What should we censor? I always find it somewhat baffling that some people find nudity and expressions of sexuality offensive, but find depictions of violence (war, murder, etc) OK. Think of the pictures we have all seen in newspapers and magazines of victims of war and drug violence.
Give me a naked man any day!
Greek Perfection Personally, I think the folk from Tennessee should get out more often.
I think it was a shame that you felt the need to slap the censored sticker on a public work of art. Cheers, Rosco
A revealing tale As always, Anastasia, a thought-provoking blog.
Whatever you do, don't take your daughter to Munich - the original Barberini Faun is there! Oh, and don't go to St Petersburg either - there's another copy at the Peterhof!
Nice blog It is a rare trait these days that people can see both sides of an argument, perhaps feeling one way themselves, but nevertheless understanding another person's viewpoint and respecting it. For me it is just art and beautiful art at that, and the fact that it speaks to people on so many levels and can evoke such emotion is a testimony of what a masterpiece it is. Perhaps his nudity and provocative pose insults some, but I am wondering if that doesn't say more about ourselves than the statue. After all, if anything it is just a naked man lounging around, in a sense a perfectly natural state for us to be in. It's us humans that turn it into something profane, as if nudity is sinful. A dog scratching and licking his balls for instance, doesn't bother anybody, but as soon as it concerns the human form it becomes obscene to some. As it is, you wrote from both sides of the divide and that is commendable. Not sure if you need to censor him though, because censorship protects one side, but deprives another. Those who deem it offensive can censor themselves or their children, by averting their eyes, without bothering anybody else, thus leaving those who are not offended by it to admire it for what it is.
Inspiring I just read through your entire set of entries and truly enjoyed them. I'm working hard on trying to open up and talk to more people during daily life or while traveling and to say your stories are inspiring would be an understatement. Keep up the good work, Thank you.
Joe
Your chasing the hotel employee was really funny :)
About the second part of the story:
Do you think that all these black covered women are merely an innocent cultural feature? She was afraid even to talk to you freely, she looked at her husband for approval, stopped talking with you immediately when he came. She can’t take her own steps in anything, can’t even decide with whom to speak. What her everyday life with her husband can be like? Who knows, maybe there was not a green bikini under her abaya, but blue bruises?
That's a pretty awesome Rick Steve's experience!
I grew up near Edmonds, where he lives and has his travel store. He frequents a restaurant I used to work at, so I've fed him lunch! It's shocking how tall he is! I also spotted him on Halloween in downtown Edmonds - he was wearing a keffiyeh (Arabic headdress) so he was well disguised :)
Met Rick last year I saw Rick last year in Memphis, TN. He was part of a PBS package where if you donated a certain amount you got to go to his talk. I have read his stuff for 30+ years and now do travel workshops myself. What amazed me was not how political he was and how liberal his views were (I don't think you can be a real traveler and NOT expand your world views) but that he was saying such things in Memphis to an older crowd - mostly all white. For those who don't know, Memphis is at least 75% black. So this crowd was from the 'suburbs' that expanded when the Memphis schools had to be integrated in the late 60's early 70's (it's called 'white flight')- 99% white and mostly hard core conservative Tea Party Republicans. Even me, a liberal, formerly from Massachusetts was a bit taken aback by some of his views but I loved that he put them out there for people to think about.
His way of traveling is how I like to go. I just returned from 3 weeks in Italy, by myself (at age 70), where I could do whatever I wanted and spend as much time as I wanted doing it. Fortunately, I was there a few days before Pope Benedict resigned so Rome was pretty quiet and I got to see the Sistine chapel and spend time in it almost by myself- the advantage of going in January/ Feb.
Thanks for writing this.
Carolyn (I write under the name gunga)
TURKEY HUNT As Turkey is at the top of our wish list...I now know what to look for for a few tips to entice us further...thanks for that. And by the way...when does a girl dislike compliments...even in public...never heard of that!!!
Yay, Rick Steves! Admittedly, I've never used any of his vast travel materials. However the man is practically from my hometown, globally speaking, and I often found it refreshing to know that if one person from my neck of the woods could travel the world, I could figure out a way to make it happen, too. He's quite the representative of the PNW habitude.
I'm embarrassed to say that I hadn't heard of Rick Steves until last year, and since then whenever his name is mentioned it is along with glowing reviews. What a great blog -- love the dialogues you share. With so many interesting bloggers recommending him, I may have to check out one of his books on a future trip.
A politician in travel clothing Dave and I lived in Seattle for many years and were fortunate enough to trek to Edmonds, WA to the Rick Steves store on many occasions. They offer a full menu of travel lectures on weekends and we often found ourselves in the theatre seats with 300 of our new best friends listening to the travel guru and his menions. We attended two presentations from Rick and were surprised by his wicked sense of humor and how he is able to weave his political views into his lecture. Rick has very strong views on the legalization of marijuana. He does a good deal of community work assisting the homeless and feeding the hungry.
Rick has done a great job of teaching travelers how to do it independently. He also is a master of marketing and has made a fortune on his books, tapes, luggage and trips. Good friends who have traveled a great deal decided to take on of his trips last year to Turkey. They had a great time- although they say they is very little down time and they were exhausted when it was over. We own the Rick Steves 21 inch roller bag and would not own any other. It has a long handle and is amazingly sturdy.
Happy travels and loved your story.
Agreed. I really enjoyed your comment. I guess that's one of the perks of being a celebrity--using your platform to promote your political views, and selling great luggage.
Awesome Post! Rick was my first inspiration too. His travel pack and books have seen me through a lot of countries - that said I have a long way to go before I have anywhere near the stories and experiences Rick has had.
Happy travels.
Rick Steves 15 years ago as a teen backpacking across Europe and I was placed in a four-bed dorm room, in Rome, with three American girls. “Rick says we should do this…Rick said that…” they passionately discussed. I felt more than a tinge of jealousy that Rick had such an influence over these lovely young ladies, and where is this Rick guy anyhow? As a brit it took me probably ten years to discover who this Rick guy actually was. However, my overriding memory of the experience was that the girls insisted on conducting these conversations in their underwear, as I pretended to be engrossed in what I wasn’t reading.…because unfortunately, like Rick, underneath it all I’m just a man, and even the most passionate travelers amongst us can be disarmed by a blushing belle. Even if back then it was me doing the blushing!
Loved loved loved this! What a great story and memory. Rick Steves helped me through my trips to Europe as well. I am envious that he spoke with you in such a manner. It is great that even to him you stand out. Don't blush, savor the moment.
thanks chef! He is a really amazing writer. I think he strikes the absolute perfect balance with planning and spending. I've never gone wrong following his advice.
thanks for sharing that was a very inspirational and touching story and i truly hoped that Jerome could get out of the other world he is in. God bless both of u
Kuan Yin
Karen Johnson
What should we censor?
I always find it somewhat baffling that some people find nudity and expressions of sexuality offensive, but find depictions of violence (war, murder, etc) OK. Think of the pictures we have all seen in newspapers and magazines of victims of war and drug violence. Give me a naked man any day!