 Nicholas John Nakis - Ras Nikolaos I | All Comments |
Comments | |
| 26th September 2009 Steph | - From: Remembering Nathan I did not know you or your brother, but was searching online for memorial tattoos for my cousin who has recently passed and came across your blog. I am truly so sorry for your loss. I hope that your happy memories with your brother bring you comfort. |
| 28th August 2009 Rich Martin | Skin Head!! - From: Time to catch up Hi Nic, I loved the story but not as much as your new barnett!!! Come in and say hello mate! Rich |
| 28th August 2009 Jamie McEwan | Fun! - From: Time to catch up Nick, thanks for the update. Sound like a great life. Good luck! Jamie |
| 28th August 2009 Andy mensah | Not such a 'Mad Greek' after all! - From: Time to catch up Hey buddy! Good to see that you're living a life worth telling! I remember meeting you in London and you telling me about your love! To her that you put a ring of her finger make me feel happy for you mate! At least she'll stop you from getting pissed up in England shirts and taking dumps in urinals! I hope our paths cross again buddy! you take care of yourself and you wife! Peace! Andy |
| 28th August 2009 Ras Nikolaos I | - From: Off the Rails in Phnom Penh Well, I wrote about what I saw going on at the time. I was only in PP for a couple days and that is what happened to me. I don't worry about pleasing everybody, just being honest pleases me. |
| 28th August 2009 Ras Nikolaos I | - From: A Prayer to King Alpha I'm gonna start posting here a lot more. Starting now. |
| 28th August 2009 Ras Nikolaos I | - From: One Month in Kenya I'm in the US now, gonna be in Kenya soon |
| 10th July 2009 junior sam | - From: One Month in Kenya hi, im in ireland,i just want to know if your in europe.am an acrobat.from kenya, thanks |
| 22nd January 2009 Sarah Johnson (Scronce) | Our brothers, our heros - From: Remembering Nathan Nic, I remember when I found out that you and your family had lost Nathan in the war and how sad I was for you. Now, 6 years later, my baby brother Jake is over there fighting the very same war!! It is so very sad, not to mention scary. I loved your writing and wish you the best in your fight to accept what has happened. ....Sarah Johnson (Scronce) |
| 17th December 2008 Chris Rutter | Never Forgotten - From: Remembering Nathan It's hard to believe its been 5 years since Nates passing. I think about him everyday, and have the paper given to us by NAtes dad with the saying by my door in a frame. Everyday as I leave or come into my home, I read that and NEVER forget! I'm forever a changed man because of Nate. |
| 20th November 2008 Ryan | I Disagree with Your Potrayal Of PP - From: Off the Rails in Phnom Penh While I did enjoy a few of your anecdotes regarding your time with the monks and the misbehaving monkeys, I think your portrayal of Phnom Penh is slanted. I was here for a good two weeks, and was asked very seldomly by drivers if I wanted to visit some of the darker sites of this town, of which there are many, and certainly none were "shocked or offended at my disinterest in hookers and guns and drugs." Come on, that's a stretch. Poverty is overwhelming here, but so is the spirit I believe was captured best with your encounter with the classical music ensemble. I thought that your claim that many travelers come here for guns or prostitutes (the dark side) was way off. Sure, there are plenty of deviants here, but let's not get carried away. Many, like you and I, are there to experience what much of the rest of the world (read: the West) has ignored, misrepresented, or just doesn't know much about. It is certainly a place of stark contrasts, but holds a certain charm as well, and tourism is, by and large, desperately needed here. I liked certain parts of this post, but as I said, I though it was too one-sided. Peace. |
| 1st May 2008 Dudes | curiosity and a question - From: A Prayer to King Alpha Enjoyed the blogs and I saw your site was hacked. Are you going to be posting any blogs in the future, either here or on an outside site? |
| 12th March 2008 teli | socialism is evil - From: A Political Manifesto http://www.gmu.edu/departments/economics/wew/articles/04/socialism.html |
| 5th March 2008 Melisa | Ian Muldoon - From: My Last Week In Seattle So I googled Ians name & came to this, He was a great soul, & so very missed. He was one of the biggest influences I ever had , he introduced to so much great music back in jr. high. Well I was moving last week & going through some old stuff & ran into a roll of black & white film I rushed straight to walgreens to develop it, it was soo old they had to send it out & it took 3 weeks to get it back. To my excitement it was a whole roll of film of Ian & some other punks hangin out near the Seatac mall, we had to bae like 15, I'm sooo happy to have these pics, & would like to share them with anyone who knew him, you can find me on myspace, my display name is Melisha . Peace out trout Melisa |
| 16th December 2007 Kevin Phelps | Remembering Nathan four years later - From: Remembering Nathan It has been four years now and I still remember the day we were all called for a batalion formation. Our hearts drop when we heard that nathan was killed. now four years later many of us that got to know nathan as our brother in arms are back in Iraq fighting the fight for everything that nathan believed in. |
| 26th November 2007 Chris Rutter | A hero taken too soon.... - From: Remembering Nathan I was stationed with Nathan in Iraq, and was the one who came to your homes the day after you found out of his passing. There is not a day that goes by that I don't think of Nathan. I have hanging up by my front door the saying your father gave too all of us. It is a constant reminder of a smiling soldier who was the epitome of all that a soldier was. I can only hope that time heals the wounds that his lose brought to your family, and his other family...the ones who fought beside him in Iraq. But I don't think it will...... I miss him! |
| 4th November 2007 Ranjan Ray | An Indian's Point of View - From: Along the Banks of the River Hooghly Hellos and Hi! Ever since the best of best British left India after Independence, India has been attracting only the unemployed and poor foreign tourists from the West particularly the Hippies and Backpackers not Carpetbaggers . Before Independence as I read from books and magazines only the elite British officers - Indian Civil Service officers, British Indian Army, Educationists, Professionals used to be sent to India. They had to appear in very difficult competitive exams and also had to belong to good British family backgrounds. They were strictly advised never to appear shabbily in public, and encouraged to display British snobbery. These elite class did not mingle with common Indians unless invited by the elite Indian class such as the Kings and High Indian officials to select functions. The middle class Indians although were against British subjugation and discrimination, were at awe by this high class British - known for their discipline, courage, fairness, great education, etiquette etc. The middle class educated Indians wanted to emulate them, so that they too could fit well in the global scenario. Its this middle class Indians, who although proud of their Indian culture wanted to adopt most of the British legacy. No wonder most aspiring indian parents would like to enroll their children in schools that teach in English medium. The missionary and public schools (not the government run schools except Kendriya Vidyalaya or Central School meant for children of Govt. of India servants) even today. Its the Indians who love to get their higher education in Oxford and cambridge as well as in Havrds, Stanford and MIT. This gives them an opportunity to compete on equal footing with the best of best. The hippy culture and the backpackers who visit India would never earn the respect of the educated Indian middle class, that is why the bcakpacker tourists who visit India have to interact with those Indians who have migrated from villages and live in slums in big cities and towns. These Indian guys with whom they interact such as the taxi or auto drivers, guides, touts, waiters are mostly semi literate in vernacular subjects run in village schools. They are uneducated, unsophisticated, people. Even middle class Indians do not like to interact with them unless necessary or are working in some social organisation for their upliftment. I too have come across many backpacker foreign tourists in dirty clothes smelling horribly who do not take bath for days since they prefer staying in urban slums for One dollar a night and eat in the filthiest of eateries bereft of any sense of hygiene. I have never tried to interact with these cheap western tourists. Only those tourists with proper education, professionals such as Doctors, Software engineers, etc. are welcomed by the middle class Indians, since it gives them an opportunity to learn from them, their proper perspective of the world and that of India. Its unfortunate that tourists in the west have to depend on the lopsided versions of the backpackers who visit India to escape the expensive lifestyle of the home countries to live on a shoe string budget for six months unless their VISA is extended by the Govt. of India, which is usually difficult but not impossible. It was better if the tourists who enjoy cheap and friendly stay in India did not complain so loudly. Do not try to compare Nepal with India. These countries depend on India economically. Frankly the West particularly Britain, France and Germany has always tried to play spoil sports by trying to prove that India could not survive long after gaining independence. They have tried to mislead and misuse USA to pressurise Pakistan to wage war on India, to bleed India but all their clandestine efforts have failed, this is only beacuse Indians who have learnt to tolerate and keep moving inch by inch towards self reliance. No wonder India is a Nuclear Power, a Space Power, self reliant in producing food to feed its billion plus Indians. By the by food is cheap in India compared to that in the West. India is well connected by internet, mobile connections, cheap transport. Indians are not bothered what the uneducated unemployed backpackers think of India. Its the elite people in the West such as Bill Gates, Bill Clinton, George Bush, Henry Kissinger who once called Indians Bastards, today regret his words and keep frequenting to India apologising his myopic statements then during Nixons regime, he is a strong advocate of India today. More and more investments from America and Japan are taking place in India. Only the Europeans, who are too proud of their psedo superiority are hesitating to invest in inmdustry but have no option but to set up their car manufacturing infrastructure in India to keep pace with the world which is eagerly looking at India as a lucrative marketplace. Backpackers although you are always welcome to visit India, and enjoy Indian hospitality but do not try to spread canards and propaganda about India. I agree with most of your observations but that is only a portion not the complete picture. If you put up at seedy places, red light areas, slums etc. do not expect the best of India. remember it was in search of India Vasco da Gama found the sea routes and Columbus accidentaly stubled upon America and called the natives over their mistakenly as Indians. Do you know India is the largest importer of tons of Gold and Diamonds in the world? India is the largest exporter of computer software progtrams in the world. It has the second largest number of English speaking people in the world. India has a middle class population as per American standards who exceeds the whole of the population of Europe including Russia. India is also the largest producer of quality milk in the world. There are many things of India that not many westerners know about or care to learn. Although India is predominantly Hindus, yet it has the second largest number of muslim population in the world far more than any Arab country or Pakistan. It is by and large very peaceful even though India baiters try to terrorise India into submission. It is only in India that the Jews and Parsis sought refuge and was never persecuted till St. Francis Xavier arrived in Goa and started the notorious inquisition resulting in burning of Jews at stake in the Malabar coast. When Americans were bundled as Army conscripts to be sent as cannon fodders in Vietnam , many turned Hippies and sought refuge in India who did not wish to go into an unconclusive war in an alien country. When the poor Bengali muslims in East Pakistan suffered attrocitries by the Pakistan Army under a notorious General Tikka Khan and Generla Yah Yah Khan, the muslims in East Pakistan sought refuge in India. It was the Indian army who helped them to gain their freedom and establish a new nation "Bangladesh". Yet today Bangladeshis hate India more out of Jealously beacuse India continues its march for self reliance. Where do you think Mother Teresa received all the love and help in her missionary, its the Hindus and Bengalis of Calcutta and India, that has made her a household a name and a saint after the formalities are over. So shame on all those who keep playing the same broken record all over and over that speaks ill of India. I tell you Indians are not bothered with such statements from uneducated tourists particularly the West and some third world European and other Western countries. Indians will try to pursue the best part of the Western world and discard which is rotten. Do not think that just because you happen to be a foreign tourist you are swindled by taxi drivers, touts etc. I tell you as a well dresed Indian tourist I too have to face such nuisance, but thats part of tourism. If you can speak local language the prices automatically tumbles down at local rates. I am a Bengali and if I visit south India, and if I do not speak their local language, I'll have to face the same problem of being overcharged, taken to shops to buy thngs so that that they get a commission. Try to understand it is their livelihood, so they will pester you. But mind you the charges are never too exorbidant. Infact if you try to book a car from the hotel you might be overcharged in the form of service charge and taxes levied by good hotels. So as tourists do not complain and make comparisons. Try to enjoy as much of India, you will begin to love the place I tell you guys. |
| 2nd October 2007 Bragi | I guess I have to try this s... :=) - From: Playing Catch-Up I feel like I have to try this snake thing ,just hope i donīt get sick of it. Gonna have a beer Lao in hand when I do it :) again love your pics and your writings. Just hope I can do some of the things you have done |
| 2nd October 2007 Bragi | I want to do this :=) - From: A Few Days in Luang Prabang Oh man this looks cool! Any directions to go there ?? I want to try this all when I am there. Again nice pics. |
| 2nd October 2007 Bragi | - From: The Slow Boat to Luang Prabang WOW what a trip that must have been ! I am going there soon so this was great to read before. I am looking so much forward to it. Nice Pics. |
| 1st July 2007 larry mizell jr. | - From: My Last Week In Seattle this was a great read man, very well articulated. i come from a different seattle experience than you for sure but your story totally touched me. be well g. |
| 29th May 2007 Ras Nikolaos I | More blogs - From: At Home and Hopeful www.nicnakis.com Right now there's nothing there, but soon I'll be keeping a regular blog about life and thoughts and everything. |
| 27th May 2007 Erin | More blogs? - From: At Home and Hopeful I know you dont know me, but I have been reading your blogs off and on for some time. I was hoping you'd continue writting and let us who are interested know how the visa process is going. Its going to be well worth it !! Dont let these other peoples negative comments get to you, your blogs were truly an inspiration to me, I may never get to go on a "RTW" trip, but I do enjoy reading about it, and dreaming about it ! Good luck ! |
| 27th May 2007 Rachelle | Welcome Home! - From: At Home and Hopeful Hey Nic... Never ceasing to amaze, your trip sounds like it was beyond fabulous. I'm glad to hear that you are safe and well. Have you thought about turning your writings into a book? Nic Nakis, best seller -- I see it now. And, then you and Chelly can live anywhere you desire! :) |
| 17th May 2007 Ras Nikolaos I | really confused - From: At Home and Hopeful I guess these comments are getting out of hand, because I don't even know what people are talking about anymore... |
| 10th May 2007 Debby | - From: At Home and Hopeful Do you really want to travel to the other side of the planet with someone who calls someone he doesn't even know an "idiot and a jackass"? |
| 8th May 2007 Ras Nikolaos I | Dude. - From: At Home and Hopeful KJ, if you come back and see this one, send me an email: nic.nakis@gmail.com. Maybe you can come to Africa with us one of these days... |
| 6th May 2007 KJ (Black man from the b-school) | Wooww.... - From: At Home and Hopeful I was just thinking about you and thought to check out your blog again. Glad that you came back home safe, and I am so thrilled that my Africa has had such an impact on you. Your fiance is beautiful and I truly appreciate your new outlook on life. Never let life get you too jaded, because if we didn't have idiots and dumb asses we'd have nothing to judge the good shit by in comparison. Good luck to you man! |
| 2nd May 2007 Eycetray | - From: Different Worlds Wow.....what a trip Nick...Can't believe it is over. From a Kenyan in the US.....Kila la kheri ndugu....ask Chelly what it means :) |
| 30th April 2007 Ras Nikolaos I | Home is home, but... - From: At Home and Hopeful Kerry, I admit that home is home, but I don't have to live there. I love Africa, and I'd love to live there. Hell, if it's my marriage at stake, I'd go live on the moon! Thanks for the thoughtful comment, anyway. |
| 27th April 2007 Diana | happy african - From: At Home and Hopeful Do not let a negative person's moronic ideas get to your head about chelly,I am married to an american having come from kenya.I am happy in my marriage.I waited for 6 months for him to visit me while in nairobi as he worked on the paper work and other 3 months before another visa interview,it was basically a total of a yr and some months and it was all worth it,we will be visiting kenya during xmas time.When it comes to friends here in the US chelly will sure make some and kenyans in the US are just about in every state ,they are very supportive.congratulations. |
| 26th April 2007 Doug | Hey Nic! - From: At Home and Hopeful Hey Nic - found you on a google search. I found the love of my life in Kenya too and we are going through the fiance visa process right now! It'll take a whiel, but since I'm here in NJ (Damar's in Kisumu) the paperwork/filing side of things hasn't been as bad I guess as it was for you two - but it's tough not being together. I just scanned your blog but will check it out more later. I don't know how to attached a photo to this - but if you're interested, I'll send you some photos of her/us. We're VERY happy and excited. and I wish you the best with Chelly - she looks like a real sweetheart - it's the smile - the great smile! Same with Damar - it was her smile that hooked me! Take care, Doug form New Jersey) ddartt@verizon.net |
| 26th April 2007 Kerry | Good Luck - From: At Home and Hopeful I would like to say that I am not trying to bring you down. I simply speak from experience. I too met a wonderful man while travelling and we have been together for over 2 and a half years. Similarly to you and Chelly, we are both from complete opposite sides of the world. I have moved accross the world to be with him. It sounds very romantic and it is. The problem is, I feel like a fish out of water. I am a million miles away from my family and friends. I will not see my nephew grow up. I will not see my parents grow old. Of course, I get to visit twice a year, at best. But we are still so far away. Please don't take this the wrong way, but don't you think it will be difficult for Chelly to live so far away from everyone she loves? Her parents and brothers and her friends. African culture is extremely different than American culture. Even if you don't agree with many American policies, you still admitted that "home is home", for better or for worse. You returned to America even though you believe Americans are "assholes". What makes you think Chelly will not want to return to her home some day? I advise you to try to make it work with Chelly, because if anything is worth a try, it is love. Unfortunately, the truth is, one person cannot realistically be another person's entire life in the long term. You and Chelly may be very much in love and very much alike, but you have tremendous differences that you cannot deny. I know what I'm saying. I am in the same position as you. Some couples make it. Most couples don't. I hope you will part of the former. |
| 21st April 2007 Aaron Brown | - From: At Home and Hopeful On religion, you absolutely must check out one or more books from Osho. My friend Nicolette turned me on to him and I am very glad. I find his perspectives to be very freeing and unattached from any sociological or religiously imposed boundaries on personal growth. Stay in touch. On myspace or wherever. |
| 19th April 2007 Erin | Dont go !! - From: At Home and Hopeful This cant be the last blog !! =( I have been following your entire journey and wow! I do wish you the best of luck in the coming months with Chelly and the wedding, I do wish you would continue writting though, some of the best stuff I've ever read and truly inspirational. Again, good luck !! |
| 18th April 2007 Jamie McEwan | Namaste. - From: At Home and Hopeful A wild and crazy ride, Nic. Don't let negative comments drag you down--not that you're likely to. All best wishes from the materialistic East Coast. Jamie |
| 18th April 2007 Susie & Jeff | Nic--You and Chelly will make it! - From: Different Worlds I just read Kerry's comment and am glad you responded and will not heed those words. As I said before, my mom came from Europe and it was hard to get her here but she loved it and made it her home. Chelly will do fine because she has people that love her and much support here and she has you, the love of her life. Good luck and she will be here soon. Let us know what we can do to get the tree house ready for her arrival. We are here to help you! |
| 16th April 2007 Chris | Absolutely - From: Different Worlds As a latecomer to your journals here, I just wanted to say, extraordinary. And I'm happy to see you are not taking the advice of Kerry. We don't know the end of anything, but it's in the attempt to make a better life, even if we may not be successful, that makes life worthwhile. Good luck to both of you. |
| 15th April 2007 Aaron Brown | - From: Final Musings From Kenya cool thoughts, I'm liking your ideas. I've been told by about 5 people in a somewhat prophetic fashion that I will be taking on a large role in helping people to awaken to a more harmonious state of being, and right now the primary way of doing that would be through health. |
| 13th April 2007 E- | This keeps getting better... - From: One Big, Happy Family It is so good to see the connection your parents have made with Chelly's parent/family. |
| 12th April 2007 Macko54 | Congratulations! - From: Let's Make This Official This sounds like a beautiful fairytale. You are both very very lucky good luck. I am jealous! |
| 8th April 2007 Erin | Hello - From: Different Worlds Hello, I have been an avid browser among travelblog for some time now, just reading blogs to occupy my boring time from within my gray cubicle walls and several weeks ago I came across your blogs. Nothing has captivated me as your blogs have. I read all of them. You write with an increadible knowledge, and reading about you and Chelly was like waiting for a story to unfold, your blogs are amazing !! I wish you both lots of luck and I do hope you'll continue writting once back in the states, you certainly have a knack for it ! |
| 5th April 2007 Kerry | Good Luck - From: Different Worlds Thank you taking the time to reply to my comment. I truly hope it works out for you and Chelly. Good luck kai kalo pasxa! |
| 5th April 2007 Nicky | - From: Different Worlds Just read your blogs, wow! I hope you keep writing from the US. And don't listen to the naysayer above - you both sound like adaptable individuals and if it works, it works, and if it doesn't, it doesn't, but at least you'll have no regrets. Love is worth chasing! All the best. |
| 5th April 2007 Elena_Alexia | Carpe diem! - From: Let's Make This Official Reading this story and the comments ppl posted on your previous blogs I just felt I have to add my thoughts too..Dont be afraid to live ur life the way u want it..ur only young once and u ll never know when the journey ends.I wish u and ur lovely Chelly all the best and may all ur dreams come true!...and if things dont come out the way u planned them keep this in mind: dont be sad it ended, be happy it happened (or smth like that, my appologies Im in the office not fully awake :)) ps: I asked around and one of my greek managers told me to wish u this: Na zisete!Hronia polla! - hope he didnt make fun of me.. have fun on ur journey |
| 5th April 2007 Odek Fred. | Engagement Party. - From: Let's Make This Official I must say that was a great party and you have posted it well , we at Silver Africa Tours wish a happy union bro and remember Kenya is now your second home as you hae the daughter of the land. Always keep in touch Odek Fred info@silverafricatours.co.ke www.silverafricatours.com |
| 4th April 2007 Ras Nikolaos I | I thought that comment over... - From: Different Worlds ...and I think it's total bullshit. At least it's not applicable to our situation. I know plenty of Africans who are happy in the states. And, actually, I as an American am rarely very happy here. There is a lot about America that I really hate (the attitudes you've expressed here, for example) and we'll need to be balancing our time in the U.S. with our time abroad, for sure. When Chelly arrives in the U.S., we will have money. We will also have a large network of friends and relatives to give her support. Already, I am imploring my friends to take care of her and show her around when she arrives, as well as beginning to reach out towards the African and Catholic communities in my area. By the time she gets here, we will do everything we can to make her feel at home. Changing my whole life for this one person has made me very happy so far, so I think I'll take my chances. Thanks. |
| 3rd April 2007 tumbleweed | can't believe it, i'm jealous - From: Different Worlds where do I begin, i found your blog by accident, i'm sitting here in an internet cafe in a nameless airport in a nameless place, hand bandaged, mourning a friend, when i saw your blog about your brother, i read your blog briefly and found myself having sympathy for him but thinking of you "what a puke", then I read of your blogs about Chelly. I'm 8 years older and have been just about everywhere with the scar tissue to prove it, i have walked the road of moral exploration and have tried to make a difference, I have also worked hard, made friends and have succeeded around the world. In every way I am years ahead of you, but would start over again if I could meet someone with what I see in Chelly's eyes(from the blog pics). You look to your future and see hazards and problems to overcome, but you have each other, I can't believe it, I'm jealous. |
| 2nd April 2007 Surrey | - From: Different Worlds Wow, I feel special I showed up in your blog and you even spelled my name right! LOL. I hope Chelly is ok! |
| 1st April 2007 Kerry | Let go now! - From: Different Worlds You sound like a nice guy so I am giving you some advice. The chances of your relationship with Chelly will work are next to nothing. Do you really an African girl will be happy in the states?? It's totally different in every way. She will alone (except you), with no family or friends or job. PLUS, you are broke. All of this will cause a HUGE strain on the relationship. The idea that you can live happily ever after is not realistic. Wake up! The vacation is OVER! You will thank me later for this. You cannot and should not change your whole life for one person. You need balance. Please think about it. |
| 29th March 2007 Aaron Brown | - From: Different Worlds Thanks for the history and views. It all falls right in with what I've been doing a good bit of lately- reenacting/redefining wars through the game "Medieval II: Total War". The Byzantines, Turks, and Venetians are playable factions in it. I am now more acquainted with Greece, having read this blog. And of yourself of course. Improvement of oneself is what it's all about. |
| 28th March 2007 mary | good blog - From: Avalon, Anarchists, and the Air Force I enjoy reading your blogs, Greece looks beautiful !!! |
| 28th March 2007 Sakir | What the? - From: Along the Banks of the River Hooghly Ok what was with that angry guys post? Jerk and probably jealous of America !! |
| 28th March 2007 Erin | wonderful - From: Kismet what a wonderful blog ! good luck to you |
| 27th March 2007 travellingmum | Don't end the story here - From: Different Worlds Please keep us updated with what happens to you and Chelly. I have been reading your blogs with much interest! |
| 27th March 2007 Aaron Brown | metal - From: Avalon, Anarchists, and the Air Force nice, you listed a few bands I'm really into- Iced Earth, Blind Guardian, Sonata Arctica. |
| 27th March 2007 karen | Nic and Chelly - From: Reality Strikes Again Nic and Family, I can tell that you are learning many hours of waiting, filling out forms and being patient. All these life lessons and a special someone to share them with. You are a very lucky man! Looking forward to all of you being home. Karen |
| 26th March 2007 karen | - From: Avalon, Anarchists, and the Air Force glad to hear you are enjoying the island. Hope all is going well. Fine here except the blasted rain, could sure use some sunshine. See all of you soon. |
| 25th March 2007 Amanda Reed | - From: Another Day, Another Continent I am loving reading about your adventures! I just want you to know I try to catch up with what your up to as often as possible. I am so happy to read you're engaged! I can't wait to meet her when she gets to Woolley. I love the picture of your mom with Chelly by the way...tell your parents hi for me! |
| 25th March 2007 jaxw17 | hello Nic - From: Avalon, Anarchists, and the Air Force I love Greece and have travelled all over we have visited 18 times. I don't know about the english couple living for 50 euros a week. We live in the UK and we now find that Greece is so expensive with the introduction of the Euro it is getting too expensive for us to go. |
| 25th March 2007 Stayloose | Metal! - From: Avalon, Anarchists, and the Air Force I never read the homepage blogs, but anyone who puts a photo of a rack full of metal cd's I figured was worth a read. I enjoyed the blog, you write really well. I really like your last paragraph, I bit of food for thought for me today as I awoke with a negative attitude. enjoy your trip, take care. |
| 24th March 2007 Sean | Hey - From: Avalon, Anarchists, and the Air Force Hi Nic, Sorry I've been quiet. I'm enjoying your blog and can't wait to see you back home. I'm glad you're into Mr God This is Anna. I think it could be a powerful film. Catch you later. Your friend, Sean Fay |
| 24th March 2007 Susie & Jeff | Congrats Nic & Chelly - From: One Month in Kenya We are very happy for you two. You are truly blessed! Hang in there on getting her visa to come stateside. My dad had to do just the same back in the 40's and despite all the time and hassles they endured, it was worth it all to have your true love at your side. Be safe and continue to be happy. Hugs........Susie & Jeff (Have fun with your mom and dad-they are going to love their time together with you two!) |
| 21st March 2007 Jessica C | The Belief That There is More - From: Another Day, Another Continent Your blog fascinates me. I have had a yearning desire to travel since I was a youngster, and as I near a better age (20), I read about these people who exist in a reality that only exists in my dreams, and I get closer every day, to just surrendering my savings to a backpack, a good pair of shoes, and a plane ticket. Your blog is the most human yet unreal travel novel that I've ever read. The interpersonal transitions you've made, both spiritually and geographically...the openness of your mind and your heart...... You are living a life that is more than just an existence. Keep your chin up, and your legs moving. Let the wind carry you wherever it may, because you Nicholas, are living a life that only exists in fairytales and epics. |
| 20th March 2007 Aaron Brown | - From: Another Day, Another Continent excellent writing. If you're up for a perhaps interesting read, check out my myspace blog, I put up something from Osho on marriage recently. |
| 19th March 2007 Ras Nikolaos I | a sign? - From: Reality Strikes Again Blake, I think that's exactly what I meant by "sign": a signifier, a reminder, a natural image that my mind can give symbolic meaning to. Peace- |
| 17th March 2007 Blake Robinson | a sign? - From: Reality Strikes Again You silly fool, a lunar eclipse isn't a sign of anything other than massive galactic dancing. It's simply a reminder that neat shit happens whether you want it to or not... kind of like you meeting Chelly in the first place! So keep your chin up, keep wading through the bullshit, and keep your eyes on the prize. Good luck buddy! |
| 14th March 2007 Justin | - From: Reality Strikes Again Nic, *IF* Chelly could find a way to get to the U.S. (such as you sponsoring her from here to come for a visit...then you guys could go down to the court house and get married in a short ceremony in front of the judge. Once married in the U.S., they pretty much can't deport her as long as you are in the process of filing the I-184 or petition to change status...something like that. The other way is if she could get a student visa. Either way, it may be a faster process than the fiance visa. Plus, it's easier for her to get all the checkups and test etc once in the U.S. |
| 13th March 2007 Terri | Out with a cold in Nairobi - From: Reality Strikes Again Nic - The caption "out with a cold in Nairobi" doesn't match your smiling face in the photo. Only a man in love could be so happy while sick with a cold. Sorry to read about the negative paperwork dealings you must endure, and that your travel plans aren't working how you wanted. Hope your separation from Chelly is brief. Looking forward to engagement party pictures. |
| 12th March 2007 Boss | Wow! - From: Reality Strikes Again You might not know how much you will cost me in person when you go to the USA! I have really enjoyed working with you at the cyber because you get to give me goods advices and ways forward. I will miss u big. Sure. |
| 12th March 2007 Ras Nikolaos I | I miss you too, Big D - From: 3/7/2007 Don't worry, I'll be back there soon enough and we can knock some of those cats straight. Peace - |
| 11th March 2007 Aaron Brown | - From: Hoover Ball at Rangers sounds like fun. I think I'm about ready for some semi-violent sport now with all this kettlebell lifting. I bought a 32 kg. recently. Can't do all that much with it yet, but I'm definitely getting steadily stronger. |
| 11th March 2007 Ras Nikolaos I | host - From: Along the Banks of the River Hooghly www.couchsurfing.com is the way we met almost all of our hosts in India. I highly reccomend it. |
| 10th March 2007 Davey | Long time - From: 3/7/2007 Well, I really miss you. Things have gotten really different around here. I hope you are happy with your life right now. I have been surfing almost every weekend to keep myself sain. It's hard not having anybody to talk about deep things about. Drugs have taken over many people we know and I barely have any friends now. I know this sounds depressing, but don't worry about it, everything is alright with me. I keep to myself and try to be a good person, but its just differenet. Anyway, I miss you and our adventures and I hope to see you soon. If this doesn't make sense it's ok, I'm pretty drunk. See you soon and I love you. |
| 10th March 2007 Aaron Brown | - From: 3/7/2007 agreed as usual on the business ideals. |
| 10th March 2007 Aaron Brown | - From: Reality Strikes Again sounds like a good interpretation of the moons activity to me. good luck on greece and meeting back up in the U.S. |
| 10th March 2007 Surrey | - From: Reality Strikes Again Hey Nic, I can't believe your coming back! But I think that everything you've gone through is so cool. I mean, it sounds stressful but I feel like I know you a lot better reading your blogs than I ever did when I went to school with you. Honestly, I think you are making the right decision by coming back to take care of things so that you guys CAN BE together. Just because you're not going to be physically together doesn't mean you're not sticking it out through thick and thin together. In fact, you guys being apart tests your strength and love even more. Being apart means lending more support to each other, you know. Good luck! |
| 10th March 2007 Aaron Brown | - From: One Month in Kenya ah, more food(I love food, can you tell?). You'll have to tell me about everything you're eating there. What are those birthday snacks? |
| 10th March 2007 Aaron Brown | - From: One Month in Kenya ah-hah, the kenyan food. Seems most african diets are grain/starch based nowadays. I'd like to hear about anything the masai (the ones who are still living primitively/old-style) are eating. I'm sure much has changed since Dr. Price checked em out back in the 30's. How many other americans go to kenya and meet masai warriors anyway? |
| 9th March 2007 Aaron Brown | - From: It's February Already? looks awesome as usual |
| 9th March 2007 Aaron Brown | - From: Along the Banks of the River Hooghly how'd you meet your host? |
| 9th March 2007 Aaron Brown | - From: Wave Bye-Bye to Siam and Good Ol' Indochina ah, falafel in thailand huh? cool. I make it sometimes. Enjoying the blog as usual, though a couple months behind. |
| 8th March 2007 Gurry | Congratulations! - From: Reality Strikes Again That's some of the most surprising news I've read in a long time, but I'm really happy for you both. |
| 8th March 2007 Kate | - From: A Letter to Ole and Neil Its truly inspirational to hear your thoughts and plans. I think you're on to something in striving for renaissance ideals. That's HUGE! haha remember when we were talking before you left san fran about just pausing and taking a step back in your life to check on the status of things...it seems you've expanded on that idea here. |
| 7th March 2007 justin | one more thing - From: One Month in Kenya Nick, Just so you know, it took about 6 months for a fiance visa before 9-11, so don't mess around...get that thing filed asap, or you may be hanging out in Kenya for a while. (not that that wouldn't be awesome) |
| 7th March 2007 Justin | I told you so - From: One Month in Kenya I remember it clear as day. You sitting in the edit suite at envision telling me about your "endless" trip. How you don't know how long you will be gone. I remember telling you that you will be back inside of a year and that you will meet a girl. I suppose that was not really an amazing prediction as much as it was a deduction based on my past experiences, your age, and what i know of you. Well, Congrats!!.....I told you so!! (sorry, i couldn't resist) |
| 1st March 2007 chronic | are you? - From: One Month in Kenya by the way are you greek?ive seen all your tattos and stuff you are pretty jolly fellow.n way thanks for appreciating our country and our people.we need more good people like you over here. thanks |
| 1st March 2007 chronic | you are sincere - From: One Month in Kenya i have read your entries nad i think you are sincere.well i have also seen you.dont mind am no stalker.kudos for trhe best thing that happened to your life. may you make her happy as she has. ill be reading. |
| 28th February 2007 anonymous | - From: One Month in Kenya Oh my gosh Nic! CONGRATULATIONS! That is so cute!!!!!! |
| 26th February 2007 Aaron Brown | - From: Now "It's basically new-age witchdoctor baloney. " hmm, depends on what they're made of. If plastic..then ya. but if some sort of natural, round mineral/stone, it could have certain properties. I am inclined to believe that certain things pick up energies from their formation in the course of thousands of years (or millions?). "Every path has been beaten, and not only that, swarmed with so many people as to pack it down tight--and maybe they even paved it! " Amazon? Maybe there are a few spots that haven't been totally beaten down there. "Every one of them thinks they're doing something special, but they're not: they're just imitating someone else and living up to one-another's expectations. " Freedom from judgement, freedom to be yourself. That's all you need. "Most of us squares are dabblers and former, present, or future members in many cults and tribes." When free of potentially restrictive beliefs, such becomes an impossibility methinks. "I think we'd learn a lot about America that way. We'd meet a lot of people and we'd go a lot of directions and it would all be free-form and wild." Sounds good to me- get rid of the notion that being open and connecting with your 'neighbor' is dangerous. Sociology(at least my teacher) talks a lot about how the media influences people to think outsiders are dangerous. You're plan sounds good. |
| 25th February 2007 Lloydgriffiths | Jambo - From: One Month in Kenya Hi, just read your Mombasa blog!really interesting, glad to see i'm not the only Mzungu getting overcharged, used to it after 6 weeks though!! Im on an i to i project in port reitz, an orphanage and i am staying just off Moi av, in a big volunteer house where theres 12 others, plus more dotted across town!Hope you are enjoying, maybe i will see you(probably already have)you around. all the best Lloyd ps, when people shout mzungu, shout M'afreeka back, means african, i find it shuts them up! |
| 25th February 2007 Chris | What I would do - From: One Month in Kenya See how hard it would be to get her to Mexico. Or Cuba, then Mexico. Once in the Americas, she would easily be able to claim that she was a US citizen, and just lost her "tourist card", ID, voters card, birth cert. etc. - stuff required to travel to Mex. by land (say the tide took it out while swimming) - passports are not required when crossing the US/Mexican border - yet - only required by air. I've crossed into and traveled all over Mexico with no documents. She could say she was from New Orleans...and hopefully fake a southern accent. Have her pick a common US name, say a non-passport holder (and you too, so they don't figure out where you have been). No documents are best - you would be two lost hippies trying to make it back to Seattle. What would they do? Let you in... And while in Mexico, both of you could mail your ID and evidence of your travels back to the US. Another tip if this sounds reasonable is to say that you both entered mexico on the bus, through SD and TJ, and neglected to get tourist cards on your arrival - were asleep on the bus and missed "that stop" - has happened to me. The Tijuana/San Diego crossing is so hectic, you would have no trouble getting her across there if you had your story down. Odds are they would just ask if you were a US citizen and shuffle you through. Better to not post my comment on your blog! Good luck - I am pissed I won't get to read of your world solo travels, but she sounds like a keeper - Chris in Louisiana |
| 25th February 2007 K. Johnson | happy for you both - From: One Month in Kenya Nic and Chelly, let me say it will take courage and conviction to pursue and reach your goal. I have no doubt that you will. I am looking forward to seeing both of you soon. Take care. Karen |
| 25th February 2007 pink mona | Congratulations! - From: One Month in Kenya I spent the last 2 hours reading your blog and I love it! Congratulations for the engagement!! Good luck with the visa application and all your future plans!! Mona. |
| 24th February 2007 erik neighbor | congrats! - From: One Month in Kenya What an amazing journey you have embarked on. Fucking Greek assholes, I'll make sure to boycott all the greek restuarants in seattle as a show of solidarity. Have you considered using that finally toned body to make you some money? I think you know you would make a great male gigolo. Congrats on the engagement! |
| 24th February 2007 Edmund | Congrats!! - From: One Month in Kenya Congrats on the engagement. Chelly seems to be a wonderfull soul. Keep your head up on the money and visa situations...things will come around. Your writing contiunes to keep me interested in your long journey.. Cheers! |
| 24th February 2007 Ras Nikolaos I | blowin' minds - From: It's February Already? You have no idea, Cab. Most of the time I don't even wear a shirt. |
| 22nd February 2007 chris cab | hahahaha - From: It's February Already? Just picturing you in a Motorhead shirt with a sweet Manowar tattoo hanging with a bunch of Kenyans is blowing my mind. Looks like you are having a blast! Hope you guy's make it to Greece ok! Please eat as much Saganaki as humanly possible while in the motherland. xoxox -Cab |
| 22nd February 2007 Aaron Brown | - From: A Strange Sort of Christmas "and joining a sail race from the Canary Islands to the Carribean." I'll email you. I definitely want to go on an adventure this summer, and it will definitely include farming and hopefully sailing. "I sat in the corner and ate these strange seeds they'd handed me. " haha, that just sounds hilarious..out of awkwardness I guess. "The guy put the stuff in my eyes and rubbed them and it was still burning like Hellfire when I got on to the back of the motorcycle." Mighta had cayenne in there. I've been using this eyebright formula with some cayenne. Apparently that isn't standard practice. But who knows, there are lots of herbs in the world. |
| 22nd February 2007 Aaron Brown | - From: A Political Manifesto hm, wrote a comment but it got erased, so this will be shorter- I definitely agree with your points/views here. One thing I thing will make a lot of positive change- advertisement regulation. Adverstisements trying to sell people something that ends up screwing them over basically run our society I think. So, inputting real life testing//research (though research is often done by the companies themselves, so skewed) into ads would be a step in the right direction, limiting false claims, or outright lies, etc. "Respect for the natural environment should inform and temper all of our actions." Definitely a key point. This will bring a reconnection to the food supply as well, central for everything we do. I wrote a quote yesterday from Rudolf Steiner on how bringing things into physical reality from thought/spirit is actually largely a matter of nutrition. On wars, I find what you said agreeable- somehow I find the ancient greek/roman wars to be exciting, but the wars/violence of today..just unnecessary. |
| 18th February 2007 Vanessa | hey you.... - From: Off the Rails in Phnom Penh What's up nicas, Happy 25th birthday wherever the hell you are! Ha!!! |
| 16th February 2007 Gary | - From: It's February Already? Beautiful people! Everyone's got a great smile. |
| 11th February 2007 Terri | Pattya Photos - From: A Strange Sort of Christmas So the boys and I gather round the computer to see where in the world is Nic. And there is the photo of Andy and a toy penis. You keep things interesting, even from another continent. |
| 28th January 2007 Dionysus | Good Stuff - From: The Day I Didn't Bring My Camera Enjoyed perusing your blog. You're a good writer - keep having fun with it. |
| 24th January 2007 Barry Bonnie | Your brother is a hero - From: Remembering Nathan Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings...touching. |
| 23rd January 2007 seth | - From: House of Cards hey dude, are you still planning on being in europe in later september? that is when i would be most able to come over and meet up. let me know |
| 19th January 2007 Ras Nikolaos I | response - From: Along the Banks of the River Hooghly Well, I'm pretty certain that this comment wasn't meant as a reply to MY blog. After all, none of the quotations come from me. In any event, I don't agree with censorship in any form, so I'll let this guy say his piece. For the record, I really dig most of the things about India that he's mentioined--or at least try to understand them--and I really don't like most of the things he's criticized about America. Enjoy his rant. Think he should get a blog of his own? |
| 18th January 2007 fuck | you - From: Along the Banks of the River Hooghly 1. "India is such a poor country. I feel so fortunate." Just want to make sure "Indians" dont feel that they are "unfortunate". "You" think they are unfortunate. Even the kids in orphanage are happy and optimistic about their life. That is India. 2. "I see so many beggars, cows,dogs, monkeys in the road" I see so many doctors, engineers, programmers, civil servants. Now you will come running and say what about percentage. EXACTLY. You got the point. How much percentage are the beggars? Unlike the so called "civilized" world(lasvegas,nyc,france) where they forcibly remove homeless(note they dont use the word beggars in developed countries), India on the other hand does not treat them like shit. They are part of India and they work hard for their money. India is a truly "free" country, everyone has the right to do what they want and they usually do. People go up in life. They dont just remain in the streets. Also here is a data from UN. The definition for poverty is the same all over the world. According to that, India has 24% people in poverty and US has 14% in poverty. Now i know in absolute numbers that is huge in India. But again With such a population you will have this numbers. 3. "India is so dirty and smelly. They dont use trash" The garbage in India is "organic". Very less plastic and more biodegradable foods. It is far better than "developed" countries where plastic fills the land fills and which takes 1000s of years to degrade. And also a couple of papers lying in the road doesn't make a "country" "dirty". And also your cheese smells bad to Indians. And we dont complain about your "smell". So shut it. 4. "Touts and Beggars" Dont think "everyone" is out to get you. Some want to cheat you and some just want to help you. Dont be constantly paranoid like you are in your country. In New york City thy dont try to con you. They just "shoot" you if you dont give money. Indians are just trying to con you. And they know, you know they are trying to con you. It is just a game. And also it is not just "you" foreigners for whom the price is raised. It is also for the locals. Nobody thinks they are being cheated. Every single Indian goes through what you go through. It is just a way of life. People raise the price, and you haggle. The more skilled you are the better offer you get. And also remember there are equal number of honest people who dont try to cheat you. So dont be constantly paranoid. 5. Toilets. Indians wipe with their hand. First Indians dont "wipe" with their left hand. They "wash" with their left hand. And they use "soap" to clean up after. So dont just wash and not use soap. Use soap if you dont get a TP. Otherwise you will get diarrhea. 6. Toilets in Trains Dont expect a hilton level toilet when you pay 50 cents for a 500 km journey. If you want good bathrooms get tickets in first class or AC compartments. The bathrooms in first class/ac are good. In India you get what you pay for. So for better conditions pay more money. And dont use a quotation for class like this, 'class'. After all, the flight that you took also have 'executive/business class'. The classes are for people who have money and want better conditions just like any other country. 7. Hotels/Hostels Again dont be complaining about bathrooms or rooms when you pay 1$/night. If you want better conditions go to better hotels. I understand you backpackers are on a shoestring budget. If that is the case don't "complain" and tell everyone Indian hotels are disgusting. In India, services are there for people with different amounts of money(just like any other country). So if you want better conditions like your country pay like you do in your country. 8. "I stayed in my friends house and it was small" You don't need a palace to "feel" like a king. All you need is a loving family to feel like a king. 9. Women This is for all you bra burners. Indian women are not "marginalized" any more than your counterparts in your country. Just because you dont see a woman walking in your street doesn't mean they are in the house cooking and washing.First talk to "Indian" women from different walks of life (rich/middle class/poor) and then make "judgements". Just to put it into perspective we had a woman prime minister in the "1960s". SHAME ON YOU AMERICANS. And yes there are some marginilized women. I know that. They are also in plenty in your country. So open your eyes and think. And showing your boobs on Girls Gone Wild or fighting in Jerry Springer Show doesn't make you "liberated". Indians consider "that" marginalized. 10. Arranged Marriages There is another preconcieved notion that bride and groom "meet" on the day of their marriage. They "meet" and know each other at least a minimum of 3 months or a maximum of 1 year before marrying. And also only a few "women" are "forced". Like i said "above" talk to an "Indian" woman from all walks of life(rich/middle class/poor) and then make judgements. 11. "I am surprised to see a mall, with girls in mini skirts and boyfriends". Welcome to the land of contradictions. Whatever you see the opposite is "equally" true. 12. "I see cows and elephants on the road" Who told you the roads are only for humans. And who said cows dont "belong"in roads. 13. "India has bad roads with potholes" Dont blame India if you dont want to take the Golden quadrilateral road for your trips. 14. "Men hold hands" Well Indians dont have to prove that they are "men" by screwing 10 different girls and bragging about it to their friends. Indians dont see that as a big deal. Although some may also be gay couples. And we dont treat them with contempt like Americans do in their country. 15. "India is a conservative country and you should not kiss in public" First visit some malls. Second even if that is true the law applies only to Indians. not you foreigners. And nobody is going to throw stones at you for kissing(this does not apply to temples). 16 "Holy cow" PETA hates India because India is one of the biggest leather manufacturer. Take a guess on how leather is made. Cow skin hides. Yes Indians slaughter cows like there is no tomorrow. Yes, Indians are as hypocrites as any other race/culture. 17. I see slums and poor people I see big buildings and malls. "You SEE what you LOOK/SEARCH for". 18. Houses are on top of each other Yeah, that is called an apartment. 19. "The streets are dirty" Again a couple of news paper flying doesnt make a country "dirty". 20. Varanasi Ok, this going to be long. This is from an Indian perspective. Varanasi is filled with the following Bums pretending to be sadhus- 60% Priests-20% Tourists-20% (Includes Indians) I said bums because these group of people ran away from their family so they could escape difficulties in life and just lead a poor albeit easy going life just by begging in varanasi or touting. They do not represent "hinduism" or "hindus". Also not "all" Hindus go to varanasi and throw their bodies in ganges. Only the poor illiterates do that. We have crematoriums all over the different cities. 2000 years ago varanasi was a center of culture. Right now it is anything but. Varanasi does not represent Hinduism right now. It is just old glory. Like the British Empire. It is good to look back. But right now it is just a city full of lazy bums who want to beg. 21. "This city is modern, and educated"/"Only a few people are educated. Many dont know English". Just because they speak "english" doesn't mean they are educated. Many poeple are educated in their native toungues and "that" also means "modern" and "educated". People dont have to learn english to become modern, look at the japanese. We have our own languages to do that. Lets talk about literacy data, Under 35 years of age the literacy rate in India is comparable to developed countries(90%). As a whole population the literacy level reduces because the old people were not allowed to go to school before independence. Take a look at UN Human development index for "Facts". It will corroborate what i say. And in one blog an idiot traveler wrote girls are not allowed to go to school in India. That is just plain ignorant. Again I repeat talk to women from different walks of life(rich/middle class/poor) before making judgements. That doesnt mean talking to one person and making a judgement about 1 billion people. 22. "This is a modern city, they have pizza and pasta and girls wear skirts and jeans" Excuse me!!!. That is so condscending. Indians love their food and their culture. And remember you are in India. Sarees and salwars are modern too according to Indians. 23. "It is so crowded" Indian population is 1.1 billion and thats how it will be. If you dont like crowds dont come to India. 24. "This is a British Hill Station, French colony, Portuguese colony, Dutch colony" Yes we remember you screwed us really well, but it is "WAS" people. "WAS". 25. "The internet is slow. They dont have usb ports" There are high fi internet centers in big buildings and malls. Again the price would be higher. So don't complain. Dont go to a shack with a coputer and complain about no USB. That computer was meant for poor people who cant afford to pay more. So if you want your usb,webcam,mike speaker, and any other idiotic gadgetry go to big buildings and malls. 26. Caste Caste categories(not caste) are used in only "one" place. When applying for government colleges and jobs for reservation(affirmative action). No Indian discusses about his "caste" unless you shoot him with too many questions.There are "NO" untouchables. The word untouchables is illegal in India from 1947. So dont be poking about castes. And caste is not based on color of the skin. That is a misconception of westerners. 27. "Indians eat with their hands" So do YOU. How do you think you eat your sandwich with mayo dripping,pizza,burgers,fries,subs,burritos,tacos,bbq, wings, bread,cake, cookies!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!. So suddenly eating rice with hands is sooooooooooooooooo "uncivilised" and dramatic for you??????? 28. "In India i have to haggle for everything. Back home it is so easy". Yes India is not like a episode of Stepford wives, where nobody questions. Everything in India is questioned, Indians dont like to be told what to do and what to pay. So they haggle. Thank you, and come again. Remember, You will see what you look/search for. So tourists, what are you looking/searching for?. It would bo good to come with an open mind, not with prejudices or preconcieved notions. And also since westerners use every single instance to prove Indians are uncivilised. I take this opportunity to tell what things are uncivilised according to Indians 1. Male and Female circumcision. If male and female are equal then both are evil. 2. Invading another country for oil and in the process 500,000 iraqis dying. This is definitely uncivilised. 3. Showing your boobs in Girls Gone Wild 4. Appearing on Maury and Jerry Springer shows to find out who your father is. 5. Not knowing who the father of your baby is. 6. Using booster seats for safety of kids but living with different step mom and step dads. 7. Using Paper to clean your body instead of water. 8. Half cooked meat like steak. Only animals eat that way. Eating with fork doesn't make it civilised. 9. Trying to find what is different instead of finding what is common between us. 10. Not having a vegetarian dish other than broccoli, and carrot even after so many years of "civilisation". 11. Having sex with 10 different people but claiming it is about love. NO, it is about sex. 12. Paying $30 for a drink back home. But complaining about $1 increase in fare for autos because of white skin. 13. |
| 3rd January 2007 Neil Ofsteel | ... - From: Now I'm down for some comic book collaboration. I've also heard the naked chick story a million times, I know I was there but for whatever reason I missed the actual excitement, maybe I was too drunk. |
| 2nd January 2007 Aaron Brown | honor - From: Remembering Nathan it's good to see such honoring. A reflection of the human spirit.. |
| 2nd January 2007 Aaron Brown | - From: Farewell to Kampuchea yup, always go with your own path- it doesn't need to be compared to anyone elses. Another food related comment: Weston Price took pictures of people eating their traditional diets, and those from the same groups who abandoned them for industrialized diets, and noted that those who abandoned the traditional seemed much less happy (and of course were more prone to dental decay/disease)- maybe that's a factor between Thailand and Cambodia. As you can probably tell, there really is a lot of sociology behind food. |
| 2nd January 2007 Aaron Brown | - From: Out in the Provinces yum- cow brain. It's actually loaded with good stuff(as long as raised healthily/on grass). I haven't tried any yet but will at some point (I could actually buy some here from a farmer in Texas but I dont think my mom wants cow head in our house, basically). I've gotta say Nik, I'm really liking following along with the off-the-beaten-path experiences. |
| 1st January 2007 Aaron Brown | - From: Life and Hope in the Other Angkor HIV....yet another unfortunate occurence that likely could be prevented in large part by a return to a nourishing, nutrient dense, traditional diet (by action of becoming immune/less susceptible to the virus). As for the situation in Cambodia on food production, I know nothing, but sustainable(thus health bringing) agriculture I'm sure would be a key. Specifically, this means plant foods raised in healthy soil and clean raw dairy/meat(including organs)/stocks from grass-fed animals, and all types of fresh seafood. I'm not sure how much these practices are (still) used there though. It seems this type of agriculture helps with economic stability as well, so it may help with the poverty situation. A good group doing work in this area which I may have mentioned is the Weston A. price Foundation. You're definitely doing good things there. |
| 1st January 2007 Aaron Brown | - From: Pictures From the World's Largest Religious Structure, Plus! cool pics. The moon looks interestingly small there. |
| 31st December 2006 Sean Fay | Read 'A Short History of Nearly Everything' by Bill Bryson - From: Now This is the best book I've read in 5 years! You'll particularly love it-doing what you're doing. All the best, Your friend, Sean Fay |
| 27th December 2006 Ras Nikolaos I | sihanoukville explained - From: Born To Be Wild Sihanoukville is actually just a nickname for the town. it has a different Khmer name. "Sihanouk" is the name of the king, and "ville" comes from the french. That is all. |
| 26th December 2006 Chani | Interesting - From: A Political Manifesto "...the burdens of government and the chains of authority." Hmmmm. I agree with much of what you wrote about. I think your comment about violence and anarchy are a little harsh, but it's hard to know exactly what you mean simply from reading this. I think it's interesting to point out that many libertarians, such as Jefferson and Hamilton and indeed Franklin, would say that it is our "duty" to oppose our government when our "inherent" rights our violated/oppressed, etc. The right to bear arms is rooted more in our own revolution against the rule of the new colonies than it is in protecting ourselves/individual property. Understanding that leads me to believe that even rational intellects of their times (who happen to be former presidents and revolutionists) knew that ultimately it can come down to an actual fight for their beliefs, employing weapons to secure their lives/livlihood. I do not believe in violence, but I think that violence is different from defence. I do not believe any man can control any other man. The rights we are born with are not actually able to be separated from us, as we did not give them to ourselves. Therefore, they can't be usurped or manipulated or taken. When persons, agencies, governments, etc. commit acts overtly, write policies, etc. that interupt an individual's ability to fully exercise their rights, that person/agency/government is guilty of the highest crime. When it is known that this act/policy will occur and/or they have been occurring and persons take actions to defend themselves, I don't disagree with their having done so. I too would like to see more people seek real self-actualization and not confuse it with what they've been brainwashed to believe it is. Only focusing on ourselves (what we absolutely can change) can bring us to changing the environment we live in. That plus time. |
| 24th December 2006 Your Boss | Eh??? - From: Born To Be Wild Just a shot in the dark but perhaps "Ville" comes from the French word for town. Another shot in the dark that there is an outside chance that the French colonisation of Cambodia has something to do with this towns name. You never know... |
| 21st December 2006 Ras Nikolaos I | dude... long comments as usual... - From: Pages From My Journal thanks for the thoughtful comments, aaron. we're gonna have to hang out and talk when I get back to the states. peace- nic |
| 21st December 2006 Aaron Brown | - From: Born To Be Wild I wonder how this city got the name of “ville”- isn’t that german or something? Colonization I suppose. So, the unnamed English chick actually liked this John dude? By the way, that plate of lobsters- supreme health food right there. Assuming it’s relatively fresh. “Our journeys gave us intimate knowledge on the layout of this place that in no way resembled its maps.” Cartography not up to speed there? |
| 20th December 2006 Aaron Brown | - From: Pages From My Journal Nice biography chapters- it seems you are a fan of a broad range of experiences. “Peaceful coexistence and mutual ideological agreement only really exists on a very small level with human beings. A group of 4 or 5 or 10 might be able to maintain cohesion with their worldview, but a group of 50 or 70 or a hundred might work even better. Get any larger and you'll start to have clashes and interactions between cultural groups, and two major things will happen: 1. People will attempt to spread their way of life (and worldview) through whatever means available. 2. People will embrace, learn, and adopt others' ideas” It seems history would be congruent with such a surmising, but I would say this can be redefined. I think that if people were to let go of all limiting beliefs (like “I am the owner of this person” as we see so often in relationships) and let true freedom go on and start doing things like sustainable farming/Community supported agriculture widespread..things would start to settle down a bit- establish a strong connection through your food and you’re taking a nice step in the right direction. Basically there just needs to be openness and understanding. No violent reaction to a conflicting viewpoint. Hmm..only those who win get in the history books as they say..and then I might say that those who start the war would more often than not win the war, and those who make the wars weren’t the greatest.. On the French…at least they held onto some good food traditions it seems- they trained Sally Fallon, great woman. As for making a historical figure who’s been glorified look aweful: Ben Franklin. A while back I heard this early morning radio show all talking about how great he was and all the little tedious facts of his life, what a genius he was, etc. In November, at the WAPF 7th annual conference, Dr. Tom Cowan(in a speech on adrenals) somehow tied in that Ben Franklin instructed the colonists to commit genocide upon all native Americans- wipe them all out. Cowan was talking about how he did this because the natives would take POW’s, and the colonists would go for a trade. The white POW’s would not want to come back to their old way of life after I guess discovering the superior peace or just way of life of the natives- so at that, Ben Franklin said the only way to prevent this is to kill them all. How accurate is this, I’m not sure. |
| 20th December 2006 anonymous | Hi There - From: Remembering Nathan My name is Mary and I live in Sydney, I grew up in former Yugoslavia and went through the horrible war that happened there I do know what it feels like to loose someone so close to you. I cried so much reading your post it is beautifly written.. take care M |
| 20th December 2006 MaggyPaggy | My condolences - From: Remembering Nathan I've read a few of your entries now and then, and I have to say that this one was very touching. I, too, have lost someone very dear to me and there are days where it seems like he passed just yesterday. Your brother will always be with you, and he can live through you and your memories. I have to say that donkey picture is one great snapshot! Happy travels! |
| 19th December 2006 karen johnson | - From: Remembering Nathan Nathan is in our minds this time of year. I spent a lot of time with your mom. Take care and I'm glad you found your tiger tamer. I think of you often as I pass the tiger cage at the bottom of the road. Keep blogging. Karen |
| 18th December 2006 Ras Nikolaos I | Answer - From: Welcome to the Wild West Actually, I haven't been writing every day, not nearly. I write the blogs when I get access to a decent internet connection (often rare) and just back date them to reflect the time period they're referring to. Most places have had power, but a few have had to pull off of generators. I occassionally come across somewhere with just campfires and candles, like I did in Laos. |
| 18th December 2006 Chani | Question - From: Welcome to the Wild West Nic, Everywhere you've gone you have access to electricity? You're writing daily and I guess I just wonder how remote are these remote places? How close to main cities? What's the infrastructure like, etc.? |
| 18th December 2006 SKF | Thanks - From: Remembering Nathan Hi Nic, I appreciated the memory of your brother. Thanks for sharing it. |
| 17th December 2006 ETEJC | Nice tribute - From: Remembering Nathan Sorry for your loss, hopefully one day you can follow your brothers footsteps in a peacefull Iraq like you are in the formally war torn Cambodia. |
| 16th December 2006 diana | from kenya too - From: Kismet reading your blog made me smile too,I am from kenya but living in the USA at the moment,my husband is from here , you writing about how she took care of you brings fond memories about my husband when he visited africa for the first time.I sure miss cococut rice more now.loved the photos. |
| 16th December 2006 Connie | Nathan - From: Remembering Nathan I will never forget Nathan, or this day he was taken away. He will always be missed. |
| 16th December 2006 Ras Nikolaos I | "imagining" - From: Welcome to the Wild West You were "imagining" that these places are clean. To paraphrase a quote I heard the other day, the real value of travel is to temper your imagination with reality. In fact, Cambodia has the worst pollution I have ever witnessed. It's quite sad to see such a beautiful place willfully ruined by it's own inhabitants with so much litter and waste. LDCs in the Americas might have some of the same problems, but I don't know. |
| 16th December 2006 Aaron Brown | - From: Welcome to the Wild West it's interesting..I was talking to a friend a little earlier- it seems I was envisioning other countries (namely central american) as being clean and relatively untamed, comparably to where I'm from- but I guess a lot of such countries may be worse off in areas like pollution since they don't have any regulatory structures in place. Is that styrofoam supposed to be in the 'bamboo crab pots'? |
| 16th December 2006 Chani | AWEsome - From: Life and Hope in the Other Angkor What a great experience. I've never interacted to such an extent with local children in my travels, but I did get the chance to briefly interact with some children in the Village of Little Jesus in a small farm town of South Korea. The ride there was full of lush, jungle-green hillsides and muddy towns with people flowing in and out of tents/shacks. The village itself was a farm really. The children were purposefully orphaned - I mean to say their parents chose to relocate their children due to their inability to care for them given their additional needs - all the children have disabilities. They work hard farming almonds and cherries though, and sure know how to have a good time! They taught us some traditional songs and dances and we formed a huge circle and took turns being in the center mimicking the dance moves and trying to keep up with the lyrics. We fixed up some of their buildings and they fed us some damn good kimchi. What a great time! |
| 15th December 2006 Ras Nikolaos I | actually... - From: Pictures From the World's Largest Religious Structure, Plus! according to the Guinness Book of World Records, Angkor Wat is the largest religious structure in the world... maybe I'll tweak that title. |
| 14th December 2006 halefg | Nice pics - From: Pictures From the World's Largest Religious Structure, Plus! A awesome collection on the Ankor Wat pics! But be careful of making such statement as 'World's largest ...', some people might disagree with the subjective statement. Is it larger than the Vatican City? Macchu Picchu? Teotihuacan? Borobudur? Mecca? [put your site connected to a religion here]. |
| 14th December 2006 Edmund | Great blog - From: Pages From My Journal Nic - you have a way with words. Very good stuff. Keep writing! |
| 13th December 2006 karen johnson | I had a difficult time remembering.. - From: Holiday in Cambodia Nic, after reading the last entry on the reflections in song on the killing fields my respect for you increased many times over. I do remember the images on TV. They did allow reporters to veiw the process of killing. I remember seeing the young kids shooting at the people. I sthink I could not view this if I were there. It is good you have this experience. I am enjoying the blog very much. |
| 11th December 2006 Arty Nakis | Future era of Nic! - From: Pages From My Journal Hi Nic - your Mom and I are hoping that one of your future eras will be "Wealthy Writer/Producer Graciously Supporting His Loving but Aging Parents"!! I liked this one a lot - your rants are becoming more tempered and mature all the time (that is a compliment!) Take care - Dad |
| 8th December 2006 Ras Nikolaos I | Gemma! - From: Welcome to the Wild West I'm excited you found it (and liked it). Please write me an email: nic.nakis@gmail.com |
| 8th December 2006 karen johnson | - From: Comments on this Lifestyle Moms really like to hear from sons on their Birthdays. Hint Hint. I spent the day with Doug on my Birthday. Your mom and I celebrated ours together on Friday night eating Thia food in Bellingham. I have been following your travels and enjoying your excellent wriitting skills. I see many scripts, books and essays in your future. Take care and safe travel. |
| 7th December 2006 Gemma(irish girl from bangkok) | - From: Welcome to the Wild West wow...cant believe i found your blog,it reads like a Jack Kerouac/Bill Bryson novel! Well done on getting rid of the backpackers bible. it sounds like your having an incredible time,hope that nomadic spirit stays strong. make the best of every second you have traveling,western civilisation with all its "comforts" will never compare to the infused smell of spices,sewage,body odour and insense and the roar of 7people in a 3man tuk-tuk!! please have a beer chang for me if you get back to thailand! |
| 29th November 2006 Momma | The moral of the story - From: Never Follow the Guide Books Don't take the Backpacker's Bible as the Gospel! |
| 27th November 2006 Ras Nikolaos I | wheelies - From: Life in Sriracha: Vignettes nah, dude, I can barely bust that thing to the store and back without it falling apart. |
| 23rd November 2006 Jamesus ClearLake | bicyclin - From: Life in Sriracha: Vignettes you bust some sick wheelies on that thang or what??? |
| 20th November 2006 Edmund | Great blog - From: Kismet I have tell you...your blog had me smiling and laughing at the same time. As a person who travels alone, meeting someone is always something you hope for - although it rarely happens. So cheers ole mate! |
| 20th November 2006 Ras Nikolaos I | Nope. - From: Tactics to Combat Laziness Reminds me too much of fighting, and I don't like that side of me anymore. |
| 20th November 2006 Ras Nikolaos I | yeah, I did sometimes - From: Backpackers' Paradise and I could have done a lot more, but I really didn't enjoy the criticism I got from people for "just wandering off..." |
| 19th November 2006 Aaron Brown | - From: Tactics to Combat Laziness do you think you'll take up muay thai on a regular basis? |
| 19th November 2006 Aaron Brown | - From: Backpackers' Paradise do you think you would have been able to get away from the other foreigners and go to more isolated places if you wanted? |
| 19th November 2006 Ras Nikolaos I | a little bit of both - From: A Few Days in Luang Prabang It wasn't what I would call 'touristy'... it was an hour along a really beat-up bumpy road to get there, but it wasn't a secret either, since there were a couple of dozen tuk-tuks and pickups in the parking lot. I'm sure the animal sanctuaries are a big draw as well. |
| 19th November 2006 Aaron Brown | - From: A Few Days in Luang Prabang you'll have to find out the recipe for their fermented snake/centipede/scorpion/lizard whiskey is- what fermenting agent and such, if you don't already know. Awesome picture of that waterfall(2nd to last pic). Was that a touristy area or a bit off the beaten path? |
| 14th November 2006 Aaron Brown | - From: One Night and One Day on Koh Chang "I chock that up to Chelly's joyful character in the face of adversity. It was just like Bangkok: things went wrong, but she was having fun no matter what and she was gonna make sure I had a blast too. " I have to wonder what this girl grew up eating- links in fat soluble nutrient density to a joyful character(I just got back from the Weston A. Price Foundation conference). They have flounder there huh? '(Somebody better kick me for the sappy, sentimental crap I'm writing. And soon.) ' Ha, you have to bring that out sometime- even Odysseus I'm sure was quite sentimental when needed. |
| 9th November 2006 Connie | Just Beautiful - From: Kismet The smile is not leaving my face. What a beautiful story. No doubt, your heart has been captured by the beautiful Chelly. I am loving this :) |
| 9th November 2006 Daniela | Perfection - From: Kismet OMG! I am so happy for you, she sounds perfect. It all seems so fitting. |
| 9th November 2006 Aaron Brown | - From: Kismet Is that a coconut Chelly is peeling? Nice. Coconuts are great. “Incredibly, Chelly is both of these women.” Law of Attraction mate, sounds good. Haha, a definitive epic adventure. What is a farang anyway? Aw man, you really are capturing the whole romance novel thing here. She went to college for computers and web design and might go back for nursing.” If she does, just make sure it’s holistic nursing. I’m going to talk with my aunt-in-law about holistic concepts since she’s in the whole ‘terminal illness care’ dept. I really don’t believe there is such a thing with proper treatment. But ya, I have much to say on that subject. “She's got the kind of "old eyes" that my great-grandmother said I have: indicative of an old soul that has seen a lot and learned a lot and held a lot of wisdom even before inhabiting this gifted individual.” Ah, past lives huh. I think it is the only way to view things in a truly unrestricted, and thus, unsuppressed manner. She sounds pretty great. |
| 8th November 2006 anonymous | Me Nic... U Chelly! - From: Kismet Sabaidii, You go Nic!! It's great to see two wandering souls meet up in far away land. It's almost like the movie. Congats to both of you!! Soke Dii |
| 8th November 2006 Sarah Martin | Great Detail - From: Comments on this Lifestyle Hey Nic I have been reading up on your blog little by little and I wanted to let you know that you make everything very clear by being descriptive and I appreciate that. I am very envious of your trip and look forward to reading more each day!! |
| 4th November 2006 CHEEBS | - From: Per Angusta, Ad Augusta i would LMAO in a big way. but seriously, the adventure is over when you say it's over....that's why it's YOUR adventure big dog. look at me, i went to malaysia in February, and i plan on going to europe some time in the next year or so, even with baby in tow. rent a mini van for $800 for 3 weeks, and i'm back in action. |
| 3rd November 2006 Aaron Brown | - From: The Ballad of Cornelius the Monkey pretty hilarious sounding adventure, I had to laugh. |
| 3rd November 2006 Ras Nikolaos I | not sure. - From: Reeling it means I might be adding Kenya to the journey, and I might be bringing somebody home... |
| 2nd November 2006 seth | - From: Reeling does this mean your staying in thailand? |
| 2nd November 2006 Ras Nikolaos I | Well, then... - From: Per Angusta, Ad Augusta ...what would you do if I came home from my trip to Southeast Asia and "pulled a cheebs?" |
| 1st November 2006 Jay | - From: Per Angusta, Ad Augusta It's cheebs, the only Jay that matters... |
| 1st November 2006 Ras Nikolaos I | You're right on, I guess. - From: Per Angusta, Ad Augusta Yeah, I agree with you today--on most of what you said. I've had a pretty intense week, you might say, and the monks are definitely right. As for the tattoos, I'm working on a blog about that right now (coming soon). Personally, I do really look forward to being that 80-year-old man with a memoir of his life written on his skin. That's the point. Also, which Jay is this? I know several. |
| 31st October 2006 Jay | - From: Per Angusta, Ad Augusta "My Heaven involves being myself, living the simple pleasures, being surrounded by beauty, and having people to love. I guess that isn't here, maybe it's in the next place." --Perhaps that place exists anywhere where you want it to. Laos, Bangkok, or even Sedro-Wooley. Perhaps you're waterfall jumping monk buddies would think that Life is the beautiful and the fire. You don't go through one to get to the other. They are inseperable like heads and tails on a coin. As you said, tomorrow you could win the lottery or go to jail. I think the goal is to be okay wether you are in prison, or a millionaire. Also...interesting post on your tats. It makes me wonder though....not everyone is as thoughtful as you when they are getting their tats. Or perhaps they think they are, but they are sort of missing the point. If I really wanted to show my conviction to certain thoughts and ideals, is it really most important to cut them into my skin? Is it really for me, or is it sort of an advertisement to the world that I have these certain thoughts and convictions? Do I really need to see them on my skin everyday to remind me of them? Perhaps if I had true conviction, I wouldn't need to cut them into my skin, because they should permeate every part of my being, and I don't need a billboard to remind me of them. Don't take this as a jab at you or your tats...I just had this inner dialogue with myself a long time ago when I was going to get one.... The problem with them is, you are a dynamic, ever-changing being....unfortunately scars/tattoos are not. They are like a snapshot of you at a certain time. I suppose you can just keep getting more and more and when you are 80 you can look at yourself naked in the mirror like a walking picture album/memoir of your life. |
| 31st October 2006 Jay | - From: Reeling Okay, you win the title for the most random blog entry this week! Congratulations. |
| 31st October 2006 karen johnson | click on something to send photos - From: The Greatest Internet Cafe in Southeast Asia Nick, I have been eagerly following your blog and have enjoyed comments and pictures but the ones from entrybefore Oct. 30 would not appear. This could be my laptop or something else, the titles all appeared. I really liked the picture of the baby monkey. The tiger tamer sounds fascinating. Hope she doesn't keep them as pets. Glad to see you tred new paths. take care. Katie was in CNN news. Take care Karen |
| 30th October 2006 erik neighbour | - From: Reeling lets get some pictures posted ASAP |
| 29th October 2006 puppylover22 | Great tip!!! - From: The Greatest Internet Cafe in Southeast Asia I'm heading to Bangkok in a couple of days, and definitely appreciate tips on hot internet cafes. Gotta keep my travelblog updated, right! I'll return the favour and let you in on "Home.Cafe" on Glebe Point Rd. in Sydney, Australia. It's awesome. Great coffee, great computers, and internet for $1 every 1/2 hour, which is the cheapest non-hostel internet we've come across. Tell your friends! |
| 29th October 2006 Sean and Shannon | It's the Little Things - From: The Greatest Internet Cafe in Southeast Asia Amazing how appreciated a good internet cafe really is when you're on the road. Thanks for the advice. |
| 28th October 2006 anonymous | elsewhere - From: Per Angusta, Ad Augusta “My Heaven involves being myself, living the simple pleasures, being surrounded by beauty, and having people to love. I guess that isn't here, maybe it's in the next place.” Maybe Crete and Greece eh? |
| 28th October 2006 Ras Nikolaos I | yes, in fact it was. - From: Ranting, Raving. I'll be writing that story next, actually. Which guy were you? |
| 28th October 2006 Peter | Monkey Trouble in Luang Prabang - From: Ranting, Raving. Hey, any chance you were in Luang Prbabng, Laos recently? I ran into someone who looks a bit like you who was having some monkey troubles. If it is you, do you remember yelling 'dishonesty is disgusting bro!' A classic story. |
| 27th October 2006 anonymous | - From: Per Angusta, Ad Augusta Your not alone, Anna and I miss you! |
| 27th October 2006 sambot | Hello! - From: Per Angusta, Ad Augusta Hello there moblogger/travelblogger! I'm a graduate student at Quinnipiac University in Hamden, Connecticut, USA. As part of my Master's Thesis, I am researching the concept of travelblogging and moblogging in the hopes of constructing a unique service geared toward the moblogger/travelblogger's distinct community. Of note, and maybe just to put us all at ease, this is not a money-making thing... nope, it's a crucial part of my graduate research that I hope you can participate in! I've constructed an online survey that should only take about 2 minutes to complete. Any input that you could provide would be of great help! You can take the survey at the following address: www.surveymonkey.com/s.asp?u=15302763533 Thanks so much for your help! Blog on! Sam P.S. If you have any questions, comments, or difficulties with the survey, please feel free to send me an email at travelblog@sambot.com. P.P.S. Oh... and I promise, any and all of the information that you provide will go directly toward my research. I will never, ever, ever share your information with anyone else. Again, thank you so much! |
| 27th October 2006 Ras Nikolaos I | let me know - From: Playing Catch-Up tell me when you are coming to Vietnam, I might just meet up with you there! |
| 27th October 2006 vicki | nice trip - From: Playing Catch-Up i can feel yours happyness!i am going to have a trip to vietnam at end of this year,hope can share your more adventure happy story! |
| 25th October 2006 Matt Vollans | Misc - From: Playing Catch-Up Nic, I continue to enjoy the account of your adventures thus far. Myspace blogs ain't got shit on your stories from afar. Should you turn this into a book at a later time, I request one of the first copies. I agree with Corey's comment from an earlier post of yours, we never hung out back in school (high school that is, I never made any significant inroads to college), but I sure wouldn't mind drinking a beer or two with you some time in Sedro. Cheers from Texas |
| 25th October 2006 Aaron Brown | - From: Culture Shock new experiences must be the real spice of life |
| 23rd October 2006 Maaaa | Where do we meet up? - From: The Journey North to Laos: Chiang Mai Lately, everywhere I go someone tells me they are reading your blog and that you are an awesome writer. These past few days without a post from you had made many quite thirsty! Keep adventuring and writing. |
| 23rd October 2006 Aaron Brown | - From: Playing Catch-Up "drank the infamous snake-whiskey (fermented from Snakes and Lizards and giant, venemous Insects)" Sounds pretty kickass. So does babysitting the monkey of course. Wedding part huh? you'll have to tell the story of how that one happened sometime. |
| 23rd October 2006 Aaron Brown | food - From: The Journey North to Laos: Chiang Mai “Consequently, I've been having some serious cravings for bread/cheese combinations: stuff like pizza, cheesy bagels, and nachos.” That candida. I used to crave such things a lot, but pretty much eat no grain foods nowadays and nor do I crave them. Speaking of cheese, I’m looking forward to learning cheese making in Italy/France/Greece/Switzerland or some place sometime. I’m sure their cheeses kick U.S. cheeses ass. |
| 20th October 2006 Corey Lindsay | Too bad? - From: If You're Happy and You Know It... How calamitous that we never came to know each other as young adults. For all that time we lived in Seattle only a couple of miles apart we never hung out. It's amazing how things have changed since Boy Scouts. I want you to know that I found your blog randomly while looking for another friend. I have read every word of each entry and learned that you are a pretty amazing guy with a gift for sharing your talent of sharing an adventure. Your ideology inspires me. If we're ever geographically in close proximity to one another we should go get a beer. Travel safely, keep the posts coming and I’ll say cheers again in the future. -Corey (clindsayrun@yahoo.com) |
| 19th October 2006 Mary Decker here | WOW - From: Dreams I'm living your dreams, while you are living mine. PS. Remember the first time you got drunk at 2nd and virginia and you siad I have child-bearing hips. <3 Mary |
| 18th October 2006 Rachelle | - From: Dreams I read this journal three times. Each time more grossly astounded and disturbed than the previous. You have just described my day-to-day-reality nearly verbatim. And, on top of it all I do work for Microsoft, heh. This is a sick awakening. I hope you don't mind me living vicariously through you for the next few months, but after that... I'm doing what I have wanted to do for years. Thanks, Nic - you are amazing!! Sending you a couple thousand mile away THANK YOU! Rachelle |
| 18th October 2006 Ras Nikolaos I | on the spot - From: If You're Happy and You Know It... I think about what's going on and how I might like to write about it, but I just copme up with the shit on the spot. peace- |
| 18th October 2006 Aaron Brown | - From: Four Nights in Bangkok sounds like crazy fun- took me for a bit of a ride and I know this isn't nearly the full story. Nice, I must get the full scoop on the organic farming (make sure and look at all the biodynamic techniques- the cover cropping, permaculture, composting, nitrogen fixing) if you go with that. |
| 16th October 2006 Jay | - From: Dreams So you dreamed you worked at Microsoft....big deal... |
| 16th October 2006 Annie | a wat - From: Four Nights in Bangkok Call " Wat " = temple not wats or what. seem you had four days adventure here in thailand. thanks for sharing / Annie in bkk |
| 16th October 2006 Erik Neigbour | Camera Crew - From: Four Nights in Bangkok Great story! I'm thinking about hiring a local camera crew in Bangkok to get some video of your exploits. I would have liked to seen you doing somersaults down the center of Khao San road...you crazy nut. |
| 15th October 2006 Andrew Bernhardt | - From: If You're Happy and You Know It... Sweet, I'm glad you told me about this site. I'll sign up soon, glad I can read your's so you can be the guinea pig. So do you just go to internet cafes and write it all on the spot or do you write some down by hand first? |
| 13th October 2006 Aaron Brown | - From: If You're Happy and You Know It... very cool. How'd you manage all of that for free? |
| 12th October 2006 Aaron Brown | - From: It's a Hard Knock Life for an American Travelling Abroad "all Americans are loud, rude war-mongers who eat at McDonald's." Pretty much...I think it's that most americans have totally lost their connection the planet we're living on...the 'organism' Gaia, Earth, mother nature, whatever you may call it- most other cultures at least in some way respect the ways of nature through food or somehow. I haven't traveled out of this country yet but I've been exploring ways how others view things differently lately. very nice...kick some interpreted-typical-american ass. Honestly though, I don't think I know anyone who fits that bill of typical american..though there are quite a few ignroant people who fit that bill who also happen to be under the employ of the big chemical companies here in Houston. I really can't blame most of the world for hating america(ns). To use food again, we pretty much convinced tons of traditional groups of people that our new, abundant, industrialized food was best for them and they were doing themselves a disservice by putting forth the effort to keep their own herds of cattle and whatnot..then maybe people started to realize “wow, we let ourselves get fucked by these Americans.” I saw that in the end of “The End Of The Spear”- except the traditional guy didn’t grasp he was being led into a ‘trap’ yet (but neither did the American, nor did he intend it, it’s just the way of ‘our society’-but not mine). Also, from what I’ve studied of Weston Price, a dentist who lived with traditional cultures back in the 30’s, the traditional people may have been leery of him at first, then they learned he was there to truly help them and they gave him their trust- so even then it seems the attitude was untrusting by default towards people of the US of A. I can tell you that it’s a huge goal of mine to change the way these corporations behave. |
| 11th October 2006 Arty Nakis | Changing minds - From: It's a Hard Knock Life for an American Travelling Abroad Very insightful thoughts on this one Nic. I'm sure you will encounter many varying attitudes towards our country in your travels. What people everywhere need to understand is that governments and media do not often represent what the people are like or want or think. Two pieces of advice - ignore the recommendation to "punch them in the face" (that doesn' teach anything except anger and hatred) and listen to your Mom! |
| 11th October 2006 Matt Vollans | Have fun on your trip - From: Sweet Home Sedro-Woolley You may or may not remember me, but our little brothers used to play army together (ironic). I've been living in Texas for over three years now and was down hear when I heard the terrible news of your brother. I know you don't like it brought up a lot, as you mentioned in this blog, but I feel that you do a good job reminding us who your brother was; never letting us forget. The account of your night out in Sedro is incredibly consistant with what I find when I go up there for a visit every so often. Many things that were once thought as lame and boring about the valley... well let's just say that after living in West Texas for 3 years I miss them very much. Enjoy your trip, enjoy getting to be yourself. If you find yourself in a tight spot just say you're from Canada, born in White Rock, British Columbia. Take it easy, Matt |
| 11th October 2006 Aaron Brown | energy - From: E.S.P. There's a lot beyond the 5 senses. Actually, I have what might be called a 6th sense which has opened up the past year- a sort of energetic indicator. There's more to the equation, all to do with universal consciousness, most just can't quite put their finger on it. "Perhaps there are certain kinds of energy emanating from the people and things around us, and perhaps there are parts of our brain that function to sense this energy. " Definitely. Energy fields and what a friends grandfather calls "psychotronic energy" are definitely measurable factors. you're right on target with your thoughts here. "or when you know inexplicably that that girl or guy has got the hots for you" psychotronic energy for sure. Well, I can certainly tell you that I'm doing the reading in your stead. |
| 11th October 2006 Aaron Brown | - From: Goodbye Pattaya, Hello Bangkok "I discovered as well that there was an incredible pain in my stomach and bowels that could only be food-poisoning from the seafood and chili sauce I had eaten on the beach below. " you know..I had a feeling this was coming. Probiotics- an essential for thailand travel. if you could find some daikon radish and a local cow to get some milk from, I could help you out. what's this pedialyte stuff anyway? "I sat a bit and applied neosporin to all my cuts and bandaged myself up where it was needed." I'd go with the traditional route- tree resins. did you talk all of this out with rendevous with friends before your trip? "(turns out it was food poisoning as well), " I think every person I've heard of who has visited Thailand has gotten food poisoning. I'm guessing the natives have some kind of higher resistance to bad bacteria..or maybe they just be sure and eat plenty of probiotic foods(good bacteria- protectant). "A couple of hours of this and we were suddenly in Bangkok, an ancient and decrepit city that seems never to end." Have you seen the movie "Ong Bok:Thai Warrior"? If so, does Bangkok resemble as portrayed in the movie? Is meeting fellow travelers really that easy or would you say you just have an affinity for it? |
| 11th October 2006 Aaron Brown | lifestyle - From: My Last Week In Seattle You've got so much stuff goin on here I'm amazed. Your lifestyle is hugely different from anything I've ever known, but I gotta say, it's cool reading about it. |
| 10th October 2006 Davey | - From: It's a Hard Knock Life for an American Travelling Abroad The pendulum will sway. Things will change, maybe not in our lifetime, but everything always changes. |
| 10th October 2006 Erik Neighbour | - From: It's a Hard Knock Life for an American Travelling Abroad Next time any of the foreigners say anything disrespectful about America, just punch them in the face. That'll teach em... |
| 10th October 2006 E.M. Nakis | You are an ambassador - From: It's a Hard Knock Life for an American Travelling Abroad 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. |
| 10th October 2006 Alex | - From: It's a Hard Knock Life for an American Travelling Abroad 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. |
| 10th October 2006 lanee | synergy - From: E.S.P. 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. |
| 9th October 2006 Aaron Brown | expression - From: Roll on Columbia... 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. |
| 9th October 2006 Daniela | - From: E.S.P. Hey, Nic. It's good to hear you're alive. I'm glad that you have keeping up with your blog. Stay safe. OOOO (virtual hugs). |
| 7th October 2006 Justin | Werd - From: Thailand... First Impressions Yeah, What Ben said. |
| 2nd October 2006 Benjamin Eilers | - From: Thailand... First Impressions 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. |
| 2nd October 2006 Justin | Werd - From: Thailand... First Impressions 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... |
| 1st October 2006 Justin | Pattaya - From: Thailand... First Impressions 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! |
| 1st October 2006 Keri | I want to see pictures! - From: Thailand... First Impressions 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! ; ) |
| 1st October 2006 Kristine | - From: Thailand... First Impressions 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 |
| 1st October 2006 Erik Neighbour | Taipei - From: The Threshold The journey begins! Can't wait to see some pictures of the beginning. How many woman did you sleep with on the flight over? |
| 26th September 2006 Erik Neighbour | - From: Sweet Home Sedro-Woolley The adventure is about to begin! Looking forward to hearing your initial thoughts after you get off the plane! |
| 19th September 2006 Itinerant Meghan | - From: My Last Week In Seattle 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. |
| 16th September 2006 emma anderson | - From: I bought my ticket; my journey begins 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. |
| 13th September 2006 Erik Neighbout | Inside you head - From: Roll on Columbia... Best entry by far. I felt like I was on a slip and slide inside your head. |
| 8th September 2006 Maaaa | Quality time with the folks - From: I'm running out of time... 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. |
| 8th September 2006 Ras Nikolaos I | Worry not , dear friend. - From: How Viscous is a Car? Don't even sweat it. I already have several sexploit-related blog posts in the works, and more to come. (And yes, I do realize I've just missed a tremendous opportunity for a pun, but I hate puns.) Anyway, by the time I arrive in your native Norway, I will have many dirty tales to tell. Maybe we can meet up on a Naturist beach or in a Swingers club somewhere in fair Scandinavia, have a drink, and swap yarns. Yours, Nic |
| 7th September 2006 Erik Neighbour | Please stop using your head and use your Johnson - From: How Viscous is a Car? Nakis, Why have there been zero postings on your thoughts of the possible sexual exploitations that are ahead of you? Instead you are discussing highways, which got me somewhat aroused by using words like "fluid" and "hard-rock river," - are you just scared to discuss the overwhelming options that lay ahead of you? Have you considered the difficulties of bringing home women to your motorcycle instead of the pickup bed of your truck? What about the sand and grit that you will encounter in the middle-east? How will this hamper/challenge your quest "around the world in 80 lays"? I hope that you will address these comments soon, your public awaits answers to these very important questions. Sincerely, Erik F. Neighbour C.E.O. Neighbour Industrie |
| 7th September 2006 Rich martin | whilst in crete - From: Reposted from an online discussion 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 |
| 7th September 2006 Janice | 'Bout time - From: I bought my ticket; my journey begins Finally you're getting outa here - and not just talking about it. Have fun and stay alive! |
| 6th September 2006 Janice | Thank God - From: I bought my ticket; my journey begins Jezz - Thank God you're actually going away and not just talking about it!!! Good luck and stay alive. |
| 6th September 2006 TJ | Wow - From: I bought my ticket; my journey begins 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. |
| 6th September 2006 Ras Nikolaos I | Yes! - From: I bought my ticket; my journey begins That's exactly what I'm talking about!!! Let's meet up. |
| 6th September 2006 Daniela | Congradulations! - From: I bought my ticket; my journey begins 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! |
| 6th September 2006 Meghan | Maybe we'll run into each other... - From: I bought my ticket; my journey begins If you decide to do any wandering in eastern & central europe, I'm planning a 3-4 week trip, probably in April. I plan to hit Prague, Budapest, maybe Krakow, Vienna, Munich, and all over the countryside of Romania (my real draw on this trip). It's really awesome that you are actually getting out there and creating this adventure for yourself. Aw, I'm proud of you Nic. |
