 Marco Daprile - Marcoelitaliano | All Comments |
Comments | |
| 20th December 2009 Patricia | Re: Melissa Mastella and Clemente - From: In the Land of the Mastella the One Eyed Man Is King Hi Cuz, LOL! This Clemente Mastella looks alot like my father! Funny isnt it!! Luv ya!! |
| 15th December 2009 albert niez | good view - From: Life of a Seaman i never seen the full view of the boat. but i read the story short its great! |
| 14th October 2009 jaysil | seaman - From: Life of a Seaman plissssssssssss |
| 13th September 2009 Jorge | Dirty Secret - From: Mandinka Sex Tourism for Ladies Most people know about white women engaging in sex tourism in the Caribbean and in parts of Africa etc (black men seem to be the favourite of Western, female sex tourists). The only thing that surprises me is that they get off with it with so little comment or stigman being attached. God only knows how many words have been written demonising Western male sex tourists (the usual target would be Pattaya) but if anything Western female sex tourists are actually treated sympathetically in popular culture (can't recall the name of the recent film about French, white, female sex tourists in 1970's Haiti). Do you think it is anything to do with white, middle class females being unwilling to expend too much vitriol on condemning the actions of other white, middle class females? Much easier to go back to talking about male, tatooed, working class, Western sex tourists instead I suppose. Appallingly, blatant double standards apply when it comes to discussing white women flying off to have sex with black men in the Caribbean and all the other ususal places |
| 8th September 2009 khawla | - From: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Desert hey well i've been surfing on line & i found out this beautiful diaries abt ur intersting trip to western sahara & i just wanna say good job nice pic's & amazing style of writing i love what u said abt my city dakhla it really make me feel proud i knwo that it been a very long time but i think that an article lke that should not be leaved without comment so gd job . |
| 7th August 2009 Marcoelitaliano | Chatwin on LP - From: Generation Lonely Planet I've got this interesting private comment via mail from someone who prefers to remain anonymous. Here it is: "I read somewhere once that Bruce Chatwin blamed The Lonely Planet and in particular its founder (who incidentally drives a Ferrari) for creating the Taliban in Afghanistan. His argument was along the lines of tourist hippy types filling the locals heads with Socialism, Che Gauevara, and all that jazz; next stop the Commies coup, the soviets rolled in, then Rambo kicked em out and the reast is history...or something like that..." |
| 7th August 2009 Mari | Eyewitness - From: Generation Lonely Planet Beeing a LP user myself for many years, I found that LP's guide for Japan (going there in october) was not good enough and bought Eyewitness for the first time. It's good, small pics and just basic facts. Sweet :) |
| 22nd July 2009 Marcoelitaliano | Re: family - From: In the Land of the Mastella the One Eyed Man Is King Well, my english can be sometimes fallacious, yet I would have never thought that by reading this story someone might have thought that I actually am Clemente Mastella!!! If I was, this piece of rant would have been simple (crooked) geniality! Marco |
| 21st July 2009 Melissa Mastella | family - From: In the Land of the Mastella the One Eyed Man Is King hey Clemente Mastella i read this article i can hardly understand what it alls means but i would like to know what In the land of the Mastella the one Eyed Man Is King! I hope you will let me know what your goal on the story is or if its nonfiction or fiction. Anyways let me know if you have recieved this email P.S. Clemente i hope you would like to become closer relatives pretty much your the one that i found first in family circle And i want to love you and your wonderful wife and if i recieve email from you i will let you know how we are related as im doing a family tree online i hope you have recieved my request from there.I know your busy Sincerly, M.Mastella |
| 22nd June 2009 maria | Males only - From: Us, Al Gore and the Aborted Mount Athos Trek Males only allowed on Mt Athos to honour our most pure and holy mother the Virgin Mary who lived much of her life there. We honour her memory with this tradition. There have been exceptions to the tradition. During the second world war some Jewish women were taken in for their protection. |
| 22nd June 2009 elia | the new forster - From: The Locomotive definitely, a new Passage to India: an abstract resuming the landscapes , beauties,but most of all the mistery of the great india(Shri Lanka)(the person who gets into the climbing locomotive ) wonderfully described by the future e.m. forster !!!!! |
| 22nd June 2009 Marcoelitaliano | Re: The Locomotive - From: The Locomotive ... and you brightened mine with such a nice comment. Thanks buddy! |
| 22nd June 2009 Drunken Tiger | The Locomotive - From: The Locomotive As one train buff to another: I'm jealous!! But thanks for the description - it was just like being there (almost!). Brightened my day.. |
| 16th June 2009 Marcoelitaliano | to Lieke - From: In the Land of the Mastella the One Eyed Man Is King Well, Senegal ranks 86th in the same chart, so we're not not there yet, but our men are apparently working hard to reach such "wuthering heights"! |
| 15th June 2009 Lieke (the not so blonde) | - From: In the Land of the Mastella the One Eyed Man Is King We've been talking al lot about politics in Italy lately and totally agree with you. Berlusconi is worse than many politicians in so called 'banana republics'. And for press freedom, I think even in Senegal (where I was supposed to write my thesis about it, with emphasis on was supposed ...) the situation was better. |
| 15th June 2009 Roaming Purple i Viola in Viaggio | Ah ecco dove ti eri cacciato!!! - From: In the Land of the Mastella the One Eyed Man Is King Bene, bene sono contento di saperti ad Istanbul, sei li per fare cosa (se e' lecito sapere???) Riguardo al tuo post direi che se la tristezza sociale e morale fosse ricchezza l'Italia sarebbe senza dubbio il Paese piu' opulento di tutto il mondo occidentalizzato!!! Un grande abbraccio ed un mega "in bocca al lup" per tutto!!! |
| 14th June 2009 elkaiser | - From: In the Land of the Mastella the One Eyed Man Is King Hey man, i know what you mean...our head of the senate is an ex president famous for having ruining the country's coin so bad we had an hiperinflation, for his corruption and for making the state in which he was born into a personal fiefdom we elected an ex president that was impeached for our senator And don't even get me started about the jesus freaks and latin american fascists that "represent" us I guess brazilian and italian politics are not that different... |
| 22nd May 2009 zoe | wow - From: Spot Me, Greet Me, Hassle Me, Guide Me that is really cool on what you did LOLOLOL |
| 18th May 2009 stephen | curios to know more - From: Mandinka Sex Tourism for Ladies Thank you to Marco for a very interesting post. Also I see that the author of Romance on the Road has visited and made a comment. I was just reading reviews of her book online, before seeing this post. I just want to say that there are some women out here who would love to do some sex/romance tourism, but don't have access to much useful information. Men can find plenty of guides and forums on the web. Women tend to keep this a secret. It's about time they start sharing more of their stories. |
| 13th March 2009 er Sanchere | small places - From: Under African Skies Hola Companero, it seems a very well laid-back scenario in there. I found a message in this blog: when you start to surrender, Magic appears! Looks like another planet. cheers |
| 13th March 2009 er Sansechere | Sun and Daylight - From: Fair Tourism Hola! Me gusta la citation de Holly et Benj! voila'! et merci aussi pour citants Totti, champion du monde!!!!:P Monsieur Olivier et votre ancien ami? Voyage fait de vous trouver des gens speciaux! (as extraordinary experiences) un abrazo companero |
| 12th March 2009 Marcoelitaliano | To Jabe - From: Love in the Time of Samantha Fox hey, hey... deep down I love that stuff too, that's why I allow myself to make fun of it; I'd never do it with something I really despise (i.e. hip hop). Marco |
| 11th March 2009 Jabe | Re "musical talent of a vacuum cleaner" - From: Love in the Time of Samantha Fox Mel and Kim, fine, but Modern Talking??? Come ON! The discos of Europe would have been joyless affairs indeed without their brilliance. |
| 3rd March 2009 Branko | Same experience - From: Riding Rocinante X: Ljubljana (Kms 6744) I'm not surprised at all. I've been driving through Slovenia twice or three times per year for many years and I've been fined on more than 50% of my trips. I had the impression too that Slovenian cops don't like foreigners too much (especially Serbians). In the end I've got so fed up that I decided to drive through Hungary instead. |
| 3rd March 2009 Branko | VIVA SAMMY! - From: Love in the Time of Samantha Fox Marco, mate, you're one of the most bizarre bloggers I've ever came across. I don't think many would come out with something like this. Anyway, thanx for bringing back sweet memories to me. Moreover, it was hilariously written! |
| 2nd March 2009 thecrashpacker | - From: Love in the Time of Samantha Fox 1. she lives with her long-time lover and showbiz agent. 2. she's a born again christian, and very devout. 3. she came third in a poll of the UK's most attractive older ladies, behind Davina McCall (2nd). |
| 2nd March 2009 denidax | - From: Love in the Time of Samantha Fox My bedroom's wall were completely covered in Europe's posters when I was about 8... I loved them... I wanted to be Mrs. Tempest... I don't think you're strange, Marco, just have to find someone who shares your life style... she's out there, I'm sure... but hopefully she won't look like Samantha Fox... hahaha!!! Have fun in Sri Lanka!! |
| 24th February 2009 DailyRefresh.wordpress.com | I can't wait to go there! - From: The Island and the City Thank you for the pictures and recommendations. This is one of the most beautiful places...can't wait to visit! |
| 10th February 2009 Native Gal | Meryl Berkham - From: Riding Rocinante III: Strasbourg (Kms 1534) I fancy myself an free spirit, but in truth I am not really adventurous. I'm of the 'better to plan for the worst and hope for the best' set. So when I came across West with the Night by Meryl Berkham, I thought this was the most incredibly adventurous pioneer woman and writer. The quote of living a lifetime and not knowing youself was so profound. All the distractions keep us from really knowing ... ourselves. That's why I love a good run, riding my horse, a bike ride on a fall day, or a trek up in the Colorado mountains with no distractions except... myself. Ride On! I enjoyed your blog. |
| 7th February 2009 francesca | your humor? - From: A World of Smiles Ya! |
| 3rd February 2009 not so blonde | - From: A World of Smiles Many subjects in one story. Very well written. Those ever complaining travellers always get on my nerves. |
| 1st February 2009 thecrashpacker | ha! - From: A World of Smiles good writing! |
| 31st January 2009 Marcoelitaliano | Re: to Chel - From: Mandinka Sex Tourism for Ladies I guess that, had I invented the whole lot, I would not publish those comments suggesting that that might be the case... Anyway, in no point of my story I did state that Gambia was not decent... Marco |
| 30th January 2009 Chel | my experiance was different - From: Mandinka Sex Tourism for Ladies i have traveled Africa wide but i must say with honesty that i have found the Gambia one of the most decent tourist destinations. i may not refute this story, but i really can never tell that this is or could be close to the truth. if i may ask, how long have u been in the Gambia and how many more interviews did you conduct to warrant you portraying the image of the country on the WWW in this manner? Hmmmm. i doubt if this story was not manufactured in your own room.... |
| 21st January 2009 mila77 | - From: Death in the Afternoon oh marco, what kind of scary things you do!!!! im glad you didnt drown |
| 20th January 2009 MatevzH | cycling - From: Riding Rocinante X: Ljubljana (Kms 6744) And as an avid cyclist (both road and MTB), i did lots of kilometres in Slovenia, Italy (mostly in Alps and around Trieste), Austria and Benelux countries. I really enjoyed reading your different posts as one time I was planning to do similar trip to Asia... and actually, i can agree with what you wrote in this post, especially under slavic infrastructure and german mentality... But... cycling on highways? I'm not pro-authority, but this is really no go. And it is signed, that is forbidden to cycle or go slower than 50kmh. And I wouldn't do it just because of my own safety. Cycling paths in Slovenia are not good or non-existant (except in a few tourist places), and thats a real shame. But, that road that you are refering is not the only reasonable way to get from Hungary to Maribor, and actually, this highway is new. This highway has a side road (old main road), which is empty of heavy truck traffic (due to the highway you got on). Actually all highways on your way to Italy had a side-road. Probably a few km more than highway, but still... this used to be "old" main road... There is no excuse for police, and how they were treating you, they should have just warned you, and basically show you a parallel road. I hope you complained and put your post to the tourist office. And i'm really sorry that it happened to you. But riding on highways is still a no-go. Wherever in Europe you are... |
| 20th January 2009 denidax | - From: Death in the Afternoon Ya was right... "if no boat, BIG problem"... we're happy you're alive!!!!... |
| 20th January 2009 cam2yogi | - From: Death in the Afternoon I'm glad you're safe and able to continue your excellent adventure! Peace & Love, cam |
| 19th January 2009 Vanetsa | Canoe.... - From: Death in the Afternoon Thanks Marco, I was thinking about doing a canoe trip next year... But you scared me now... I'm very glad you are still around to write the story. My little world would miss your stories from another world. Just got back from an amazing bicycle trip through Marocco! Did 1000 kilometres and crossed the high atlas.... I feel proud of myself, very much alive and happy! Lot's of love from Belgium, your friend, Vanetsa |
| 19th January 2009 Lieke | Pfiehw - From: Death in the Afternoon Hello my favorite world traveler, I'm glad those fishermen came by. Enjoy the rest of your stay there in paradise. |
| 19th January 2009 nidea | - From: Death in the Afternoon It´s good you have an angel or whatever watching over you. Congratulations!! I´m glad you keep on writing |
| 19th January 2009 Ali | You've been lucky. Very, very lucky - From: Death in the Afternoon Glad you're alive and well Marco! |
| 19th January 2009 Broden | Just wanted to say - From: Death in the Afternoon Came across your blog tonight, very well written with some excellent insights. I'm happy your alive. |
| 19th January 2009 muriel | lucky you! - From: Death in the Afternoon wow! that sounds quite scary! I am glad you made it back "home" sound and safe... |
| 8th January 2009 Jamie | Great Blog! - From: If I Were You Very Nice blog Marco. I am from the USA and have family that came to the US in the early 1900's from Raiano Italy. The family name is Arquilla. Spelled Aquilla in Italian I think! They even have a creek named after them here called Arquilla creek. I have never been to Italy before and I just loved the pictures you have posted. It makes me feel a little closer to family that is so far away. Keep blogging!! Jamie |
| 15th December 2008 Marcoelitaliano | Re: To Sniffandsnore - From: A Rough Guide to Bicycle Touring Europe Thanx Rich, it was my pleasure to meet you all. In the end I decided not to go to Pulau Weh, did some research and it seems that november-february is rainy season over there. Heading back to Thailand, instead. Take care and keep up with the training. |
| 15th December 2008 SniffandSnore | Nice one! - From: A Rough Guide to Bicycle Touring Europe Nice one Marco.... hell of a trip! Great to meet you the other night. |
| 14th December 2008 China | China - From: A Rough Guide to Bicycle Touring Europe Great blog. Very interesting. |
| 10th December 2008 Ole Martin Pelsholen | Long Route! - From: A Rough Guide to Bicycle Touring Europe Good to read that You are safe back home. Was fun to have You as a guest here in norway. Also fun to read Your travelblog. Take care! Greatings from Ole Martin |
| 22nd November 2008 Marcoelitaliano | To Grim #2 - From: Riding Rocinante X: Ljubljana (Kms 6744) Let me get it straight, as apparently you did not read the article, just worried about writing two comments to defend the good name of your country. My point was not "who was right", my point was about what cops should be (a service) and what those cops I met in Slovenia actually are: a force of repression considering themselves above citizens and feeling right in treating them disrespectfully. Plus, applying rules that should be overlooked in a country that completely lack in cycling paths. But I'm pretty sure this concept would be far too difficult to understand for someone like you (or like most of my italian countrymen, don't give me wrong) who prefer to use his car instead. And don't tell me that you do cycle because I wouldn't believe it even if you send me your pic on yellow shirt at tour de france. Marco PS: I let your comment pass this time, but if you insult me again as you just did ("a stuckup, arrogant prick") this will be the last one of yours published. |
| 21st November 2008 Grim | To Marcoelitaliano - From: Riding Rocinante X: Ljubljana (Kms 6744) I'm sorry, but I fail to see the "nationalist" in my coment. The cops are there to uphold the law. You broke that law and were punished for it. Now, I wasn't there so I don't know what really happened, all I know is what you've told us. A cop has ruined your trip, he was treating you like crap and was all around acting like an idiot. I believe you, because I know how cops can be. But after reading your article, I can't help but wonder, maybe you deserved it? Because from the way the article is written, I got the impression that you are a stuckup, arrogant prick. If you were acting like that infront of the cop, I'm not at all surprised that he treated you the way he did. But since we'll never know what actually happened, I see no point in discussing this further. Even more so, because you're acting like a 7 year old child, who just dropped his lollipop on the floor. |
| 21st November 2008 Marcoelitaliano | Re: To Bryan - From: Riding Rocinante X: Ljubljana (Kms 6744) Bryan, if with "try to be more laid back" you meant to say "join organized tours such as mine, instead of being such a free spirit proud of dealing individually with foreign, freedom-fighting authorities", well, I'm sorry to say that I'm happy to be so... how would you consider me? "rigid"? Yes? OK, then let's say that I'm happy to be so "rigid". Marco |
| 21st November 2008 Marcoelitaliano | Re: To JD and Grim - From: Riding Rocinante X: Ljubljana (Kms 6744) Glad to receive these kind of nationalist/pro-authority comments; it basically demonstrates I was not mistaken in my judgements! Marco |
| 17th November 2008 JD | Cycling on the motorways - From: Riding Rocinante X: Ljubljana (Kms 6744) is not allowed. Which part of the sentence you didn't understand? I kindly suggest you to grow up and start take responsibility for your actions instead of growing anger to anyone and everything around you. Yet again, I rather would not speculate what the term "civilly discussed issue" mean in terms of the Italian habits. |
| 17th November 2008 Grim | - From: Riding Rocinante X: Ljubljana (Kms 6744) I see you had a bad experience with the cops in Slovenia. Most of them (but not all fortunately) are idiots, whos only goal seems to be giving people fines. The guy might had a bad day (still, thats no excuse). But let me get this straight. You went on a visit to another country, with a bicycle and did not check the laws regarding cyclist in that country? I'm sorry, but thats just iresponsible and arrogant. You than go and break a law, which you did not know you were breaking, because you didn't bother to check the local laws for I don't know what reasons, get fined and then bit*h about it? I'm really sorry, but what the hell were you thinking taking a bicycle on a highway? Yeah, I can really see people bursting of joy, when they get tourists like you for a visit. You know the type: arrogant, who think they can do whatever the hell they want, because they are tourists. Get serious. |
| 16th November 2008 bryan chitty | Slovenia - From: Riding Rocinante X: Ljubljana (Kms 6744) I could not disagree with you more I have found the people and police in Slovenia polite and helpful. As a tour guide i find people all over Europe and Africa are friendly and helpful if you are friendly to them and not aggresive But as I come from South Africa you would probably think my country is a total police state, which it is not. Try to be more laid back and you will enjoy your travels much more! |
| 15th November 2008 aleksander | my view - From: Riding Rocinante X: Ljubljana (Kms 6744) I'm a Slovene and I must agree with most. Slovene police is mostly very rigid and stupid. They will followed the law to the letter, but mostly our laws are in line with EU laws. You can't ride a bycikle on the motorways anywhere in EU, but also Slovene fines are very high. You must be very carefull on Slovene roads as our Police are very happy to fine you for the smalest mistake you made. They prefere punisment not preventions. Governement explanation for this is our many deats on the road, I think one of the worst per capita in EU. Many Slovenes are very big patriots and foreigners usually don't understand us. For centuries we where under foreighn rule and lots of our land was stolen from us. We don't have our state before to protect us. Lady T is just pointed out which land was stolen from us, but for me this is history now and not important issue any more. You must understand that such things(lost land)for small nation as Slovene is more problematic and many people have bad fillings on this. You find a good comment on balkans. You can't unsult Slovene more as put them on Balkan. We where in Yugoslavia for 72 years and those are not very happy times for our people so nobody likes Balkan nations. As you find themself we are very different from them as a result of 500 years of Austrians rules. |
| 14th November 2008 er Dry | agree, damn how I agree.. - From: Riding Rocinante X: Ljubljana (Kms 6744) Hello Old Boy, I see your point and I had the same "experience" in Slovenia few years ago..they stopped us in the car in the night because we were driving with foglamp (fendinebbia) in the fog! they told us we should have drive on full beam...and they took our passports too...everyone I know who have been travelling in Slovenia had some "troubles" with such a stupid system of rules..but how can you call them rules in the first place as they are absurd and not logic whatsoever... |
| 11th November 2008 Roaming Purple i Viola in Viaggio | The sound of History - From: Riding Rocinante IX: Auschwitz (Kms 5891) Marco it is more than a year I read your blogs but this is the first time I write something; referring to your modern history professor comment we need pious illusions. They are the food of our souls the fresh water source of our roots. Today seems like most of the people are deaf to the sounds of history. It is duty of those who are still able to hear it to help other people in removing the layer of dust covering their memories. Keep going Marco - keep cyclying - keep doing your "dust-buster" job!! Ermanno |
| 11th November 2008 antonio dias | enjoyable blog entry - From: Riding Rocinante IX: Auschwitz (Kms 5891) Having visited the horrid ghetto 2 years ago, I could actually feel I was there once again readng through your blog entry..You have really captured the mood so vividly through language and pictures. well done!! All the best. |
| 11th November 2008 denidax | love it!! - From: Riding Rocinante VIII: Zielona Gora (Kms 5622) I like your blogs very much, Marco, but I must say the German ones are my favorite!!!... is very relieving to see someone else with the same thoughts as me... Dax is German and, obviously I love him and I like his family and most of his friends... but Germans are very special!!!... I always joke with Dax that "verboten" is the most used word in German language!!!... he doesn't deny it, by the way!!!... hahaha... |
| 9th November 2008 Kuno | Brilliant! - From: Riding Rocinante I: Raiano (Kms 0) Travels with Charley is a classic that I only recent had the pleasure of reading. What a great idea biking across Europe! Enjoy every step, and everyday wake-up to realize how fortunate you are to be living such a dream! Kudos to you, Marco! |
| 8th November 2008 The great adventure of Rayburn and V | amazing place!! - From: Riding Rocinante IX: Auschwitz (Kms 5891) we went there about a month and a half ago,powerful!! we have a lot of pics up if you want to have a look?? the great adventure of rayburn and v..... |
| 8th November 2008 Drunken Tiger | Auschwitz - From: Riding Rocinante IX: Auschwitz (Kms 5891) A thought-provoking entry: bitter sweet. And on the side of honest emotions, rather than easy sentimentalism, which makes it all the better. The practised traveller hones his writing skills yet further... |
| 8th November 2008 jtayli | China - From: Riding Rocinante IX: Auschwitz (Kms 5891) A very simple, but honest account. I enjoyed reading your blog. |
| 26th October 2008 francesca | still on your way south? - From: Riding Rocinante VII: Fagernes (Kms 4382) Are you still on the road? I've just found out about your blog and got to read it and you are already on your way back .... it's a piety I haven't managed to follow you through your journey! are you passing by Lampedusa on your way south? |
| 21st September 2008 Drunken Tiger | Fingers crossed for Rocinante! - From: Riding Rocinante VII: Fagernes (Kms 4382) Hope you both make it to Iceland somehow...following your Scandanavian adventures with great interest...here in SW London. I am certainly much more comfortable, but having a much less interseting time! A presto! Dai! Su! |
| 20th September 2008 Ermao | So great - From: Riding Rocinante VII: Fagernes (Kms 4382) Ah,,,it took me much time reading your article.you know ,it's so hard for me to read it ,because i'm a chinese. lol....hum....but it's great i shared your experience there. |
| 17th September 2008 Marcoelitaliano | Re: "Six attractive blonde babes" - From: Riding Rocinante V: Remels (Kms 2673) well, well, nothing is perfect in this world, but I`m easy, I could have gone for a 4+2 instead of a full 6 blondes :-) |
| 17th September 2008 Lieke | - From: Riding Rocinante V: Remels (Kms 2673) From "these six attractive blonde babes" only two were blonde. But yes, it must have been dissapointing to you that you didn't become the subject of a cheap porno movie, but that you found yourself on your own in stead. |
| 9th September 2008 Johanna | Nice Blog ! - From: Riding Rocinante V: Remels (Kms 2673) You deserve a "brownie point" for this one ... thanks for the good laugh :) ....cheers ! |
| 4th September 2008 denidax | that was funny - From: Riding Rocinante V: Remels (Kms 2673) that made me laugh; both for the story of the supermarket and for that german woman who was telling you off; we're in Germany at the moment, as well and, even though I've been here a few times, there are things that, as a latino person, shock me, like the fact that they ask you how many potatotes you're going to eat, so the'll cook the exact amount!!!, but there are many more, that's why I loved it when I saw your answer to that woman... hahahaha Ride hard!!! Deni |
| 18th August 2008 Marcoelitaliano | Re: So far so fun. - From: Riding Rocinante II: Sankt Anton (Kms 930) Well, Sula, I´ve found the pepper spray can but luckily I haven´t had the chance to test it yet: north european dogs are quite friendly :-) |
| 17th August 2008 adrien de la touche | Excellent blog - From: Little Big Differences between Italy and the United Kingdom Very perceptive blog - Seeing Brits on holiday in groups is not advisable, but thankfully many Brits can be a little more sophisticated. Hopefully booze culture and lads mags won't be with us forever! I loved your comment about the Canadian in the previous Blog - I've seen that sort of thing many times travelling. Good luck |
| 15th August 2008 Stayloose | curled up - From: Riding Rocinante III: Strasbourg (Kms 1534) Keep riding, keep writing. I really enjoyed that. Loneliness can rip you apart and leave you curled up sceaming. Good luck. |
| 14th August 2008 Sophie | - From: Riding Rocinante III: Strasbourg (Kms 1534) Hi, Just wanted to say that I find your blog very interesting, and that I really admire what you're doing! I'm from the French Alps, and know only too well how steep some of our roads are!!! I hope I'll follow in your steps one day... At the moment I'm being a bus-riding kind of traveller... But not as stereotypical as your Canadian backpacker I hope! Keep on having fun (hopefully in the sun!) and meeting great people! |
| 13th August 2008 Sula | - From: Riding Rocinante III: Strasbourg (Kms 1534) Hey, I liked your thoughts on how we just have to keep ourselves busy in order not to have to deal with loneliness (or ourselves). It is so true, but kind of hard to admit. Ha, the encounter with the backpacker prototype was really funny. I really like the way you write. Keep on cycling, keep on posting. |
| 13th August 2008 Sula | So for so fun - From: Riding Rocinante II: Sankt Anton (Kms 930) Hey, am loving your adventure. Have you found a way of solving the "dogs" problem? |
| 13th August 2008 Vanetsa | woeha! - From: Riding Rocinante III: Strasbourg (Kms 1534) Hey Marco, nice to read about the cycling trip! Can't wait for the Belgian chapter...hihi. Hope you are well! Following your stories from Gent with a little light in my eye. Cycling is the best! Keep on pushing those pedals and enjoy the trip my friend! Vanetsa |
| 4th July 2008 Sula | Have a nice trip - From: Riding Rocinante I: Raiano (Kms 0) Hey, loved your trip idea and loved even more the reason for it: Staying away from television....hahaha I´ll be checking your blog. Have a nice trip. |
| 19th June 2008 Marcoelitaliano | load of bollocks - From: Mandinka Sex Tourism for Ladies It's curious how this article was published almost a year ago and now, all of a sudden I start receiving comments and messages against its veracity and in favour of the gambian government that has miracously solved the problem. It must be a coincidence... |
| 19th June 2008 soul | load of bollocks - From: Mandinka Sex Tourism for Ladies Its obvious you have done some sort of cosmetic surgery to your story, you need to know that people like ibrahim never speak as elquent as you portray him, matter of fact its comfortable to say they dont speak English at all. True bumstars exist but you need to be fair in your article by saying the efforts of the Government in curbing it. You are obviously a biased tourist, from the way you painted the beaches in uncouth words. By the way if you needed to be in a world where everything is perfect why didnt you remain wherever you came from, |
| 11th June 2008 Giorgio | ah, Creta! - From: Solitary Winter on a Greek Island e pensare che ci siamo quasi incrociati quell'inverno! io però mi sono beccato tutta quella neve il 14 febbraio, durante una delle mie campagne di studi geologici, e sicuramente non si poteva girae in pantaloncini. eh si, quando ancora avevo uno dei miei famosi "studi geologici" a Roma... a proposito, mi ricordo benissimo che da quelle parti si coglieva l'ulivo per tutto l'inverno (date anche le enormi quantità e le sempre meno braccia a disposizione); ecco il perchè di quelle reti... d'altronde questa abitudine si ritrova anche in italia, soprattutto nel versante tirrenico, meno freddo (vincenzo di Cori docet...) |
| 10th June 2008 Marcoelitaliano | Re: freedom? - From: Solitary Winter on a Greek Island Well, to hope for something means in most cases to be disappointed or, anyway, to risk to be disappointed. Consequently our behaviour changes to avoid/limitate such a risk, hence our freedom is reduced. Same logic applies for fears. Anyway, those words were written on Kazantzakis's tomb, not on mine :-) |
| 9th June 2008 vanessa | freedom? - From: Solitary Winter on a Greek Island Hoping for nothing. Fearing nothing. Is that total freedom? |
| 16th May 2008 Marcoelitaliano | To Lamin - From: Mandinka Sex Tourism for Ladies I never stated, neither in this blog nor in any other of mine that there aren't young man/older woman couples in the West. More important yet, I never expressed any sort of moral judgment on the issue, just plain facts. And about me writing what I wrote because some sort of secret agenda... well, do I seriously need to answer to that??? |
| 16th May 2008 Lamin | Holes! Holes! - From: Mandinka Sex Tourism for Ladies I read this story with utter disbelieve. The whole episode with ibrahim seems fake to me; the story is full of holes. I wont deny there is sex tourism in the gambia but some of the things you just mention are just not true. Maybe you have an agenda besides even in the west it is not uncommon to see an older woman being with a younger man. |
| 6th March 2008 Luca in Viaggio | Steve McQueen? - From: Longfellow Serenade Ciao Marco-Steve McQueen, Come prosegue il viaggio? leggo sempre con piacere le tue storie anche se noto che ultimamemente scrivi con parsimonia. Resti comunque il mio poeta nomade favorito :-) |
| 1st February 2008 xdeletiax | - From: Longfellow Serenade so what happened next? |
| 4th January 2008 Tim S. | Interesting - From: Little Big Differences between Italy and the United Kingdom Another well-written entry...hopefully this is, as you say, just a rest stop and not an end to your journies and entries. |
| 3rd January 2008 Jose A. | QUE GRANDE ERES - From: Little Big Differences between Italy and the United Kingdom Recibe un gran abrazo desde Málaga. Ya veo que te sigue llendo bien por esos mundos de Diós... ¡¡¡ que grande eres !!! FELIZ AÑO NUEVO |
| 13th December 2007 Marcoelitaliano | Re: Our hero - From: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Desert Falc, 450$ to fly from Agadir to Dakar is pure madness. Is infinetely more expensive than the overland crossing, plus you would miss out quite an adventure (albeit boring in some of its parts). An idea, if you are planning to do it in january, why not to wait for the Paris-Dakar rally crossing and try to get a ride from one of the trucks following the competition. It might work. Good luck. Marco |
| 13th December 2007 Falc | Our hero - From: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Desert Bravo! You did good... and saw that all it takes is that one voice crying out against the tyrant, and others quickly join in, rendering him impotent. (Would that it worked with George Bush!) (Of course, he could also have pulled out a knife and gutted you, were he a madman, so choose the time and place of your battles as well as the means of fighting them, but... :) ) I was looking for info on traveling from Agadir to Senegal.. and this about the Sahara is promising... though the rest of it makes the $450 USD they want from Royal Air Maroc seem like it may be a sensible choice. I'd miss some rich memories, but even in January, Western Sahara sounds a bit like a new kind of hell. Perhaps I should explore that after I've got a base settled on in Dakar? Thanks for sharing the info. It's a disappointment to realize you're headed back, as it seems you'd have been a good travel companion for a bit along the way. In Mali, did you happen across any of the Toureg tribes and their Azawakh dogs? |
| 26th November 2007 Drunken Tiger | The train ride - From: The Train Ride Exciting stuff and well-written - my God! the thought of all that iron ore and dust! Sounds like u got enough meterial for a book... |
| 21st November 2007 Vanetsa | the written version of the train story... - From: The Train Ride The difference between your African train stories and my Indian train stories? Yours are based on true facts! You even have to fotomaterial to prove it! hihi... I really enjoyed reading this story again. Especially because this time, I also had the privilege of hearing it live while you were in Belgium! Big hug from your little friend in Gent, who's leaving for Buenos Aires this weekend! |
| 8th September 2007 The Steiners | Well Written - From: Spot Me, Greet Me, Hassle Me, Guide Me You have great material to draw from evidently but you write it well and succinctly. We've been considering going to western Africa and you give a good taste of it. |
| 2nd September 2007 vanessa | memories... - From: Spot Me, Greet Me, Hassle Me, Guide Me Hi Marco, just nice to read this again, knowing that you wrote it at my place, thinking of the small panic attac we had when the computer broke down.... nice to see you were able to save everything! Hope you are well! And happily trippling through life! Big hug, your Belgian friend, Vanetsa |
| 2nd September 2007 Kate Hildebrand | hi Marco - From: Spot Me, Greet Me, Hassle Me, Guide Me this was a great read! I can't wait to get to Africa someday ^__^ |
| 17th July 2007 Drunken Tiger | Great writing! - From: Empty Spaces I'm enjoying all your stories/writing, but that last one was my favourite! Love the biting humour.. The trips turning into a classic. |
| 16th July 2007 Tom Griffith | I missed Bissau - From: Empty Spaces Hi Marco, very jealous that you got to Bissau, it was another place on the list that I missed. Good luck with the rest of your travels! |
| 15th July 2007 Tim | Excellent - From: Empty Spaces Another great entry....the pic depicting the peugeot 504 actually brings back memories of my childhood...funny how certain things don't change...anywayz, looking forward to the next entry, which hopefully will be sooner rather than later |
| 3rd July 2007 Marcoelitaliano | Re: to Grantcorp - From: Mandinka Sex Tourism for Ladies Ehi, that would be great, I hadn't actually tought about it just yet. No hurry, anyway: Lagos wasn't built in a day, ehm, I mean Rome. |
| 3rd July 2007 Jeannette Belliveau | Very interesting! - From: Mandinka Sex Tourism for Ladies Thanks for commenting on your conversation. Every detail fits in with the pattern I discovered while researching my book on female sex tourism, entitled "Romance on the Road: Traveling Women Who Love Foreign Men." |
| 3rd July 2007 kiwa_hirsuta | - From: Mandinka Sex Tourism for Ladies "He had the healthy aspect typical of who does not work but eats well" Prostitution isn't work? |
| 2nd July 2007 grantcorp | Job well done! - From: Mandinka Sex Tourism for Ladies If the bloggers continue this trend, travelblog will soon be full of stories of the most peculiar and bizarre people in the travel scene. Now I'll set my hopes for a journal about someone interviewing a guy typing up Nigeria-letters... |
| 20th June 2007 eims | love your blog - From: Vino Tinto top writing skills - keep it up! |
| 19th June 2007 Flavio | critica per critica - From: A Confederacy of Smugglers Ciao Marco,il miocommento non era rivolto a te,era un pó´in risposta a Massimo,ma piu che a altro era una mia opinione in generale. Ciao! |
| 19th June 2007 Sandrella | Wonder moments - From: Strange News from a Different Planet Hey, that's was a true moment of brilliance from you!I know how it feels like and in those scenario I forget any decency rules too.A while ago I had a similar urgency while stuck in a club in central London and I had to empty myself in a private quiet location such as a phone booth in Oxford street so I understand you and cheer you up for that. Hasta pronto Dude! |
| 19th June 2007 Marcoelitaliano | Re: - From: Strange News from a Different Planet Thanx Tim, Well, there is some sort of short-term plan, but I think that keep it quiet make things more interesting :-) Marco |
| 18th June 2007 Tim S. | Funny - From: Strange News from a Different Planet Another hilarious and well-written entry...but I'm wondering where you plan to go next...I know that you're traveling without a goal but there must be some semblance of where your end result will be. I'm looking forward to the next one |
| 18th June 2007 Marcoelitaliano | Re: - From: A Confederacy of Smugglers Scusa Flavio ma non sono riuscito a capire se il tuo commento polemico (il secondo) era una critica contro la mia di critica o contro la critica della mia critica fatta da Massimo C. :-) Intanto, un saluto Marco |
| 16th June 2007 Flavio | Contrabbandieri - From: A Confederacy of Smugglers In Europa,si da al termine contrabbandiere o avventuriere,un significato prettamente negativo; siamo irrigiditi da una educazione cattolica perbenista che ha schematizzato il nostro pensare,chiamando cattivi i suddetti e buoni i vari politici,poliziotti religiosi,volontari ecc. Se peró si analizzassero le persone per quello che sono e non per quello che appaiono(si dice cosí?) riusciremmo ancora a rimanere di quel parere? Ogni persona ha una parte buona ed una cattiva,ma mentre da noi é difficile vedere l'altra parte,se non si é "allenati" a farlo,in viaggio riesce a vedre meglio le sfumature e a confondere il limite. Il contrabbandiere che vende benzina in Gambia,comprandola dal Senegal,e' forse un delinquente? Non é un lavoro come un altro? Forse sono meglio alcuni speculatori edilizi,o le stesse banche che altro non sono che societá di usura legalizzate? Tra l'altro,se proprio vogliamo essere polemici.....le ONG sono buone o cattive? Le intenzioni lo sarebbero,ma siamo sicuri che non ci siano interessi economici dietro che le mandano avanti? I volontari che ci lavorano sicuramente hanno le migliori intenzioni.....ma su chi le gestisce...siamo sicuri di poter dire lo stesso? Il mondo purtroppo non é come ci é stato insegnato o come vorrebbero credessimo che fosse,é molto piu´complesso e bisognerebbe sempre mettere in discussione qualsiasi cosa,mentre spesso ci adagiamo sul nostro piccolo sapere e non riflettiamo. |
| 11th June 2007 Massimo C. | ONG - From: A Confederacy of Smugglers Marco, non ho ben capito quale sia il punto di questa tua -passami il termine- arringa sensazionalista contro gli expats in Africa. Io ho lavorato per anni qui in Senegal, gomito a gomito con questi che tu definisci "contrabbandieri", e ti assicuro che l'opinione che me ne sono fatto è totalmente distinta rispetto alla tua. Certo mele marce ne esistono in ogni cesto, ma vale la pena gettare al vento gli sforzi di mille per punire quattro gaglioffi senza scrupoli? Nonostante tutto, mi piace il tuo blog: buone immagini e soprattutto grande capacità narrativa. Ti auguro solo di incontrare nel proseguio dei tuoi viaggi in Africa tanta gente perbene che ti faccia vedere il lato positivo di questa "confederazione". Attentamente, Massimo C. |
| 11th June 2007 Flavio | Sfumature.. - From: A Confederacy of Smugglers Ciao Marco, ció che dici a proposito della facilitá ad incontrare persone che a casa tua non avresti modo di apprezzare o conoscere,é possibilmente vero per qualsiasi viaggio indipendente di media lunga, durata,ma probabilmente in Africa,fra bianchi é molto piú fattibile. Nella mia breve ma intensa esperienza africana,i pochi bianchi che ho conosciuto erano tutti sul filo dell'illegalitá; in Europa sarebbero normalmente etichettati come contrabbandieri,evasori, avventurieri o cercafortune, ma forse é solo la necessitá intrinseca dell'uomo di dover catalogare tutto seguendo canoni prestabiliti dando ad ogni concetto una risposta e ad ogni cosa un nome.......a volte invece , le cose,i fatti, le persone non hanno significati catalogabili con i nostri normali criteri,e vanno accettate per quello che sono. Keep going, Flavio! |
| 27th April 2007 Fartu | Puntualizzazione - From: Of Bishops, Walkers, Monks and Popes Comunque, gentilissimo, non siamo "creati uguali" (vedi parabola dei talenti). Siamo pari. Il che è diverso. Saluti ingessati. |
| 27th April 2007 Fartu | Titoli - From: Of Bishops, Walkers, Monks and Popes In genere, chi si scaglia contro i titoli è chi non ne ha. Lo stesso si può dire per chi non ha casa (che vorrebbe a torto o a ragione, non entro nel merito, una casa per tutti o per nessuno), per chi non ha lavoro, per chi non ha diritti, per chi non ha pensione, per chi non ha ammortizzatori. Per chi non ha il microonde, per chi non ha la TV, per chi non ha il DVD. Per chi non ha la fabbrica di famiglia, per chi non ha la barca, per chi non ha il SUV. Il titolo, a differenza di queste cose, non ha grandi effetti di per sé su chi ne ha uno; semmai è il potere connesso al titolo, perché la gente (ancora) gliene dà uno. Il titolo di Papa, per me, ha meno significato del titolo di padre, e in effetti su di me ha più potere mio padre che il papa, una virgola detta da mia madre ha più potere di un'intera omelia papale, su di me. Mi rendo conto però che l'elettore medio dell'UDC o della Margherita (per essere bipartisan) crede molto in quello che alcuni vecchi ottantenni dicono ancora sulle coppie di fatto, e quindi ci troviamo la classe politica che ci troviamo. C'è da vergognarsi. Ma tanto si sa, come al solito piove sul Bagna..sco. |
| 26th April 2007 Marcoelitaliano | Re: Errore gravissimo - From: Of Bishops, Walkers, Monks and Popes In effetti non ne avevo idea, grazie per la nota, Fartu. A volerla poi dire tutta, di gravissimo qui c'è solo il fatto che in una società di uomini 'creati uguali' alcuni godano ancora -secolo XXI- di titoli. |
| 26th April 2007 Fartu | Errore gravissimo - From: Of Bishops, Walkers, Monks and Popes Il vescovo non ha il titolo di Sua Eminenza, riservato ai cardinali, ma di Sua Eccellenza. E' gravissimo. |
| 23rd April 2007 johan | excellent writing! - From: Life of a Seaman ciao Marco, how are you? i am so jealous about your skills in which you portray the daily events with the character Salva and the "black-market-ships". Maybe you want to help me out with writing my novel? Since you visited sweden i have put many different small ideas together, and it is shaping out to become a good plot and script for a book... The best of luck on your journey across Atlantic, I can't wait to read your next story (from Mexico?) Johan ( www.precis.to/johan ) |
| 15th March 2007 Marcoelitaliano | Re: - From: Second Hand Virginity Ciao Markpenn, giuro che la coincidenza d'itinerari è del tutto casuale, vedremo alla prossima. Non ho capito la storia della "pizza delle nazioni unite". Tim, thanx for your comment(s), as for the ladies... fingers crossed :-) Marco |
| 15th March 2007 markpenn | sempre sulle mie orme - From: Second Hand Virginity nessuna presunzione man, certo che mi fa ridere che i miei ultimi viaggi francesi,spagnoli e marocchini sono stati molto simili ai tuoi, x mia fortuna data la vecchiaia e la figlia in arrivo ho goduto della mia compagnia dopo 15 anni di viaggi solitari(al momento di partire e di tornare, però!) e x fortuna pure tua che di sposarti nn ne hai intenzione(memorabile la battuta della terza t). la pizza delle nazioni unite è quella del bar di casablanca dove hai ucciso un altro amore sul nascere! ciau mp |
| 14th March 2007 Tim S. | Interesting!!! - From: Second Hand Virginity Hey marco, another great entry...hope you have better luck with the ladies, and I'm looking forward to the next adventure. |
| 2nd March 2007 Vanetsa | before the weekend kicks in... - From: The Hitcher Memories of my own trip to Portugal come back to me while reading your story! Me and my friend met so many nice people hitchhiking through the country. Your story made me smile. The perfect words to start the weekend with! In Belgium the sun is shining and the sky is blue! I am going to have a nice beer with friends on a big terrace! I will blink my eyes, think of you and drink to your health! Warm greetings, Vanetsa |
| 22nd February 2007 Phileas_Fogg | Funny blog - From: I'm a Shopping Illiterate This was hilarious :-) |
| 17th February 2007 markpenn | grandissimo! - From: The Consequences of Love amico, come posso non gustarmi le tue ultime prodezze avendo tutto sommato da pochissimo tempo passato delle giornate in quasi tutti i luoghi da te indicati?x tale motivo mi sembra veramente di vederti ogni volta...l'obbrobrio commerciale di andorra, che forse ti ha causato la febbre; la meraviglia di carcassonne e l'incanto della playa de la concha a san sebastian, magari se rivedi le mie foto sei passato proprio in quei punti esatti? ma lo stesso viaggio con persone diverse diventa un altro viaggio, per nostra fortuna! continua così! ciao m. |
| 15th February 2007 Marcoelitaliano | Re: Raiano - From: If I Were You è curioso, Andy, sei la seconda persona che mi scrive per la stessa ragione. Viaggiare alla ricerca delle proprie origini è un tipo di viaggio che io non ho mai avuto modo (né ragione) di fare; dev'essere qualcosa di speciale e se hai bisogno di ulteriori informazioni su Raiano fammi sapere (ma includi il tuo indirizzo e-mail). Per il resto, No, non sono affatto ricco, lavoro durante un periodo per poter poi liberamente viaggiare il resto dell'anno. Non è necessario essere milionari per conoscere il mondo, servono solo voglia e un po' di culo :-) |
| 14th February 2007 Andy | Raiano - From: If I Were You Ciao! Io ho visitato Raiano due anni fa. Era il luogo da dove i parenti della mia ragazza venivano agli Stati Uniti. Sono andato al comune e il cimitero. Abbiamo trovato, in fatti, una bis-bis-zia della mia ragazza. Era bellissima, come una citta' in America, Aspen, Colorado. Allora, scrivimi se puoi. Vorrei sapere piu' di Raiano. Ciao!! Se forse rico, vorrei viaggiare con te. Vorrei scappare al bello luogo. |
| 4th February 2007 markpenn | sempre più mitico - From: Pickpockets ciao man, mi manca da morire marsiglia, un'atmosfera mai conosciuta mezza francese e mezza africana che hai descritto alla perfezione e che spero vivamente un giorno di vedere; invece carcassonne è un mio viaggio recente ed in generale, se non hai ancora sconfinato nella "tua" spagna ti consiglio biarritz e bayonne! au revoir(il tuo francese deve essere come il mio spagnolo!) ciao |
| 1st February 2007 Anne | Saludos desde Lakselv, Norway - From: Pickpockets Hola Marco Espero que todo vaya bien contigo y el viaje. Nos recordamos mucho de ti. Estamos muy bien mis hijos y yo, y mis amigos tambien. Saludos de Anne, Natalia y Fabio |
| 1st February 2007 olivier | sala malecum - From: Pickpockets hello, Marco i just loved your story about france; did you try to play petanque and drink pastis in marseille? if not you missed an important part of the local culture!!! i'm now in sénégal where we met the first time, i will stay one or two years in sokone close to the border with gambia. wher is your next stop? hope to see you in sénégal soon. take care olivier |
| 29th January 2007 Tim S. | Great Blog - From: Of Bishops, Walkers, Monks and Popes Very interesting, and your descriptions and observations are brilliant!!! Keep writing |
| 24th January 2007 arnaldo | complimenti - From: Of Bishops, Walkers, Monks and Popes ciao marco.... complimenti e congratulazioni per il tuo lungo e sontuoso viaggio....sai che sembri proprio un editore, con il tuo accento erudito.. di nuovo complimenti.... |
| 13th January 2007 markpenn | great!! - From: Of Bishops, Walkers, Monks and Popes hi man, surely u can remember me, the other Marco from the nomadcommunity.org i'm back just now from USA and soon u'll read more in my website! here i only want to give u my sincerely compliments and appreciations for your blog!!! see u! marco penna |
| 9th January 2007 Vanetsa | chapeau! - From: Of Bishops, Walkers, Monks and Popes Hi Marco, Chapeau means hat in French! And in Belgium we use the word to give a compliment! And that is exactly what I want to do! I am really enjoying the stories on your blog! Already looking forward to the next one! Big hug, Vanetsa |
| 8th January 2007 Chris | The talents of a rogue Italian never cease to amaze - From: Of Bishops, Walkers, Monks and Popes Marco - amici! Great to read your news and your fantastic writing. You have a gift my friend, get into publishing.... before you are too old! ; Your ramblings remind me of some good discussions on board the felluca on the Nile. Seems travel and life is making you increasingly wise. Bravo! Claire and I are currently in the Philipinnes, in backwater Palawan. Fantastic place, beautiful scenery and sea and even more beautiful people. Little mainstream tourism here which is great, you'd be proud of us! Take care and talk soon. Chris and Claire |
| 2nd January 2007 johan | ciao marco - From: If I Were You Good to hear from you! Very good first blog! Nice to read your interesting view (on air planes and politics) check out my little project: Buy Nothing Year 2007 at my webpage: www . precis . to / johan take care my friend, Johan |
| 1st January 2007 Mari | Bella Italia?? - From: If I Were You Wow! I'll better check out Italia under the surface, sure I am! Great blog, Marco! I'll put this one under my Favorites flag. Happy new year, may it bring the best! Big snowy hugs to you :o) |
