 Stuart Morgan Hurlbut - Stuart | All Comments |
Comments | |
| 24th December 2009 Jill | Alaska/Cananda trip - From: Wonderful by nature - Prince Rupert, Jasper, Banff and Calgary I am planning a trip form Chicago to Anchorage (I think). Maybe two weeks by train and ferry. I loved your story about the train except the 2 mile walk. Maybe in June, there will be a bus. What is the absolute "musts" to see? Is it worth going to Denali? Thanks. JT |
| 30th November 2009 Colin | The train that never came - From: At home with the Mama family. What a great story! Came across it purely by chance, but I have always wanted to see Mauretania. In the photo, your friend Mama seems very seriuous. It occurs to me that, in his head, he is praying and praying and praying "Allah! Thankyou for your mercy in allowing me the chance to meet these foreigners - but Allah! Please tell me what I have to do to make my family richer as a result" I don't want to be cynical - I'm just trying to be realistic and, of course, there is nothing to be criticised, and nothing in the least insincere, about the hospitality that he and his family showed you - no, no, no - I don't mean that at all, God forbid - it was just that rather soulful look on Mama's face that made me wonder what he might be thinking inside! |
| 16th November 2009 lilly | sup - From: Welcome to paradise, (if you're a rich tourist) great photoes |
| 4th November 2009 Kyle | AVIS - From: Culture shock Hey there sorry to hear about the trouble with your car, If you ever return I suggest you rent a vehicle from Avis or another reputable car rental agency :) |
| 18th September 2009 Adnan | wonderfull trip - From: My second home hi Dan... Having read your article, i really surprised your precious time that you spent with my people, i came from Berbera, and iam familiar with Jama and the other guys that you have mentioned in your article, bur now iam somewhere in the middle east..i study there!..but it is also worthy to mention that somaliland has a got a natural resource like oil and gas!...i really want to go back to somaliland next year and do my final project....(geology) and i hope that i will find more information about the rocks found in somaliland....! |
| 17th September 2009 Zezinho | Favela - From: In the Favelas I am from Rocinha, the largest favela in Rio and I do not think favelas are ugly.. |
| 17th August 2009 The Travel Camel | Eclipse Memories - From: When the moon ate the sun and the world didn't end. Great photo of the full solar eclipse! I remember experiencing a total eclipse in Melbourne, Australia in October 1976 and it still is one of the strongest memories from my childhood - an amazing experience. |
| 4th August 2009 JT | Welcome - From: The world's a stage Hi Stuart, I assume you are still in Cirebon at this time. I enjoy your blogs. I grew up in Cirebon although since now I live in New York since a decade ago. The last time I was in Cirebon was 11 years ago for a visit, but I live there for 14 years before that. I like Cirebon because of its food and the people. The friendly, laid back, not pretentious trait. Have you tried the local dishes of nasi lengko, nasi jamblang, tahu gejrot? Magna restaurant has delicious sea food & chinese food. Keep up the good work and I am waiting for your writing about Cirebon.. the people, the culture... Such a nice small town... |
| 25th July 2009 Kalka | Las Geel..Somaliland overall - From: My second home This is amazing Dan I am so proud to read your account on Somaliland, I am Somalilander and British, I hold both very close to my heart and called them both home.. But the feeling I get when I visit my birth place and see the extended family and the kins is priceless. I am now in Hargeisa and have visited the Rocks of Las Geel.. amazing really as an anthropologist it makes me want to do more social history of the people who lived in that area. Keep in touch Dan my e-mail is khatiny@hotmail.com. you can also found me on face book under the name Kalka Osman. I have recent pictures I would like to share with you and your friends who have made great comments here. |
| 7th July 2009 Ellen Jones | Dakla? - From: More stupid questions Hi a bit of a silly question but the place you visited, is it called Dakla or Dahkla happy travels! |
| 25th June 2009 afin | what a 'stage! :) - From: The world's a stage hi, Stuart, once i read your blog title, i knew that you are a 'today' shakespeare :) it is so nice reading your blog line by line and enjoying pictures you showed. |
| 1st June 2009 Tom | Cultural significance of The Mission - From: The Mission Having lived some years during the mid-80's in Paraguay. I would have liked to see you note the cultural impact of the musical instruments and other products manufactured by the amazing Guarani Indians. The beauty and power of this people is too little appreciated. Paraguay has vast numbers of wonderful special people. I am glad to see the youth there still smiling. |
| 21st April 2009 suleyman hussein omar kujog | My grandfather - From: My second home hey I just want you to add that the satue that was on the road from beerbera and hargisa is a tribut to my grandfather Omar kjuog how was one of the solders in the war. |
| 2nd April 2009 Ron | why whine? - From: Accra, Lake Volta and Kokrobite Have you tried Bah-Doosh? (2 doors down from Big Milly's; on the beach) That Australian lad (Damian?!) is one hell of a guy! Suer relaxed atmosphere, and you don't have to deal with all the mess and "great reggae parties". Cool atmosphere, wonderful people, great drinks! |
| 2nd April 2009 Ron | why whine? - From: Accra, Lake Volta and Kokrobite You should give it another chance, this time take the time to walk around and get-away from the other tourists (obrunis). Sweat? Don't sweat the small stuff. Kokrobite is a great place if you know where to be! |
| 20th February 2009 Armchair Traveler | You've surfaced! - From: The world's a stage Just idly cruising travel blogs when I came across yours. Months ago, I followed your travels in Africa. Love your stunning photos. The social/historical commentary is good too. Lived in east Java about 25 years ago. The language is easy to pick up. Grammar is not a big thing. Just string words together. I'd get a phrase book and/or dictionary if I were you, seeing as you'll be there for 7 months. The locals will appreciate your attemps. I look forward to reading your blogs. -A.T. |
| 2nd January 2009 'Aafi | Somaliland is safe - From: My second home Thanks Stuart, just to let you know that I really enjoyed reading your trip to Somaliland, which is my native country, though I now live in the UK. The man who paid for your bus fare was simply doing the Somali guest honoring, it has roots in the nomadic tradition. |
| 13th November 2008 David Munnings | S/Sgt Harold J Munnings..R.E.M.E. - From: My second home My brother also rests in the War Cemetry he died in December 1945. Any photographs would be appreciated, |
| 29th October 2008 Fiona | Hargeisa really is safe - From: My second home Hi! Great to see your blog. I wrote my thesis on Somaliland and their legal case for independence and spent some time there a couple of years ago doing research. The people really are incredibly receptive and kind. Hoping to go back for the elections this year! |
| 23rd September 2008 Stuart | Hargeisa is safe! - From: My second home Hargeisa is safe. I believe it may be possible to get a Visa in the UK. The information I found on the internet said that you can get a Visa from: SOMALILAND MISSION MR ADAM MUSSE JIBRIL 102 Cavel Street London E1 2JA UNITED KINGDOM Mobile:07950469077 Tel: +44 0207 961 9098 Fax: +44 0207 247 6335 Email: slrmission@hotmail.co.uk If that's not possible then hotels will arrange a Visa for you. You send them a scanned copy of your passport - they arrange the Visa for you, which you pay for and pick up at the airport, on arrival. The Hotel Ambassador is the best hotel in the city at $US40 a night. Otherwise I would recommend the Oriental Hotel in the city centre. The number I found for the Hotel Oriental is 2514999, or 8289296. You will need to add the international code to that number. I also don't know if that number is correct - it is just a number I found on the internet. I suggest you do some research yourself if that number is not correct. You can contact the Hotel Ambassador directly on their website. If you look at the text of my blog you will see the Hotel Ambassador highlighted. Click on that link and it will take you directly to the Hotel Ambassador's website. You may want to ring the Hotel Oriental or Ambassador to discuss your intended journey. They will both be very helpful. In terms of getting to Somaliland, the cheapest way is via Djibouti or Dubai. All the best. I know that the people of Somaliland will welcome you. |
| 23rd September 2008 Dan Savident | Safe to travel? - From: My second home Hi, I read this blog with great interest. My Uncle is buried in the war cemetery in Hargesia. He was with the RAF in WW2 fighting 'U' boats in the Indian Ocean. My Mother was 21 years his junior and 5 when he died. She is now 70 and although we have researched his service and the events surrouding his death, we have yet to visit his final resting place. It has long been an ambition to take my Mother. I gues my question is do you think it is safe and what would be the best way of approaching such a trip. Thanks Dan |
| 28th August 2008 Graciela | Great!!!!!!!!!!! - From: In the Favelas The pictures are great but let me tell you that the names of the falls is Iguazú Falls shared by Argentina and Brazil. Foz do Iguazú is a city name. |
| 20th June 2008 Stubrucam | Amazing! - From: My second home What an amazing trip! I really admire your courage and curiosity in going to somewhere most people have never heard of, let alone been. I have read a little about Somaliland and agree that it is mad that a functioning state- unlike the basketcase to the south- can't get recognition. Maybe some day. |
| 16th June 2008 Overlanders | Info - From: The War Train Love your panoramic shot. Thanks for the all the information contained in your blog too. I'm researching Sudan now, so thanks for all the great tips! Cheers Suz & Dave |
| 16th May 2008 Chi | - From: In a Strange Land Wow, interesting pics Stuart! I actually planned to fo to Ethiopia last february but ahd to postpone it... :( but maybe I will go there in autumn! :-) I have heard it's an magnificent country! Can't wait... :-) |
| 4th May 2008 Ricardo the Traveller | Interesting! - From: French Somalia I loved reading your journal! I have always wanted to travel to this part of Africa for some reason and I have a friend who has visited Djibouti. Again, the area you were in I feel is a unique one not many get to travel to. |
| 12th April 2008 Two4deroad | Wow! - From: The War Train Thank you, Thank you, Thank you taking us on this journey. Showing us what you have seen and experienced in Sudan. I learned so much from this relay. Who would have guessed that Sudan has more pyramids than Egypt and that the country can look so beautiful despite its dry and arid climate. Travel safe and have fun |
| 12th April 2008 aspiringnomad | Softened by The Sudan? - From: The War Train Sudanese people "The friendliest and most hospitable people you've met anywhere in the world"(???) You and me both traveller!!! I agree with that statement wholeheartedly; and would add it's one of the most challenging, exotic and adventuress locations on the planet...The panorama picture you posted with this blog actually made my pulse quicken and the video of the dervishes is superb...hopefully you stuck around a while and they softened you up some more... |
| 25th January 2008 Stuart | The picture tells you the camera! - From: I might taste of the lotus and forget the way home.... Hi Napoleon - I use a Sony H2 - a tip, if you click on the photos and bring up the large version of the photos the site actually tells you the make of the camera that was used. |
| 25th January 2008 napoleon | Nice Pictures - From: I might taste of the lotus and forget the way home.... I enjoy your posts and hope to see the world as you do one day. What camera do you use for these great shots? |
| 19th December 2007 Herdiwati Sidabutar | Nice Picture of Lake Toba - From: Missionaries impaled on Batak spears. Nice picture of Lake Toba Stuart , I like it . I am from Samosir Island but I am working in Aceh ,North Sumatera !I spent most of my time out of North Sumatera this last few years and I miss Lake Toba . Will be there for christmas :-) Horas ! ! |
| 25th October 2007 Stuart | Reply to le flow - From: This is the end... Thanks for the comment - I'm working in a call centre at the moment, for a company that collects money on behalf of the banks...but I am intending to return to Africa this January. I will have to give them notice, although I am going to ask them if they will take me back in May 2008 . I'm planning to cross North Africa, follow the Nile into Sudan - then go to Ethiopia. Djibouti, Somaliland and Eritrea. Keep up your blogs, they are some of the best on travelblog. |
| 25th October 2007 le_flow | From a fellow traveller. - From: This is the end... What else can I say than very well done. Almost three years on the road writing honest and informative blogs, taking better and better pictures. Thanks Stu. And a special thanks for the West Africa blogs ou wrote that we found very helpful while traversing the region our self. Good luck back home. |
| 11th September 2007 Carly | - From: This is the end... Thank you for all the great pictures and blogs you've posted over the last few years. I've been following your adventures since Africa, when I stumbled upon it. Can't remember exactly where, but went back to the first one and read from the beginning until I caught up to you in relatively real time! Hopefully you'll post every so often to let all of us armchair travellers know how you are doing and if there are any more plans to travel in the future. By the way, how does it feel to be back to a regular routine? After I came back from my travels (quite a few years ago) I had a heck of a time adjusting to the norm and would work for awhile, then take off again. I also picked up work where I could (temping in English speaking countries, tutoring Japanese kids privately, even tried my hand at bar maiding and waitressing, which was a first for me and a last. That's tough being on your feet all day, when you are used to sitting at a desk.) All the best to you. |
| 3rd September 2007 B.M.Hakili | Kigoma, the Town where Ujiji is Located - From: Across Tanzania, East to West - in the footsteps of Dr Livingstone Dear author, I write to correct spelling mistake! The Town on the shores of lake tanganyika is KIGOMA not Kagoma! Hakili |
| 28th August 2007 John | - From: This is the end... Good luck to you Stuart, I followed your blog from West Africa and enjoyed reading your Africa blogs the most. Your final blogs were a bit lacking in the anecdotes and stories about what happened to you on a pesonal level day to day that filled your earlier blogs. But never mind that, you did three years travelling, and some of the places you went and the things you did will be some of your best memories for as long as you live. How you will deal with having to do a real job now after 3 years away I don't know. |
| 24th August 2007 Stuart | Travel guides - From: This is the end... Hi Armchair Traveller, To be honest the only guide book that I used on the trip was the Lonely Planet (despite my complaining about it!) Other guide books may also be worth a look, but I tend to stick to the Lonely Planet because I like the typeface and the lay-out in that particular guide book. I don't look at the Rough Guides because I don't like the typeface! It may sound a trivial reason for remaining loyal to Lonely Planet - but it is the only reason! |
| 24th August 2007 Stuart | Working... - From: This is the end... I've accepted a job offer that starts on September 3rd. I was on camera number 3 when I returned to the UK. I suspect one of the reasons my pictures improved is because I upgraded my camera so many times during the trip. The camera I was using at the end of the trip was much better than the cheap thing I was using when I started the trip. |
| 24th August 2007 arnie | end of the road? - From: This is the end... Hey Stuart, We traveled with you in South Africa, through Krugar a couple of years ago. I have been checking n on your blog on and off since then. Congratulations on finishing you grand tour, I suspect from the shorter than usual last few blogs you had a bit of burn out? It was an incredible feat, you really did keep up with your postings, your photography got better and better. I think a lot of people out there really did enjoy your efforts. What are you up to now? |
| 7th August 2007 DR | Awesome - From: This is the end... Journeys ended, journeys begun. I enjoyed reading along. Hopefully being home doesn't bring too much idleness. ;) |
| 6th August 2007 Armchair Traveler | Travel Books and other q.s ? - From: This is the end... Stuart, you've mentioned the Lonely planet guide. My daughter is going to Uni in Hong Kong for 1/2 year. She will try to travel elsewhere in Asia. Besides, Lonely planet, are there any other travel guide books you found invaluable? ...and have you been able to settle back since your return to leeds. I imagine it would be quoiye difficult having been on the go for the past few years. How do you perceive your countrymen now? Thanks for the great trip. I thoroughly enjoyed your comments along the way. A.T. |
| 30th July 2007 katydid | No More Stuart?!? - From: This is the end... Hey, Just a note to say I've enjoyed your blogs. It will be weird to not see 'Stuart' any more! You've had a pretty amazing journey. Thanks for all the blogs! |
| 10th July 2007 Marcello | Some tips - From: The Mission I like the descriptions of this site because I found them very close to the reality, but there are somethings that the visitor must know before going to Paraguay. 1st.: It's better to arrive Asuncion on WEEKDAYS and NEVER in summer, 'cause there's nothing to do at the weekend, and in summer EVERYONE goes on vacation to the countryside or to other countries. 2nd.: if you want to visit San Bernardino, you must go at the weekend, or in summer, when there are a lot of places to go to dance and the city is full of life, the rest of the year remais a calm country town. 3rd.: If you're in Asuncion, it will be nice if you go on a boat trip to the Chaco. And it costs less than 1 dollar! The Chaco is on the other side of the River Paraguay and is totally different of Asuncion. It's full of palms, little rivers and birds (it's beautiful!) and you can have another view of Asuncion. 4th.: it's a sin not to visit the Monday falls and Nacunday falls (on the east, near the River Parana). Ok, I hope this tips could help you, and enjoy your trip! |
| 2nd July 2007 Stuart | How? - From: West of the Mountains Good question Johan. The answer is I don't know how I'll cope! |
| 30th June 2007 Johan | China - From: West of the Mountains Amazing pictures. How will you ever be able to adapt to a 9 - 5 office job again? Johan, Cape Town South Africa |
| 24th June 2007 Katie | - From: When the clock stopped I'm an American living and work in Johannesburg. I'm planning my first trip out of South Africa through Zambia, Malawi and Mozambique. Your blog has been incredibly helpful. Thank you so much! |
| 11th June 2007 Johan | What next? - From: Beyond the Clouds to the Kingdom of Women I have been following your blog right from the start. Don't make us wait so long for the next delivery! Johan. Cape Town, South Africa |
| 25th May 2007 rain | I'm a Chinese.. - From: The road to heaven China is so beautiful.And it changes so quickly.The next time you come to China will see more beautiful scene.Welcome to China. |
| 20th May 2007 Markus | Not bad - From: Singapore Sling I grew up in Singapore as an expat, and I think you covered it well. It isn't a harsh country like the media makes it out to be. Not to mention is the safest place I have ever been. Anyone could walk down what is considered to be the "worst" area of town and be completly safe! |
| 7th May 2007 Tom | Green with Envy - From: Dirty Foreign Mud OK I love the UK and had my fill of the ex-pat life when I was a kid but really the only place I would like to live (apart from Iceland, maybe) is Hong Kong. Shame you were under the weather HK is a fantastic place, especially for Kung Fu nuts like me. Lantau is probably my favourite bit since it is like the New Territories was when I was a kid, the buses getting stopped because chickens are in the road. But considering the places you have been you probably think that normal now. Next time you are in Leeds we will probably have to get some sorted or you will think you are on Mars! |
| 3rd May 2007 Liz | IGUAZU FALLS - From: Drought and Brazilian dams sorry to say that the Iguazu Falls are half argentinian half brazilian, books are more credible than a turistic brochure....nice pics! keep on updtating your travelblog! =) |
| 7th April 2007 Odd | Moa, Chad - From: In bed with the roaches. Sorry if I'm a bit anal, but would you please correct the town Moa, Chad to Mao? It's such an amazing town, and deserves its correct name. |
| 22nd February 2007 Stuart | Bat Conservation International website address - From: The Bats Hi John, I should have included the Bat Conservation International website address as a link in the text. I would urge people to visit the site. The address is: http://www.batcon.org |
| 21st February 2007 John aka aquiferman | bat education - From: The Bats Thanks for educating folks about bats ... but it's hard to educate rural people with their superstitions. The only way is bu working with the kids. Anyone really interested should go to the Bat Conservation International website to learn more |
| 14th February 2007 py | home sick - From: Lord of Malacca After seeing your pictures, i felt so proud of Melaka, my hometown. Now, i am homesick and just want to fly home. Have a good time travelling!! |
| 13th January 2007 Stuart | Is Hang Tuah Chinese? - From: Ignorance is bliss Ericisa, that is a very interesting question. Do, you have any sources for that assertion? All the standard texts state that Hang Tuah was a Malay. [url=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hang_Tuah]Wikipedia [/url]and many other sources says that Hang Tuah was born in Malacca to Hang Mahmud and Dang Merku Wati. Malacca is very definitely in Malaysia, so what are your sources? Could you please quote them with any (if they exist) internet addresses. Are the sources reliable...as you know you can't believe everything you read on the internet. I did find an address at [url=http://www.usj.com.my/bulletin/upload/showthread.php?t=5986]United Subang Yaya Web Forum[/url] that claimed that Hang Tuah was Chinese, but it is only a forum. Not a reliable source - it quotes an internet source which no longer exists. Certainly, even if Hang Tuah wasn't ethnically Malay, if he was born in Malacca he was certainly Malaysian. There is much in the life of Hang Tuah that may be myth. He remains though a Malay nationalist hero. Often in understanding a people the myths that nations build for themselves are more important than the reality. [quote]"People who are living in this world of myths are secure from all refutation."[/quote] [i] George Sorrel: Letter to Daniel Helevy 1907 from Reflections on Violence [/quote] So, certainly the myth of Hang Tuah plays a role in Malaysian nationalism. But, I wonder do you also have a political agenda in trying to demolish that myth and maybe build your own myths? |
| 13th January 2007 Closed One Eye | Hang Tuah Is Chinese... - From: Ignorance is bliss Do you know Hang Tuah is Chinese?... If you do a little bit more research, you can find that out... |
| 12th January 2007 J Neely | People back home - From: Ignorance is bliss Your blog was very lively, and I enjoyed reading it and looking at the photos. One thing that doesn't supprise me is the lack of media coverage to the flooding, I feel like I am living in a country that cares more about dieting and getting into debt, and such things as opposed to things that matter. I even doubt most people have even heard of Malaysia, they certainly couldn't find it on a map. Ignorance is never bliss. Enjoy your travels. |
| 11th January 2007 Armchair Traveler | Travel on, Dude! - From: Ignorance is bliss "However ignorant I may be, one of the greatest pleasures of travel is learning about the cultures, politics and lives of places that are new to me." You said it Stuart! That's probably one of the reasons I have been following your adventures. I am vicariously ltraveling/learning. That we should all be as open to the lives of others as you! -A.T. |
| 31st December 2006 John | - From: Paradise Lost - Islands and beaches Im half joking ; ) |
| 30th December 2006 Robert Leggat | Maimara and Tilcara - From: Salta, Cachi, Jujuy, Purmamarca, Tilcara and Humahuaca Lovely pictures! I lived in Maimara when I was a boy, and often visited the Pucara in Tilcara! These pictures bring very happy memories back. Thanks for sharing them! |
| 28th December 2006 Stuart | Peace! - From: Paradise Lost - Islands and beaches I hope you're joking John - I'm a peaceable sort of guy! Stuart |
| 27th December 2006 John | - From: Paradise Lost - Islands and beaches I think, you should carry a police style baton, and you should be allowed to attack backpacking gap year kids and package deal plebs at random. Id be happy just to see the photos. |
| 26th December 2006 anonymous | Tarutao islands I hope are still OK - From: Paradise Lost - Islands and beaches I visited the Tarutao Islands NP on the west coast of Thailand, just across from Langkawi (Malaysia) in 2004 and recommend them if you don't want development. |
| 23rd November 2006 Ale P. | 8/10 - From: The Mission May I say that your journal is quite good for a tourist. There are some little aspects that could make your visit here more interesting. Like for example were to eat REALLY GOOD STEAKS, go to San Bernardino in the high season or a tour to the north of the Chaco when many "gringos" come here during the dove hunting season. Hope this info can help. Adios |
| 17th November 2006 Stuart | The tour - From: The Last Great Wilderness The tour was on the little red ship with Gap Adventures. When I was talking to a woman in New York who was on the tour with me, she told me that Gap have bought another ship since I was on the tour but that the prices have gone up a lot. I paid about $US3000. Stuart |
| 17th November 2006 Stuart | Saleem - From: As long as rivers run - Salt Lake, Rapid City, Chicago, Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC There were a lot of people around because of Hallowean, but there wasn't much splendour because it was raining so hard! Stuart |
| 17th November 2006 Stuart | I think Jessie you have a problem - From: As long as rivers run - Salt Lake, Rapid City, Chicago, Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC I haven't made anything up. I have both talked with lots of Americans and read plenty of American history. Including the history of many North American tribes. I could give a long list of books for you to read. The policy of the American State towards the Indians was one of racism, greed and genocide. I didn't make up the masacre at Wounded Knee - it and many other atrocities were commited by the US army. In fact General Sheridan said "The only good Indians I ever saw were dead". I suggest you read some history yourself. I doubt your claim to be a Sioux heritage - its the sort of tactic that political bloggers in the States use all the time to give themselves credibility. My comments about the behaviour of the US towards the Indians wasn't just about the Sioux, but about the general policy of the US towards all Indians during the period of expansion into the West. The era of the racist concept of "Manifest Destiny". That does not mean that all Indians were angels. The fact is the US government did sign a treaty that gave the Black Hills to the Lakota Sioux forever- a treaty the US government broke not the Lakota. |
| 17th November 2006 Stuart | Politics - From: As long as rivers run - Salt Lake, Rapid City, Chicago, Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC Tough Isreal! You can't avoid politics - its part of everyday life. It is a large part of who I am, so any blog I write will contain ideas that are informed by my opinions. My politics are not party political, but in a way everything is political - for instance it is a polical decision as to how housework is shared in the home or the way you are treated at work is also political. It doesn't matter if you are politically active or not (I'm not). The way you behave is politics, so it informs the way I choose to travel, so any blog that ignored politics completly would be a lie. Stuart |
| 17th November 2006 Kate Hildebrand | Great blog! - From: As long as rivers run - Salt Lake, Rapid City, Chicago, Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC Did you see Salem in full Halloween splendor? Good times. |
| 17th November 2006 Jessie Blackbear | what the? - From: As long as rivers run - Salt Lake, Rapid City, Chicago, Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC Is this some kind of weird joke? Why publish such lies about the United States? You're making up your own American history as you see fit and as a true American I'm asking you to stop. Maybe you should start talking to Americans or reading the history books because you're pretty mixed up. For one thing it's only greedy, radical, Native Americans that claim the Black Hills as their own. As a member of the Sioux I can tell you the land that was taken from us was for the majority reasonable as we first took the land from other tribes. In fact the Sioux weren't even in the Dakotas until the early 1700's and came from the east in search of food. Finding the buffalo we took their land as our own and lived with them. We totally destroyed three tribes that no longer have descendents to take the land of the buffalo, such was the power and courage of the Sioux Warrior. The Sioux were once the greatest warriors and killed many to take the land they occupied, just as those before had done up until the first man who walked it. We were only in turn defeated by greater numbers and warriors. There were of course many crooked and greedy white men (non-Christian Europeans, many Catholics, and buisness entreprenuers) who committed many atrocities on our people. Today we live because of the mercy of the great white leaders who fought for us agianst their own people. We owe our lives and land to them today. They saw we were a great people and instead of destroy us they gave us all we have today. And do not think the Sioux are proud of the carving of the mountains of the Black Hills. They are sacred not only to the Sioux but to white men as well, and because of this they should be left the way they were created and not mutilated into the shapes of men. Next time you visit my land be of open mind and heart or be of careful step. |
| 16th November 2006 Israel | Travel Blog - From: As long as rivers run - Salt Lake, Rapid City, Chicago, Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC Not political blog...stick to travel blogging. I find that extremists on both ends of the political spectrum are much like religious missionaries that keep up showing uninvited and unannounced at your doorstep. Bad manners! I want to hear about your travels not your political views. |
| 16th November 2006 Gil Hurlbut | Hurlbut Connection - From: As long as rivers run - Salt Lake, Rapid City, Chicago, Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington DC It was a pleasure to finally meet an English Hurlbut and to discuss your travels. Any Hurlbuts out there should check in to find out if there are connections using DNA testing. See what we have sound so far at http://hurlbutdna.pbwiki.com/. |
| 16th November 2006 daithibrazil | - From: The Last Great Wilderness Hey, good writing, can you let me know how much the tour was too, and the company who does it? daithippj@hotmail.com |
| 12th October 2006 Stuart | Seattle to Vancouver - From: The Call of the Wild, BC and the Yukon Hi Ruthann, no I used the Greyhound bus - saving a few pennies! The weather was bad that day, so I didn't see much. |
| 10th October 2006 Ruthann | Seattle > Vancouver - From: The Call of the Wild, BC and the Yukon Hi Stuart, it's the Irish girl you met at Boeing again. I departed Seattle on the same day as you and also headed to Vancouver that day. I got the morning Amtrak train. I'm curious to know how you travelled? Were we coincidentally on the same train? The views are meant to be stunning but the weather was pretty terrible that day! |
| 4th October 2006 le_flow | A great read - From: The Call of the Wild, BC and the Yukon As usual it's a pleasure to follow your journey. We've (me and my girlfriend) have had a lot of use for your blogs about West Africa, all the way to Cameroon which we now have left behind us. Your pictures are getting better and better with the blogs too, keep up the good work. And say hi to White Fang and that wolf-dog in "Call of the Wild" from me, will you. |
| 3rd October 2006 Tom | Hebden Bridge - From: The Call of the Wild, BC and the Yukon Stuart don't forget that Hebden Bridge is also the Lesbian capital of the UK, after all some of your readers might need to know this! On the serious side Canada looks great, the sort of place where it would be better to own a sea-plane than a car, just wher I'd like to live. |
| 29th September 2006 Nore | Spelling!!! - From: Away with the fairies I would like to point out that Plattenburg Bay does not actually exist. It is 'Plettenberg Bay'. But, we'll forgive you for that - perhaps you're foreign... |
| 24th September 2006 Stuart | I don't think so! - From: Do Androids dream? L.A., Vegas, San Francisco, Sacramento, Portland and Seattle. Not how I remember it. Sue certainly bought the driving lessons. I had no desire to learn to drive and would never have paid for the lessons, (and not just becuase I'm tight with money!) It was a very generous gift - 30 hours of driving lessons amounts to a lot of money. But, the fact remains that Sue bought the lessons because she wanted me to learn. It was a surprise gift. What was I supposed to do? Tell her to demand her money back from the driving school? Refuse to try to learn? So, obviously I went along with what she wanted. I still though felt coerced and manipulated even though she didn't stand over me with a stick forcing me to learn. So, its no historical revisionism. Its just that I know what I thought and felt when Sue sprang the surprise gift of driving lessons. Steps in San Francisco - there are so many of them! |
| 23rd September 2006 Tom | Historical Revisionism - From: Do Androids dream? L.A., Vegas, San Francisco, Sacramento, Portland and Seattle. Hay Stuart Sue reckons you are re-writing history there! As far as she remembers it was you who wanted to learn to drive. So if you are in San Fransisco what about the Russian Steps? Tales of the City. |
| 19th September 2006 Ruthann O'Connor | Howdy Hi! - From: Do Androids dream? L.A., Vegas, San Francisco, Sacramento, Portland and Seattle. Stuart, I'm the Irish girl you met on the Boeing tour day. Funny, I see myself coming down the steps in your 'Comet, Museum of Flight, Seattle' photo! So I eventually left Seattle and headed north to Vancouver, etc. Returned to LA and spent the end of my travels in Santa Monica which is nice (I had previously spent time in LA and Hollywood and hated it). Just back to Ireland now. Going to be really hard to settle down after all this travelling. Hope to head back out and see the rest of the Americas as soon as I can. Will be following your blog. Best of luck with the travel! |
| 14th September 2006 Stuart | Hi Armchair Traveler - From: Do Androids dream? L.A., Vegas, San Francisco, Sacramento, Portland and Seattle. Yes, Armchair Traveler the Railway Museum was good. Unfortunately I rather rushed up the West Coast - so I missed a number of things it would have been good to see. Maybe I'll be back that way one day in the future. Who knows? |
| 13th September 2006 Stuart | NW Passage - From: Do Androids dream? L.A., Vegas, San Francisco, Sacramento, Portland and Seattle. Yes, I did the underground tour. Vancouver was good, I am now in Victoria. I will be getting a ferry up the coast - the NW passsage. |
| 12th September 2006 Armchair Traveler | You were in my town! - From: Do Androids dream? L.A., Vegas, San Francisco, Sacramento, Portland and Seattle. I've been following your blog since Africa, and I was tickled pink at the idea of you being in Sacramento. I was actually in San Francisco when you were here. That railroad museum is fascinating! I was in awe of the fact that the Irish immigrants laid 1 mile of track to (if memory serves me right) every 11 miles laid by the Chinese! Too bad you didn't get to the Gold Country to learn of all the Welsh and Cornish miners. -A.T. |
| 12th September 2006 Gareth | Underground Tour - From: Do Androids dream? L.A., Vegas, San Francisco, Sacramento, Portland and Seattle. Hi Stuart, Did you get the chance to do the Underground Tour in Seattle? Like you when I visited back in 1996 I liked the City. Vancouver is good as well, check out Gas Town and keep out of the Peeler Bars! |
| 21st July 2006 Simon | Iguaçu Falls - From: Drought and Brazilian dams ... and you know why, Stuart, cause the Iguaçu falls are ALL brazilians Argentines use to advertise them in their turistic pachages but the geography doesn't lie. |
| 20th July 2006 bolivianpacker | Pampas Tour was great - From: Hunting Anacondas hi stuart, glad you included our photo in your journal. I started traveling myself, its funny you are in my continent and im in yours. Yes, im in England now, London. Im not sure but if i was the one who told you no tourists go to Paraguay, you proved me wrong. Hope you enjoy the rest of your trip and dont forget to get in touch when youre back in England so we can meet up. The pampas tour was definetely a hightlight, see you back in England. oh, and im a blogger too now, (benjo2) thats it..take care. |
| 18th July 2006 Stuart | Ridge Terrace - From: Hunting Anacondas You mean I took money off you for that dump? Now, that is shocking! |
| 16th July 2006 Tom | The Ridge - From: Hunting Anacondas Stuart, stop griping about that room in Ridge Terrace, you got good money off first Stig and then me illegally sub-letting that room! |
| 30th June 2006 Rich and Zoe | Good memories!! - From: Hunting Anacondas Hi Stuart, just came across your blog. Am so jealous...we left South America at the end of May and we miss it so much! Looking at your photos is bringing back some amazing memories. You can see our photos on our blog (search for Rich & Zoe under bloggers). In Australia now and back to the working life again...so strange being back in the Western world. Our highlights from our trip: Salar de Uyuni, Pampas and Selva tours, Mines in Potosi, Torres del Paine in Chile and Machu Pichu. Enjoy the rest of your trip. Rich & Zoë |
| 8th June 2006 Marcel Zoll | GREAT - From: Volubus Last april I've been there, and it was great. Good weather, not so hot at that moment. It was wonderfull to see such a beautifull vieuw. I really enjoy the old walls and part of buildings. If you have not been there, you miss one of the beautifull excavation sites of Morocco! |
| 7th June 2006 Stuart | Coca - From: Mountains in the sky and altitude sickness ´fraid Tom I´ve been drinking lots of Mate de Coca and chewing Coca leaves - it is very good for dealing with the effects of altitude - the stuff makes it much easier to breath. Stuart |
| 6th June 2006 Tom | Just say No! - From: Mountains in the sky and altitude sickness Hey Stuart stay off the Coca leaves, I remember what you were like on Thunderbird! Pictures and Blogs always look cool but I can't think of much to say except Leeds is wet, work is crap and your life looks fun. |
| 22nd May 2006 Arnie | great photos - From: Mountains in the sky and altitude sickness Hi Stu, I really liked your photos in this one. Particularly the women in Uyuni and the Fox. And the Volcanos, really spectaular area. Got to chew those coco leaves, or drink the tea, no headaches. Maybe see you in Mexico? |
| 1st May 2006 Cessna152 | - From: ...then the ancestors came back and sat down for a chat Found your blog for the first time yesterday. I've now just finsished reading th whole thing. Amazing adventure! And the image that will stay with me most is one of you in a dodgy hotel in Chad, sharing a bed with a bunch of cockroaches. Nice! |
| 24th April 2006 Mukesh | Re-Sipi Falls - From: The Black Mambas it was great to see these Falls after 37 odd years what's really frightening is the lack of water and from my memory the Sipi Falls were really loud and the water that was falling was a lot more than whaty i could make out from these great photos-must the changing World Weather across the Globe |
| 9th April 2006 Voxx 418 | Namibia ... Now I've Got to Go! - From: Awesome! Thank you so much for your wonderful blog and incredible photos of Namibia. It's one of the most beautiful places I've ever seen, and I'm definitely going to go see it for myself. Thanks again for taking the time to share your experience. Regards, Voxx 418 http://www.voxxthepsychic.com |
| 7th April 2006 lon spero | update - From: ...then the ancestors came back and sat down for a chat Hi Stuart, nice to see you still alive & well & on the road still...had to look twice to tell you from the mori...then it dawned on me that your the one dressed...since our antarctic adventure we've only been on one trip...the azores. very nice & peaceful...reminds me a little of ireland? anyway, i ran out of passport pages so we were 'grounded' for 6 weeks...next mt. we're off for a river cruise thru the ukraine, then i'm going to borneo with another fellow traveller as my wife won't do this one either...then we're going to israel/jordan & hope for a safe visit?? after that i need 1 more for the magic 100... at the rate your getting up the s.a. spine i'll look for you around 07....bye. Lon |
| 27th March 2006 Mimi | Niger - From: On the road to nowhere I was on one of the overland trucks when I went throught Agadez and Zinder. I will not take offense at your seemingly patronizing view of this method of travel in Africa. At the least I was there and contributed to the economy whilst it was possible in the the 1980's. I am enjoying the read of your travels and completely understand your focus alternately on seeing what there is to see and your creature-comforts. Keep going and enjoy as much as you can. |
| 4th March 2006 John | - From: Patagonia is a Harsh Mistress Hey Stuart, the scenery looks good and very dramatic, but desolate compared to Africa. Ive been reading your blog since you were in West Africa. I admire your grumpy writing style, yes, sod beaches full of kids! and the teenagers in their backpacker hostel ghettos! lol, keep up the good work. |
| 2nd March 2006 Caroline | Still reading! - From: Patagonia is a Harsh Mistress Hi Stuart! Just to say I'm still reading your Blogs having met you on the FeatherBed cruise in Knysna - so I'm also an Armchair Traveller and thoroughly enjoying them. Safe travels - Caroline. |
| 25th January 2006 Lon Spero | journal entry - From: The Last Great Wilderness i am stuart's roomie on the trip. i would recommend this to anyone without reservation. it was a trip of a lifetime (my 21st cruise, 7th continent & 97th country). the crossing is always harsh but antartica is worth it! |
| 23rd January 2006 Claire | - From: The Last Great Wilderness Hi, currently volunteering in Punta Arenas and watching the boats come in and go out to the Antartic from my apartment window. Wondering how much you paid for the cruise and would you recommend the company? clairepemberton@hotmail.com |
| 4th January 2006 Adrian | Thanks for making it so real - From: Out of Africa Hi Stuart, like Kimbj Ive been following you since Morocco, and living vicariously through your diary! Thanks for your spectacular photos. Can just imagine your book on your adventures, or as a guide to these regions, or maybe you will become a travel guide, or a TV presenter.... You should get onto local radio/TV before you leave for Argentina! Maybe that's not your thing - but I reckon others would like to hear about your experiences.... Will you allow us to meet with you when you are in the UK? |
| 29th December 2005 Kimbj | I been watching... - From: Out of Africa I have been following along with you on your blog through Africa and I am sad to see you leave. You have blessed all of us with taking us along. I was in Africa for a month or so this summer and blogged and I know how much work it is to keep up with it but you do a wonderful job!!! Looking forward to the rest of your journey... this is a book in the making! |
| 4th December 2005 Alicia | Love your photos! - From: Away with the fairies Hiya! I love all your photos. I was born in South Africa but was moved to Scotland with my family but i go over every year. It is so beautiful. I cant wait to move back over soon. There is an amazing beach just past East London in a little village called Glengariff. My aunite lives there and i go down all the time. Also Table Mountain in Cape Town is really fun to go up. The Cango caves are so beautiful. My grandparents live in George so when I visit them they take us there. Sun City is nice aswell but dear and Glod Reef City in Joburg is great for kids.Heres my email addy little_miss_sexy_xox@hotmail.com email me if you want. (For any one going to ZA wanting to know any good spots) Love Ali xxx |
| 22nd October 2005 john | zanzibar - From: Welcome to paradise, (if you're a rich tourist) I stayed on zanzibar during ramadan a few years ago for 3 weeks.I think they should shut down tourism on the island for that month. if you pay all that money to get there and you have to eat behind screens that obscure the view during the day its not great. We headed to the north of the island for the weeks that ran up to christmas, all but the bare essentials of the restaurants/bars were closed during the day, but oh how quickly they opened up as christmas high season kicked in.(still during ramadan). Italian women from an expensive resort on the east of the island were walking through stone town in g-strings during ramadan oblivious to the dirty looks they recieved. Eco torism would be lovely, there is an island close to zanzibar with an eco lodge, but your budget will be terminally damaged. |
| 20th October 2005 Stuart | Stu's comment on backpackers - From: Sex can wait! I see you're point about why backpackers restrict locals, but I still don't like it! In West Africa there were no "backpackers", so it wasn't a problem. You had no choise, you have to stay in cheap hotels. I don't like the backpackers policy because I don't travel in order to live in a western travellers guetto. I used the backpackers when it was convienient in the Southern African region, but if there was a choise I would often look for a cheap hotel, or bed and breakfast guesthouse as an alternative. Since leaving the orbit of the Southern Africa region, there isn't the same problem with backpackers. The exclusivity of the backpackers , which are just cheap lodges, seems to be a problem that is particularly severe in the Southern African region. I've travelled in many parts of the world - I've never found travellers haunts (cheap lodges) quite so foreign to the culture in which they are inbeded. Stuart |
| 20th October 2005 Darron | Locals in hostels - From: Sex can wait! Stuart, Backpacker hostels try to restrict business to "travellers only" for a fairly good reason. Travellers respect travellers and are accommodating in terms of space, privacy, cleaning up after themselves etc. This is essential in the confined space of a backpackers lodge or dormitory type situation. Experience has taught most hostel owners that locals often require the "cheap bed" for other reasons: a place to sneak a girlfriend when sex can't wait and a place to have a party with friends, when the folks at home don't allow it. There is a clash, so generally the policy is that local can visit provided that they are under the auspices of a formal group, church group, sport group, school group etc. so that there is a recourse to authority when needed. Chrs |
| 29th August 2005 Caroline Dow | FeatherBed Girls! - From: Away with the fairies Hi Stuart! It's Caroline the "scottish" girl you met on the Featherbed and canoe trip! I'm just back from my trip in South Africa so thought I'd check out your web site-love all the photos, brings back many happy memories of a fantastic country! Safe travels and have fun! |
| 8th August 2005 cyril | hotel cascade - From: Dreaming of Fez i was four time in the hotel cascade - and i like it! ok, the bathrooms are not really clean. but when you want feel the real spirit of fez, its this the right choice. |
| 5th July 2005 Stuart | Yes, South Africa does have world class facilities - From: Culture shock Hm... I think you've taken umbrage without reading the blog properly. You'll notice that I say right at the start that South Africa has world class facilities. In fact, I say that I found it a shock to see such world class facilities after the total lack of infrastructure in West Africa. I almost felt I'd left Africa and gone to the USA. By the way I can show you places in the UK (which is where I'm from),where the roads are full of potholes, and I can also show you very run down boarded up estates - and Britain is one of the richest countries in the world, much richer than South Africa. This isn't the place to go into Britians social problems, but believe me, it's got plenty of problems. I only mention potholes on one road, specifically the N11 going south towards Ladysmith. That road is full of potholes, although there are road works on the road, so the government is dealing with the issue. I mention cattle on the roads and cars without lights in the same contect - on rural roads, not on the major roads in Jo'burg or Cape Town, or the major Toll Roads. The major toll roads are very good. But I did have problems with people walking in the roads, cars without lights, and roads full of potholes in the more rural areas, particularly in the poorer areas which used to be part of the old 'homelands'. As the the 15 year old car, yep that was my own fault, trying to save a few pennies. As to Durban, I haven't been there yet! I'm about to fly back from Madagascar. First I will go to Namibia, but after Namibia, I intend to travel from Cape Town to Durban along the coast. So, if I didn't make it clear enough, South Africa is a great place, I love the place, but it doesn't mean it's perfect. No where is. I'm not producing propaganda for the South African Tourist board. I'm saying what I see. So, of course I'm biased! Stuart |
| 5th July 2005 Sam | South Africa is a Fantastic Place - From: Culture shock I think that your comments on South Africa are slightly biased. Your comments on the potholes on the road etc are inaccurate. The roads are great in all teh major cities and on all the major national highways.Driving on the older roads in the older areas, you will obviously find the condition worse than the cities. Also you did not visit Durban, which has some of the best beaches in the world. Also the comment you made about cattle strolling the streets and cars without lights are inaccurate. I drive on these roads almost every night and I have never seen cattle on the roads...especially not on the national highways. South Africa is a world class country, with major cities having world class facilities. With regards the car, if you chose to hire a car from a private person in order to save money, you should expect a 15 year old car. There are international groups such as Avis in South Africa and you would have done well to hore a car from a reputable company. |
| 17th June 2005 Arnold y Pamela | survival and keyboards in Africa - From: Culture shock We survived Armando's car (at least the first one) As fellow travelers with Stuart in the first "beater", I can attest that we were grateful the 1 year old BMW didn't break down when we were off road, and out of cell phone range in the Krugar! And African Lynx, get over the spelling, the keyboards we were using in some of the places were sometimes difficult, to say the least. Hey Stuart, we're home, at last! |
