LivingTheDream's Guestbook

30th March 2011

He German ex-travelbuddy! How are you? Great to read your stories. How long have spent in India? WHat are your plans after leaving India? I'd always sad to say goodbyes, but it also means that you had a great time together and that is something to cherish. especially on these lonely moments! :-) Enjoy your last few day(s)!

From Blog: Holi cow! (Hyderabad, Andhra Pradesh, India)

30th March 2011

LivingTheDream
Ben

Corrections
Dear Saaj and Nanuzain, thank you both for the corrections regarding this Kerala blog! I was thinking what to do with them - leave the blog as it is with the errors in it, or change the blog, making your comments appear a bit strange. In the end I decided to change the blog, else it would relay wrong information to other people , I hope this is OK with you. Thanks again for taking the time to comment, and greetings from Kolkata, Ben

From Blog: In the stunning backwaters of God's own country (Kerala, India)

30th March 2011

Thomas A. Bowe
non-member comment

Mt. Fuji
I got to climb Mt. Fuji July 4th,1983.When did you all climb it?

From Blog: First 12 months of Living the Dream and going strong - the highlights so far

28th March 2011

Saaj
non-member comment

Kerala
FYI The meaning of the word Kerala is not God's own country.Kerala means (Keram+Alam,Keram means Coconut) Land of coconuts.Its true there are almost 900 kms of water ways but only people in the lowlying district of Alleppy(called the Venice of the East because of the backwaters and its long history of being a prominent Spice Trading Port)use it as mains means of transportation.Geographically Kerala can be divided into three 1) the coastal plains 2) the midlands 3) The mountains. Only in some parts of the coastal plains water ways are a main form of transportation ie in the District of Allapuzha(old name - Alleppy) and in some parts of the districts of Ernakulam (Kochi is a part of this district),Kottayam and Kollam. About the Amrithananthamayi mission ...there is mixed reaction here...BTW they are doing a lot of charity work and they have a big (1200 bed)hospital( Actually billions of rupees were spent for that) in Kochi(Amritha hospital-AIMS)and they also give free medical treatment to poor people.Many doctors and other staff there work as volunteers. BTW I think you have enjoyed your trip to Kerala.Have a nice journey ahead!.

From Blog: In the stunning backwaters of God's own country (Kerala, India)

27th March 2011

Man in skirt (sarong) taking a break from work

Marikkar
Vagabond

Man in skirt....
Hi Ben, Your comment made me laugh a lot. I also used to wear this kind of skirt, they are actually called sarong, famously worn by men in South Asian countries. Have a good trip. A good collection of photos!

From Blog: In the stunning backwaters of God's own country (Kerala, India)

25th March 2011

Jodi Wilson
non-member comment

Honduras, Central America
Hi!! I read your blog about your ventures in Honduras and am a little abbrehensive with so many differing views/experiences. I'm 27 and from NB Canada (now living in Ottawa) and am very open minded, adventurous and am looking for a new traveling experience. My first travels in 2004 were to the UK and Europe. Stayed in hostels, hotels, and later alone in Ireland to meet my family who I had then never met. Also been to Bahamas with my family, Dominican Republic (stayed at a resort in punta cana) last year. My favorite places so far visited: Ireland (for its views but mainly, the people), austria (white water rafting with incredible scenery), punta cana (beach/water/relax), and st andrews by teh sea in new brunswick (home away from home - i go twice a year) I used to swim competitively and am very comfortable in teh water. My friends are organizing a trip to Central America. One of them has been to Belize and thought to explore Honduras next. I read a lot.. safety issues, culture, snorkeling and etc. but don't know what to think. From your blog, the waterfall experience, Ruins, and Bay Islands appear to be the most appealing to me. Thought I'd ask if there was a specific tour that you'd recommend for the waterfalls. Also - if there is another country in CA you would recommend instead of Honduras. All advice/recommendations are welcome!!!!

From Blog: In travelling, a companion. In life, compassion. (Bay Island, Honduras)

24th March 2011

Rahul
non-member comment

Travel
Hi how are you? i read your travelblog and its very impresive that you've traveled to so many countries. I am 19 years old and love to travel. I need some advice and tips to manage and fund travels. eagerly awaiting your reply take care

From Blog: And then...south (Maharashtra & Goa, India)

22nd March 2011

His Dudeness
Ralf Kreuze

You should go to Mathura for Holi
But that of course would mean going back up north. But it is the place to be for Holi, as it is the purported birthplace of Krishna and since Holi is associated with him it is probably the biggest Holi festival in the country and quite untouristic as well. Around Mathura every village has its own special Holi celebration some of which start a month before the actual festival and other that start after it is over in the rest of the country. Anyway I am sure it is good in Hyderabad as well. The paint is quite hard to get of you skin by the way, just so you know! Oh if you have time go to Bidar in Northern Karnataka, it is about 3 or 4 hours by bus from Hyderabad with no tourists but an amazing fort and some really nice old Muslim tombs and Medressa's. A wonderful relaxing place.

From Blog: And then...south (Maharashtra & Goa, India)

22nd March 2011

Avinash
non-member comment

Hi Ben; I am great fan of your blogs and your honest assessment about a place and its people. I am an Indian and have been to Europe. I am sure you would have found India fascinating and chaotic at the same time.Do you think is it possible to bring order in India with such a huge population and prevalent poverty and government apathy. Regards Avinash

From Blog: And then...south (Maharashtra & Goa, India)

21st March 2011

Carolina
non-member comment

It reminds me something!!!!
Your blog makes me smile and reminds me my trip in Mumbai and Goa! I was also looking for some relax days and Palolem Beach was the perfect place! I spent there one week! Thanks for this blog!!

From Blog: And then...south (Maharashtra & Goa, India)

18th March 2011

The Travel Camel
Shane Dallas

What a fabulous photograph! The detail on this monkey is excellent.

From Blog: And then...south (Maharashtra & Goa, India)

17th March 2011

Mary
non-member comment

I just came back from Miami on Sunday and I loved it. Btw, I love your pictures! What camera do you use? I've been trying to find a point and shoot camera with a good panoramic setting and I've been having a hard time...

From Blog: The final chapter - going home after 31 months of travelling (Miami, Florida, USA)

17th March 2011

uyung
non-member comment

you are so lucky, Ben
You have (i am sure) a beautiful Jasmine, a wonderful Luc, a great life, extraordinary travelings, and so many awsome photos. Congratulation!! You're one of most lucky men in the world.

From Blog: And then...south (Maharashtra & Goa, India)

11th March 2011

D
non-member comment

Dein Varanasi-Blog
Lieber Ben, Dein Blog von Varanasi hat mich doch einigermaßen überrascht und erschrocken. Ich habe lange überlegt, ob ich etwas sage, vielleicht wirfst Du mich ja jetzt aus Deinem Blog – aber da ich Indien sehr mag und selbst in Varanasi war, weiß ich von Einheimischen, dass das Fotografieren der Toten ein großes Tabu ist. Vielleicht magst Du ja überlegen, ob Du die Fotos wirklich im Netz lässt. Auch finde ich es keine Heldentat, wenn Du berichtest, dass Du als Westler nur den einheimischen Preis von 10 Rupien zahlst – ich denke, dass die meisten Inder unter extrem widrigen Bedingungen sich und ihre Familien ernähren müssen, so dass es nicht weh tut, wenn man eben 40 Rupien (63 Cent) zahlt. Auf jeden Fall haben mich Dein Bericht und die Fotos sehr persönlich betroffen gemacht, da mein Bild von mittlerweile zwei Indienreisen (einmal Norden, einmal Süden) doch ein wesentlich positiveres ist. Viele Grüße aus dem winterlich kalten Berlin, D

From Blog: Dirty death, annoying affection (Uttar Pradesh, India)

8th March 2011

Berman
non-member comment

hi...
I'm berman from Indonesia, sumatra.. i see you from http://www.travelblog.org/Bloggers/LivingTheDream/..and i want to add you in face book.. Greetings and an amazing journey...

From Blog: Of colourful desert festivals, blue cities and pristine lake palaces (Rajasthan, India)

8th March 2011

Mama
non-member comment

Travel-Blog
Das ist ja unglaublich! Was hat man dir denn alles gestohlen? Lustig ist, dass Luc 2 Kamele zum Geburtstag bekommen hat, wie bringt ihr sie nach Deutschland - ihr kommt also über den Landweg? Wunderbar deine Beschreibung über die Reise mit Braveheart-Luc. Das scharf gewürzte Essen ist natürlich gut gegen eventuelle Unsauberkeiten oder falls es nicht mehr ganz frisch ist. Das tötet so manchen Keim ab. Beeindruckende Bilder von fantasievollen, reich verzierten Palästen und Menschen, gekleidet in leuchtenden Farben. Jetzt hat der letzte Monat angefangen - genießt die Zeit! Gruß an alle und noch eine schöne Reise! Mama

From Blog: Of colourful desert festivals, blue cities and pristine lake palaces (Rajasthan, India)

7th March 2011

Esther
non-member comment

Wenshan Hot spring
Aww.. U managed to make your way down to wenshan hot spring! We didnt manage to do so last time.. :(. Its really nice...

From Blog: Extreme beauty of the world and a pleasing delight of hills and water (Taroko Gorge, Taiwan)

6th March 2011

ali
non-member comment

i just realised your blog is active again - so delighted youre back blogging and travelling, looking forward to reading about your experiances in asia . Safe travel !

From Blog: Of colourful desert festivals, blue cities and pristine lake palaces (Rajasthan, India)

6th March 2011

EdVallance
Edward Adrian-Vallance

great blog and beautiful photos. I've wanted to visit Rajasthan for a long time and your blog has put it right back at the top of my list :)

From Blog: Of colourful desert festivals, blue cities and pristine lake palaces (Rajasthan, India)

5th March 2011

Raj
non-member comment

Typical..
Typical insensitive foreign tourist. How would you like it if a tourist from India took pictures of your grandmother's funeral to post on a travel blog? Taking pictures of cremations at Manikarnika Ghat is strictly prohibited and is very offensive to the people there who are at their most vulnerable moment grieving a loved one. India may be the dirtiest country in the world by your definition, but after reading this, I am sure you are the most disgusting and shameless tourist without a doubt.

From Blog: Dirty death, annoying affection (Uttar Pradesh, India)

5th March 2011

liliram
liliram

Hi Ben
Hi there, Ben. Must be a novelty for you to be traveling with a 3 year old. But they certainly liven up an otherwise dull day, don't they? Though traveling around India is not dull at all, for sure. You still write awfully well, and your photography has vastly improved. I should take lessons from you! Safe travels, Ben. Let me know when you swing by Manila again. Cheers all around, Liliram

From Blog: Of colourful desert festivals, blue cities and pristine lake palaces (Rajasthan, India)

3rd March 2011

Esther
non-member comment

Green Island Accomodation
Hi! your pictures looks great! May i know which hotel/resort did you guys stay in green island? Are there many choices available?

From Blog: Enjoying the seawater hot springs under the stars (Green Island, Taiwan)

28th February 2011

deleted_49612
deleted_49612

Blog of the year, 2010
Congratulations! :) This blog was nominated one of the best of 2010, in both the North America/photography and writing categories. ''great pictures & experience for this "the end" blog (although I do hope Ben that you will hit the road again as guess many people, me included, will miss your blogs, all the best to you in Germany)'' http://www.travelblog.org/Forum/Threads/27154-1.html

From Blog: The final chapter - going home after 31 months of travelling (Miami, Florida, USA)

28th February 2011

tom byers
non-member comment

central america house
I have been studying your travel blogs on Central America. If you only had $10000-$20000 to spend do you know of houses for sale in Central America with electric water and high speed and cable tv? Which places did you like best between Guatamala, Honduras, Nicaragua or El Salvador or Mexico? Do you remember specific places where you thought the place was nice enough and there were inexpensive houses? Please reply. Thank You

From Blog: In search of the Pura Vida (Pacific and Central Costa Rica)

28th February 2011

Tiger
non-member comment

Distorted
Your blog was so distorted l could barely read it. Angeles City is a city with a population of around 400,000 people it is a very big city with so much to see and do In Angeles and on Clark. You went to 1 street in the whole city and you try to judge a whole country on one street. You use the word Auchtung that is a German word l lived in Germany for 12 years. So if l went to the red light district in Frankfurt or Hamburg and wrote a blog saying that Germany must be the sex capital of the world you would probably think that that was unfair. Trust me it is as many women working in the brothals of Germany as it is in the Philippines. Next point you didn't have to go out and visit the bars while you were here. You could have stayed in your hotel room and watched TV. You went out on your own and patronized these bars no gun to your head. Yes it is true that a lot of the women working in these bars are here to go out with customers and make money but you can easily find Virgins (cherry girls as they are called) working in these bars and yes they get their commission by asking for drinks but never leave the bar with a customer. So if you want to call her a prostitute to make your story sound so dark and grim then go ahead but it is plenty of girls here that work in the bar and still have morals and the respect of their friends and families by not going out with customers. Every girl here wears an ID badge with their name and age on it signed by the mayors office so if you find a girl here she is not underaged and if she is a cherry girl she will have a red V on her badge as well. Stop trying to exploit the already exploited with your distorted blog honestly l think you owe Angeles and the people who live here an apology.

From Blog: Achtung baby - alone in Angeles (Angeles City, Luzon, Philippines)

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