 Amy - amyuyma | All Comments |
Comments | |
| 7th December 2009 Makh | Yes - From: Musings of a proud American Hey, I'm sure you're having fun and all, but update your blog. It has been too long. I WILL BE WAITING. >:( |
| 15th November 2009 asee | Interesting! - From: Cairo and the Dark Side of belly-dancing I am not lesbian but I think that was quite interesting. I am going to Egypt so thanks for sharing this! |
| 12th August 2009 miliyon gabrahiwat | no - From: The Other Hong Kong i love you olle pipoule sseeeee uuuu |
| 15th July 2009 Fred | - From: Snow and Russian babes, Christmas came early this year I had never heard of Pammukale before, and it was so interesting to see, but i was so very pleased to read about your trip there. You made it so much more enjoyable, with your remarks and since of youthful pleasure. Thank you for the trip . Sincerely, Fred . |
| 29th June 2009 Michael | - From: I miss Christian Bale i definitely feel you on the desensitization. esp with museums and churches |
| 23rd June 2009 Brian | Livin the Dream - From: Musings of a proud American I googled "Livin the dream" and came across your blog, LOL. Im jealous that you just left the elegant world of Finance to say "eff it" and travel the world. Im kinda in the same boat but definitely not as ballsy as you. Looking forward to reading more. |
| 9th June 2009 Lena | LOVE YOUR BLOG - From: Musings of a proud American I just came across your blog today and it is absolutely hilarious! I'm planning a world trip starting this fall and you have some great advice hidden in these entries! Thank you so much |
| 26th May 2009 amyuyma | was published - From: How can a country recover from something like this? i've gotten a lot of messages on this entry. it was later published in back in december... thanks for all the encouragement. http://www.staythirstymedia.com/200812-028/html/200812-rwanda.html |
| 8th May 2009 liliram | Been following your blogs....... - From: How can a country recover from something like this? This one's got such potent message. Well-crafted piece. I feel it should be published for more people to read. Truly an eye-opener. You write very well, but this one tops the list. |
| 6th May 2009 donny | Prediction: - From: I'm 24 and I party with Chris Evert You'll be dead by 30. |
| 24th March 2009 Brenda | Mekele accomodation - From: What do you mean, 'No mini-bar?' interesting stories does anyone know of a good clean reasonable place to stay in Mekele? |
| 12th February 2009 Mohammad Zohaib Khan | Traveling - From: Musings of a proud American Your blog is vey nice & informative. I always appreciate your work. Also the snaps are very nice. Thanks to the sharing. Mohammad Zohaib Khan from Atlanta |
| 10th February 2009 Girl | your brother - From: Musings of a proud American is good looking. you are just eh. |
| 9th February 2009 Erin | Great Blog - From: Musings of a proud American THis is a great blog, had me chuckling. Your other blogs are great too, I hope I get to travel the world someday =) |
| 9th February 2009 Crazy Canucks | Great Blog - From: Musings of a proud American Amy, I have been following your travels the past x number of months, and so I read your last blog and wished I knew you had been in Cayman - would have loved to taken you around the island and shot the shit about Africa - your Crazy Canucks!!! |
| 8th February 2009 John M | interesting writing - From: Musings of a proud American have been following your blog for some time now and i have to say your style of writing and the topics you choose to write about are refreshing. i find myself thinking about some of your topics for some time after i have finished reading about them. you have an ability to make even the most plain situations conversation-worthy. love your writing, keep up the good work! |
| 8th February 2009 grantcorp | Interesting read... - From: The Other Hong Kong ...although more shocking insights into the banking monster would have been appreciated of course. :P I've been touristing to HK a few times and keep coming back for more. I still rate it as the most likely (and likeable) place should I face my inner demons and uproot myself from the peaceful existance in my Swedish smalltown bubble. I am still very fond of the neighbourhoods around Tin Hau and North Point and only somewhat reluctantly move into the heart of Central, so it was fun to see a report from that other side. |
| 5th February 2009 EyesDontFailMeNow | WELL SAID! - From: How can a country recover from something like this? WOW very powerful blog i gotta say!!! great piece of writing! |
| 29th January 2009 Vince | That's it, I'm sold... - From: Sharks that go BOO in the night I'm going to Malapascua! Great blog. |
| 29th December 2008 Slovenian girl | - From: Counting stars in the Cradle of Humanity Great pictures!!!! I have never been to Africa....but one day... :) enjoy your trip! Greetings from cold Europe! Jana |
| 28th December 2008 Tsegahiwot | - From: Every time you pimp your girl out, a child gets stoned I am an Ethiopian myself living in Vienna and i stumbled upon your blogs by accident but i found them very interesting. Thank you for writing about the different side of Ethiopia that people should really know about and don't often see on TV and such. I hope you enjoy the rest of your trip! |
| 26th December 2008 Ali | Stunning Blog - From: Think you've got a little something on your lip there... I can't imagine there are too many places in the world like this left - keep on telling it like is. |
| 26th December 2008 Crazy Canucks | Keep the Opinions Comings - From: Think you've got a little something on your lip there... Amy - I loved the F-bombs and you hit the nail on the head, Africa is my favorite place to travel for all the reasons you mentioned. It is by far the toughest place to travel - far more difficult than India, which for many is the bench mark. Keep those opinions and the blogs coming - really enjoy your blogs, pics and of course the "tell it as it is". I got a lot of "stupid ass" comments on my African blogs as well, unfortunately unless you see and experience it yourself people will never understand the severity of the issues. |
| 25th December 2008 the soul cultivator | Stunning photos beyond belief! - From: Think you've got a little something on your lip there... Hi this is one of the most beautiful blogs iv seen in ages, these photos are A1 class. Widhing you a very happy christmas where ever you are in this world now. Claire x |
| 25th December 2008 Crazy Canucks | Travelling is never boring - From: Every time you pimp your girl out, a child gets stoned Amy, really enjoyed the blog and always interested to read about travels in Africa - love that continent. Cheers, |
| 24th December 2008 sherry | I love this entry! - From: Every time you pimp your girl out, a child gets stoned I really have never known about this series of churches and the architecture? Thanks for all the details and stay safe! |
| 24th December 2008 shahid hasan | - From: Every time you pimp your girl out, a child gets stoned hi i read your blog. it is very useful and enrichment for me i liked the layout and theme you created. i have also just created my blog related travel http://www.classictajtours.com/blog-tourism-in-north-india.html |
| 23rd December 2008 kathie | Hope things go better for you! - From: If I hear 'Hakuna Mutata' one more time... hey there, I totally know how you feel, hopefully things will go better for you! Stick it out, it'll get better. Kathie Travelblog.org/AfricaBound |
| 23rd December 2008 Kathie | I totally agree with your comments! - From: What do you mean, 'No mini-bar?' Hey there, I spent 5 weeks traveling overland in Ethiopia back in February 2008. I totally agree, Ethiopians are not starving children like so many western countries generally believe. It's so refreshing to find someone else that thinks the same as I. Also did you notice how the Red Cross and various other charitable organizations are almost always staying in the 'nicest' hotels, and eating in the most 'expensive' restaurants, driving fairly new Landcruisers? wonder where the donation money is going? Enjoy the rest of your trip! Kathie |
| 23rd December 2008 cam2yogi | I dig it! - From: What do you mean, 'No mini-bar?' Exquisite photography. My girlfriend and I are drooling over the images and the thoughts of possible adventures. |
| 15th December 2008 texas student | one more quick question - From: Axum, the new Zion? thanks for your response! one question - would you recommend taking a laptop? i had one with me in europe, but there were so many hotspots and plugins there that it was worth it. did you find one useful (if you took it?). i like to write while i'm traveling, and having a comp would make it easier. P.S. for some reason, i think it's interesting you correctly assumed my gender from my comment :) |
| 1st December 2008 texas student | hello and kudos - From: Axum, the new Zion? in the least weird way possible for a semi-anonymous reader, i want to say that i'm a big fan of your blog! i stumbled across it a few months ago when i was doing some initial reading about traveling solo in the middle east. i immediately liked what you were doing - there are very few really solo travelers on this website, even fewer in the middle east, even fewer not going there specifically for some sort of religious or cultural study. all my friends and family gave me nervous smiles and probably thought (still think?) i was insane for wanting to spend a little time in the places i kept seeing on the news every other day. granted i run in conservative circles (parents are immigrants, i study medicine) but still, I started to wonder if maybe i was off my rocker. so, it was nice and encouraging to read the experiences of someone who was actually doing the things i wanted to do in the same spirit i wanted do them in. and several months in, you're still doing those things, impressive! well, now in a month i'll be spending 3 weeks solo in jordan, syria/lebanon, and israel. it's a paltry trip compared to what you've done, but thanks for providing inspiration via broad band internet, i really needed it! any more kickass tips or destinations that a person traveling there should know? best of luck on your continued journey! |
| 28th November 2008 PA Leslie | Love your writting... - From: I miss Christian Bale Hi...continue the great job...end of the day...we enjoy...we live...they dream! And I yes we write for friends first. Great writting you are doing...are we going to see pics soon? Haven't been on the road for...euh... nearly three weeks... Peter |
| 27th November 2008 Ross | - From: Africa for Beginners? I think not. I was also interested to hear what a foreigner had to say about South Africa and was also rather disappointed that it wasn't a bunch of rave reports. Ofcourse I already knew everything you had to say but I was kind of hoping that stuff would go unnoticed by travellers. As you say, most of it does go unnoticed because those people just stay for one week at some 5* hotel, but you have exposed a few serious issues. We can't deny our problems and thankyou for informative as opposed to slating opions. I've also had the opportunity to see South Africa from an outsiders perspective since being overseas for 2 years and realise I was living with blinkers on, not unaware but rather choosing not to face up to reality. I still plan to settle in South Africa because I have an emotional attachment that anyone has with there own country and I hope that the situation there only improves because it has so much to offer. I still think it is a fantastic holiday destination for anyone as long as you're aware and you stick to the main tourist routes and take the attitude that we are a work in progress. Thanks for all your blogs, very inspirational! |
| 24th November 2008 Flynn | jealousy - From: I miss Christian Bale too bad about all the people who either a) just dont get it or b) feel the need to vent their jealousy at the experience you are having by sending you useless obnoxious emails. i will choose to vent my jealousy by cursing christian bale and his blasted good looks! any chance of getting to see you again in London after you're done with Africa? |
| 20th November 2008 Niccolo | - From: Qat-ing with the World's fastest runners Well done Amy to have gone so far. It seems that this will be more of a music cultural place. I follow your blog with great attention and still enjoy every single line I read. |
| 12th November 2008 sherry | Thank you! - From: I miss Christian Bale Amy, you bring the most stunning gift to your readers. It's a rare gem called reality. America is ready for it now. You are taking this trip as a photo journalist would, not just a tourist. (sorry about losing the Nikon) For those who do not get it, shut up and book a cruise! Anderson Cooper would be proud of you! Enjoy your vacation, and then get back to work! Can't wait for more of the real world. |
| 12th November 2008 Ross | You're still a hardass - From: I miss Christian Bale Dude, shake those haters off. I don't know many other CLHS grads with the balls to dive head first into a war zone. Just come home safe. |
| 10th November 2008 Mell | - From: To DRC or not to DRC? Great blog, but my sympathies to your mother. I would worry too. ;) Mel |
| 7th November 2008 emily woodland | - From: If I hear 'Hakuna Mutata' one more time... Jeez Amy, am so glad you're ok and you made it back to civilisation, your last unfinished post was very worrying! Have a well deserved relaxing time in Zanzibar and spoil yourself rotten, sounds like you could do with it! Keep chin up, we are all so inspired by what you are doing and even your low points are good to hear about, while we fester in front of our computer screens! |
| 31st October 2008 Andrea | - From: What white people do to feel good about themselves I'm sure you don't need to hear it (again!) but I just want to say that I recognize so much of what you're writing about. I was in Peru last year volunteering at a health clinic in a very poor area, but after a while I realized that they sure as hell didn't need me there - they just needed my money... So I must be nuts, but I'm trying it again! This time in Uganda and with a title (public health professional). I'll have to see if that makes any difference... Anyway, keep writing: I might learn something new :) |
| 23rd October 2008 Former Volunteer | RE: - From: What white people do to feel good about themselves Amen to this. You are saying it like it is. It's a real eye opener, but what gets even more frustrating is when you meet these "wonderful" people back at home sounding like mother Teresas' trainees, saying the same carbon-copy stories about orphans and AIDS. I don't believe in a few weeks or even a few months volunteers. It cannot possibly be enough to understand the complexities of the problems, let alone to be of any use solving them. Even organizations like Peace Corps have major downfalls with its short terms, lack of training, and lack of accountability. So thank you for writing it like it is. There are a lot of money in international aid. So much, that it is overwhelming to think about it. Yet, the "development" is going at a snail pace. But that's another story for another place. I just wanted to second your opinion and hope that those who are considering "vacation volunteering" internationally can rethink that idea and focus their short-term energy into establishing and committing themselves to a long-term solution instead. OR just go on vacation, enjoy yourself, take a safari, overpay for your trip, and just boast of the animals, not the orphans. The end. |
| 21st October 2008 wanderingfeet | Dont eat the chicken! - From: Rubber chickens aiding a lonely transition into Rwanda Ahh yes, the chicken in Rwanda is known to be horrible. My advice would be to stick to the lamb, goat or beef, those are usually solid bets! |
| 16th October 2008 Philip Nash | Five Fingers of The Same Hand - From: Hopeful and hopeless in the West Bank Please visit http://SameHand.com, Thanks much, best wishes..... |
| 10th October 2008 greg | - From: Africa for Beginners? I think not. Hello Amy, I have followed this section of your blog to see what your thoughts were of SA, Mozambique etc. and I find of your comments pretty fair and well considered. It’s interesting to see how we are perceived, as it helps me to get perspective on where and how I am living compared to other people. It often takes the perspectives of others to highlight one's blind spots and prejudices. One thing I do know about living here in South Africa, is that it is not boring. I am challenged on a daily basis by my own racial views; the need to keep safe while still trying to be free; trying to be assimilated into the nation as the white African I am (not an expat, but a 17th century settler); trying not to resort to stereotypes; trying not to get caught up in negativity and endless tales of robberies and house invasions (after all, everyone has a crime story, and people now compete to recount the most vicious of them); trying to make sense of the incredible poverty/wealth gap I have seen EVERY day for my whole life, and above all trying to find a way around the self hatred and guilt that is the inevitable by-product of being hated for being white, a coloniser, the colour of Apartheid, monied, having a car. So while it's certainly not boring, the challenge of living here makes me tired. The simmering rage, the racial remarks made around the braai after a couple of drinks have loosened the tongue. Parents spewing vile racial filth in their houses and their children lapping it up to perpetuate another generation of haters. It's a very weird reality to live in. When I went to London for the first time I could not believe that the rubbish removal men were white. To be white in South Africa meant, and probably still does mean, that there is a level below which you will not go. Below that, those are "jobs that blacks do". I realised that even as a University educated person from a liberal family I had been bent out of shape. I was warped. It was then that I realised that South Africans (all of them) suffer from a terrible twisted malaise which is difficult to cure because it has been forged in such a perverse furnace. Anyway, thanks for your observations. I suppose I am always a little disappointed when someone does not rave about our country but you've seen a good cross section of what it's really like here beyond the fantasy, and you've been honest enough to voice your reservations. Respect! Greg |
| 25th September 2008 Greg | schoolboy error! - From: The One where Tim gets robbed This is the problem with excess testosterone - it clouds the faculties. To actually place one's bank card in the hands of someone you don't know, beggars belief. Must be good weed. |
| 17th September 2008 aki | sorry to hear that... - From: The One where Amy gets mugged amy, really sorry to hear that....but please try not to stress too much. you will work out everything soon enough. see you in hk soon! |
| 16th September 2008 Mirella | - From: Souvenirs de Paris Ohhh... I miss it all already!!!! |
| 16th September 2008 Mirella | - From: No, I'm not hiding explosives in my thong Amy, I felt violeted just reading your text!!! That's terrible!!!! |
| 16th September 2008 Crazy Canucks | Worst Luck - From: The One where Amy gets mugged wow - what a shame to have experienced that, sadly your 2nd to last line puts travelling in this part of the world into reality. Best of luck getting everything back in order. |
| 15th September 2008 Mike | - From: Don't worry Mom, I'm in great hands here. There is actually a lot to do around JHB, just start by not being so afraid. The Crime rate in JHB is only marginally more than that of Washington DC. |
| 14th September 2008 Eric Aubert | - From: The One where Amy gets mugged Feel sorry for you, but as you said, at least you haven't been hurt... CU in Hong Kong and try to enjoy the end of your trip... Gros bisous my goldfish!!!!! |
| 10th September 2008 Stephen | wow - From: No, I'm not hiding explosives in my thong thats ridiculous |
| 18th August 2008 Dave | Dancer Video - From: I'm 24 and I party with Chris Evert I thought you were going to post the video of the dancer. Happiest of Birthdays! Can't wait to see you in London. Notting Hill Carnival is going to be sweet. |
| 15th August 2008 Aki Yoda | Happy Birthday!!!! - From: I'm 24 and I party with Chris Evert hey babes! HAPPY BIRTHDAY!! i know you are not too happy about this "aging" thing...but just be happy that you're getting this amazing chance to see the world!! i am 10 yrs older than you and i never got to do it... :( let me know whe you swing by asia. miss you! xxx aki |
| 2nd August 2008 Nini | LOL - From: My Jordanian foster family I loved reading this! I busted out laughing because I am American and my boyfriend is Jordian. He all the time takes,well drags me, to the perfume/cologne section in a store and sprays himself all over!!! I couldn't understand why and now I do so thank you! I finally got him to realize that I don't need to smell all that all over him because his smell is wonderful to me and clean. Now he doesn't do that but it took me forever to retrain him!!! LMAO...thank you for the laugh! |
| 23rd July 2008 Sherry | Encouragement - From: Le football pathétique et la Fête Nationale Amy, you are, flat out, one of the most talented writers! No, not just a fine writer, but an ever fascinating, out front, too cool, top notch representative of, historically flamboyant, unbridled American womanhood. Keep it up and you will be a major discovery. You can do anything you want...books, films, tv...all of it. Thanks for the sparkling entertainment. Best, s |
| 10th July 2008 Crazy Canucks | Great Blogs - From: Cairo and the Dark Side of belly-dancing Amy, Great blogs - keep them up as I'm planning my next trip to parts of the Middle East. Although done Egypt, never to be done again! |
| 4th July 2008 Dan & Charla | inquiring minds want to know - From: Border crossing you never want to take what's up with Amy & Bro. |
| 28th June 2008 tala | - From: Do not fart in the Dead Sea glad that you had such a good time in jordan:) i am tour guide and i never heard that someone had such a problem in the dead sea ,good to know |
| 22nd June 2008 Dan & Charla | reading your blog reminds me how much we miss the Jordanian people - From: My Jordanian foster family We were in Jordan and Petra before Christmas and stayed at a local Bedouin village http://www.bedouincamp.net/index.html. In ten days we met hundreds of people from 20 something coeds to old and gray like us. Some stayed in 5 star hotels. We chose a billion stars in a Bedouin tent and camping in Waddi Araba on a 3 day camel trek. Another adventure was hiking into Petra the back way and exploring down the valley from the "monastery” to the "treasury" with an Ammarin Bedouin village guide. The archaeological and natural sights were spectacular but pale in comparison to the Bedouin people once they accept you within their homes. We think open heated people like you are a natural fit with the Jordanian people and you are therefore a great ambassador for modernity. |
| 8th June 2008 alex | - From: One cup of tea brings 40 years of friendship... darling your ability to make friends with whoever wherever you go is amazing. keep the stories coming! x |
| 7th June 2008 Stephen | Nice post - From: Get your cat off my Ottoman! Sweet stories, good to know you're making friends and connections. Have fun, see you soon, sis. |
| 30th May 2008 diana | - From: Je suis tres confused HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!! amy i miss you!! |
| 28th May 2008 Kara | - From: My, what big yachts you have! the yachts remind me of mykonos |
| 28th May 2008 Sam | - From: Fayence: Wine, Cheese, and Carbs amy, you are so freaking hard to keep track of!!! |
| 28th May 2008 Juan | - From: Like an Asian India Amita! so glad you were there before the horrible cyclone, come visit in spain soon! |
| 22nd May 2008 Kansas | Wow!! - From: So I was diving Myanmar... wait, what? I am so glad you did this before the cyclone amy |
| 22nd May 2008 Jimmy | - From: Sharks that go BOO in the night Your pictures are amazing Amy! |
| 17th May 2008 Diana | another european?! - From: Whoa, I think you should cut back on the plankton some things with you never change, huh? =) |
| 16th May 2008 Vanessa | OK! - From: Whoa, I think you should cut back on the plankton so this is where you were saturday night, i couldn't get through to your cell |
