LivingTheDream's Guestbook

zurück nach Deutschland?
Hi Ben, Du willst wirklich zurück nach Deutschland kommen? Hier ist es kalt und ungemütlich. Aber wenn ich mich recht erinnere, wolltest Du ja zu einer Hochzeit, richtig? Setzt Du danach den Trip fort? Oder war es das dann? Du hast ja noch nicht alles gesehen, oder? Viele Grüße aus Berlin - uund lass es Dir gut gehen Oli PS: Was ist mit dem deutschen Girl geworden, die Euch schweigend gefolgt ist? Habt ihr die wiedegesehen? Ist ja schon ne komische Geschichte, oder?

Enjoy Panama (and don't forget to buy a hat)
Hi Ben, Just enjoyed reading your Bocas-episode. I was there in 2006: brought back some nice memories. Only thought to write because saw your travel map (impressive - mine is one less country than yours!) and wanted to say: don't forget India. It's like another world really, traveller's dream. And you are welcome here too if you ever happen to be passing by Dhaka, Bangladesh (also a great traveller's country). Cheers, Andrew

Some comments
"As hard as I try, I cannot see the attraction to retire in such a place. If you want to live just like at home, why move so far away in the first place?" Actually, isn't this rather obvious? They desire to live just like at home, and abroad they can do so much cheaper. (I don't really know the price level in Panama, but I would expect it to be significantly cheaper than the US). "Norway is a nation famous for killing whales for profit and torpedoing any European and international effort in establishing a law prohibiting the commercial hunting of whales. I guess there are very few whales left at home for them, so they have to come all the way to Panama to spot these endangered mammals." I find this a rather unnuanced comment (which is kind of surprising, coming from you). Norway only hunts a few Minke whales, which are (supposedly) not in any danger of extinction. Though, it's kind of strange that Norway have been so resilient on this issue, since we are usually more than willing to embrace all kinds nonsense that comes from the UN and eager to respect international institutions. Personally, I don't really care much about this issue, but since our government was pro-whaling, I used to have some sympathy with the anti-whalers, although I have a feeling the government may have been right on this one. It's amusing to hear though, that Norway is "famous for killing whales for profit" instead of as a "humanitarian superpower", as the government wants us to be known. By the way, you can go on whale safaris many places in Norway, just try googling the term. No need to go to Panama just for that. I suspect that the whale safari was not the only reason the Norwegians had come to Panama. P.S. Surely I can't be your only reader who wants an update on what happened to the ridiculous US jaywalking ticket?

Living The Dream
Bravo for you, Ben! Your experience has been wonderful to follow. You are a good diarist, very straightforward. I've enjoyed your travels tremendously. I guess the best thing about you is that you live life to the fullest. Can a man ask anything more of himself?

More than 900 days on the road!
Hi Ben, more than 900 days on the road! Wow, how impressive! Enjoy your last country on this trip! walter

home again?!
Du kommst zurück nach Deutschland? Nach Berlin? Kaum zu glauben!! Bocas del Toro war ich auch - kleiner Abstecher von Consta Rica aus, da Begleitung gerne auch mal in Panama gewesen sein wollte... ;-). Du hast da auch so eine Bootstour gemacht, wa, um Delfine etc. zu sehen? Fand ich damals furchtbar! 5 Boote oder so waren unterwegs, um Delfine zu finden. Sobald irgendwo welche zu sehen waren, sind alle Boote schleunigst hin - die armen Tiere! Die roten Frösche haben wir uns auch angeschaut, wobei es bei uns nur einer war, soweit ich mich erinnere und es hatte ewig gedauert, bis wir einen gefunden hatten... Wünsch Dir die letzten Wochen noch ganz viel Spaß! Grüße!

hey Ben
how are you?where about now? hope you will come back to kuching one day! keep going.

Funny observation
Ben, as an American I was amused to read the words "nine-to-seven office job". I was recently talking with my direct report, who is originally from France. I was joking with her that we should be French in the respect of a 2 hour lunch break instead of 30 minutes. She then reminded me she worked until 7PM, so it not as perfect as it would seem. So, for me to read about "nine-to-seven" is amusing to me. For us, it's "nine-to-five" (well, really 8 to 5). We just don't take a long lunch break. And yes, traveling to gringofied destinations is more fun than 9 to 7 or 9 to 5...

9-7
Hey Ben.. keep your spirits up, im doing the 9-7 thing and its not as much fun.. :-)

Hallo
Hallo Ben, da ich gerade auch unterwegs bin in Brasilien habe ich mal geschaut, wo Duy Dich gherade herumtreibst. Haette ja sein koennen, dass sich unsere Werge kreuzen. Ich bin noch bis 1. Oktober in Brasilien und dann geht es wieder nach Deutschland. Ende November Anfang Desember bin ich nochmal in Havanna. Viel Spass noch bei Deiner Reise.... Machst Du genau richtig.... MAch das, so lange Du kannst :-) und natuerlich Lust dazu hast.

Daisetsuzan National Park
Hello, Im planning on doing a five day trek through Daisetsuzan National Park in a couple of weeks and I came across your posting. It sounds like you had a great hike and reading your post got me really excited about this challenging yet beautiful hike. I was wondering if you could send me the hi-res maps you have of the area? Cheers, Brian

Krakatau
Hi Ben, I found your Krakatau pix and video on Flickr. I have visited Indonesia many times and I am planning to visit Krakatau next year. Do you have any advice for me as far as how to find a boat, where to stay, etc.? I appreciate you sharing your fantastic photos. Guy Los Angeles, CA