Wow! Thanks for the comments... even Edward... if indeed my blogging WAS the most narrow-minded on the Internet I'd probably have a REAL claim to fame not one based on people being fired up over some comments on a genuinely AWFUL airport terminal and a hotel that's gone somewhat down n the world! Good Lord! How seriously pathetic.
You don't like what I write, Edward... good for you, no one's asking you to agree - or simply don't read it; until this came out almost no one did😊 LoL Or if you have a constructive criticism, let me know.
As to the "flak"... I love it. Somehow these days people seem afraid to express opinions and afraid to dispute. I don't. The more criticism the better - I might learn something. Write to me directly - <snip>, use your own name (come on, it doesn't hurt) and we can have a civilized debate. Very welcome.
If you can't do much else than insult or rant, then I suggest a quiet meditation on what makes you tick. The insults etc. are NOT my problem, they are yours. But they are the very small minority.
Lots of other things to say, and my specific reaction to the "viral" post on Manila is posted today on my blog and further expanded as an up-date on the actual post (without altering the text at all).
So here I'll try to say something more general.
Most of those that criticise the blog object not to the particular opinion - how can they, it's just what I see myself, not "THE TRUTH" - but to the fact that I dare to differ from THEIR opinions. Perhaps I've upset their comfortable world view.
Get over it. My opinion or perspective is just that - conditioned by being a grumpy old man who's travelled and worked all over the world from the last 40 years, latterly mainly in Asia. I don't see the world with the fresh and excited eyes of the first time traveller (which is a pity), I travel for a living and I tell it like I see it - that's the point, it's the way I see it, not that I'm right.
Neither am I politically correct and have no intention of being so. What's the point of being "nice" and PC all the time? So the reader feels warm and fluffy? That's exactly what's wrong with things these days. Yes, I enjoy writing with an "edge", but as I say to Edward, if you don't like it, then don't read it.
Friends, keep a sense of proportion, it's JUST AN OPINION..... I don't expect everyone or indeed want anyone to agree - but as Ali says, "I strongly believe in peoples right to hold and express opinions"...right on, Ali, and thanks for that support
And for heaven' sake, LIGHTEN UP, many of my posts are written tongue in cheek or pushed to the boundary to see where that might be (if your really want to know, I'll mail you a copy of my "Cashtent Chronicles: Diary of a Development Specialist" - now believe me THAT's offensive!
It seems some readers could use a sense of humour. But I don't really intend offending anyone, and I should indeed have been more sensitive to Filipinos sensitivities in the offending post (tho' almost all comments appear to support my perspective). But my apologies to the Philippines and all who sail in them. You know what, actually most places are OK, most people are nice and decent and most people just want to get on with their lives...... But writing about that hardly stirs the juices does it? It it sure doesn't take a blog viral😊
Thanks to everyone... keep the flak coming.
Cheers,
Geoff
[Edited: 2011 Oct 12 13:05 - Mell:49612 ]
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