You are an ambassador Very good observations. I highly reccommend the book, 'Confessions of an Economic Hitman'. This will give you more insights on why we have people that hate Americans in the world.
Keep listening, keep up the dialog, keep learning and keep sharing.
Well, Thailand is also sort of a playground for horny European men, and they want to keep it that way, which means not letting too many Americans in.
In China, I met lots of European folks who got over their stereotypes of us as conceited, obnoxious cowboys, and became very good friends with me and the other Americans.
You're right, though--they still have that stereotype of us being loud, obnoxious braggarts, and I think it's generally true, and it is our fault. I'm sure you've seen enough of UW's Greek system to know what kind of behavior makes people "popular" here.
synergy i like the vibrations you have nic!! always have. and yes, i feel the same way regarding our "sixth" sense. i am in sync with your thoughts of this last blog. i love checking in on your latest entries. continue to be safe. best to you.
expression very nice appreciation for nature you express here.
and of course- looking into yourself..always a good thing.
Ancient eastern mediterranean culture- I'm really drawn to it also. I think going to Greece would give me some answers on some things.
If you go to one of those sex shows/prostitutes you will be making your AXfighting debut against me when you get back. It's fucking curious american and european tourists that make such a horrible industry possible. enjoy your time in thailand, go catch some of the fights, do whatever, but stay away from the enslaved women and girls.
Werd Nic, the pictures brought it all back for me. I drove right down that beach early in the morning on new year's day before driving back to Bangkok and buying a plane ticket home. I kind of wish I had spent more time there. One night in Bangkok is not enough. I never did get a chance to hang out on the beach or go to those clubs or anything. Your friend Chris must be staying there a while to not only have a girlfriend, but to make a shirt up with her name and number. Crazy...
Pattaya Nic,
It's funny, I didn't have a very good time in Pattaya (long story). I spent one night in Pattaya (new years eve) before deciding to go buy a ticket home the very next day. It kind of disgusted me seeing all the old german guys running around with the young thai boys. It's funny you are seeing the ugly part of thailand first, and the beautiful parts later. I started in the small villages which are awesome...then went to the ugly big cities after. I'm sure you'll do it, but I highly recommend spending some time in the small villages getting to know the locals. Take care man!
I want to see pictures! You are too lucky to be travelling around the word right now! Totally jealous over here in the cold rainy weather we are having. Careful of the prostitutes, you never know what they are carrying! ; )
Woo hoo! I am so jealous, but I am happy that you will post blogs so that I can live vicariously through you and your trip around the world! Have a great time in Thailand!!!! Cheers to you! ~Kristine
I'm glad I had the chance to hang out with you before you embark on your journey, although it's too bad we were both too drunk to have any meaningful conversation. I'll be keeping tabs on you though and living vicariously through your adventures. Take care you nutty bastard.
that sounds like the definition of an Amazing Journey. i was kind of stunned, reading your entries- even though i'm sure that's the impact you're going for. i wonder how different you'll be when you come back, if at all.. although i don't think one could embark on such a trip without the notion of self-discovery and change being a top priority. i'm going to follow this, and probably continue to be amazed at how little i know about you. i don't think i need to tell you to be safe. but have fun. i'll relay what you're doing to jamie and we'll both be jealous.
Quality time with the folks The folks have heard from a few of Nic's buddy's that it may be a year before he is home again. If you thnk Nic is freaked out can you imagine what his mom is? My goal has always been to grow my children up to be adventurous spirits. But now I'm rethinking this. I didn't think about how this could seperate us for long periods of time.
So, please tell Nic to stay in touch with his mom. She needs to share the adventure even if from a distance.
whilst in crete Nic,
You have to go to this beach on your travels to Crete. I have attached the link. I was there for 2 nights as a 19 year old. I was with 3 great friends and we had been partying in Agios Nicolos for a week or so. We were looking for refuge and heard about this place. It truelly is a beautiful spot, you have to camp the night on this beach, you wont regret it. The most amazing views and night sky I have ever seen. In the day you get nudist folk letting it all live loose. i loved it and hotoghly recommend you check it out.
http://gogreece.about.com/cs/beachesnude1/a/sweetwater.htm
Wow This sure sounds impressive Nic. I hope you have an awesome time. I'll definitely check this blog out now and then. You should go to that island south of crete that is possibly atlantis, santorini I think, where a volcano erupted 3500 years ago and destroyed the minoan culture. Okay, rock on.
Congradulations! Yay, good for you! We must hang out many times before you leave, especially since you'll be somewhat close. I am very happy for you, how exciting!
My name is Nic Nakis and I come from Sedro-Woolley, WA. I started this travel blog as "The Mad Greek's Travel Blog" when I left North America for the first time in 2006. I documented that first 6-month, around-the-world trip extensively. Then, I returned for a few updates around 2010. I revived the blog in 2022 in order to record my ongoing travels and fill in some of the gaps.
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Next time any of the foreigners say anything disrespectful about America, just punch them in the face. That'll teach em...