 Michael Meadows - michaelpaddo | All Comments |
Comments | |
| 11th November 2009 Paul | Great Blog - From: Angkor One: Scams & Temples Very down to earth and fresh blog. It offers valuable advice to readers. I will be there in a couple months with my girlfriend and will make sure to appreciate that we are there together!! happy and safe travels |
| 6th October 2009 anonymous | - From: Silk Road Shenanigans: Fun & Games in Uzbekistan give more info on games |
| 20th July 2009 tarinay | I love your Mom! - From: Travels with Mum What an inspirational and adventurous Mom, not to mention travel companion! |
| 19th June 2009 denis | hello - From: The Unbearable Lightness of Being a Rangsit International Student hey michael, i just moved to rangsit like 3 day's ago.. so i'm still trying to discover what this city has to offer. was looking some on the internet to find a nice place for a beer here somewhere in the neigberhood of future park. can you recomend some places here.. cheers denis |
| 29th April 2009 TinNiE | Burma - From: Burma Three: Lingering a little longer with the lotus-eaters I would love to visit Burma someday. I'll probably look just like one of the locals :) nice photos as usual |
| 29th April 2009 TinNiE | beautiful writing - From: Kicking it with the Kyrgyz very interesting place ... |
| 29th April 2009 TinNiE | kids - From: Angkor Two: In the footsteps of tomb raiders there's nothing like the cheerful company of children to make you laugh when you're tired (or sad) - True ... true - although i'm scared of bratty ones who usually look like they're ready to punch your face anytime!lols |
| 29th April 2009 TinNiE | Visa for Cambodia - From: Angkor One: Scams & Temples all I read about getting a cambodian visa are about scams and more scams ... but i was laughing at how you got through it (^o^) heart-wrenching, lung-collapsing feeling -> sounds familiar! hmmm ... |
| 29th April 2009 TinNiE | Volcano - From: Climbing Kinabalu I'm set to climb a volcano this weekend(if all goes well) but i'm sure it's not gonna be as tough as this :) |
| 27th April 2009 TinNiE | Toilet - From: Going Nomad on the Kyrgyz Jailoo That is one bad toilet!LOLS!Beautiful writing and beautiful photos ... |
| 16th March 2009 Mell | - From: Silk Road Shenanigans: Fun & Games in Uzbekistan Thanks Michael :) That is good to hear. Somebody else also told me they had no trouble getting their Uzbek visa so I am feeling hopeful. :) |
| 8th March 2009 michaelpaddo | Re: Li Yin - From: Climbing Kinabalu hi li yin, good to hear from you! pretty sure you can climb kinabalu all year round. as for the 'items', do you mean the clothes, shoes, etc we wore? if so, there's really no special gear needed - i climbed in running shoes, and borrowed a torch from my KK guesthouse for the night climb. if you mean the base camp hut, or the guide, we just booked it when we first arrived in KK (there's a national park office in the town), then climbed a couple of days later. might be worth calling/emailing ahead to ask though, in case it's busy around that time. all the best, you'll love it! |
| 8th March 2009 michaelpaddo | Re: Mell - From: Silk Road Shenanigans: Fun & Games in Uzbekistan the uzbek visa was the easiest of all, the only one i was able to get in singapore before i left. painless & very quick. hope your experience is the same! |
| 3rd March 2009 Li yin | question bout the KK climb - From: Climbing Kinabalu Hi there michael. I was doing some research about a trip I am organising for me and a couple of mates at the year end when I stumbled upon your interesting picturesque blog. :) I wanted to ask also do you know if they have climbs to KK around mid december? ALso, how did you managed to book the items for the climb? was it done online. cheers, Michael. pleased u enjyoed the climb ^^ |
| 2nd March 2009 Mell | - From: Silk Road Shenanigans: Fun & Games in Uzbekistan Thanks for the reply Michael :) I didnt see it until now. I just have to figure out where I am going to get the Uzbekistan visa and try to find at least one lone woman who has been there for reassurance. Pity my boyfriend is not so interested in going. Where did you get your visa? |
| 16th February 2009 AYUSH SANGOLE | nice work - From: Namaste from dusty Paratwada! hi michael my self ayush i m a medical student my home town is paratwada now i m in nagpur(india) i like ur research on tribal people and i must mension great snaps |
| 12th November 2008 michaelpaddo | Re: Mell - From: Silk Road Shenanigans: Fun & Games in Uzbekistan great to hear mell, will be looking forward to reading the blogs of your trip there! as for uzbekistan, i didn't meet any lone women travellers there, although overall there were more tourists around than in kyrgyzstan, (a few big overlander package groups). i'd have to say that UZ did feel a little less welcoming than KYR in some ways, but overall i'm sure it'd be fine. |
| 11th November 2008 Mell | - From: Plastic Bags + Sandals = Alpine Hiking Boots That seems like a tough hike you did. Glad you survived. :) |
| 14th October 2008 Mell | - From: Silk Road Shenanigans: Fun & Games in Uzbekistan Another great blog! :) I am now back from Kyrgyzstan where I came to no harm. Uzbekistan is another mystery country that I would not mind having a look at as soon as I get brave enough. Well, as soon as I get enough time I will close my eyes and jump more like. Did you meet any lone women travelling there? |
| 7th October 2008 Satish Meshramkar | Our Baby Sahyog project - From: Namaste from dusty Paratwada! Dear Brother, I realy appreciate your work and reports on the project at Melghat. I would like share with you that My wife and myself with team of young people like Jeetu, Lima, Mahanant have started this work from Doma, a small village on the order of Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh. I am very glad that you have first hand experience in the villages. Continue to visit us. Thank you Satish |
| 28th September 2008 JC | ANOTHER anti-climax! - From: Silk Road Shenanigans: Fun & Games in Uzbekistan Mate that's now TWO! First you were going to get into a fight - then they (or was it really you...?) whimped out and went home. Secondly, this! I want some action! Haha, ah the beauty of armchair-travelling :) But seriously, that was splendidly fantastic, and despite your caution (via Joel) i cannot wait to experience it all myself. I leave Perth on Jan 6th! :) |
| 28th September 2008 aning | - From: Silk Road Shenanigans: Fun & Games in Uzbekistan the more blog u ve put up, the more i realize...what i ve missed fr central asia trip =| as always...great words,great eyes, great adventures..michael !! =) |
| 28th September 2008 Penny | - From: Silk Road Shenanigans: Fun & Games in Uzbekistan Hi Michael, Top storytelling as ever. The photos of the blue architecture are stunning. |
| 27th September 2008 Kathleen | - From: Silk Road Shenanigans: Fun & Games in Uzbekistan I check out travelblog regularly despite not being a blogger, and I must say, I look forward to your entries as they are very well crafted. And half the places you've been to, I never would have thought to go to, but are now on my list of places I want to see for myself. Keep writing and safe and happy travels. |
| 27th September 2008 Hutcho | Michael "Bourne" Meadows - From: Silk Road Shenanigans: Fun & Games in Uzbekistan Hey Michael, Really enjoyed the blog. Good work evading the security forces:) |
| 27th September 2008 Barbara-Mary | Great Timing! - From: Silk Road Shenanigans: Fun & Games in Uzbekistan Great blog timing for Dad's special birthday Michael! It is always a joy to read your blogs; so informative and fun. See you in a few days! |
| 27th September 2008 The Fisherman | Thanks for a wonderful blog on my 60th birthday! - From: Silk Road Shenanigans: Fun & Games in Uzbekistan What a great blog, Michael! Loved it, a special treat to read on my birthday, before we head off for our three day walk. Photos are amazing, along with a great text. Looking forward to the book! |
| 26th September 2008 Danna | Rampant Jealousy - From: Silk Road Shenanigans: Fun & Games in Uzbekistan I haven't been anywhere since Thailand. These entries of yours are an indulgence for me that rarely end without me feeling jealous and like somehow my life is over because I'm not out having adventures being chased by soviet police forces in foreign countries. I still have a picture of me with a tiger, which still seems to impress people, but I just feel lame somehow. Thanks for rubbing it in. PS- Mark and I are scoping out potential places for our honeymoon- for which I am DETERMINED to get out of the US. Australia/NZ are on the list. Suggestions? |
| 16th September 2008 Ellen Around the World | - From: Going Nomad on the Kyrgyz Jailoo Hey there - Awesome journey by the sounds of things. Laughed out loud at your loo video! It's certainly up there with the worst I've seen in my travels! Considering an overland journey back to India from Europe (where I am now) for next visit - so will continue to tune in with interest. Happy travels, Ellen |
| 15th August 2008 chaulih | nice blog again - From: Going Nomad on the Kyrgyz Jailoo Hey Michael, great you have started to write travel blog again, i have been waiting for quite a time to read your blog again. I like the way you describe your encounter all along the travel. Beautiful words;-) Nice photos. it would be great if i have the chance to meet you to share the experience of travelling. If you come to Malaysia or Singapore, feel free to shoot me an mail...looking forward to your next blog @@ |
| 10th August 2008 Lola the princess | i would have stayed at saralaz-saz forever .. - From: Going Nomad on the Kyrgyz Jailoo i keep on hearing about central asia just about every day : swiss biodiversity preservation program for turkmenistan forest, yurt life-style in siberia, Uzbek judoka .. and every times it reminds me about how amazing your trip must have been .. so jealouslaa !! hope the comeback to spore aseptic life is not too brutal !! by the way, where's the mullet ? ;) keep the blogs coming !! |
| 8th August 2008 michaelpaddo | Re: Shao - From: Going Nomad on the Kyrgyz Jailoo cheers shao! just checked out your page, and will be looking forward to hearing about the volunteer project in cambodia! |
| 8th August 2008 michaelpaddo | Re: Sandra - From: Going Nomad on the Kyrgyz Jailoo thanks for taking the time to make such a kind comment sandra, although i'm not sure i can lay much claim to being either wise or adventurous! |
| 7th August 2008 Mell | - From: Going Nomad on the Kyrgyz Jailoo Thanks Michael :) Less than a month before I go. :) I am going for 9 days and wishing it is 30. |
| 6th August 2008 Fang in JapanLand | Amazing stories - From: Going Nomad on the Kyrgyz Jailoo Hi Michael! Been following your stories for a while, first time commenting, though.^^ It's impressive to see a young man so wise and adventurous traveling around the world, continue to keep your eyes clear, your ears open, and let life lead your way!^^ Thanks for sharing!!^^ Sandra |
| 5th August 2008 michaelpaddo | Re: Mell - From: Going Nomad on the Kyrgyz Jailoo hey again mel, no worries at all, am happy to help out if i can! for getting to kochkor from bishkek, i'm pretty sure that the west (zapadny) bus station is your best option. from what i can tell, there are some buses (although the bus system seems pretty unreliable, to say the least) but i'd opt for one of the frequent minibuses that leave as soon as they're full. shared taxis are another good option, as you supposed. hope that helps! and i'll be looking forward to reading your own kyrgyz blogs - let me know when they start appearing! =) |
| 4th August 2008 shao | Absolutely fabulous! - From: Going Nomad on the Kyrgyz Jailoo This is getting better and better. Loved the narration and photos! |
| 4th August 2008 Dave "Pom" Shaw | lookin fine - From: Going Nomad on the Kyrgyz Jailoo hi michael, looks like you are havinga great time in central asia. stop by korea on your way home if you can - come say hello. stay in touch man - pom! http://daveshawblog.wordpress.com/ |
| 2nd August 2008 Barbara-Mary | - From: Going Nomad on the Kyrgyz Jailoo Hey Michael, I would have loved to have gone horse riding with you up into the mountains! Have you seen my latest Facebook picture? Yurt building looked challenging as well as a lot of fun and you were right, that toilet certainly looked disgusting! |
| 2nd August 2008 Joel | Awesome! - From: Going Nomad on the Kyrgyz Jailoo Loved every word and photo! |
| 1st August 2008 graciela | Lovely - From: Going Nomad on the Kyrgyz Jailoo What a great experience!!!!!!!! Lovely pictures. Congratulations for your blog. Love from Argentina. |
| 1st August 2008 Johanna | Simply Hilarious !!! - From: Going Nomad on the Kyrgyz Jailoo Can't stop laughing..... |
| 1st August 2008 Hutcho | Shame about the loo! - From: Going Nomad on the Kyrgyz Jailoo Hey Michael, your night out on the jailoo sounds amazing as does delicious kymys. Keep up the excellent blogs. Dan |
| 1st August 2008 Mell | - From: Going Nomad on the Kyrgyz Jailoo Oh cool! Kochkor is exactly where I am going in September. I am going to read this blog tomorrow. :) I just want to ask you a couple of questions if you dont mind. Can I take a mini van or shared taxi from Osh Bazzar in Bishkek to Kochkor or is should I try to catch one at the bus station instead? How much is a reasonable price to pay for this? When you were in Kyrgyzstan was it easy to change all major currencies to the local currency? Mel |
| 31st July 2008 anagha | excellent - From: Namaste from dusty Paratwada! i am also from paratwada doing engg. i can't think that a person who is outside of India do this exceelent work ........thanks for giving my paratwada a special place...... |
| 26th July 2008 Joel | count me in for any hikes you organise!!! :P - From: Plastic Bags + Sandals = Alpine Hiking Boots sup bro! loved this detailed blog on your latest search for adventure. looking forward to catching up in a few days in singas and hearing about it in even more detail. am reading an unexpected light at the moment and your writing style really reminds me of jason elliot! :) |
| 25th July 2008 aning | - From: Plastic Bags + Sandals = Alpine Hiking Boots snow-capped mountains,wild horses...they r even more beautiful than i imagined, revising the plan from A to plan XY369 was worth it!! absolutely !! and michael, the snow man,...thats really artistic...i like it ;) |
| 25th July 2008 shao | Marvellous!! - From: Plastic Bags + Sandals = Alpine Hiking Boots A marvellous entry! Love the majestic view of the mountains on the clip and pictures. The avid description of your hike make it all the more realistic. And what a good idea with the plastic bags.. :) |
| 24th July 2008 Mell | - From: Prague/Krakow: Dreams, Dragons & Nazi Death Camps Another great blog. :) Your Mama seems as fierce as mine is. Mine could haggle down the price in the 1 Euro store. :D I had a similiar feeling to yours when I visited Auschwitz. I was more shocked by how peaceful the surroundings are than anything. I could imagine happily spending a few nights there, if I didnt know about the ghosts. Dachu concentration camp is quite close to where we live. It is the same there. Quite and peaceful but with horrifying facts to read about and give the peace a new meaning A German friend of ours asked his grandparents if they knew about what was going on in the concentration camps during the war(when they were young). They said, they heard things but they thought that it cant be true because Germany is a civilised country. I think it could happen in any country too. Otherwise it wouldnt take so many controls to keep our democracies at the standards they have come to. And it took so much time to reach those standards in the first place. And see how many organisations and how much legislation it is taking to push our societies yet further. I am however convinced that it would not happen again in places like the European Union. If it was up to the average person in the street it might but we have such a level of protection in place that things can only get so bad before they are stopped. Mel |
| 22nd July 2008 Justin | Top story Michael - From: Plastic Bags + Sandals = Alpine Hiking Boots "Sole lord and master"? You've gone mad with power! |
| 22nd July 2008 Kleopattra | - From: Climbing Kinabalu Awesome blog. I loved the pic of the pitcher plants. :) |
| 21st July 2008 Barbara-Mary | WOW - From: Plastic Bags + Sandals = Alpine Hiking Boots What a great adventure Michael! Loved the photos and your descriptions of being inadequately prepared reminded me of the time we climbed in the Chimanimani Mts in Zimbabwe with the Longs! I see our prayers are much needed! Do take care! |
| 21st July 2008 Hutcho | Sooo Beautiful!!! - From: Plastic Bags + Sandals = Alpine Hiking Boots That sounds like one cool hike, I'm pretty amazed you didn't loose a couple of toes to frostbite judging by the description of your "hiking boots"!!! Keep having a blast :) |
| 21st July 2008 Colin | Loved the video show! - From: Plastic Bags + Sandals = Alpine Hiking Boots Hi Michael and thanks for the great description of your amazing hike! Loved the video clip, and the photos of the mountains. It must have been so special to be there alone in such a beautiful place. Nice snowman! |
| 9th July 2008 Kate | Love your work... - From: Kicking it with the Kyrgyz Hey Michael, awesome blog as always. I wish I could write as well as you! Look forward to your next blogs. - Kate. |
| 6th July 2008 Nick | what a wonderful country - From: Kicking it with the Kyrgyz Michael, I can understand your disappointment with the bathes at Karakol - a once was beautiful place. Did you go to Burana Towers? Well worth it - steeped in history on the silk route. I like you writing style, you should be a travel writer. Then you whole family could write the articles. You have all treaveled so much. Bless ya Nick |
| 5th July 2008 Mell | - From: Kicking it with the Kyrgyz Thank you Michael :) I am looking forward to your next blog. |
| 5th July 2008 michaelpaddo | Re: Mell - From: Kicking it with the Kyrgyz thanks very much mell, and all the best for your own upcoming kyrgyz trip! i'm sure you'll have an amazing time; just take all the normal sorts of precautions - dressing modestly, not walking around alone at night, etc etc. in general i found the kyrgyz people very welcoming & hospitable, hopefully you'll experience the same! |
| 5th July 2008 michaelpaddo | Thanks Pradipta - From: Kicking it with the Kyrgyz thanks very much pradipta, and i'll definitely try and put up a new blog soon about the time up in the mountains! |
| 5th July 2008 Barbara | I've been waiting for your return to blogging! - From: Kicking it with the Kyrgyz Well-worth waiting for, Michael! You have met some very interesting people along the way and your vivid descriptions certainly bring them to life. Hope the next installment is up soon! Watch out for drunken shepherds and vodka-drinking women! |
| 5th July 2008 JC | What! - From: Kicking it with the Kyrgyz What happened to the fight?! I was all geared up and excited! Welcome back to blogging though, ive been waiting for ages :) |
| 5th July 2008 josworld | Nice Blog ! - From: Kicking it with the Kyrgyz I really enjoyed reading your fascinating stories about the Kyrgyz culture, especially about the "Bride Kidnapping" 'cos it actually happened to my grandfather's sister. Although bride kidnapping is not a tradition or even remotely a cultural thing back in our country, my great aunt was kidnapped by an obssesed suitor and tried to force her to marry him....my great aunt thought she'd rather kill herself and be shamed to eternity than marry a "Psycho"... to make the long story short, she pressed charges and got him jailed ... |
| 5th July 2008 Penny | - From: Kicking it with the Kyrgyz Thanks for the postcard Michael. Enjoyed your blog - like you I knew little of Central Asia and you have, as always, engaged my interest and infomed my intellect. Also like the mix of travelogue and poetic prose. We are off to the Svalbard islands week after next - a rather tame cruise compared to your adventures! Look forward to the next installment. |
| 4th July 2008 Mell | - From: Kicking it with the Kyrgyz What an entertaining blog. :) I am going to Kyrgyzstan in September. I am relieved to hear that the visa on arrival can be easily got but am getting concerned about those drunken men I keep reading about in blogs about Kyrgyzstan. Hopefully they leave women alone. Or hopefully I can at least avoid them by not wandering around at night. Mel |
| 4th July 2008 Colin | Look out for shepherds!! - From: Kicking it with the Kyrgyz So glad you are back into writing blogs!! I have missed them, and this one certainly makes up for the break. You have a happy way of making friends and attracting attention! |
| 4th July 2008 Joel | HBK! - From: Kicking it with the Kyrgyz haha loved the story of the gold miners and the beautiful young kyrgyz woman! cheers for the insightful, informative and above all entertaining first blog on central asia. eagerly anticipating the next installment!!! :P |
| 4th July 2008 Isaiah | - From: Kicking it with the Kyrgyz Hey man, never read any of your entries but this one was great! Very engaging narrative. |
| 4th July 2008 pradipta | well written - From: Kicking it with the Kyrgyz I really enjoyed reading your experience in Krygyz. Nice photos too. I would love to see more pics from your hike, and the Krygyz countryside. |
| 25th May 2008 Simab Raziuddin | Like thi Job but not its heading - From: Namaste from dusty Paratwada! hello friend, I appreciate ur work , i like all ur research about my place (Paratwada), but only one thing dissappoint me that u called it "dusty" |
| 1st May 2008 David | All the Best - From: Flight TG 998: Perth - Bangkok Good luck mate, have a nice trip tell us about the adventures when you come back , so take care. Cheers |
| 8th January 2008 Shao | - From: Prague/Krakow: Dreams, Dragons & Nazi Death Camps Hey Michael. Read through your blogs. I must say that I enjoyed them tremendously. I like the fact that they're not merely descriptions but a valuable insight of the places you've visited, with a sprinkle of emotions and an injection of humour. Like a good book, it's really addictive. Your photos are amazing too =) |
| 10th December 2007 HM | Words From Doha - From: Prague/Krakow: Dreams, Dragons & Nazi Death Camps Yr pics 've made me looking forward to go to Prague soon. Thnks for sharing them. |
| 10th December 2007 HM | Words From Doha - From: And now for something totally different: A White Christmas in Vienna how nice they r!! I really wanna take photo class. Glad to find this blog! Thanks for sharing. |
| 30th October 2007 Ankur | a wonderfull job - From: Namaste from dusty Paratwada! hey michael hi! Iam from the same town PARATWADA.i Liked ur job.this pics shows that u had done the survey of melghat.Well i am proud of u my friend.hey whenever u will come again mail me on my e-mail add.i will come to meet u!bye |
| 21st October 2007 Jeab | Nice - From: Looking back on India You ar |
| 10th September 2007 Jeab | Lovely family :) - From: Travels with Mum Hi, Michael, These trips sounded very lovely especially traveled with MUM :) l think your mum would extremely poud of her son. |
| 26th August 2007 Jeab | good writer - From: Lost for words before the Taj Mahal l bought india travel book guide 8 months ago but still not finish reading yet...woo describing from real expeirence of traveling is very good. How are you such a good writer 'cause you make a reader smiles :DDD |
| 26th August 2007 Jeab | Cool! - From: Lost for words before the Taj Mahal Hey Mic, Taj Mahal is very beautiful and great meaning itself. Good you had taken nice shots. l wish l could be there :) |
| 31st July 2007 Jeaby | amazing Cambodia - From: Angkor One: Scams & Temples Hmm... very adventerous travel to cambodia in your blog...wah envy again...it's my place l would like to visit. l asked my friend last month again and again since we were studying in Univ. now, we are working far away and she asked? ...you're crazy! do you still want to go there? :) hmmm one day to Angkor wat; the seventh wonder world things. Thanks your blog again..it's awusome. |
| 29th July 2007 Jeaby | India is cool - From: Looking back on India Good about your blog..l would love to go there for study before dicied to SanFrancisco, however, still want to travel there...very very much but my job time is not support this..Let's quit next year :) Jeab from Koh Samet |
| 24th April 2007 Daeng | photographic genius - From: And now for something totally different: A White Christmas in Vienna Michael, how'd you get the red to stand out in that picture? that's soo cool. Is that a camera setting? you know, we never really sat down for that photo lesson. Now I am regretting it. (sigh..... :-)...) |
| 8th April 2007 Rooj | Asia no more! - From: Prague/Krakow: Dreams, Dragons & Nazi Death Camps I can't believe you are not in asia anymore! What will Asia do!? I can't see the end of my Asian adventure just yet. I love it too much! Thanks for your blogs, I'll keep them im in mind when I pick up my travels again soon. Keep travelling and keep enjoying it and keep writing about it!! |
| 3rd April 2007 tmp545 | Dude, we should do it - From: Angkor Two: In the footsteps of tomb raiders Ha ha ha, your account of the Americans took me back home! You can't tell where a person is from until they open their mouth.... I'll be here in a few weeks now! I'll try to keep my time in the chambers a little less old school... |
| 2nd April 2007 tmp545 | A Comment - From: Prague/Krakow: Dreams, Dragons & Nazi Death Camps I browse through travelblogs looking for blogs just like yours. Amazing pictures and an informative and fascinating insight on what to expect when visiting these countries. The history of Auschwitz is ghastly. To see the set of what they went through must be chilling. That is one of the wonders of the world we try to keep hidden because no one wants to remember the atrocity. To make this random comment a little lighter: I'm thrilled to be going to Thailand and Cambodia for May break, so I'm pleased to find blogs with a lot of info, stories, and pictures. Great advice for travellers in Asia; keep on smiling, a smile and a carefree attitude will get you anywhere cheap, eh? |
| 2nd April 2007 eden512 | death camps - From: Prague/Krakow: Dreams, Dragons & Nazi Death Camps My 10 year old son sat next to me as I was reading. I tryed my best not to cry as he asked questons about the photo's. Thanks for taking us out of our safe Texas town for a walk in history with you. |
| 2nd April 2007 Barbara | Bitter-Sweet Memories. - From: Prague/Krakow: Dreams, Dragons & Nazi Death Camps Reading your blog takes me back to our time in Poland! You certainly have captured the horror we felt. Michael, I think you should submit some of your writing to the travel section of The West Australian! |
| 2nd April 2007 joh | Very Touching ... - From: Prague/Krakow: Dreams, Dragons & Nazi Death Camps Depressing and a good moving read. It all boils down to human nature....we either get trapped into a vicious circle where atrocities/evil keeps happening again and again or we evolve to a more humane species as we learn from past experience and history......as an optimistic person....I am hopeful....cheer !....JC |
| 2nd April 2007 Hemmingway | Sobering story well written - From: Prague/Krakow: Dreams, Dragons & Nazi Death Camps Michael, again you have dazzled us with your prose! Well written and well illustrated with photos. |
| 2nd April 2007 sprucemoose | Onya Barbara, the Hostel Queen! - From: Prague/Krakow: Dreams, Dragons & Nazi Death Camps Fish, you have the same opinions on Prague, Auschwitz and Krakow as me (thus it can only be the right opinion :P). The contradicting disillusion of Prague's enchanting streets, the simplicity and subtle charm of Krakow and the incomprehensibility of Auschwitz. Nostalgia hangs in the air of my little room! Can't wait to see you soon! :P |
| 30th March 2007 wheres kevin | small correction - From: Burma Three: Lingering a little longer with the lotus-eaters very illustrative commentary mate! one thing though - photo with caption "perminently flooded school yard". I was there in January and the field was quite dry, a km or more from the lake! |
| 27th March 2007 Alyssa | LONGYIS ARE NOT COOL!!! - From: Burma Three: Lingering a little longer with the lotus-eaters Hey Michael (i know your in aus now, i'm a bit slow - couldn't keep up with all your blogs!), your blogs have been AWESOME to read, but PLEASE don't tell my dad that Lonyis are cool...he doesn't need any encouragement!! |
| 20th March 2007 Joel | Artistic Photo!!! :) - From: And now for something totally different: A White Christmas in Vienna Loved the "Splashes of Red" photo! Was awesome having you and the parentals in Vienna for Christmas and New Years! See you tomorrow!!! |
| 15th March 2007 michaelpaddo | Thanks Barbara - From: Burma One: On the road to Mandalay... Hi Barbara, thanks very much for letting me (and others) know about this. I've added my name & definitely encourage others to as well - it's a very good cause, and it'll take all of 2 minutes of your time... Just copy-and-paste the link in Barbara's comment into a new browser window. Go on, do it. =) |
| 12th March 2007 raffy from manila, phils. | what a way to go ! - From: And now for something totally different: A White Christmas in Vienna thats such a great experience mike, its quite an opposite world from what you have experienced in southeast asia. what you saw and smell, heard, touch and felt came alive, took their place in your mental map, settled in your very soul and forever endure. what a way to go ! |
| 11th March 2007 Barbara | Viennese Memories - From: And now for something totally different: A White Christmas in Vienna Sitting here with you in Barcelona at an internet cafe it is so good to read about the start of our epic trip! As you and Joel say, It has been good times! I´m sure though that the beannie didn´t have anything to do with your snowboarding abilities! |
| 11th March 2007 anonymous | Beanie Boy rides again! - From: And now for something totally different: A White Christmas in Vienna Monna, great blog again with lots happening in your life! You really need to get out more. Liked the photo of you and your mum in front of rat house... did you see any rats why you were there? Hemmingway |
| 11th March 2007 jaxw17 | Jackie - From: And now for something totally different: A White Christmas in Vienna thanks for sharing this. |
| 7th March 2007 Jen | which one is Brian's Booya? - From: Burma Three: Lingering a little longer with the lotus-eaters Which one is Brian's Booya? Thanks for putting up the most hilarious picture of all time. One more question, 'what were you thinking (literally) when you posed for the picture?' I'm not being sarcastic. I mean, seriously. |
| 7th March 2007 sprucemoose | Another great blog - From: Burma Three: Lingering a little longer with the lotus-eaters After reading this blog and what you told me in Vienna, I must say that you've won me over on Burma and Sth East Asia in general. Measured and provoking yet unbiased assessment of this unique country; can't wait to go there one day and see it for myself. |
| 6th March 2007 Barbara | Longyis Rule! - From: Burma Three: Lingering a little longer with the lotus-eaters Maybe you could introduce longyis to Australia! As always your blog was worth waiting for Michael. To visit or not to visit; you pose an interesting question. If you can be a voice for them maybe you can ease their plight in some small way. |
| 5th March 2007 Hemmingway | Cool in a longyis! - From: Burma Three: Lingering a little longer with the lotus-eaters Another great blog about an amazing country! Found your comments towards the end on whether to visit Burma or not very thought provoking. I hear you are in Europe/North Africa at the moment so look forward to news from those parts too!! |
| 5th March 2007 Jackie | I enjoyed - From: Burma Three: Lingering a little longer with the lotus-eaters I enjoyed the blog. Great pictures as well. |
| 5th March 2007 Nicole | Fantastic to read - From: Burma Three: Lingering a little longer with the lotus-eaters Having taken a comfort in reading about your travels, especially when I cannot, I wait eagerly for the next entry. Keep it going! |
| 5th March 2007 Joel | Wow! - From: Burma Three: Lingering a little longer with the lotus-eaters One of your best so far mate! It could just be that I'm home now and not travelling like you but there was something special about this blog. The photos are amazing and your insights and unique experiences were revealing as always! |
| 4th March 2007 crescent | just passing through - From: Burma Two: Bicycles in Bagan I noticed you on travelblog.org's main page, so I took a look at your blog. I just wanted to let you know that you took some beautiful pictures and a very enjoyable read in regards to your blog. Hope to see more stuff posted by you in the future. |
| 3rd March 2007 Barbara | Aung San Suu Kyi - From: Burma One: On the road to Mandalay... I know that you had a fantastic, life changing trip in Burma. However, I believe it's important to mention that Aung San Suu Kyi,the imprisoned, Nobel Peace Prize Winner, fighter for democracy, heart of Burma who has sacrificed her life for a free and democratic Burma has continued and continues to ask that people do not visit Burma as this is supportive of the military dictatorship of Burma. I'd strongly suggest that you and all of your readers add their names in support of Aung San Suu Kyi--www.actionburma.com |
| 18th February 2007 Barbara Mary | Beautiful Burma! - From: Burma Two: Bicycles in Bagan I loved your description of the massage and the mosquito erradication technique! :P After trying to write blogs myself I have renewed respect for the great job that you do. Well done! |
| 16th February 2007 Atul | why dusty paratwada - From: Namaste from dusty Paratwada! Hi Michael, Great snaps indeed. But not understood why you said dusty paratwada. If you compare paratwada with other towns in India , you will find this much cleaner. you can reach me at atul.barve@ge.com Hope you enjoyed your stint at Paratwada I work with GE Healthcare |
| 16th February 2007 Joel | Sup bro! - From: Burma Two: Bicycles in Bagan Yulac and Imho sound like awesome guides and really genuine people aswell. Looking forward to the next installment! |
| 15th February 2007 Botsalano | Loved the sunset scenes! - From: Burma Two: Bicycles in Bagan Your commentary is so funny and well written. Keep it up! |
| 15th February 2007 Chaulih | helo - From: Burma Two: Bicycles in Bagan Once again astonished by your impressive blog. Your funny and enjoyable trip really gives me a big laugh. I enjoy it much!! Look forward your next admittedly uneventful and extremely long-winded( actually it is not true) trip. Cheers!! |
| 14th February 2007 baz | hey man - From: Burma Two: Bicycles in Bagan sup michael, sweet blog man, your blog is on the main page thingy. cya soon |
| 14th February 2007 Penny | - From: Burma Two: Bicycles in Bagan I know you are now far from Burma but as ever a delightful and entertaining read and beautiful photos. |
| 12th February 2007 rinbob | a thankyou - From: Burma Two: Bicycles in Bagan the first travel blog i have read and most enjoyable, (new to blogging!) hope to do something similar when wife and i do our world tour (by plane) soon thanks again bob/rin |
| 27th January 2007 anonymous | Asleep at the wheel! - From: Burma One: On the road to Mandalay... Michael, what fascinating experiences you continue to have. No chance of you being asleep at the wheel of life! Blessings Botsalano |
| 27th January 2007 Joel | Awesome blog! - From: Burma One: On the road to Mandalay... Really good blog bro with lots of interesting stories and funny encounters. Looking forward to meeting up with you in Bucharest and travelling together. I just hope that we will have as many wacky and fun experiences as you have been having in SEA. Cya in a week... |
| 22nd January 2007 Chaulih | Nice dude - From: Burma One: On the road to Mandalay... Once again, i was amused by your impressive travel blog. It brings a lot of fun and laugh to me during my boring working time(read your blog during office hours). All encounters you have met are unbeknown to me. Everthing is so interesting and amazing. (Although Burma is not a huge distance from Malaysia, but i have never been there and never ever thought to be there before.) I wish to be like you travel in many contries, leaving my footprints all over ther world. Wish you good luck and all the best to you... Looking forward to your next trip |
| 21st January 2007 Jen | what happened.... - From: Burma One: On the road to Mandalay... Michael! What happened to my favorite picture?????? The world needs to see that picture!! :-) |
| 20th January 2007 Barbara | I felt like I was along for the ride! - From: Burma One: On the road to Mandalay... Myanmar sounds like a wonderful place to visit; off the beaten tourist track and the home of a gentle and compassionate people. I don't think I will probably ever get there but felt like I had a glimpse into life there through your blog. Thanks Michael! Looking forward to the next installment. |
| 20th January 2007 Travis | dude... - From: Burma One: On the road to Mandalay... dude, cool stories man. |
| 19th January 2007 Daeng | Dreamy Trip - From: Burma One: On the road to Mandalay... Another most enjoyed blog Michael. So well described and vivid. I can also envision so well in my mind the facial expressions of you and Brian as you both make an attemp to visit the Shwedagon. Your blog insprires me to travel again. Can't wait for the next trilogy. Cheers. |
| 20th December 2006 michaelpaddo | I'll see you soon! =) - From: Climbing Kinabalu Hey Linda & Tim, I'm back in Perth now, so hopefully we'll catch up soon and I can tell you all about it! =) Everything seemed very safe to me though. |
| 15th December 2006 Chaulih | Nice blog - From: Climbing Kinabalu Your blog does impress me. Your description of scenery was great, the encounters that u met were amazing, and the photos were attrative. keep it on guy. look forward to next blog. |
| 13th December 2006 joh | nice blog :> - From: Climbing Kinabalu How clever !.... attracting fishes with a piece of bread tucked between your toes !....why didn't I think that before ????? ;>....Cheers! ---JC-- |
| 12th December 2006 Daeng | Nice - From: Climbing Kinabalu I could see it all happen in my mind as I read your blog and like a good book, once you pick it up, you just can't put it down, even though you know you should be studying for Thai class. I had a great time thanks to you, Gareth, and Vananh. Look forward to hearing about the yellow paste beauties from Bhurma ;-) ps. Those girl park rangers WERE hot!! |
| 11th December 2006 Botsalano | Climbing with classic understatement! - From: Climbing Kinabalu Talk about understatement... you climb over 4km vertically and describe it so casually!! What an achievement. Loved your descriptions of your climbing gear. State of the art. Keep up the great blogs! |
| 11th December 2006 Linda Kidd | KK - From: Climbing Kinabalu Hi there Michael, Great reading your blogs very entertaining. I am meant to be going to a conference in March next year to Sabah and the flight goes frm Perth to KK. The venue is the Sutera Harbour Resort in Sabah but I have heard that there are safety warnings for all travellers going to Sabah. How did you find things? I was planning on taking Tim but kidnapping and terrorism attacks including Priates are meant to be full on particularly on the East coast of the island. Any feedback would be good. Thanks xx |
| 11th December 2006 anonymous | - From: Climbing Kinabalu Once again you bring a smile to my face with your honest and engaging journal. I love your ability to embrace difficulty and success with similar enthusiasm. Looking forward to the descriptions of Myanmar, love Penny |
| 11th December 2006 Hutcho | I got halfway, does that count...... - From: Climbing Kinabalu Hey Michael, Daniel here, one of Joel's friends. I read with great interest about your trip up Monut Kinabalu as I myself have been there a few years ago, well to the half-way house at least. I was on an Outward Bound expedition and unfortunately during our night at the house there was torrential rain and the pass to the top was closed. This has always greatly annoyed me but at least with your photos I can now see what the top looked like:) Looking forward to the next blogs. Daniel |
| 10th December 2006 Joel | Kili here we come! - From: Climbing Kinabalu Sup bro wish i had been there with you, sounds like an awesome experience! looking forward to taking on the next one together! |
| 10th December 2006 Danna | Jeepers - From: Climbing Kinabalu I should be writing my paper on Nozick and fear you shall beat me since I'm procrastinating even later than you are, but this is quite a good entry and deserved a full reading. Sounds like you had a good time and congrats on making the summit. |
| 10th December 2006 Barbara | O dirile sentle, ngwana wa me! - From: Climbing Kinabalu Michael I so enjoyed your blog with lots of LOL. Zoe wasn't impressed! Your descriptions of the scenery, the climb and your impressions were great. I felt like I was there! I have a similar photo with a python draped around my neck taken when I was 12 in India! They are VERY heavy! I'm looking forward to having that coffee soon! |
| 3rd December 2006 michaelpaddo | Definitely get the 3-day pass! - From: Angkor Two: In the footsteps of tomb raiders Hey Antoniele, as far as I know there're just two passes available - 1-day and 3-day. I'd definitely recommend the 3-day one; there's just so much to see, you'll barely scratch the surface in one day! (Even if you do get a bit 'templed out' by the end of your visit.) Have a great time! |
| 2nd December 2006 antoniele | Hi stranger! Question... - From: Angkor Two: In the footsteps of tomb raiders I will be trekking to Siem Reap/Angkor in March and was just planning on taking the 1 day pass but after looking at your pics I seem to have changed my mind. Which pass do I get for the full Angkor experience? Thanks! |
| 25th November 2006 Dharmesh | Thanx a lot - From: Tuning into Triple J in Rajasthan hey man thanx a lot. actually your photographs have helped me in my painting. thanx 1ce again. bye |
| 14th November 2006 Mark and Marias Great Adventure | Thanks for a good laugh - From: Tuning into Triple J in Rajasthan I'm sure you've been told a few times already, but this is one of the funniest things I've read in long, long time! I was actually laughing OUT LOUD and at one point had a right laughing fit that made me cry and all! Hope you're still having a wonderful time, smart guy for putting off the rat race for as long as possible, keep it up! All the best Maria |
| 13th November 2006 The Travel Camel | Your best work... - From: Angkor Two: In the footsteps of tomb raiders Your words have again moved me to provide a comment - the first paragraph in this blog is probably the best piece of writing I've seen on this site. Whatever you do in life Michael, just ensure that you keep writing in some form - even if it is only a hobby - otherwise a great literary talent will be wasted. Shane :-) |
| 6th November 2006 joh | Another Great Blog ! - From: Angkor Two: In the footsteps of tomb raiders Love the pix....but what really amazes me is your open-mindedness, your passion and sensitivity to other cultures....your parents raised you well :> Cheers ! |
| 1st November 2006 Ju | Imponerad!!! - From: First impressions of Thailand Hej på dig! Du är så bra vad du har gjort och du har mycket att ge för världen. Fortsätt med det och lycka till!!! |
| 1st November 2006 anonymous | Top drawer reporting! - From: Angkor Two: In the footsteps of tomb raiders Great photos and text again, Michael! Map sounded to be an interesting guy. So too the kids... loved the photos! Dad |
| 1st November 2006 Daeng | Papaya and Farting - From: Angkor Two: In the footsteps of tomb raiders I am also hopelessly addicted to papaya salad and as an American will do the patriotic thing and continue the traditon of farting in the echo chamber. |
| 1st November 2006 Jarrelle | WOW - From: Angkor Two: In the footsteps of tomb raiders Makes me want to see it for myself. As to the photos, do you even have to ask? As many as you like, duh. We want to see them all. |
| 1st November 2006 anonymous | - From: Angkor Two: In the footsteps of tomb raiders I love the photos of the trees engulfing the temple, must be awe inspiring in real life. your and Joel's blogs are a wonderful contrast this week! Cheers Penny |
| 1st November 2006 anonymous | Great blog Michael! - From: Angkor Two: In the footsteps of tomb raiders I really enjoyed the second installment of your incredible journeys. Some amazing photos of Nature reclaiming her territory and I loved your descriptions and musings as well. What a privilege to visit these exotic places! Thank you for the great write-ups so that we can get a real 'feel' for the places you visit! Barbara |
| 1st November 2006 sprucemoose | Yay - From: Angkor Two: In the footsteps of tomb raiders Great writing mate, wish I was there. |
| 31st October 2006 Daeng | Pictures - From: Angkor One: Scams & Temples I love your pictures, they capture the scene so well. This has been something I've been noticing recently with this blog and your KK pics. Can you teach me how to take pics like this after we review micro settings :-) |
| 28th October 2006 sprucemoose | Yay - From: Angkor One: Scams & Temples Man the temples look freakin awesome! Exploring them is something ive always wanted to do, maybe cause i want to be like Indiana Jones or something :P Keep it up. |
| 26th October 2006 anonymous | You do look really really happy in the pics!! - From: Angkor One: Scams & Temples hi Michael, Jen here. Yes!! You look deliriously happy for a heart-broken guy. Why didn't I see that b4?!? If I make it to Angkor Wat ....someday, I will pick out a couple (does it have to be japanese? yeah...why not..)and do the shaking thing for you. :-P Oh... I will also do that stare and glare thing at the border. just to see if that really works!! Nice blog. I loved it. Keep it coming!! xxxx Jen |
| 25th October 2006 me | - From: Scuba Diving with Bruce Lee Jen & me, you streight men! |
| 25th October 2006 sashi | hahah - From: Angkor One: Scams & Temples i could NOT stop laughing about the couples thing.. ive wanted to shake the girls a few times. the photos make me want to jump continents, its nice to see some blue sky.. good WORK |
| 25th October 2006 Penny | - From: Angkor One: Scams & Temples Ah Michael, what a pleasure to come home from a day working with the mentally ill to read your, as ever, engaging descriptions. Good for you taking your grief and doing something wonderful with it and then sharing the wonder so we can all be inspired. |
| 25th October 2006 Joh | Dear Romeo..... - From: Angkor One: Scams & Temples Men are usually emotionally constipated. To the contrary, I admire how you can just shout out your feelings to the world. Women are drawn to new age sensitive guys. You'll be a chick magnet in no time if you keep blogging such persona about you. You do looked deliriously happy for a heart-broken guy :>.....'til the next chapter........cheers ! JC |
| 24th October 2006 Danna Cook | A cliffhanger? - From: Angkor One: Scams & Temples How rude. You can't expect to leave me dangling like that and get no responce. It's simply evil. Evil, I tell you. Wow. All I can think of is what different people we are, and what different experiences we've had traveling alone. You are far stronger and more confident than I. Reading your entry makes me feel like such a nieve coward. The stuff that's happened to me this trip... well I don't think it would have happened to you, and not just because I'm a girl and you're a boy. Anyways, I also had the opposite experience with the whole missing others deal. In Rangsit, I'm distracted and have people to spend time with, but traveling by myself, well I'm forced to think about who I'd most like to be spending time with, and I miss Mark more than ever, and almost more than I can stand. I agree with the couples everywhere, but they just make me sad. I return to Rangsit with my tail tucked between my legs. I admire your courage, and sense for adventure. You are far braver than I, for you can have fun in these situations. Way to be adaptable. And way to write a killer blog. Nothing but good things to say to you, provided I get part two soon. |
| 24th October 2006 anonymous | Like a Movie Set! - From: Angkor One: Scams & Temples Hi Michael! Great to get your latest offering, with the beautiful photos and text. Liked the guy sleeping with the helmet... when you are tired, well anywhere will do! Looking forward to part 2. Botsalano |
| 24th October 2006 Uncle Chop Chop | Good blog mate! - From: Angkor One: Scams & Temples Hey there mate, You don't know me but I'm sitting in freezing Ireland after being exactly where you are, last month, and your blog made me think of the great (warm!!!) times I had there .... top work tiger!!! Good blog....safe travels! |
| 23rd October 2006 josworld | Great Story ! - From: Scuba Diving with Bruce Lee How sweeeeeeeet ! Hope things work out between you and Jen.....and Jason :>.....cheers ! |
| 20th October 2006 Joel | Teach me! - From: Scuba Diving with Bruce Lee Sup Bro Hope you can give me a few hints on scuba diving in exchange for a few lessons on the Viennese Waltz! Looking forward to seeing you in December! |
| 19th October 2006 Bruce | Good times mate - From: Scuba Diving with Bruce Lee Bruce my friend! Thailand was a good trip, and I'll have none of this apologising business. I tried sending you a few sms' but I'm not sure if they reached you. I'm in Laos at the moment - not too far from where you are! |
| 14th October 2006 Botsalano | What a magic experience! - From: Scuba Diving with Bruce Lee Great to see the photos and hear of your experiences diving! Hope the rest of your time in Thailand goes well too. |
| 14th October 2006 english teacher | go to korea, you fool! - From: Scuba Diving with Bruce Lee As one who has been, and seen the life there, there are much worse things than living in Korea (and getting paid) to be close to a woman you love. Good luck. |
| 13th October 2006 Danna Cook | Scuba Diving? - From: Scuba Diving with Bruce Lee I thought I asked you never to mention scuba diving around me. That clearly dictates a ban on any blog I might happen to read containing a mere whisper of ocean adventures, let a lone an entire blog dedicated to the loathesome activity. Seriously, how dare you. You should be ashamed. |
| 10th October 2006 spiritseeker | Nice pics - From: Martial Law in the City of Angels Hurray! You even referenced my photos. Nice. Really good entry. You put mine to shame. I'm getting so used to the Thai version of English where one speaks as clearly with as few adverbs and adjectives as possible that I've forgotten how fun it is to write elloquently. Thanks for reminding me. |
| 28th September 2006 Penny | - From: Martial Law in the City of Angels I guessed you would find it all fascinating and enjoy the concept of being in the midst of a coup :-) The photos are intriguing and just slightly bizarre! |
| 28th September 2006 Annie | - From: Martial Law in the City of Angels Nice photo , nice blog, I am living in bangkok also but seem nothing effect me and my friend at all just hope we will get a new prime minister soon. :D |
| 28th September 2006 stucros | - From: Martial Law in the City of Angels cool blog - I'm off to thailand next week and knew it would be ok but it's always nice to hear it first hand...... liked the Laos one too keep em coming!!! |
| 27th September 2006 long time reader | - From: Kayaks, Caves & Waterfalls - A Week in Laos is it at all ironic to anyone else that you should be wearing a "quicksilver" shirt the day you fell into the quicksand? |
| 27th September 2006 Botsalano | Safe yet surreal! - From: Martial Law in the City of Angels Well, Michael, your experiences just keep getting more and more interesting! Thanks for the Birthday gifts and for your phone call tonight - I had a great day! |
| 27th September 2006 sprucemoose | Intriguing blog mate! - From: Martial Law in the City of Angels You're totally right Michael, its seems more like a fun-fair than a political uprising. I too would have loved absolutely every minute of it!. Of course, in 10 years you can stretch the tale out a bit... Dont you remember how you heroically rescued several innocent children from the threat of a merciless oncoming tank in a heated exchange of gunfire? All while wearing a yellow tshirt. |
| 25th September 2006 Botsalano | Bombed but beautiful! - From: Kayaks, Caves & Waterfalls - A Week in Laos Hej! Great to read your newest blog. Beautiful pictures, great text. Lovely photos of Jen and your other friends! What amazing experiences you are having, so keep writing material that will be ready for your book!! |
| 25th September 2006 Linda and Tim | Interesting...... - From: Kayaks, Caves & Waterfalls - A Week in Laos Hurry up and give us the update! :) |
| 24th September 2006 Barbara | - From: Kayaks, Caves & Waterfalls - A Week in Laos Thanks Michael for a great blog on my birthday! It is always the people who make a place and I'm glad you had the opportunity to have such a great trip with your three special friends. The country looks spectacular and your photos reflect a fun-filled trip. You were game trying fried whole frogs! |
| 24th September 2006 Penny | - From: Kayaks, Caves & Waterfalls - A Week in Laos Can't wait for the next episode! It all sounds so rich on so many levels, the photos are as ever beautiful and the friendships precious for themselves, no matter how long they last or where they may lead. Thanks for sharing it all with us. |
| 19th September 2006 Joel | Looking forward to Mum visiting me in Vienna soon!!! :P - From: Travels with Mum Awesome to read through your latest blog man, but not surprised at all by what you guys got up to. Just hope that I can find as interesting and exciting stuff to do in and around Vienna... |
| 17th September 2006 Rooj | Hello :) - From: Travels with Mum Hi, just wanted to say how lovely your mum sounds! I think she's really beautiful and you both seem really nice people! I don't usually write to strangers and tell them they have beautiful parents - I swear it is a one-off! Hope you have a great time! Beautiful photos too by the way! |
| 17th September 2006 Penny | - From: Travels with Mum Hi Michael, You do indeed have an amazing and inspirational mother. She looked fabulous in her dress at Neroli's party last night. You are a great credit to your Mum and Dad. Thanks again for the blogs. Cheers Penny |
| 9th September 2006 Barbara | Reliving the Memories! - From: The Unbearable Lightness of Being a Rangsit International Student Hi Michael, I enjoyed reading your blog and seeing people and places I knew! Your blog certainly gave a good coverage of life at Rangsit. Don't forget to do some study in the midst of all your travels! God bless! |
| 8th September 2006 josworld | G' Day ! - From: 'Howling at the Moon' & Other Island Stories I've always enjoyed reading your blog...liked your sense of homour. Cheers!.....joh |
| 7th September 2006 Botsalano | Thailand - tourist mecca - From: The Unbearable Lightness of Being a Rangsit International Student Hej mosimane. What a great place to be! Enjoy the experiences. Look forward to your further news of a wonderful country. |
| 7th September 2006 Botsalano | FMP's sound like fun! - From: 'Howling at the Moon' & Other Island Stories Hej mosimane! What a night it must have been. Looking forward to your next blog about your mum's visit!!!! |
| 3rd September 2006 Jen | good work. - From: The Unbearable Lightness of Being a Rangsit International Student Hey Michael! Surprise!! jen, here. Great work summing up the life of a farang student at Rangsit. (even though i was not technically a student at Rangsit I could very much relate to the things u mentioned) It has not even been 24 hrs since i left Rangsit but i m already missing all the luxuries i had like....7 baht water, watermelon..hmm..watermelon shakeS??!!?? Drink lots of watermelon shakes for me. :-) I just showed ur pics to my family and My dad did not even recognize me in the picture. He thought i was one of ur philipino(?) friends. Anyways...Keep writing. I really enjoy reading ur blog. Take care. xx Jen. |
| 27th August 2006 josworld | No offence to other lonely old overweight men ! - From: The Unbearable Lightness of Being a Rangsit International Student In addition to my previous comment - no offence to other old overweight men who are simply lonely and genuinely looking for true love and happiness...............(just covering my @ss :> ) Cheers! JC |
| 27th August 2006 josworld | What a Life ! - From: The Unbearable Lightness of Being a Rangsit International Student It is nice to know the perspective of a young lad having the best time of his life in Thailand, which is something different to stereotypical old and overweight balding men using their wealth to gratify their sexual appetite in the under-privilege world. Enjoy it while it last !... Cheers ! |
| 26th August 2006 Joel | Fully sick! - From: The Unbearable Lightness of Being a Rangsit International Student hey man looks like youre having an awesome time, and the best thing is how cheap it all is! i wish vienna was that cheap! i loved the look on your face, very swarve and i bet it goes down well with the ladies! wish i could visit you while youre there!! |
| 26th August 2006 Justin | Like a King! - From: The Unbearable Lightness of Being a Rangsit International Student Hey michael, your exchange in Thailand sounds really awesome! Youre lucky to be living life like a millionaire, while i was suffering in -25 degrees in finland! That was a really great blog, look forward to hearing about swimming with the elephants... |
| 24th August 2006 The Travel Camel | Musings from a fellow traveller of India - From: Looking back on India Sensational writing, Michael! India is a place that is almost beyond description, but your words reflect my impressions of the country after 3 months there as well. India is the ultimate travel destination - and am pleased you could experience it. Even though you'll be 'glad' to have left, after a while, you may yearn for the chaos and colour, sounds and smells again - this country can be addictive. |
| 23rd August 2006 seven7een | Thanks - From: Lost for words before the Taj Mahal wow!it's amazing,different angle different feeling!Thank you for sharing with us!Keeping going on! |
| 11th July 2006 Naval | Awesome Work - From: Namaste from dusty Paratwada! fantastic work done by at my native. feels sad when other do such activity at my hometown. i am settled in south india since 6 years. i want to do something for my native. : Naval naval underscore race at yahoo dot com |
| 7th July 2006 Deris | You should do this for living! - From: Looking back on India Ciao Michael! I have to say that i'm absolutely astonished of your writing capabilities, i can't stop reading your entries, they're great! i can feel the indian experience on my skin. Keep them coming, and of course keep taking these amazing pictures, they're absolutely gorgeous! I envy you, that's a beautiful place where you are, stay there as long as you can! (and take some time to visit us in this mortal land of the boot hehe). Take Care! |
| 6th July 2006 justin | go india! - From: Looking back on India Hey michael, your time in India has sounded like a once-in-a-lifetime experience. You have definitely inspired me to go there one day! I thoroughly enjoyed reading all your crazy adventures in India. That police escort must made you feel like a bollywood celebrity, no doubt. |
| 5th July 2006 Dad | Loved your bus travel descriptions! - From: Looking back on India Great to receive the final epistle from India. Makes great reading! Why not send some of your musings on India to LP... I'm sure they would be interested. Your reflections on Rishikesh were great too. Loved the humour! Blessings! |
| 5th July 2006 Joel | Hola from San Sebastian! - From: Looking back on India Hey bro, really enjoyed your last blog on India. Lots of great insights into how life is there. Will definitely have to make it there sometime soon, hopefully with you as my guide!!! :P |
| 5th July 2006 Barbara | Worth Waiting For! - From: Looking back on India Hey Michael your blog was worth waiting for! I loved the descriptions of the public transport and your thoughts on India. What a wonderful experience to have had; it will have enriched yiur life. I hope we don't have to wait 6 more weeks for the next blog!! |
| 29th June 2006 Pravin Karde | Hi - From: Namaste from dusty Paratwada! Hi Michael, I am from the same place Paratwada, and since last 8years settled in Pune..Maharashtra. Its really amazing reading your blog..found it really interesting. Luv Pravin kardepravin at the rate gmail.com |
| 14th June 2006 Danny | Namaste, Michael - From: Spending a working week on public transport Michael! Great stories. I've only just tuned in to this travel blog a'urs, and I've just finished reading all your entries and viewing all your photos. And I have one word for you: Sublime. I was moved. Dhanyavaad. |
| 7th June 2006 fellow traveller | mug - From: Flight TG 998: Perth - Bangkok man with such a handsome mug why aren't you in all your shots? lovely trip, and you come across as the sweetest person. |
| 29th May 2006 Nirav Vidwans | Hello Michael - From: Namaste from dusty Paratwada! Hey bro, i hope u recieved my message. I have mentioned thing i wanted to know and tell u. please do surely take a note of my mail and do reply with ur thoughts and comments and responses. Regards- Nirav Vidwans |
| 22nd May 2006 Craig P | sounds great - From: Spending a working week on public transport Your descriptions are fantastic and bring us all into the moment. Thinking of you mate as you trek around the place. |
| 19th May 2006 Barbara | What a Week!! - From: Spending a working week on public transport You certainly are game tackling some of those roads on local transport Michael! The mountain shots contrast starkly with the desert ones and give another face to India. Chai in the little mountain village sounded very inviting. You are certainly packing a lot into your time in India. Take care and much love Mum |
| 17th May 2006 Dad | On the buses! - From: Spending a working week on public transport Great to hear that you made it safely to Delhi! Have been praying much for your safety. Love the photos and descriptions. Don't forget to submit something to LP to update their records! |
| 17th May 2006 Glenis | A nice surprise!! - From: Spending a working week on public transport Hey mate, its a pity your time in India is coming to an end.....had a dream last night that I was there with you! Thought I'd surprise you and post, proving that I am reading your blogs, all of them!!! Sounds like great times are being had, great posting - keep it up in Thailand. |
| 11th May 2006 Joel | Best blog entry I've read! - From: Tuning into Triple J in Rajasthan Sup Bro, that was one of the funniest things I've read in a long time. I was at a friends house when I read it and got a lot of very strange looks as I was constantly cracking up and bursting into laughter! I'm looking forward to when you start your career as a travel writer!!! |
| 11th May 2006 sprucemoose | crazy adventure! - From: Tuning into Triple J in Rajasthan The last couple of days you had sounds insane! The town youre in just sounds impressive in itself, but that camel ride...! It must have been a great experience to just set up camp in the middle of the desert... Michael Meadows, Western Australia's answer to Lawrence of Arabia. |
| 11th May 2006 Penny | - From: Tuning into Triple J in Rajasthan Thanks Michael, very entertaining story. |
| 10th May 2006 Barbara | Camel Capers - From: Tuning into Triple J in Rajasthan Michael I had such a good laugh reading your blog. Zoe was NOT impressed and sought refuge at the other end of the house!! The descriptions of the camel ride were hilarious. I'm just wondering where the photo is of the bride you were offered! You certainly are having an experience of a life time. Safe travelling during your last week in India! |
| 9th May 2006 Ruth Kidd | Hey Michael Paddo - From: The Land of Kings Just finished reading all your latest blogs and am truly amazed at everything you've experienced so far. Your descriptions are fantastic. The thought crossed my mind, while reading, that you should be writing books! Loved your first impressions of THE TAJ - teary and page-turning stuff. Your blogs are better than the best-seller I'm currently reading because they're for real! Can't wait for further instalments. God bless you as you continue with your adventures. Lots of love and take care, Nana-Ruth XX |
| 4th May 2006 Barbara | Stunning Photos! - From: The Land of Kings Your photos are stunning Michael. The architecture is amazing. It is certainly worth enlarging the photos to see the detail more clearly. Can't wait to hear about the camel ride. Take care with the buses!! |
| 3rd May 2006 Joel | India here I come!!! - From: The Land of Kings Once again highly interesting and entertaining text accompanied by fantastic photos! I shall be your padawan and learn the ways of the Jedi Master! |
| 2nd May 2006 Joel | Wow! - From: Lost for words before the Taj Mahal Amazing photos! I thought I was seeing some beautiful buildings in Budapest over the weekend but nothing compares to your photos of the Taj! Love the shots with the kids too! |
| 2nd May 2006 sprucemoose | hello - From: Lost for words before the Taj Mahal Hey mikael, the photos are amazing. Good to see you're helping the indian economy along by bribing small children. Despite everyone taking that same photo of the Taj Mahal, it is still a mind-blowing photo! Looking forward to hearing about more crazy indian train rides. |
| 30th April 2006 Penny | - From: Lost for words before the Taj Mahal Thanks Michael, I am enjoying all your blogs, it does inspire one to travel. The range of photos gives an excellent sense of context. |
| 28th April 2006 Barbara | Brings back memories! - From: Lost for words before the Taj Mahal Wow! Your photos are great and I can't believe you had such a great view from your hotel roof-top!! I loved the commentary;felt like I was there with you. Keep the blogs coming as they are sooo interesting! What a train trip! Liked your humour; you certainly need a sense of humour in India! |
| 28th April 2006 Beth | India's now on my list of places to go :) - From: Lost for words before the Taj Mahal Hey Michael, you've taken some amazing photos! Its good to know you're bribing small children for them too...hehe. Can't wait to go travelling again AND for some guy to spend 22 years building me a palace! :) Have a great trip! |
| 23rd April 2006 Ganesh | Gr8 - From: Time to say goodbye... Hi Michael, Namast ! You do not know me (and there is no reason why you should ). I have just finished reading your blogs, accidently stumblled upon on net(forgive for my English) I was born near Paratwada (some 15 km towards south, at a village called Rasegaon). I am an Electrical Engineer, now working with an international consulting co. at Dubai, UAE. You have honestly gave account of the life and people of the dusty village, Paratwada/Achalpur. Hats off to your write up! You are going to be a great write side by side an Engineer. My best wishes to you. |
| 22nd April 2006 Drew | amazing stuff mate - From: Time to say goodbye... G'day Michael...mate fantastic blog...both really interesting and funny...are you sure you're studying to be an engineer?? Mate, the phots are awesome and really give us a feel for what you have experienced...I'll have some goats head soup thanks....think there was a Stones album called that...but that is really showing my age. Keep 'em coming mate. GBU Drew and Kay |
| 21st April 2006 Barbara | Namaste Michael! - From: Time to say goodbye... It was so interesting reading about village life for you. I'm glad you had time for another blog before you set off on your adventures. Hope the overnight train goes well to Agra and you enjoy seeing the Taj Mahal. I was 12 when I saw it and it is the most amazing place!! Safe travels, good health and may you meet up with people on the road who will enrich your experiences! |
| 20th April 2006 Linda Kidd | Have a great trip!!! - From: Time to say goodbye... ou have certainly had a great experience here!!! Safe journey to the next destination ,Lots of love Linda and Tim from Melbourne! xxxxx |
| 20th April 2006 Joel | Bon Voyage! - From: Time to say goodbye... Great blog bro, made me feel like I have been there with you experiencing all that you did! The shopping for groceries sounded particularly interesting! Must feel great to be about to head off on nearly a month of travelling around northern India! Really looking forward to your next few blogs! |
| 10th April 2006 Chelsea Dalziell | - From: Getting a taste of Korku village life! Hey Michael - I'm just back from the US for 10 days for Helen and Scott's wedding - was browsing through an old Rivo bulletin and came across you blog. Your photos are incredible! You pick great subjects and the colours are beautiful. I know what you mean about finding it hard to stay put in one place. I am due back in Oz at end of August and find myself wondering if I'll actually be able to settle down...no matter how much you see there's always more. That travel bug never quite goes away. I admire what you are doing though - it doesn't sound easy! All the best... |
| 7th April 2006 michaelpaddo | Thanks Cam! - From: Sahyog Tribal Development Project Thanks for the interest. =) So far they're just concentrating on methods that can be easily understood and cheaply copied by local farmers. No soil additions like gypsum as yet, but they've started up some demonstration worm farms recently, compost from which will be worked into the soil. Also, on the steeper slopes, where stone bunds can't be used, trenches are dug instead. These quickly fill up with eroded topsoil, which is very fertile and EFICOR's encouraging the farmers to plant fruit trees, etc in these filled trenches. Hope you guys are all well! |
| 6th April 2006 nevilleb | - From: Getting a taste of Korku village life! I like your style of documentary photography, well done! |
| 31st March 2006 ralph venema | meals - From: Getting a taste of Korku village life! A great selection of photos to give idea of village life. Enjoyed reading your journal. You 're certainly doing it tough and can see meals are a highlight in the day. |
| 27th March 2006 Cam | good stuff - From: Sahyog Tribal Development Project Great blog! its great what simple solutions can have, especially within water/agricultural context. It has such a positive impact on their day-to-day lives. Are the any attempts to combat the clay soils with soil additons eg: gypsum to increase the porosity/permiabilityof the soil? Do they retain much organic matter on and in the soil to combat erosion? Keep up the good work - your old man sent me the link! Cam |
| 27th March 2006 Shaphan | - From: Getting a taste of Korku village life! Hey Mic, awesome photos man. I've just tuned in so I've been skimming through your previous entries (looking at the pictures) but I found this one to be very interesting. I hear your anguish about making the most of the opportunity, stick it out (I know you will), by the sounds of it this expereience is very important. Not long til you can freely explore the big wide world again. Enjoy! [You better work out that recipe for babys' Chai tea...anyone for a double G? (cinnamon)] |
| 25th March 2006 Barbara | Hats off to you! - From: Getting a taste of Korku village life! You certainly are doing it tough and I'm sure we all appreciate our nice comfortable beds after reading your blog! I love the photos; they really help us to picture you there in the village. I'm sure your nice blue Swiss water bottle goes with you to the villages where the water looks pretty brown! Praying that you remain well and healthy! God bless and lots of love from home. |
| 21st March 2006 Jodes | Hey!! - From: Flight TG317: DELAYED... thanks to yours truly hey, michael...u should've caught the next plane,they might've bumped you up to business class.i've seen that happen before. hope the trips going well. tom price is ok, still just settling in. i'm sure you ding lots of study(haha) hope to see you soon. take care!! |
| 9th March 2006 Joel | Bleib dran! (Keep up the good work!) - From: Sahyog Tribal Development Project It's amazing how many benefits those 'simple' solutions can create! It sounds like you are having a very positive impact on the EFICOR work in that part of India. |
| 6th March 2006 Paul Whitehead | Memories - From: Sahyog Tribal Development Project Thanks Michael. Your photos and commentary bring back so many memories from our 12 months in India. You are doing great work. The photos bring your world to ours - please keep the blog going and don't undervalue your input. |
| 6th March 2006 Barbara | Eficor rocks! - From: Sahyog Tribal Development Project Thank you Michael for a very informative blog. It was great to see the variety of projects that EFICOR is involved in; they certainly seem to be worthy recipients of any funds that people have available. Nice haircut! |
| 6th March 2006 Colin Meadows | Grass Involvement at its best! - From: Sahyog Tribal Development Project Great to see such positive grass roots involvement in community development! Nice too to see a few photos of you as well. I like the EFICOR website and was impressed by their past acheivements. Keep up the good work! Dad |
| 1st March 2006 Karen Britza | Greetings from the Britzas - From: Namaste from dusty Paratwada! Hi Michael! Your Mum told us today at our Secret Woman's Coffee time about your blog site...absolutely fabulous photos and fantastic dairy of your adventure. You are so courageous with all the things you are doing! Be assured of our prayers! The rest of the gang say Hi too! |
| 28th February 2006 Nick de Garis | - From: Namaste from dusty Paratwada! Now I know why we shake using right hands! I look forward to hearing who EFICOR are. Hey Michael, where are the photos of you? Blessings Nick |
| 24th February 2006 Barbara | Wow! - From: Namaste from dusty Paratwada! Michael, I loved your blog. There was only one thing wrong with it. Not enough! The photos give a real sense of your situation and hats off to you that you have adapted so well to the culture over there. Hope the next blog is not too far off!! |
| 23rd February 2006 Joyce Plumb | Not boring at all - From: Namaste from dusty Paratwada! Hi Michael! Loved your photos and the blurb. You write very well. Not boring at all! Love Mrs Plumb - you can call me Joyce, now... (-: |
| 23rd February 2006 Colin | Loved your news, especially the photos! - From: Namaste from dusty Paratwada! Michael, what beautiful photos and great text. The photos of children are so special. Can feel a book on India coming on.... Keep writing down your experiences and thanks for keeping in touch! Dad |
| 23rd February 2006 Paul Whitehead | Unselfish - From: Flight TG 998: Perth - Bangkok Unselfish people tend to take a lot of photos of their friends and then return with few photos of themselves. You need to ask your friends to take the time to get YOU in the photos rather than being the guy behind the camera all the time. Alternatively get them to read this message from me. |
| 12th February 2006 Jun Jet | LUCKY!! - From: Flight TG317: DELAYED... thanks to yours truly Michael, that flight incident turned out fortunate. I once missed a flight to Brisbane in July 05. It wasn't good. However I know a guy that missed his flight back to Adelaide 3 times in a row. |
| 3rd February 2006 Trentox | - From: Flight TG317: DELAYED... thanks to yours truly Michael Meadows (aka paddo-san)... late?!?! no, that doesnt sound right ;-) |
| 27th January 2006 George | Phewww... - From: Flight TG317: DELAYED... thanks to yours truly Glad you made that plane! I'm looking forward to more stories abot your travels in India. By the way, your writing style reminds me of Bill Bryson. Very wity, but also filled with lots of interesting information. :) |
| 27th January 2006 Colin Mee=doze | How to catch a plane flight! - From: Flight TG317: DELAYED... thanks to yours truly Michael, congratulations on making a plane wait for you. You are now entering the class of 'seasoned traveller'. The next level is when you miss your flight altogether and get put on the next flight. Great to hear your reflections on what you see. Look forward to future additions. |
| 27th January 2006 Barbara | A Close Shave - From: Flight TG317: DELAYED... thanks to yours truly Wow Michael that was cutting it fine. Bombay sounds very much like it was when I was there about 40 years ago! Is it really that long! Take plenty of refreshments on the train and we pray that the trip goes well. Make sure you know what platform the train is leaving from!!Much love. |
| 26th January 2006 Linda and Tim | Australia Day - From: First impressions of Thailand Hi Michael, We are all sitting upstairs reading your blogs and thought we would say hello. It certainly sounds like you are having a great time and Thailand looks great - maybe I should treavel that way too! Take care and Lots of love Linda Tim Nan Barbara and Colinxxxxxxxxx |
| 25th January 2006 Barbara M | Bon Voyage - From: Flight TG 998: Perth - Bangkok Love the blog. Have a wonderful trip and we will eagerly follow your movements. I love the Bibbulmun photos. Take care! From 'a lovely lady.' |
| 25th January 2006 Barbara M | Worth waiting for! - From: First impressions of Thailand Great blog Michael with a good synopsis of what you have been doing. The first three photos and the two on the Karen village didn't show up. All the others did.Can't wait to explore some of those areas in July!Hope we can take an elephant ride. Blessings on your trip to Mumbai and Paradwadi. |
| 25th January 2006 Bruce | From Australia with JEALOUSY! - From: First impressions of Thailand I thoroughly enjoyed reading about your adventures in Thailand Michael. It sounds like you have been having a great time. I'm looking forward to your next blog entry from India! |
| 18th January 2006 Colin Meadows | The Happy Wanderer! - From: Flight TG 998: Perth - Bangkok Nice to see you out in the bush in Oz. Now you are in a different bush... good to hear news from Thailand. Look forward to the blog details of that amazing country. |
