7/19 2002
Hi Ramon
Now THAT is something worth putting on a video clip, a walking fish! I've never
seen or even heard of such a creature.
The closest thing to it is the Mudskipper, but I really don't have much more on
it. It does not really walk, sort of waddles along on its pectoral fins out of
water.
How does Jaimes' fish walk? Does it also use its pectoral fins? Are they
adapted only for walking? Feet? Toes? Or do they get used in the more
conventional sense while the fish swims? Does it swim?
Jaimes, how about putting a little story about your strange creature on the
messageboard, so that we can learn about it? It sounds quite facinating. What
made you get it? How long does it live? What does it eat (presumably not the
other fish in the tank...)?
Ramon, these are the little things that must surely make your journey special. Little
things about people, what they do, what they have, or don't have, little
interesting titbits about the human behind the person.
Hamba kahle
Brian
Name: Brian
City, Country: Durban, South Africa
Sent: 6.10 AM - 7/18 2002
Hi all
Matt in Oz, don't feel bad, mate. Your internet industry is apparently much
better than ours here in SA. Also, Ramon's ISP have to allow him that extra
storage space for huge video files. The messageboard already has a limit in
size, and the forum was interrupted...
But yes, it is indeed a brilliant idea, Margaret.
Ramon, as usual, my sincerest wishes are with you. Keep strong, and continue
with the accurate journalism.
Hamba kahle
Brian
Name: matt
City, Country: cessnock australia
Sent: 4.11 AM - 7/18 2002
Name: Margaret
City, Country: Minneapolis area
Sent: 4.25 AM - 7/18 2002
Just a few comments today:
(2) Why doesn't someone give Ramon a digital videocam and have him post a few
digital video clips as well as still photos? Has that possibility been explored
by anyone? (Would you do that if someone gave you one?)
Margaret in australia we have stupid download limits and slow internet even our
broadband so even if ramon had a digital camera he wouldnt be able to upload
video because of our slow boring internet and dumb download limits these are
all because a company here telstra wants to earn more money (www.telstra.com)
Name: Chris Egan
City, Country: Mandurah, Western Australia
Sent: 3.42 AM - 7/18 2002
Great website. Ive taken an interest from when you visited Karratha as that is
my old home town and you have been going to all the places i have been. Many
western australians know about him as he was featured on the news and on radio.
Hope the trip goes well
bye
Name: Margaret
City, Country: Minneapolis area
Sent: 7.25 PM - 7/17 2002
Just a few comments today:
(1) Like Joan, I listened to your voice interviews (Canada, BBC) for the first
time today, too. They are great!
(2) Why doesn't someone give Ramon a digital videocam and have him post a few
digital video clips as well as still photos? Has that possibility been explored
by anyone? (Would you do that if someone gave you one?)
(3) I often play Hearts (a card game) on www.flipside.com, and fairly often end
up playing with Australians. I always ask them if they know about your project
or are following your website, and invariably they say NO. I always tell them
to take a look at it. This tells me that you are not yet a household word in
Australia. But maybe that will change by the time your visa is up.
Well, stay safe and grateful as always.
Name: Kylie
City, Country: Morley, Western Australia
Sent: 2.31 PM - 7/17 2002
Hi Ramon,
You may have cut your own throat (have you got offers for travel over east?)
with your comments towards Lizs' father like that knowing full well how many
people read your daily reports.
I tell people about what your doing and the first thing they say is
"freeloader" then when they think about it, they are actually envious
and wonder why they didn't think of it themselves., they then say "good on
him". Being judgemental sucks and I think you owe Liz and her family an
apoligy.
Happy Travels,
Kylie
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 5.17 AM - 7/17 2002
Ramon,
Thanks for the links to the voice interviews. I am embarrassed to say I had not
visited that area of your web page after all this time! :-( I loved the
interviews, and yes, now I have heard your voice! Thanks again!
Joan
Name: dragan
City, Country: banjaluka, bosnia and herzegovina
Sent: 2.40 AM - 7/17 2002
hi ramon, i followed your trip last year , glad to see you are still on the
road,you are wellcome here too, good luck!!
Name: Cynthia
City, Country: Colorado, USA
Sent: 11.16 PM - 7/16 2002
Hi Everyone and Ramon,
I agree with Margaret in Minneapolis, many gruff people have a soft inside. What
would Liz and her father think when they read your report, Ramon, misunderstood
I suspect? I enjoy your descriptions of people but not the hasty judgements, as
it doesn't make interesting reading.
I find the older I get the more interest I have in figuring people out, and a
certain joy when I can't. I can relate with all age groups, more so than when I
was a young buck, or buckess in my case.
So Ramon, how do you go about romancing Emma when you're on the road? Remember,
be attentive. She may respond well with this and you have the ability to be
quite creative.
Name: Margaret
City, Country: Minneapolis area
Sent: 7.43 PM - 7/16 2002
Well, your story remains interesting, no matter what.
Thanks as always for your stories and photos!!!
HOWEVER: I know you don't need me to say this but I've got to say it anyway: I
am disappointed by the way you bad-mouthed Liz's father. (1) Some people are
gruff and overdirect by nature, and it doesn't mean they aren't good people
necessarily. They may just be of a different sort; sometimes they are people of
whom it was originally said that "ACTIONS SPEAK LOUDER THAN
WORDS>" Think of all the smooth-talking people who will deceive you,
rip you off, etc. Your description reminded me of ways my father often
communicated . . . people had to spend time with him and empathize to get the
full benefit of his inner goodness sometimes. But he was a rock of stability
and responsibility. I wonder if you had any chance to ask Liz about her
father's character?? (2) He didn't invite you into his home!! His daughter did.
Why should he have to make small talk if it doesn't come naturally to him? I
just can't see writing what you did for millions of people to read when you
were actually the one infringing on his turf without his invitation . . . and
your knowledge of him as a person was so limited.
I tell myself you are growing up as you go through your adventures. If you
really do travel another 5-10 years, it'll be good to observe the maturation
process do its work.
Again, I apologize for this message that sounds like criticism. I just can't
NOT speak up for folks like my father was. Look at their total lives, not just
their charm or lack of it, before making your appraisals. And show respect for
people's parents.
Thanks for reading this.
Name: wendy
City, Country: narrogin, australia
Sent: 6.45 AM - 7/16 2002
Ramon, I've been really interested/entertained by your adventures. I am curious
though, the other day when you didn't move from upper class (leafy private)
Peppermint Grove to lower class (housing estate) Girrawheen, were you really
ill. I hope so, I'd be disappointed if you weren't allowing yourself to
experience all on offer. Wendy
RAMON:
No that is really a strange comment! How can I already figure out the
differences between rich and poor in a big city of Perth within one week? And
than, have I ever cared about differences? All I ask is help in food and a
place to sleep, so anything goes. A posh hotel in Norway or a mudhut in South
Africa: I won't complain!
Name: Brian
City, Country: Durban, South Africa
Sent: 6.31 AM - 7/16 2002
Hi Ramon
It has certainly been a week or two of adventure, and perhaps some mental
torment. Having to sleep in a car, having no water in a desert, flies, strange
winging tourists, and even losing your Spits contract. And then, not being with
your dad on his 60th.
Well, I am glad that you are well. But then, having met you, I knew, and
expected, that you would weather well. you are far too strong to let these
things bother you.
Keep going, Ramon, you are doing an incredible job, and no-one can ever deny
that.
Joan, as for what Ramon sounds like, well, he has a "typical" (can I
use that word?) Dutch accent, and speaks English surprisingly well. I really
hope that he has not picked up that Ozzie twang with all the Ozzie slang, if
you know what I mean. One should try to retain one's cultural features.
But hearing Ramon with a touch of Oz would be rather amusing, especially if you
don't expect it. Actually, I've met some wonderful people from Scandinavia, and
I s'pose it applies to any country where English is not the dominant language,
who have American accents. But then, they learnt English from watching American
movies. Ramon learnt English by learning English, so his accent is genuinely
Dutch.
Also, accents sound different depending on where you live. While in London, I
met up with a Texan, a New Yorker, and two chaps from South Dakota. They all
thought I was Ozzie! (Quite a few people from outside SA think that.) And my
Belgian friend says I have a British accent. So, what does anyone sound like? Well,
like anything in life, it depends on your outlook.
Once again, Ramon, keep that strong outlook, and speak exactly as you want to.
Hamba kahle.
Brian
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 1.08 AM - 7/16 2002
Ramon,
Excellent points about the TV idea. I stand corrected. I agree, this is an
internet project, and TV following you and into people's homes would ruin the
intimacy of the visits. Bad idea. Keep on doing what you do the best! :-) Yuor
ideas and your approach is the best.
Regards,
Joan
Name: Mike W.
City, Country: Scotland
Sent: 10.52 PM - 7/15 2002
Good theat you employer has kept you on after all, have they perhaps realised
that they may have some financial/copyright claim on you if you publish your
story in some form in the future or am I just being cinical?
Also do you ever worry that some less scruplious travelers may try to copy you
but for different and exploititive reasons? (i.e. JUST to save money, sponge
off others but without giving anything back? I note that you always give
credit/publicity to people/organisations as far as possibe who help you out.
Anyway keep on going. I've adopted your tactics on reporting my frequent
travels to friends and collegues on a daily (if possible) basis on my last trip
with good success and intend doing same on my next trip to South America in
September. Fortunately there are a Hell of a lot of Internet Cafes out there...
Name: Jeannie D
City, Country: in France
Sent: 10.07 PM - 7/15 2002
Hi .... don't know if you remember but before you set off in the first place I
sent you a short note wishing you luck and just a tiny bit of motherly advice :
NEVER wear your cap in anyone's house !!! enough said -
and if SHE should be the right one this time, I wish you all the best. Bye JD
Name: Tammy
City, Country: Sonora CA, USA
Sent: 7.18 PM - 7/15 2002
Dear Ramon: Do I detect a little love connection between you and Emma? Your eyes
were sparekling for her it seems. Or does you heart still hold a space for
Ireen? Just curious?
Tammy
Name: Arnold Timmerman
City, Country: Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Sent: 6.35 PM - 7/15 2002
Hi Ramon,
Thank God Sp!ts decided to prolong their deal with you. Only short-sighted
fools in journalistic Holland would not come up with a creative solution for
the slight inconvenience they signed for in the first place: missing one of
your columns because there is no way you could be on line.
I'm glad that people send you emails criticising your honest and clear
reactions to some situations you encounter travelling the world. It gives me
the opportunity to tell you what a great challenge you chose. Reading your
stories it's clear that you feel the luckiest guy in the world since you've
been fulfilling your dream. Actually, being lucky doesn't have anything to do
with all the good things (and bad things) that happen. You chose to travel in a
unique way. You chose life. Because of that, things, people and fortune come to
you. If other people wanna experience that kind of blessing, they should choose
life as well, in whatever way.
Leaving the tour you were offered and going for a beggar's life for 4000
kilometres takes guts (one for the record: beggars can't be choosers? no way!
beggars cán be choosers!) Some people say that was not according to your
original plan, but who cares? People roll through their lives, never taking a
chance, telling their friends their job is okay when in fact they don't even
remember why they applied for it in the first place. Worse: they woudn't be
able to point out why they dón't like what they're doing. You made your move
right away and told everybody why, straight up. Cheers for that.
And, no one in this world is better off being thanked for everything, being
approached with a smile all the time. People think it's a condition for
universal love. In short, when people invite you, and you accept, both wishes
are fulfilled. Everyone happy. End of story.
I hope you will enjoy all the ups and downs on your travels and that you will
share those highlights with us in all honesty. Be grateful to yourself. You're
the one who made it possible for so many people to appreciate the stories you
live.
Take care, buddy.
Arnold
Name: Marty
City, Country: Raleigh, NC - USA
Sent: 3.48 PM - 7/15 2002
Ramon,
Been following you off and on for a while now. Too bad that Spits didn't need
your columns ay more, but I wish you would be more reasonable about the way you
reflect on stuff like that. After all, they can hardly be held responsible for
your affairs in Holland while you travel the world.
I have noticed before how you tend to get a bit whiny when things aren't going
your way, and that's too bad. Try not to be so critical all the time of other
people (i.e. British travelers on a tour that was offered (!) to you). After
all, you've come this far, haven't you? I really don't think you have THAT much
to complain about, considering all the support you have received to this point.
Yet, you frequently come across as pretty negative and judgmental, to the point
of being cynical about things other people would consider a blessing to
experience....
Just take things as they come your way, and be grateful. And a bit more
gracious, maybe?
Keep it up,
Marty
Name: paul (lazystudent.co.uk)
City, Country: UK
Sent: 12.18 PM - 7/15 2002
Hi Ramon
We still follow your travels, its amazing how far you have got. We are in the
middle of building a new site for lazystudent and we have just put your site at
the top of the travel journals section.
What a fantastic idea you had it seems so long ago now, I'm sure we will get to
meet up sometime in the future.
Take care and travel well
Its Ok to dream
regards
Paul lazystudent team
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 3.35 AM - 7/15 2002
p.s.
As I spin my Earth globe in my office, and review where you have been thus far,
I estimate you have another 10-15 yrs to go! :-) At least! :-) I am sure you
won't do this for another 15 yrs, but maybe 5-7, before you settle down. But
who knows, this could be your calling for life, like many travelers. I am
hoping that a video camera crew catches up with you soon, and you are on the
way to a Travel Channel series. I watch the Travel Channel religiously, and
there are video traveler series from many years ago, such as the old Lonely
Planet 30 min segments.
How about it Travel Channel, National Geographic??? We would like to see the
videos of Ramons real life travels, staying in peoples homes who invite him to
stay!! I think these journeys are worthy of video now, for future series! We
are enjoying a great series here in your reports and digital photos, but I
think it is time for video, and a future video TV series! Time is being lost,
we need the video! Crikey!!!!!! It's time to make this a TV Series for the
future!
Or is this just my vision?
Cheers,
Joan
RAMON:
I will keep on travelling as long as I enjoy it and as long as it is made
possible for me thanks to ordinary people on the internet and sponsors. I might
have some breaks during my travels, but that might only be to get some rest.
Television is welcome to film me, but I will NOT EVER let them travel with me
and let TV stay with the same people I visit. Imagine when I get to your place
with an entire camera crew: would you be yourself? Would you have the same
talks with me as without the camera(s)? Definitely not.
Where would a TV-crew sleep? In the same house like me? Are the hosts expected
to cook for them too? Whoever would film me about my NO-BUDGET travels and have
their tv-crew pay for hotels and motels for these nights is rather fooling
himself very much.
This is an internet project and will always be an internet project. If people
want to film travellers that travel like me, buy the TV-format for
the Letmestayforaday-TV Show or movie-rights of my
stories, because I don't want to have my travels being "Controlled"
by TV. TV can only be an instrument, just like radio and newspapers, to be used
to promote the project.
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 1.28 AM - 7/15 2002
Hi All,
Ramon, enjoying your travels as usual. I was following on my globe in my office
today as I read the recent stories. I found most of the recent places on it. Fun!
Something occurred to me today. We know lots about you :-), and your travels,
etc. I was wondering what you "sound" like? Would you consider a
voice greeting on your web page? I'd love to hear your voice, speaking English
(since your site is English - but of course a message in Dutch would be great
to hear as well.)
Just a thought. I "see" you and "read" you daily. Hmm, what
does Ramon "sound" like? :-)
Not that you need this advice now, but a tip I had heard from my cousin from
England who travels the world. If you get to a not so good/safe area of the
world where you travel by bus or train at night, he locks his backpack to his
seat/bed/himself, so it is not stolen while he is sleeping. Also has little
locks on all zippered compartments. He learned this from backpackers hostels as
he traveled the world in the last few years, perhaps you have already heard of
this tip.
Take care, hope to "hear" from you soon!
Regards,
Joan
RAMON:
About hearing my voice, there are some sound bites available on the
media-about-page, like the interview the Canadian
Arthur Black had with me for CBC radio when I was in South
Africa, or one of the early ones like BBC Five Live before I actually departed
(nervous and bad English haha).
Ludo had lots of audiofiles on his "Where Is Ramon" website, but
unfortunately he couldn't update those map-pages anymore. I hope to upload
those Mp3-files to the Letmestayforaday-server pretty soon.
I know all about those backpackers that seal everything they own, with their
fears of everything getting stolen. I haven't been to countries yet, where that
occurs, and I don't had any of that mind set in the countries I have visited
and I'll never have that in Australia. Maybe it's a thought for Asia, but I
don't want to have ANY stereotypical thoughts yet. I'll see when I get there.
Name: Jan en Joke Stoppelenburg
Sent: 9.22 PM - 7/14 2002
I would like to thank everybody who sent me a birthday wish. They all gave me a
support and heartened us for missing Ramon.
We also got shy of all glorifying words about Ramon. We don't hope Ramon read
them too because he got too big for his boots now already ;-))
We hope everybody will enjoy his adventures, stories and pictures.
And Ramon, take care and safe travels
Name: Rene Mak
City, Country: Perth, Australia
Sent: 6.05 AM - 7/14 2002
Any Interstate truckers out there, that can give this guy a ride across to the
other side of the country?
RAMON:
The chance will be big that somebody would give me a lift when I start
hitchhiking along the road. Problem is the distance, it might take 3 days to
get there and would anybody take on a hitchhiker WITHOUT ANY MONEY along for a
ride? Would a truckie help me out with something to eat?
Name: Randall
City, Country: Huntington Beach, California USA
Sent: 11.22 PM - 7/12 2002
Sorry about the earlier post. You'll get here if you get here, and I hope to be
here if and when you do.
Continued Happy Travels.
Name: Nada Ross
City, Country: Gold Coast, Queensland
Sent: 9.56 PM - 7/11 2002
Dear Ramon,
I was feeling kind of sorry for you for a while there, sleeping in the cold at
the back of a car and having to wait for hours on lonely roads waiting for a
lift but HEY what an adventure it turned out for you and our anticipation at
waiting to find out the next day what you will get up to and who will pick you
up and where. It was a unique experience you will never forget.
You would have missed out on Karatha and their wonderful hospitality, the fruit
stall etc etc.
I dont think you will see much from the plane nor meet the local folk that way
and I for one will miss your adventures of the rest of the West Australian
coast.
boo hoo but blessings come in different disguises so you never know whats
around the next cloud.
Your photos are just great of the outback and depict the true colours and life
there. Keep well
Blessings to you..........Nada
Name: Randall
City, Country: Huntington Beach, (Southern) California
Sent: 7.07 PM - 7/11 2002
It's a lot of fun to read of your travels and adventures, and I look forward to
your reports. When do you (or do you at all) plan on making it to the US?
By the way... I had wished to send your father a birthday greeting, and regret
that I missed the day to do it. Please send him good wishes from Sunny Southern
California!
Name: Michael Offe
City, Country: South Australia.
Sent: 3.45 PM - 7/11 2002
Happy Birthday Jan!
All the best from South Australia!
You have a very intelligent son, and he came up with a brilliant concept for
his world tour.
We are looking forward to Ramon's visit in the next month or so.
Yours sincerely,
Michael Offe,
South Australia.
Name: Karen
City, Country: London, UK
Sent: 10.41 AM - 7/11 2002
I would love to send your dad an emial but his mailbox is not accepting mail
from my yahoo account.
But if he reads this: happy birthday Jan! Enjoy!
Name: anna
City, Country: the netherlands
Sent: 10.47 AM - 7/10 2002
Is Perth your last place to stay in Australia or are you also going to South
Australia and Victoria?
RAMON:
Of course I'll be going there too! My Australian tourist visa is valid until
September 4.
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 4.34 AM - 7/10 2002
Heya Brian,
Hey, stop seeing me smiling! :-) Yea, I guess Ramon did not even like Daniela
enough to hitch a ride with her. Must have been a really bad overall
experience. Oh well.
Chris R. - true, travel distances are a matter of perspective. I grew up in the
Northeastern USA (New Jersey and then Massachusetts) and a 4 hr trip was a big
deal. I now live in the Southwest USA and 3-4 hrs is no big deal. It's all a
matter of perspective as to the landscape where one lives. Miles and miles of
nothing is common here when leaving the city. The next main city is 2 hrs away
- 2 hrs of straight highway, of nothing in between besides some mountains and
fields.
Ramon, I am wondering what the speed limit is on these highways you are
traveling lately? Here the speedlimits on the Federal Interstate Highways are
usually 75 mph. 55-65 mph around cities, main exit areas. What is the speed
limit on the roads you are traveling these days? You always report the
mileage/kilometers to your destination. How about the speed limits (if they
exist)? Thanks.
Best wishes to you all. What a great group we are forming!!!! Someday, after
Ramon's travels are over, we'll have to somehow plan a huge reunion of all the
followers and supporters! WOW, wouldn't that be fantastic!!!!!?? I vote for
Hawaii reunion! :-)
Joan
Name: Chris R.
City, Country: Austin, Texas USA
Sent: 8.01 PM - 7/9 2002
Hey Ramon,
I just have to chuckle at how amazed you are at the distances in the Outback! I'm
reminding myself it's because you are a European, where everything is so much
settled and countries are so much smaller that you have just had no chance to
see such a thing before. I myself just shrug and think it looks a lot like a
lot of places here in the US. Wait'll you get here and drive for hours across
West Texas sagebrush country, or maybe Kansas cornfields or even the emptiness
of Nebraska. The worst is Nevada, where everything is just brown, brown as far
as you can see, no cactus, no bushes, no nothing, just brown for hours and
hours and hours .... lol! Well, I'm sure you'll see soon enough. For now,
thanks for the pix! It looks great to me! :-)
Name: Ron
City, Country: Sydney Oz
Sent: 10.43 AM - 7/9 2002
Hi Ramon,
Keep on trucking enjoy the wild life
I forgot to give you an emergency bottle of Hennesy Cognac
for those lonely cold desert nights
But Ill keep the bottle of Hennesy Cognac closed until you get back to sydney
Have fun mate see u in Sydney.....
C U
Ron
Dutch On-Line
Sydney
www.dutch.net.au
Name: Brian
City, Country: Durban, South Africa
Sent: 6.02 AM - 7/9 2002
Hi Joan
Just a reference to your comments about Daniela going to Broome and then to
Perth. I guess that Ramon was not, well, swept away by Daniela!
Ok, that was feeble, but at least it brought a smile to your face! And don't
try to hide it, I can see from here... ;-)
Ramon, you keep on going, bud. And keep that book in mind, I'd love to read it.
Methinks it's going to be more of a twenty volume encyclopedia. Irrespective of
how you get there, you still get there, and it is these experiences that enrich
you, and give us the facinating articles.
Hamba kahle
Brian
Name: Nada Ross
City, Country: Gold Coast, Australia
Sent: 5.00 AM - 7/9 2002
Dear Ramon
I have been following your reports for the past few months after seeing you on
our TV news and offering you accommodation which sadly you didnt get a chance
to use.
I look forward to your emails with anticipation and am re-living your
adventures in the outback, which we have, as a family done a few years ago. Thank
you for all the photos of our huge amazingly beautiful country.
You are an inspiration to freeloading and travel.
Remain adventurous and follow your heart.....
God bless you..........Nada
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 4.48 AM - 7/9 2002
Ramon,
Thanks for the return of the message board versus the forum format. Much better!!!!!!
Joan
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 4.40 AM - 7/9 2002
Ramon,
Great travel diaries and pics, as usual. I love it!!!! Some comments and
observations:
Judging from the pics, I doubt those ladies on the tour were 65, as you guessed.
I would think in their 50's just like the British couple.
I think you were too hard on them, but not being there myself, it is hard to
say. It just came across as you being not open to the age difference. After
all, they are nearly the same age as your parents! :-)
I have to think that if they signed up for a trip like this, they would expect
the "roughing it" aspect, but also would feel free to say probably
innocent things like "Brrrrrrrr, it's damn cold", or "I sure
miss the local Pub!". :-) And even say things like ""Perfect. I
like it when things are easy." regarding some of the hikes/trails. I give
them immense credit for signing up for a camping trip like this.
I am 51, and remember what it was like to hike the mountains of New England
(Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont) when I was in my 20's. I remember the sweat and
satisfaction climbing Mt. Washington during all seasons - even in Winter, to
ski/slide down the bowl area. Today, I like adventures, but also like the
easier trails yet want to enjoy the nature. People get older ya know. :-) I
cannot keep up with a person in their 20's today, and would never profess I
could. Nor would I sign up for such a trip myself now. Give me the nice hotel
room! :-)
I thought perhaps you would continue on a bit and keep Daniela company! "Daniela
is not going to do the full 24-days trip to Perth. She gets off after the first
11 days in Broome. She has planned to drive the distance from Broome to Perth
by herself in a car of her own." I thought this was a perfect opportunity
and was expecting you to report that you continued on to Broome, and then drove
to Perth with Daniella. Guess I guessed that wrong!
Agreed though, perhaps you would have had more fun with a group your age. Sorry
that did not work out for you, but also sorry you had to leave the tour. I hope
you did not miss out on too much.
Funny, I could not help when reading your report about getting frustrated
(impatient) waiting on the others to return after a hike...."He needs a
ciggie"! I thought "Chill out Ramon, sit down and have a cig!".
Then, low and behold, when you were given some money the first thing you bought
was a pack of cigarettes! See, I just KNEW you needed a ciggie!!!!!!! :-) I
laughed and laughed, and being a smoker myself, I knew the feeling!!!!!!
On June 30th you wrote: "I crawled out of my tent this morning at 5.30 in
the morning and said "What a beautiful day!" in my utmost British
accent. Four grumpy old individuals looked at me and totally disagreed with
that. The cold of the morning was the conversation topic of the entire
morning.'"
On July 1st you wrote: "Because after the sun had set, the coldness set in
immediately....." "I am kind of prepared for the
cold"...."my backup team and my friends at home gave me advice on how
to survive a cold night like this in a car."..."I would be fine. I
would be okay. I would just think about that warm shower I had this night, and
about how the campfires from the previous days glowed in my face and kept me
warm out there and I would think about how hot it will be during the day and I
would just forget how cold it is."
Stop f**king whining about the cold!!!! :-) Not only did those British ladies
go on about it, so did you! :-)
Ramon, as always, thanks for the adventures, your stories, your honesty and sincerity,
and your most excellent photos. You continue to be an inspiration for travelers
(and tourists). And as always, thanks to your hosts/hostesses, and all the
sponsors! It is a marvelous adventure which you are sharing with the world! Indeed
those of us who are following you have learned an encyclopedia of information
about the places you have visited - actually, quite better than an encyclopdia,
as you not only tell us the informational data (thanks for all the links in
your daily updates about the places you visit!), you also tell us about the
every day living experiences - things we often cannot find in an encyclopedia! You
are a world guide in more ways than just reporting on places. You are reporting
on PEOPLE! Most wonderful!
I just had to make my observations. You know me, I follow every thread and
update. :-) I have been wondering ever since your first announcement as to why
you left the tour. Now we all know, you just needed a ciggie! :-) j/k Like I
said, not being there, not being you, we cannot know the exact feelings, but I
think you relayed your feelings well. You just wanted some more down to earth,
and preferably, closer to your age, companions, on that tour. No harm, no foul,
as they say.
Keep on traveling, be open, be safe!
Cheers,
Joan
Name: Trevie
City, Country: Amersham, BUCKS
Sent: 11.55 PM - 7/8 2002
http://www.dingosanctuary.org/dingo.html
I have found this web site all about Dingos...
This will answer your questions..
Trevie
Name: Cynthia H
City, Country: Denver, USA
Sent: 11.06 PM - 7/8 2002
I forgot to ask another question, anyone can help me with and that is this: I
heard that the dingo is the only land carnivore and it is not native to
Australia. Is this right?
Name: Chris R.
City, Country: Austin, Texas USA
Sent: 8.35 PM - 7/8 2002
Hi Ramon,
I just want to say I agree with Cynthia from Denver that it is not all older
folks who act that way! I am a 52 year old grandma and I LOVE camping and
adventure - the rougher the better. You won't catch me in too many fancy luxury
hotels that's for sure. I have a daughter-in-law from Lima, Peru. She is only
32 and complains all the time about everything. So it's the person, not the
age. I bet you'll be a cool old geezer yourself when you get to be your dad's
age, right? (wink)
Keep on truckin'. There are LOTS of us, older folks included, who are having a
wonderful time vicariously enjoying your adventures. I just wish I could be
helping you out when you got stuck. I've been there too, and know what that's
like.
Oh yes, and I also did send birthday wishes to your dad, and told him he should
be very proud of his son!
Name: Cynthia H
City, Country: Denver USA
Sent: 7.59 PM - 7/8 2002
Hi Ramon,
I'm twenty years older than you and I think I'm very tolerable and open minded,
I don't think you should blame the age difference as I take offense at that. We're
not all like the British ladies. I eat with my hands all the time. I also
wanted to ask about the wildlife... I was under the impression that there was
an abundance of fauna yet as I recall, you've seen crocs and snakes and flies
and dead kangaroos...anything else? Also explain the difference between a
traveler and a tourist as I thought you were both.
I feel sorry for Dave, maybe you should have stayed
with the tour as a comrade for Dave the tour operator. Anyway, I sent B-Day
greetings to your Dad. I enjoy IMMENSELY your journey and your website.
Name: Trevie
City, Country: Amersham,BUCKS
Sent: 6.35 PM - 7/8 2002
Hi Ramon, I see you are having trouble with those Brits, I feel so ashamed that
british people cant shut up and stop whinging for five minutes and enjoy what
they have or where they are.. On Holiday. If there isnt a kitchen sink, British
people are the first to moan. I feel more annoyed about it than I should, as I
am not actually there. Its really winds me up..errrr
Name: Diane
City, Country: Exmouth
Sent: 6.19 AM - 7/8 2002
Like Nomi (below), I also discovered your website from a yahoo group and I have
been following your exploits on a daily basis. Sorry about your "friendly
welcome" to WA. I enjoy your photos and very unique and honest style of
writing. What a pity you missed out on Exmouth and the Ningaloo Reef. All the
best as you tour the rest of WA.
Name: qin ying ran
City, Country: china
Sent: 2.57 PM - 7/7 2002
hi. mmmmmmm, seems you visit many country, but u never think to come to china
ever once. why??
RAMON:
It is always fascinating that people know what I think... I only think about
visiting ANY country when I am very near that country at that particular moment
or when a sponsor might be able to get me there. I have, for example,
absolutely NO reason NOT to visit China. I'll get there when I get there...
Name: Nomi
City, Country: Tel-Aviv, Israel
Sent: 1.43 PM - 7/7 2002
G'day
Sounds like you're having a pretty incredible trip. I just got turned on to
your website through a forum on yahoo groups. I'm an Ozzie myself but, I've
been based in Israel for the past 8 years. I'm all for travelling around the
world, I just don't do it in one go. I spent a year in the States, which I
recommend....particularly, New Orleans, Arizona, Boston and Seattle....a few of
my favourites. I'm about to take off again and travel for a couple of months
before landing in Vancouver for a year. Who knows, maybe we'll meet on the road
somewhere.
Enjoy and keep up the good work of promoting travel and showing everyone how
small this world really is.
Nomi
Name: Eddy
City, Country: Bunbury Western Australia
Sent: 8.16 AM - 7/7 2002
you are on your way to the greatest place on earth ,Bunbury Western Australia
home of the imfamous Hash House Harriers with over 1000 recorded runs & of
course the drinking of the mighty amber fluid .WE run & drink every
Wednesday at 6pm .If you want a good laugh & of couse a drink or three you
should be there .More imfo from the Big Blue Building when you arrive in
Bunbury (another famous landmark )on on !!!
RAMON:
Hi Eddy, I am not unfamiliar with the Hash House Harriers. My parents joined
that group of runners/drinkers when we lived in Indonesia in my early years.
Then back in The Netherlands there are several HHH's and of course we joined up
there to do an annual Indonesia reunion Hash. I remember the last one I did a
few years ago and I couldn't really drink that much beer yet. I bet I'll run
better now, but I just don't have a place to stay in Bunburry yet...
Name: John
City, Country: Portsmouth
Sent: 11.46 PM - 7/6 2002
Did you get an get out of free jail card?
RAMON: I got one of those passes with which I can get in and out
whenever I please- isn't that great?
Name: Trevie
City, Country: Amersham, BUCKS
Sent: 11.43 PM - 7/6 2002
In your reports about the Kakadu National Park you says there are six seasons,
You have only stated five of them, what was the Six season. Please could you
also state all the months they fall,
cheers as I couldn't quite work it out.
RAMON:
You are the first! What a good way to test my readers, huh? ;-) At this link you can read an Introduction to Kakadu
which thoroughly explains the 6 seasons.
Name: Clayton Mohekey
City, Country: Busselton -- Western Australia
Sent: 11.29 AM - 7/6 2002
Hi ya good to see that you have made it this far.
What ever you do dont go back east with out seeing what the sovth west has to
offer.
You will find great wine and warm homes.
Hope to catch up with you down here.
Name: dennis rivers
City, Country: kingston england
Sent: 11.14 AM - 7/6 2002
like what ur doin m8 keep it up. i would like to to do some thing like that to
some day as well.any way got to go now cya ltr bbbyyyee
Name: dbk Tom
City, Country: NZ
Sent: 5.55 AM - 7/6 2002
great reports those from the Kakadu National Park.
Beautyfull photos
Name: Cheryle Robbins
City, Country: Dallas, TX USA
Sent: 4.41 PM - 7/5 2002
Do you know when you would be visiting the US continent?
RAMON:
No. Please read the FAQ.
Name: Melanie
City, Country: Karratha, Western Australia
Sent: 10.55 AM - 7/5 2002
Just saw you on TV. Hope you had enough places to stay here, otherwise you
could've crashed here. Sorry I didn't know what you were doing.
Name: annemarie
City, Country: zwolle, The Netherlands
Sent: 8.01 AM - 7/5 2002
You did'nt know that hitchhiking is forbidden in Australia??
RAMON:
I did some research about that before heading to Australia. The Australian
law says "thy shall not stand in road", which actually means that I'd
be not allowed to hitchhike ON the road. Most hitchhikers are smart enough to
stand next to the road, otherwise they'll become roadkill like all the
kangaroos and cows I have seen along the road...
Hitchhiking is prohibited when practices on busy highways or at certain
dangerous spots. Of course I always have to keep in mind that a possible lift
has to be able to stop at a safe place, withouth disturbing other drivers.
Just don't wave at police cars...
Name: Gerben
City, Country: Zzzwolle, Holland
Sent: 8.47 PM - 7/4 2002
Good God! So they've finally got you. About time. How much did you pay for that
picture ;-) Hope all is well. Don't worry about me Ramon, I'll be in France for
a year or so (short holiday). Let me know if you want to crash. I've got some
great wines.
Name: donatella
City, Country: milan, italy
Sent: 6.36 PM - 7/4 2002
disturbing traffic on the highway?? ramon, firstly I've thought it was a joke.
I'm sorry for what's happening over there. I hope things to turn into good very
quickly.
buona fortuna, donatella
Name: acadia
City, Country: MAine, USA
Sent: 3.03 PM - 7/4 2002
Back-up Team - Have you gotten Ramon out of Jail yet? What is he going to do
now?
Name: Ramon Stoppelenburg
City, Country: Port Hedland, Australia (at this moment)
Sent: 2.38 AM - 7/4 2002
Well...
There you had a messageboard and I changed it into a forum. There you had the
external forum and the boys out there decided to quit their service; no more
forum.
Here is the messageboard again, for you pleasure of simple posting, reading and
scrolling!
Name: Natalie Lam
City, Country: Hong Kong , China
Sent: 7.22 AM - 7/1 2002
Hi guy,
From the time you plan to have the "free trip" I read your website
and daily report. A year past already, when will you stop teh travel ? Do you
miss your family?
Actually I wanna to know your nationality.
Best Wishes !!
Name: tapperij De Joffer
City, Country: Holland
Sent: 1.26 PM - 6/20 2002
Great site, also your column in the HSK which we follow every edition.
When youre back to your roots we invite you for free drinks all night long to
tell us your adventures.
Good luck,and lot of greetings. Remco&Jan
Name: Munk
Hometown: Zwolle, Netherlands
Sent: 9.10 AM - 6/18 2002
Lily, wouldn't it have been less rude to send your comment to Ramon's e-mail
address instead of this guestbook for all to see?
RAMON:
Oh Munk, you should have seen her busy. She kept on going on this
messageboard, so I removed messages that were simply inappropiate for this
page. Then she started to call that censorship by email ("people like
u always do...u can't bear for people to see the truth.....in my line of work,
that is called censorship") and calls me a coward in the next one ("i
will be more than happy to tell people myself......i have my own
resources"). I am happy I did not stay with this person after all!
Name: Munk
Sent: 9.10 AM - 6/18 2002
Lily, wouldn't it have been less rude to send your comment to Ramon's e-mail
address instead of this guestbook for all to see?
Name: Brian
City, Country: Durban, South Africa
Sent: 6.30 AM - 6/18 2002
Hi all
Jeez! I go away for a long weekend of hot air ballooning, and a volcano erupts!
Well, two volcanos!
Firstly, to Lynn, I think that Bret and the others have said it quite clearly.
Do not judge another until you have checked out his intentions! You really do
not have any right to say what you said.
Ramon has stayed in many countries, and with many people, myself included, and
the vast majority of these people were delighted to host him, and sad to see
him leave.
Lynn, you clearly do not know Ramon, so let me tell you about him. Ramon is a
kind, gentle, and decent young man who has a spirit of adventure and a heart of
kindness that is hard to find elsewhere. He has utmost respect for his hosts,
and is quite open about virtually every topic of discussion. He does not expect
anything more than a place to sleep, and a meal. These are the requests he
makes on this website, and you invite him subject to that. Even months later, I
still feel immensely honoured to have hosted him.
Secondly, to Lily in Darwin, you are being very hard on Ramon. Again, to relate
to my personal experience with Ramon, he handled the situation quite
acceptabley with me. He called me on a Friday afternoon, if my memory serves me
correctly, and said that he would be in Durban on the following Monday. I was
so happy to hear from him. We made the arrangements, and I collected him from
his previous host on the Monday after work.
Now Lily, if you had visited Ramon,s website at least once in the last month or
so, you would have realised where Ramon was, and you could surely have figured
out where he is headed. I'm sure you are clever enough to figure out that he
was heading towards you. Then, keep your phone close by, and listen to your
voice messages.
Please people, do not ridicule Ramon. He is a tremendous gentleman, and he has
a huge task in this project. If you really want to help, then do so. But if you
just want your mug shot on the net, and insist on complaining all the time,
then perhaps this is not for you.
Ramon, keep strong, dude, and don't let these palookas put you down. You are
doing great, and you have many supporters out here. Keep going.
Hamba kahle
Brian
Name: Emma Rohrlach
City, Country: Perth, Australia
Sent: 4.52 AM - 6/18 2002
Ramon, I have to recommend that from Darwin you continue around the north west
coast and make your way down to Perth. Stop in Broome and go to the beach, then
see if someone invites you to the mining towns, like Newman or Paraburdoo. Say
hi to the dolphins at Monkey Mia, snorkel the ningaloo reef and say hi to some
whale sharks... See the amazing wave rock, and the pinnacles... come through
Perth and stay with me- see Cottesloe Beach (its better than bondi, and don't
let any sydney people tell you otherwise!).
I also noticed someone mentioned the Barossa Valley in SA, definitely go there
if you get a chance! Amazing place full of old german heritage, good food and
great wine!
Good luck with all your journeys, and thanks for telling the world how
wonderful Australians are!
Name: Joop Mul
City, Country: Sydney, Australia
Sent: 3.19 AM - 6/18 2002
What a shame that I did not see this earlier. How typically Dutch. What a nice
challenge. Just jealous. Would have liked to have been of assistance when you
were in Sydney.
Joop Mul (born in Gouda) 46 years in Oz.
Name: Melissa
City, Country: London, England
Sent: 7.11 PM - 6/17 2002
Well, I'm only 16, but it's people like you who have convinced me that I am
going to travel as much as possible while I'm still in my youth, despite my old
fashioned family who think that I should settle down right away. I don't think
I'm brave enough to do it all for free though... anyway, thanks for the
inspiration. When you get around to writing that book (I'm a hopeful
author-to-be too), I'll be the first in line to buy it.
Happy adventures!
Name: Sharyn Brown
City, Country: Townsville, Australia
Sent: 1.05 PM - 6/17 2002
Ramon,
Just a quick note to say thanx for coming to visit. As you may have guessed, we
love having visitors and meeting new people and it was great to meet you. If
you ever come back this way (in the next 50 years or so...) feel free to call
in again! I would like to say it might not be as hectic, but I doubt that, as
its always chaos.
I hope you enjoyed your short stay (except for the bacon!) and the bus trip
wasn't too bad for you!
Enjoy the outback and the rest of your fabulous adventure! Will keep track of
you.
Name: Lily Morgan
City, Country: Darwin, Australia
Sent: 1.00 PM - 6/17 2002
g'day,
i initially offered accomodation to you in darwin...some months ago
i have had no response from you, either via email, letter or phone and consider
this to be extremely rude and displaying a distinct lack of manners
i received a message on my mobile ph this morning, and upon checking your site
note that you plan to be in darwin this evening!
do you really expect me to drop everything and welcome you into my home at such
short notice?????
i think not!!!!!!!
invitation withdrawn!!!!!!!
RAMON:
Dear Lily,
If you have invited me through my website, you have probably received an email
to confirm your invite. This letter also told you that I would contact you at
least a week before I would get near you.
Please understand I have over 3300 invites from 68 countries, the website gets
over a million visitors per week and with the life I am living on the road and
with people EVERY DAY I just can't send emails to everybody who has invited me.
"I will contact you" is what my autoresponding email clearly said.
I have called your phonenumber 6 times since last week, even way back in
Townsville and left a message on Saturday afternoon. When I arrived today in
Darwin I simply asked you to contact me, because I wasn't getting any possible
contact with you at all.
Just look at it through my perspective, I have absolutely no reason to be rude
or anything like that to anybody who has invited me over.
If we would get in contact any other way after your email to me, I would
politely have asked when it would be possible for YOU to have me over. You are
never asked to drop whatever you do and to welcome me TODAY. It's even up to
you to say "sorry Ramon, can't do" and I will thank you after all.
Name: Suzie
City, Country: Wembley, England
Sent: 11.02 AM - 6/17 2002
Read about you in a British Magazine. Just wanted to say Good Luck with your
travels.
Name: Carol
City, Country: Northern Ireland
Sent: 10.00 AM - 6/17 2002
Is it just me or does anybody else reckon that the guy who gave Ramon a lift
from Tully to Townsville is really Osama Bin Laden? The yanks are wasting time
in the Afghan caves - they're not even in the right hemisphere- OBL is alive
and well and picking up hitch hikers down under.
Name: Lupe
City, Country: Rosario, Argentina
Sent: 7.51 PM - 6/16 2002
Dear Lynn,
Shame on you...
The world is like this because it is filled with people who won´t do a thing
for anybody else but them...
It is no surprise for me to find that this message was written by an north
american (a country which doesn´t even have a name of their own) -they suck
south america´s blood but won´t give theirs to no one-
My country is suffering a lot for the FMI and the world bank won´t give us any
help. I consider they are very unloyal... for when they needed to lend their
money to someone so as not to reduce its costs, they made arrangements with our
military governments so that they would accept it at very high risks -obviously
for the generations that would come next-
Dear Ramon,
I hope we can soon have you here despite the terible situation the country is
in. We ARGENTINIANS -and I dare say it in the plural form- welcome you arms
wide open.
Name: ian
City, Country: wakefield england
Sent: 7.39 PM - 6/16 2002
Just read about you in british magazine.Iwish i had the bottle to do it .All
the best Ramon.your doing what most of us dream of doing.
Name: Alex
City, Country: Edinburgh, Scotland
Sent: 6.50 PM - 6/16 2002
I read about your expedition in a British newspapers' magazine. I think what
you are doing is so cool and it has really inspired me. I will be following
your journey with pleasure. :)
Alex
Name: Balinder
City, Country: London, England
Sent: 5.19 PM - 6/16 2002
I read about your site and your expedition in a British newspaper- had to visit
it and see what it was all about. You are my hero. When I grow up I wanna be
just like you.
Name: Nicci your Noosa Friend
City, Country: Bristol, UK
Sent: 1.23 PM - 6/16 2002
Hi Ramon, Still following your journey mate, Han and I
got the photos developed from skinny dipping in Noosa, there is a full frontal
of u but luckily Han only caught a piccie of my bum!
She thanks u for calling her Laura as she can remain anonymous! Can't believe u
told the world about our frolicks in the sea but it was all good fun - Han will
email u the photos soon, I think they are a bit naked for the message board!
Take it easy, we are now home in the UK where it is definitely too cold for
skinny dipping!!
Name: acadia
City, Country: Maine. USA
Sent: 11.19 AM - 6/16 2002
Lynn,
You misunderstand Ramon's journey. It is not to get whatever he can for
nothing. It is to spread friendship and inform the rest of us along the way of
what and who he encounters. Please take the time to read his site and check out
the rest of the Daily Reports, see for yourself.
Ramon,
Thank you for responding to me. I understand that there many countries out
there and the US is only one of them. But I maintain that everytime you mention
the USA in your reports it is in a negative way. That is a shame. I look
forward to what you have to say once, and if, you actually get here. I hope
people come through and you see a side to this country that will change your
outlook. In the meantime I will continue to enjoy your reports from places
afar, that I have only dreamed of visiting.
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 3.43 AM - 6/16 2002
Bret and Lynn,
Bret, thanks for your response to Lynn. I think Lynn perhaps just "stopped
in" and did not take the time to learn about Ramon's project. The USA's
problem with foreigners is related to illegals, not legitimate travelers, which
Ramon is.
Lynn, true, there is a heightened "sensitivity" to illegal folks in
the States these days, but that is not by any means obstructing usual tourism
and travelers. (Though the questions and document checking may now take longer
when going through Customs than in the past!) I doubt Ramon would have any
problems entering the States and staying here during his project, with all the
proper VISA documents, which I am sure his support team researches and takes
care of.
The "freeloaders" are indeed a problem here - the "ilegal
aliens" who enter without proper credentials. It is a problem, but not
Ramon's problem, and I do not think he will have any problems, nor would he be
considered a "freeloader" in the sense of the illegals who enter. Not
even close.
Thanks for visiting us Lynn, but please read up on Ramon's humaritarian and
peace loving project before making judgements. We are all often rushed to
judgement - myself included at times - but in my heart I know where Ramon's
heart is, and the general purpose of his travels.
He is a good man and will be welcomed in the USA!! Not as a freeloader, but as
a good will ambassador visiting people from all walks of life in the USA!!!!
Cheers,
Joan
Name: Bret
City, Country: CA,USA
Sent: 2.12 AM - 6/16 2002
Lynn, Lynn, Lynn!
You should really wake up and start reading message boards and looking at web
sites before you make such ridiculous remarks. Your an embarrassment to us in
the USA. Then again Lynn, you might be one of those who are just trying to get
a "rise" out of your remark, to spark some (more) controversy. We've
been through this already, and are well aware that Ramon is far from a freeloader.
I'm willing to bet he works harder than you do. How do I know this? I read the
message board and learn? Every time I come here I learn! Enough said.
Alessa, from Dusseldorf,
I don't think visiting the USA is anymore interesting than anywhere else in the
world. It just seems to be the most recent discussion right now. Ramons agenda
as I see it, is whoever will sponsor him to the next country where he has a
fair amount of invites is where he will go. If he has a round trip from the
Netherlands to Australia, and ends up back in the Netherlands. He'll make the
best of it and tour around Europe until his project takes him else where.
Ramons like a river, he goes with the flow and the least resistance. Makes
perfect sense to me. I hope he get's to Dussuldorf as well as Japan, and
everywhere else as far as I'm concerned. It's a win, win situation for us who
enjoy his journey. Keep on trucking Ramon.
RAMON:
I have a return flight to The Netherlands, but I doubt if I will use it as
New Zealand and Southeast Asia is just around the corner. If I go back to the
Netherlands, it might take a while before a sponsor would fly me to the other
side of the world again...
Name: Tamara & David
City, Country: Kewarra Beach, Cairns Australia
Sent: 11.37 PM - 6/15 2002
Good luck Ramon with the rest of your tour of Australia. If you are here in May
2003, drop in for our wedding!
Name: Lynn
City, Country: Providence, USA
Sent: 9.55 PM - 6/15 2002
Fellow Americans, stop and think before requesting Ramon to visit the states.
We have enough FREELOADERS here already.
Why add another one to the pot.
RAMON:
Just another fine example of No Understanding = No Respect....
What a nice world we live in, don't we?
Name: annemarie
City, Country: zwolle, netherlands
Sent: 5.31 PM - 6/15 2002
when do you think you'll go to south australia? I recommend you barossa valley!
Name: Coralie
City, Country: England
Sent: 11.49 AM - 6/15 2002
Hi Ramon
your really doing great , we are just looking at last years holiday video in
Jersey , and we are laughing at the times we were saying , "Well soon we
will se Ramon!" oh dear !
please say a prayer that ....."England wil win at football against
Denmark!"
take care of yourself.
loads of hugs
Coralie
Name: Nina
City, Country: Panama
Sent: 2.52 AM - 6/15 2002
Ramon, congratulations to you on completing a year and one month of your
project. Thanks to you, the hosts, sponsors, and the back up crew for allowing
everyone to enjoy your travel. Great team work! I wish you the best through out
your second year. Your reports are very informative, and what makes them even
more enjoyable to read is your great sense of humor.
I hope that you will soon make it over to this side of the world. North,
Central and South America are waiting for your visit. Great diversity and
exciting places to see. I am sure that once you are over on this side, you will
receive plenty more offers to stay for a day. There are still a lot of
wonderful places I would like to see over on the other side where you are, so
take your time if you must.
Stay safe, happy, and keep going.
Nina
Name: michael
City, Country: germany
Sent: 6.47 PM - 6/14 2002
jealousy...!
good luck!
Name: Sarah
City, Country: Canada
Sent: 3.21 PM - 6/14 2002
Hi Ramon
Glad to hear your travels are going well. Just been reminiscing about North
Stradbroke Island just off the coast of Brisbane. How's your all over tan going
?!?
Good luck for the rest of your journey mate.
Name: Acadia
City, Country: Maine, USA
Sent: 12.13 PM - 6/14 2002
I just wanted to add my best regards to Ludo. I hope his poor health is a
temporary situation.
Name: Acadia
City, Country: Maine, USA
Sent: 10.30 AM - 6/14 2002
My husband has hitchhiked from Maine to Florida, and has motocycled from Maine
to California all alone. He did both these things with little money and a
backpack. I have known many people who have backpacked all over the US
including the Appalatian Trail. I'm not sure where Mark has gotten his
information (possibly bad experiences himself?) but things aren't like that all
over. There is a series of great articles in a magazine called People, Places
and Plants that follow a man's bike journey across the US, including both good
and not go good.
Ramon it seems that you are willing to give up on us here with out giving this
country a chance. The world view of the US is a dim one, I know that, but we
have great people here too, just like any other place.
RAMON:
Arcadia, no where I am sayting that I am not going to visit the US. For me
it is JUST one of the 68 (!) countries, please keep that in mind.
Name: Brian
City, Country: Durban, South Africa
Sent: 6.20 AM - 6/14 2002
Hi Ramon
It's facinating to see the time and temperature readings where you are. I log
on in the mornings SA time (GMT+2hrs), and I watch the temperature drop from 28
down to about 26 or so.
This happens while the sun rises here, and we go from about 18 up towards 26 or
so later in the day. This just puts the whole scenario into perspective, the
sun really does set in Oz as it rises here. You are on the other end of the
world.
Look after yourself over there, Ramon, and be good (or at least be good at it).
Hamba kahle
Brian
Name: Sharyn
City, Country: Townsville, Aust.
Sent: 3.48 AM - 6/14 2002
Well Ramon is now safely aboard his bus bound for Cloncurry and Outback
Australia. We had a great time with Ramon the short time he stayed with us.
Loads of funny and fascinating stories to listen to. If you get the chance and
you haven't already, invite him to stay, you won't regret it!
Ramon, take care with the rest of you amazing journey and stay safe.
:)
Name: Linda
City, Country: Dallas, Texas
Sent: 7.35 PM - 6/13 2002
Hi,
It's really neat what your doing. If you ever get to the USA I'd volunteer to
let you stay with me for a day! Good luck with your travels and don't get into
trouble. Be careful and keep the updates coming. I think what your doing is
really neat!
Name: Shawn
City, Country: Toronto
Sent: 6.42 PM - 6/13 2002
Don't you worry Ramon, Canada will do just as well as the Dutch (and the
Australians) in the World Cup this year. :)
Name: Crystal
City, Country: Calgary, Canada
Sent: 6.25 PM - 6/13 2002
Hi Ramon,
I just finished reading your story in the Calgary Sun, and I ran upstairs to
check out your website. And I have got to say Wow! I wish I had thought of it!
I am actually slowing starting to travel, however at the moment it is limited
to Canada....Do you have any plans on coming here?? You should it is a
wonderful country. Well good luck on your many adventures I looked for to
checking them all out now.... :)
Name: Janice
City, Country: Ohio, USA
Sent: 4.34 PM - 6/13 2002
Ramon, Hitchhiking is done in the US all of the time. You just cannot do it on
major freeways and Interstate roadways. You must wait at an on ramp or off ramp
to catch a ride. Also, have never heard of anyone being arrested for not having
any cash in their pocket. If that were true half of America would be in jail.
They only arrest you if you remain in one place for an extended period of time
and then rather than arrest you they take you to a homeless shelter where they
provide you with room and board until you can get back on your feet. Where do
some people get their information?
Name: wolf
City, Country: houston texas
Sent: 7.49 PM - 6/12 2002
the note from mark about hitchhiking and vagrancy . yes hitchhiking is illegal
on state and federal highways, but local roads are not enforced mostly .
Vagrancy - can be avoided with proper id's and 20 us$ in pocket beside most
police forces don't need the hassles of hassling someone .As for the fear
factors TV is American's IDOL GOD and does more harm than good here in the
states . Am looking forward to you visit here.
Name: MJ
City, Country: Denver
Sent: 11.42 PM - 6/11 2002
HI Ramon!
I look forward to your wonderful pictures...everyday!
:)
MJ
Name: alessa
City, Country: düsseldorf, germany
Sent: 9.37 PM - 6/11 2002
hy, this is so amazing, my first thought: why haven´t i got this great idea?
it´s the genius who gets the ideas, you know! i hope your able to travel far
more and not to mention that my doors are open, but i guess düsseldorf is not
that far interesting and much to near to your home!?
just one thought to this america-discussion: why should it be more interesting
to visit the US than any other country? i believe on the
"all-praised" equality, so i don´t believe the americans being much
"friendlier", you know,it´s a great place to see, and there are a lot
of nice people, but where´s the difference to japan, you see. Otherwise,
doesn´t we know the US from europe? ;)No reason not to go there and find the
truth as far as possible!
Enjoy your trip, good luck, alessa
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 5.17 AM - 6/11 2002
Hi All,
I think Ramon will see once he arrives that the United States is a great place
to visit. I recommend he make his first stop the previous site of the World
Trade Center Twin Towers, and then go out to the USA from there. I believe you
will have a most excellent trip Ramon, in the land of the free, home of the
brave! :-)
Regards,
Joan
Name: Margaret
City, Country: Minneapolis area
Sent: 4.57 AM - 6/11 2002
About Brian-(from South Africa)'s suggestion that you try to get invitations to
Alaska, as a matter of fact, Peter Jenkins who wrote WALK ACROSS AMERICA in the
'70s recently wrote a book about discovering Alaska!!! At his ripe old age he
is still looking for, and finding, adventure and open hearts and homes. I'll
try to get the title and send it to you, even if you don't have time for
reading. You're doing the traveling now, but he's a good example of someone who
has also done the post-adventure writing very successfully. Hey, I can't wait
til you ARE in the U.S. I can imagine all kinds of 'bad' and 'good' things that
you will encounter but most of all, I want Americans to meet someone like you.
Name: Cynthia Holdeman
City, Country: Colorado, USA
Sent: 2.05 AM - 6/11 2002
Hi Ramon,
About traveling the US, I've been a traveler all my life and love to visit but
always return to my beautiful homeland, many times without money. The more I
travel, the more I appreciate the freedom we have here in the US. There are
good people everywhere and we've signed up to assist you in your travels here.
Traveling anywhere you must make adjustments but you'll find you will have many
options. I do agree though, Americans watch too much TV and unfortunetely rely
only on that form of information. Maybe you can travel Canada and just say you
were in the US. Just kidding you Canadians. Really, just kidding.
Name: Shanon Graham
City, Country: Texas, USA
Sent: 12.52 AM - 6/11 2002
I hope you don't become a victim of Mark's propaganda about not being able to
travel "freely" in the US. He did you a disservice. I've lived and
traveled around the world and America is far from a "controlled Fear
Factory". Come and see for yourself!
Name: Sara and Anna
City, Country: Maastricht, The Netherlands
Sent: 6.45 PM - 6/10 2002
Hey Ramon,
This has to be the best idea ever!!! Brilliant! So cool that you got so far by
people´s "charity"... We want to be like you, can we stay with you
for a day (or more)??
Greetz from Maastricht
RAMON:
You are welcome to stay at my place, you just have to wait until I get back
home.
Name: Bob
City, Country: Indiana, USA
Sent: 5.27 PM - 6/10 2002
Mark, the American ex-patriate, apparently, has an axe
to grind. Even though certain highways and areas have
laws against hitch-hiking, when I was a college student, many years ago, I
hitch-hiked from Florida to New York (over 1,000 miles). It is possible, today,
if you do not stick your thumb out in front of the police. Also, I am 56 years
old, and I have never heard of anyone being arrested for not owning a dollar
bill.
Name: Bas Dekker
City, Country: Haarlem, Holland
Sent: 2.25 PM - 6/10 2002
Hi Ramon! I enjoy your reports every single time, and the pics make it very
easy to travel along with you. I don't know if you ever think of this, but:
you're not as alone as it may seem....! But I was wondering, if you will be
able to live in 1 place (Holland probably) after all this, because you're such
a metropolitan. How do you see this?
And secondly; isn't it sometimes tough to stay happy to people you have to stay
with for a few days (when you're really tired after a long, hot journey)?
Because I can imagine this... Alright, lots of luck mate! And keep it up, I'm
still very amazed by your clever idea of travelling and finding sponsors.....
Name: Brian
City, Country: Durban, South Africa
Sent: 6.23 AM - 6/10 2002
Hi Ramon
Yep, Margaret said it well. You can carry money and not spend it. They have a
loop-hole in the law, and you can use it. In any case, if the likes of Margaret
are keen to invite you over (and Bret and Joan too, I hope!), then they should
allow you to go.
You are marketing the countries you visit through their citizens' hospitality
and friendliness. That can only be good for tourism in any country.
So, go for it. Obviously don't be naughty (Ramon? Naughty? No way, it's
impossible...), and try to get some TV coverage before you go. That way, your
presence and intentions will be known by the time you get there. Oh, and try to
go to Alaska. (Hint to Alaskans --> invite Ramon!) That should be very
interesting. A tad cold, perhaps, but interesting too. Imagine flying from
village to village.
Hamba kahle
Brian
Name: Margaret
City, Country: Minneapolis area
Sent: 5.10 AM - 6/10 2002
Interesting conversation you had with ex-pat Mark. Ex-pats tend to be negative,
I found when I spent significant periods of time in Mexico and Japan. But
remember the book I recommend to you, WALK ACROSS AMERICA? It's from the '70s
but I would recommend that you take a look at it or other stories about all
kinds of people who have walked, biked, canoed, etc., cross-country here. It
may be illegal to hitchhike in the traditional way in a lot of places, but that
doesn't stop you from going to university campuses and posting notices on ride
boards . . . or getting radio talk show gigs to get the word out so as to get
brigades of people who will give you rides for the asking . . . or hanging out
at farmer's markets asking people how to get to point B without paying. People
will probably give you bus passes, etc., once they learn who you are and what
you're up to. About traveling without a budget, just get a credit card somehow
and carry it in your pocket along with your $25. Doesn't mean you have to use
it -- but you can show anyone who asks that you have the means to get yourself
out of trouble if need be. They may want to be sure you won't sleep under a
bridge or something. The point is: don't be so negative, Mark! Ramon
specializes in finding goodness and finding his way around carefully. He's
already famous because of his AP article back in April, so even if he gets in
trouble, he must have plenty of people who would come and vouch for him. I do
wonder how you would get a visa to get in the country without money! But your
ingenuity should pay off. About post-9/11 "fear," some have it, some
don't. Choose who you hang with as carefully as always. Consider yourself an
ambassador of peace and trust, as your website seems to indicate that you are.
I'll bet you'll meet some really special people once you get here, but
certainly, things will be different that you may have expected and you might
have to put a lot more thought into some aspects of what you're doing than in
other European countries. I will say, though, that Australia sounds like
shangri-la in more ways than one, especially in the areas of trust and
hospitality! Look for the good and find it here as everywhere else! That's your
job after all.
Name: Malcolm Hill
City, Country: Mission Beach, Australia
Sent: 2.45 PM - 6/9 2002
Ramon. Thanks for staying with us.
I hope you get the chance to come back to stay another night with us so I can
take you fishing again as the old outboard motor is on and running fine now,
also the fishing has been very good with us catching some nice Barramundi.
Name: julie
City, Country: Perth Australia
Sent: 2.08 AM - 6/9 2002
Ramon,best of luck and good wishes foryour travels. YOu must be learning heaps
how us Aussies live!!
Has anyone invited you to PErth in Western Australia yet?
Take care
Julie
Name: niamh
City, Country: Ireland
Sent: 11.16 AM - 6/7 2002
Hi Ramon, it's such a small world i was just looking at your website and as it
turns out i was on Magnetic Island at the same time, for the full moon party
isnt that strange, i was staying at Maggies on the beach front, they wouldn't
let us go to the beach party at cocunuts unless you were staying there, i am
now in Sydney and heading for Bangkok on Sunday pity we didn't meet up you
could have bought me a pint or 10.....
Name: Brian
City, Country: Durban, South Africa
Sent: 6.21 AM - 6/7 2002
Hi Ramon
Your idea has taken off, it seems. You are an inspiration to others all over
the world. Like Donatella, for instance.
Donatella, I love your idea. That is brilliant, really it is. The only snag is
that I respect Ramon, and copying his idea would be too simple. I'd need a new
idea. Although, immitation is the sincerest form of flattery...
Sala kahle
Brian
Name: donatella
City, Country: milano, italy
Sent: 1.20 PM - 6/6 2002
hello brian, why not to create a "let-me-fly-for-a-night" to get the
united kingdom? ;)
ciao, donatella
Name: Brian
City, Country: Durban, South Africa
Sent: 6.00 AM - 6/6 2002
Hi Sylvia
Good to see you again. It's ben a while. I do like your suggestion about
Raine's party. The only problem is that you can drive there in a few hours,
it's an overnight flight for me. Anyone got a spare ticket...?
:-)
Sala kahle
Brian
Name: Sylvia (ex host)
City, Country: Scotland
Sent: 8.15 PM - 6/5 2002
Hi there Raine
If Ramon can't make it to your party could the rest of us please come and
represent Ramon???????
Name: Brian
City, Country: Durban, South Africa
Sent: 6.03 AM - 6/4 2002
Hi Dawn and Malcolm (host from a few days ago)
Please don't feel too bad that Ramon doesn't like pumpkin, it's all my fault. I
served it to him when he was at my old place last year, and we jointly
discovered that there is something that Ramon does not eat. Cooked pumpkin!
So, it's really my fault. I'm sure your cooking is great. Actually, I love
roast pumpkin ;-)
And Dawn, even if Ramon does not eat everything, he truly does appreciate your
efforts. He is a very grateful person.
Ramon, you keep on travelling, dude, and go carefully on those rolling shoes.
Sala kahle
Brian
Name: dbk Tom
City, Country: NZ
Sent: 10.33 PM - 6/3 2002
laptop,
it's the old plug and pray storie Ramon.
good luck with it
Name: Jo Ann
City, Country: The Woodlands, Texas
Sent: 2.17 PM - 6/3 2002
I too read the article about you in The Houston Chronicle, how exciting your
life must be now. Thanks to the internet, things like what you are doing are
possible. Make Texas a "must see" on your journeys!
Name: Cal Earley
City, Country: Houston,Tx.USA
Sent: 10.44 PM - 6/2 2002
I read your article in the Houston Chronicle today, and was very interested in
the the info provided. Hope all is going well with you, and good luck on your
adventure. This type of travel has always interested me,as I would like to have
done the same many years ago, as I am now 62 years old. GOOD LUCK FROM TEXAS
Name: Raine Thurston
City, Country: U.K
Sent: 9.45 PM - 6/2 2002
Hey Ramon
You stayed with Evan & Myself in Battersea, London. We have moved since and
were just letting you know. I have requested the pleasure of your company
again. Address supplied in the invites bit. The other thing is we are having a
party. You are invited to that too but alas....I think you will not make it. It
is going to be a monster too. The last one we had there were naked people in
the pool!!! Me included. I was very drunk.....fortunately, so was everyone
else. Anyway...if you can get here it is on 22nd June. We have about 200
invited so far. We live right in the middle of the woods so the scope for a
massive party is huge. The bouncy castle, trampoline and bucking bronco ride is
already booked. The pool will be at a great 300 degrees and the party will be
pumping. We hope you can make it.
Hope youre having a great time. Love Raine....Pea.
Name: Sharlini
City, Country: KT, Malaysia
Sent: 2.58 PM - 6/2 2002
Hey Ramon,
I wish I could lay claim to sending you those skate shoes, darn. Anyway, it
actually fits? What size are you? Whoever decided to send you those shoes was
brilliant! Or a total fool if it ever breaks. Be very gentle with it, will you?
No skating on rough, rocky surfaces.
Take care and keep safe, Ramon.
Sharlini
Name: Bret
City, Country: CA,USA
Sent: 10.55 AM - 6/2 2002
Ramon,
It's great that companies are coming around to sponsor you. I'm sure they are
seeing that a small donation can add great profits to their products. I hope
through the coming weeks you put those skate shoes through a thorough workout
and give us your honest opinion. They aren't cheap, that's for sure. If you
haven't heard it from your mom YET! You be careful with those skates young man!
hahaha Keep on truckin'
Sala kahle
Bret
Name: Brianna and friends
City, Country: Cairns, Australia
Sent: 9.08 AM - 6/2 2002
Hey dude,
Cairns is not boring. Everyone had just gone back to work and school after
lunch when you arrived. You'll see when you return. It's a great place. How are
your skating shoes? If you grow out of them Bryony has first choice okay? Bye.
Name: dbk Tom
City, Country: NZ
Sent: 6.28 AM - 6/2 2002
Great shoes Ramon
Name: Roland
City, Country: Germany; Sindelfingen
Sent: 10.40 AM - 6/1 2002
Hallo Ramon, greetings from Germany. We hope you have always a god trip.
If you want to visite us, it is no problem. We live in south germany, near the
blackforest and not far from austria and swizzerland.
Have a good time!
Name: amélie poulain
City, Country: Paris
Sent: 9.04 AM - 6/1 2002
Hi ramon!!! i think ,what you are doing is great! i dream about you every
night. i would like a man like you... you're the best of the world for me. i
would like travelling all over the world too. my dream would be to see you. i
hope ,you will come back in france in order to see you. france is a very nice
country ,believe me... france is waiting you anymore. you're our hero!for ramon
hip hip hip...HOURA!!!
Name: Anne
City, Country: Cairns, Australia
Sent: 9.09 PM - 5/31 2002
Hope you got back to Townsville safely. The whole family really enjoyed your
visit. Hope you enjoyed the BBQ. See you on your return.
Name: moi
City, Country: france
Sent: 10.16 AM - 5/31 2002
I like you Ramon
Name: Paul Perkins
City, Country: Australia
Sent: 10.04 AM - 5/31 2002
You are one smart tim tam
Name: Edwina
City, Country: Germany
Sent: 8.54 PM - 5/30 2002
Great Idea what you do...
i want to travel round the world with a friend of mine, but we don´t have any
good idea how to finance it so far... got any extra idea you just couldn´t
realise cause you had so much else to do so far?
Well, good luck for the rest of your trip!
Name: Rosemary Robertson
City, Country: Tallong Park Australia
Sent: 1.06 PM - 5/29 2002
I guess some people may call you all sorts of names.....I CALL YOU A GENIUS. I
hope you are enjoying your travels and meeting lots of interesting people.If I
were you I would stay up north where the weather is great, my temp here is 0-12
but still beautiful.We have lots of wombats & other wildlife as its
country, and we live on 3 acres. Good luck with the rest of your travels Ramon,
if you would ever like to brace the cold, feel free to 'stay for a day'.
Regards Rosemary Robertson....See ya Mate !!!
Name: Brian
City, Country: Durban, South Africa
Sent: 6.27 AM - 5/28 2002
Hi Ramon
You lucky bugger! Getting on a jetski! Hey, I've wanted to do that for years,
and still have not managed. Oh well, can't do everything hey!
Ramon, it's a pity that you could not stay a few days at your hosts in South
Africa like you are doing now. There is so much that you missed here. I'm sure
your hosts would have shown you other things, I certainly would have.
Oh well, I guess you'll just have to come back here! During or after your
project, it's your choice, but please come back here. You are welcome at my new
place when you are in Durbs.
At least from my side, the suggestions that I made of things to do are still
open for you.
Hamba kahle
Brian
Name: Lene
City, Country: Hasselt, Belgium
Sent: 7.53 PM - 5/27 2002
Hi neighbour from the north ;)! First I want to compliment you for this great
site!!
Further, I just want to say that you make MY dream come true! I've been
dreaming for years to pack my backpack and to leave to meet the world :)!
Unfortunally I don't have the guts to leave because I'm only 19, a girl and
very broke! And I'm afraid that it's impossible to realise without all the
sponsors and help you get!
I just hope I will put enough courage out of your trip so I can try to catch up
with you one day..
Keep up the good work! I'm sure it's all worth it!
Groetjes Lene
Name: Cronan
City, Country: Dublin, Ireland
Sent: 1.01 PM - 5/24 2002
Are Australians the most Hospitable people in the world???
Following your travels from Day One, I have been absolutely overwhelmed by the
level of generosity and friendliness that you have been shown by everyone that
you have met in Australia. More so than any country that you have visited and
especially my own country that used to be known for the friendliness of its
welcome, but of late has become a country of self interested, selfish and
greedy people.
I have travelled a little over the years but was unsure of undertaking a trip
to Australia, not any more, if your experiences are anything to go by I will
start planning my trip immediately.
God on ya Oz!! Keep it up.
Name: Julie
City, Country: Berlin, Germany
Sent: 11.11 AM - 5/24 2002
Hi Ramon! You lucky guy are on Magnetic! I have been there last year as well
after I was voted off a German game adaption like "Survivor".
Magnetic is a really chilling place - enjoy it! Have you been to the "open
air" cinema yet? *smile* If you ever return to Europe, you are heartly
welcome here in Berlin! :-) Kindest Regards
Julie
Name: Carol
City, Country: Co. Down, N. Ireland
Sent: 10.24 AM - 5/24 2002
Hi Again Ramon,
I'm just gobsmacked at the beautiful homes of Julie, Norm and Val in Townsville
and Magnetic Island. Sitting here in my home office looking out at the 5th
successive day of rain in what's supposed to be a Irish Summer I'm seriously
thinking of holidaying in that part of the world next year. You should be
sponsored by the Australian tourist Board Ramon, you are doing a very good job
of selling the place. Your recent hosts seem to be really nice and what a
wonderful lifestyle they appear to have.
Once again, if anyone in that neck of the woods ever fancies a house swap in
Ireland, you can see where we live by going to the daily reports for 10/11 July
2001.
Enjoy what looks like paradise Ramon.
Carol
Name: Brian
City, Country: Durban, South Africa
Sent: 6.32 AM - 5/24 2002
Hi Ramon
Hey man, I am so sorry to hear about your break-up with Irena. You two seemed
so close. But I think that you are right, about long distance relationships.
They don't always work, but hey, you gotta try.
I know it's a cliche, but remember this. If you love someone, let them go. If
they come back, they are yours forever. If they don't, then they were never
yours to start with.
I am hoping that this is true, because Belgium is far away from here...
But Ramon, on the brighter side, I really do like your daily quote at the top
of your home page. Those are really clever. I don't know where you get them
from, but I'm sure journalists have things like that stored away, just waiting
to be taken out and put to good use. If you are up to offers, I can send you
one or two that you can evaluate.
Keep well, and remember, life is what you make of it.
RAMON:
All inspiring quotes are welcome! Just send them in and I might add them to
the front page!
Name: Shawn
City, Country: Toronto, Canada
Sent: 7.46 PM - 5/23 2002
Sorry to hear about the break-up with Irena, but it sounds like it's for the
best. Keep your spirits up and your heart open!
Name: Carol Fitzpatrick
City, Country: co. Down, N. Ireland
Sent: 10.00 AM - 5/23 2002
Hi Ramon,
You may remember staying with us last July in Northern Ireland. I've been
dipping in and out of your website ever since. Never having been Down Under, I
must say I'm really impressed with How Australia is presented. Townsville looks
like a lovely place and Darren and his wife seem like a cool couple. Perhaps
your hosts should form a club as we are probably all fairly like minded
trusting individuals and set up a house swapping network. Anyone fancy Ireland?
Carol.
RAMON:
Well, Carol, you might try your luck at the HospitalityClub
or at Travelhoo
Name: Carlos García
City, Country: Puerto Montt, Chile
Sent: 3.56 AM - 5/21 2002
Dear Ramón:
I always wanted to do what you are doing now.
Have a nice stay everywhere you go. We, people on the Web will be your shadow.,
and many of these shadows will have a friendly arm to help you. I also have one
for you in this so far Southamerica.
Name: Jef
City, Country: Hasselt, Belgium
Sent: 9.16 PM - 5/20 2002
Great "job" Ramon! I wish I had the guts some 30 years ago (I'm 51
now)!
Name: donatella
City, Country: milan, italy
Sent: 6.47 PM - 5/20 2002
lately it's been a little stand-still on this website, and perhaps it's useful
to ramon to get a bit reloaded. I've read that the new laptop is coming today
or tomorrow, and I'm happy for ramon; I think he deserves the friendly support
he received, mainly as a kind of "thank you" for the effort he's
making.
that's all.. I send you a greet, and also to all the others! :)
ciao, donatella
Name: Marcella
City, Country: Zwolle, The Netherlands
Sent: 2.29 PM - 5/19 2002
Hi Ramon!!
Try to get in contact through this way. Nice picutures man!! First time for me
to go through your whole website. It's enormous, but a great job!!
Take care and keep in touch!! Greetings, Marcella
Name: Margaret
City, Country: Minneapolis area
Sent: 3.16 PM - 5/18 2002
Ramon, ever since I started reading your tales of travel, I've been thinking of
a book published in 1979 called "Walk Across America" by a man named
Peter Jenkins who did just that -- walked across the U.S. The book was a best
seller! Someday you might enjoy taking a look at it. I would mail it to you if
there were any way to know where you'd be in a couple of weeks!
Name: Colleen M.
City, Country: Phoenix, United States
Sent: 1.44 PM - 5/18 2002
Hi I guess your name is Ramon? I don't even know who you are. I guess your
going to Australia. That's cool keep your head up and keep whoever is paying:)
You look good. I just saw a picture of you. I'm 17, a junior in High School. Oh
I look real good too so it's all good:) email me back if you even can or if you
even get this colleeny@onewebsite.com. Bye:)
Name: Tommy
City, Country: Thailand
Sent: 2.10 AM - 5/18 2002
I am Tommy from Thailand. Sent you a mail but I guess there is something wrong
with my laptop so I am not sure you recieved it. Just want to say that you're
the coolest guy I've know in this many years. Don't pay attention to the
journalists and the newspapers.Most of them have only hands to write but don't
have any brain cells.Hope you're fine and succeed your adventures.
Name: jasper Knot
City, Country: MUTTABURRA, AUSTRALIA
Sent: 4.28 PM - 5/17 2002
ramon got ripped on fraser island, it's one of the greatest places in
australia. but NOT the resorts.and it is safe to walk in the rain forest, thats
the best place.....and ramon, accuracy mate..there are lots of places to buy
fuel and groceries on fraser.
Name: ace
City, Country: Mount Isa, Australia
Sent: 3.48 PM - 5/17 2002
Well Done Ramon...
wish i had thought of doing it (freeloading around the globe) instead of
working.
have fun...ace
Name: LSOM
City, Country: Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia
Sent: 9.32 AM - 5/17 2002
To whom it may concern,
The author of this celebrated site is not chicken hearted, idiocy goes global
on your kind of existence
only. Keep on the safe tracking Ramon.
Name: Darren Scott-Sommer
City, Country: Townsville, Australia
Sent: 3.23 AM - 5/17 2002
Ramon has just finnished his stay at my place with my wife and I where he's
been since monday night. We had a great time with him but we realised how
exhausted he was so we just let him hang around the house and catch up on some
sleep.... he seems to have a bit more energy now. He has been a little stressed
in the past week because he hasn't been able to get full access to his
web-site. He has a laptop coming any time now but he had a few problems getting
it. Anyway, he'll be back in full swing once it gets here and I'm sure his
reports will be back to normal. Thanks for visiting Ramon, and we'll see you
again when we stay at your house one day.
see Ya....
Darren
Name: Priscilla
City, Country: Dallas, Texas, USA
Sent: 12.47 AM - 5/17 2002
I have really enjoyed your journal. I'm reading it in chronogical order and I'm
up to June 17. I like the way you write about the people you stay with and the
things you do. The pictures you take are great. I also like your translations.
They're funny. I live in Dallas, Tx and work in the network control area of
Parkland Hospital. I'm sure you've heard of Parkland Hospital, where President
Kennedy died after he was
shot by Lee Harvey Oswald. I think you're a very adventurous young man to take
off on your own on a trip like this. I admire your courage. I guess we could
compare you to a modern day Lewis and Clark, exploring new frontiers in
hitchhiking. I'm taking heed of your gentle advice that brevity is appreciated
so won't run on. I wish you good luck in your travels and that all your
adventures be happy ones.
Name: Sharlini
City, Country: KT, Malaysia
Sent: 5.25 PM - 5/16 2002
Right you are, MJ! I know that if Ramon ever makes it here, I'll make sure I
stay offline for a couple of weeks to keep the bill down. =)
As for that guy Mick and the sponge statement. I do believe that was meant for
the "Anti SpongeBob SquarePants" site. The sight of that cartoon
character does look a bit sickening, if you ask me. *eg*
Oh! I read an interesting German proverb the other day: "The heaviest
baggage for a traveller is an empty purse".
Take care and safe travels, Ramon!
Sharlini
Name: MJ
City, Country: Denver
Sent: 3.43 PM - 5/16 2002
Hello all, I also think it is up to the hosts to say, "Please only stay on
this long, here is what it will cost us to have you stay online, etc."
Remembering how every country or even state is with long distance charges,
internet charges, etc would be difficult to do...
Just my two cents...
:)
MJ
Name: Glenn Watson
City, Country: Noosa, Qld
Sent: 3.28 AM - 5/16 2002
We recently hosted Ramon (Apr 18 and then again by may parents on Apr 21) and
had a great time with him. ( even taught him how to fish and feed Dolphins by
hand) I was however a little dissapointed to find that he had left an internet
phone bill on my parents phone account of $30.00.
Ramon, you need to remember that not all calls are local and that if it is Long
Distance and not local that remaing connected all night (even when asleep) will
cost big dollars. I was a little dissapointed more because my parents are
retired and it was me who suggested that they help Ramon out for the night as
he was stuck for a place to stay and a meal. Ramon, never forget that it is
your hosts that are doing you the favour...not the other way around.
Continue to enjoy your journey and stay safe.
Regards, Glenn.
Name: Brian
City, Country: Durban, South Africa
Sent: 4.03 PM - 5/15 2002
Hi Munk
Your response about the sponges was brilliant! It would be hard to beat that
chirp! Witty, accurate, clever, the works!
Ramon, you have a cool friend.
Sala kahle
Brian
Sent: 1.47 PM - 5/15 2002
Ramon, It's Journo Jim. I've been following your trails with interest, and was
very intrigued by your reaction to the Fortuyn assassination. I was in the
paper newsroom when I heard about it, and remember thinking at the time that it
would be interesting to hear what you had to say about it. Unfortunately, you
were and are on the other side of the world. To make matters worse, you then go
and lose your laptop, the one way you have to talk to us all. Glad you got
everything sorted out in the end, and I'm sure I join with evweryone in wishing
thanks to everyone who contributed to keeping you in business.
Now, if we could only spread that sort of energy around a bit more, we might
have less cases like Mr Fortuyn's tragic death.
Incidentally, I love Holland - it's a rich culture with a long tradition of
adopting other cutlures into its melting pot. Fortuyn's views do not represent
me or even those of the vast majority of Dutch people. nevertheless, killing
causes only more killing, as we have learnt to our cost in my native Northern
Ireland. I hope that the Dutch people will respond in the proper fashion to
this tragedy, and gather together in a show of compassion and dignity and
respect for all during the forthcoming election.
Name: Munk
Sent: 12.43 PM - 5/15 2002
Mick, no one told you not to eat sponges? Everybody knows they make you sick.