If I wanted to get treated or get an informed opinion on a medical question, I’d turn to a doctor or a qualified scientist—not Riss. The article doesn’t rise to the occasion.
This mask story reminds me of the infamous former minister Agnès Buzyn, who had placed a quinine derivative on the list of dangerous drugs and then claimed that wearing a mask wasn’t necessary. Her predecessors had destroyed the mask stockpile!
I’d like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to and set the record straight about Professor Montagnier regarding COVID-19. When he died, people said he was senile for suggesting the virus had escaped from a lab. Now we know the truth, thanks to the so-called "conspiracy theorists."
First, a clarification: when Tatra used the phrase "presse officielle française" last night, I understood it as "state press," as he usually means it, because no antonym of "official" would make sense in that expression.
He justifies it, as you do, by pointing to state subsidies whose goal is to maintain diversity of opinion, not to stifle expression—which wouldn’t make sense anyway, since it would be enough to cut press subsidies to thin the ranks. Besides, this phrase is insulting to journalists and reflects the populist "all corrupt" mindset. Note that France isn’t the only country that does this, and there are plenty of countries today where the press is controlled by the state (that’s the definition of state press) and would better suit your outrage.
Now, could you explain how and why alternative media would be spared from the flaws you identify in mainstream press?
It’s not accurate to say that the French print media is unanimous about Trump, Putin, or Zelensky. Just read it. The shortcuts and simplifications you observe in your meetings likely reveal that your interlocutors are more interested in confirmation bias than in information that might challenge their beliefs.
I don’t know if there are "far fewer journalists than before," but I agree that individual standards aren’t improving and that raw agency dispatches are too common.
No doubt that comparing our sources could be mutually enriching... at first. I suggest we do this elsewhere because we’ll soon be asked what we’re doing and where we are. Out West?
To conclude, my belief is that we must force ourselves to diversify our sources and tackle this stripped of our certainties, vulnerable and open.
P.S. I never get my news from TV, not even for Nivat. 😏
What I do know is that I can’t keep myself informed the way I used to with the print press. The most dramatic drop in trust is for *Le Monde*.
For example, when it comes to the Ukrainian conflict, I have zero credibility in the French print press regarding military operations. I get my information from *Military Summary*, even though it’s run by a Belarusian.
I confirm the current trend; it's "Trump is evil"; Putin has dropped off the radar for now. What’s your experience?
I don’t know if Trump is good or evil, but all I know is that his understanding—and thus his logic—of macroeconomics is disastrous...
I assume, as I’ve already written here, that the measures he’s taking regarding the trade war he wants to start were done after consulting Musk.
Who, in turn, consulted an artificial intelligence platform to get statistics.
We’re seeing the disaster that’s coming.
Given that these two guys are making decisions alone and apparently without consulting advisors, well, once again, it’s a catastrophe.
Even a 15-year-old high school student would be better at running the American economy 😉
But given his questionable taste in hair, his love for foundation and tanning beds, and his Strauss-Kahn vibe with women, I’d say he’s got a few wires crossed.
Mild Tourette’s syndrome too, maybe.
Édifices religieux : concours de photos amical d'août 2026
Rubrique Jeux Voyages
C'est le moment de poster vos meilleurs clichés !
(Sorry for continuing the off-topic discussion you started by calling me out instead of addressing the actual topic.)
It’s not good to hold a grudge against someone; it doesn’t make the person involved look any better.
Who is holding a grudge against whom?
To feel resentment, there must have been an offense, harm, or a perfectly aimed arrow hitting a sensitive spot... do you feel like you have that kind of skill? Have you recently shown it in an exchange with me?
But you wrote offensed. Maybe it was you who felt that way?
excellent reasons... excellent traveler
You often tend to hand out certificates of morality, excellence, intelligence, good or bad taste, politeness...
distressing tendency to use inclusive writing,
If a little middle dot disappoints you that much, just let it go... and use what it challenges you with to try broadening your perspective.
That probably doesn’t stop you from being an excellent traveler. Most participants on this forum are likely good-natured and pleasant to meet during their travels—let’s not forget that.
??
Why do I sometimes feel like I’m reading someone else when I come across some of your comments that seem to come out of nowhere?
.../...
People are absolutely not aware
So, who are these people, and what is it they don’t know, don’t see, don’t understand... are absolutely not aware of that you seem to be informed about?
Isn’t there a hint of arrogance in lumping people together into a shapeless, uniform mass just to feel like you stand out from them?
Hi everyone,
I’m replying to Kola just because it’s the latest message, but this is for everyone.
Zorba got what I meant: sure, it’s not the ORTF of the golden age, but the state subsidizes a press that wouldn’t survive without its support. While some media outlets are clearly state-run public services, almost all the others serve an institutional and official narrative.
Regional press has published—and probably still does—plenty of disguised prefectural advertorials, often wrapping up articles with copy-pasted reminders of what we’re not allowed to question when it comes to climate and ecology. Health and economics are more subtle, but the dogmatism is still there.
The groups that own the media are few, and they share common views and interests. In France, it’s really hard to step outside this accepted worldview.
You might say it’s the same everywhere—and you’d be right. In Russia or Belarus, for example, people chat by the photocopier just like we do here, most of them genuinely surprised or offended that anyone would dare question the official worldview.
A few years back, when I was teaching media studies, I had a conversation with the editor-in-chief of a Breton regional newspaper that left me chilled. She explained her job like this: she saw the press not as a tool for objective information, investigation, or opinion, but as a way to educate readers on the right practices and values.
I dropped that teaching gig right after, but recent years have only confirmed this trend. Statements like "health is a value", "life must be sober and virtuous", "freedom can only be a collectively granted exception", or "a good society can only be inclusive" can’t be discussed—they’re set in stone as dogma.
Michel
PS: Inclusive writing is a different story—it’s a kind of activist stance based on a misunderstanding of the language’s grammar, which actually includes a neuter gender.
Using language to serve a cause really bothers me; it’s my "natural law philosophy" side.
Occasionally Rousseauist, in fact.
A touch of zen, the tale of the knights of Illumination.
An evanescent scent, the spirit transcending itself.
Journeys toward so many horizons, effervescent suns.
The return and the flame, the Koka and the Kola 😉
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
Is Trump "evil"? In fact, is he a "villain"? Without a doubt, since he is complicit in holocaust crimes by allowing the continuous delivery of bombs that destroy civilian populations, including children. He had the opportunity to interrupt this process started by his predecessor during the truce; he didn’t do it—he has become a criminal.
On one occasion, Golda Meir gathered her cabinet to announce she was stopping the ongoing war. A minister told her there was no reason to since the army was winning. She replied that the USA had stopped arms deliveries.
Your analysis of Trump’s economic actions seems too simplistic to me. He himself is a shrewd businessman, and his associate Musk is a remarkably successful man. I think they know what they’re doing: they’re pressing levers that allow them to bring all the vassals back into line. Of course, they won’t be able to do anything against the Russian Federation and China.
Trump’s task is immense: managing dedollarization, preventing an impending crash, cleaning out hostile administrations like the CIA, ending the war in Ukraine by making his proxies swallow the bitter pill... I wouldn’t want that job.
In France and in Europe generally, all opinions can be expressed.
You’re living proof of that.
I’ve read here so often about people who wanted to silence me, or automatically silence those who didn’t share their views.
Don’t you remember?
Don’t you also remember the "Ministry of Truth" and the Bronner commission?
The temptation among French and European elites to control public opinion is very strong—it keeps coming back to the surface.
In France, can you publish cartoons that insult the Republic? I don’t think so.
There’s no problem walking around in a knee-length dress with your hair down in Iran and Afghanistan (the only countries in question)? 😮
It’s not just in those two countries where it’s an issue.
In most Muslim countries, actually. (And increasingly so, which wasn’t necessarily the case before).
I’d even say it’s a full reversal!
When I was in my twenties (back in the 70s), in many Muslim countries (all of North Africa), the Middle East (Syria, Jordan, Lebanon), Iran, and even Afghanistan, things were much more tolerant than they are today! A lot of people my age were even almost anti-religious and opposed to their parents’ traditional culture. In North Africa, I don’t remember seeing a single veil—same in Iran. In Afghanistan, the daughters of the bourgeoisie in Kabul and Herat were all in skirts and high heels!
Iran today:
Even though their situation isn’t enviable, Iranian women have always had the right to drive, study, and work. Saudi women, despite some progress in that area, did they have that possibility just a few years ago? The thing is, some countries are demonized and others aren’t...
I went to Iran a few years ago, and the image I got of the country was quite different from the one presented by the media. That same year, I was given the best-selling book *Not Without My Daughter* by Betty Mahmoody. On the cover, there’s a photo of a woman with her face completely covered. That’s a lie. I never saw covered faces in Iran.
But it’s true, the hijab is still mandatory there. And yes, it’s shocking. As a tourist, I couldn’t escape that rule either.
Back then, I talked a lot with women there. They were exhausted by the mandatory hijab and the morality police checks.
Yes, “demonize” is the exact term. To be the Good, you hastily sketch out the Evil and then *Vade retro satanas*...
I remember that terrifying book, written by an American woman who had a nightmarish experience, published during a time of high tension between Iran and the U.S. That was when the public started getting obsessed with ordinary people’s stories. If I recall correctly, it was around the same time you couldn’t escape Loana and What’s-His-Name’s aquatic antics...
Today, if you look into contemporary Iranian literature—which you can only read in translation—it almost seems like only female authors exist in the country, and you have to search hard to find novels written by men. That bias says more about our culture than about Iran.
As for the hijab, it’s been a political issue in Iran for nearly a century. Women who didn’t want to dress in little dresses were confined to their homes, then discriminated against as backward and suspicious for years. From one coercive extreme to another. Let’s hope they can just be who they want, but I have my doubts as long as the country faces strong international pressures.
Catherine
By this, and this only, we have existed. Which is not to be found in our obituaries. (T.S. Eliot)
Today, if you're interested in contemporary Iranian literature—which you can only read in translation—it almost seems like only female authors exist in the country, and you have to search for a long time to find novels written by men.
On the other hand, there are many male directors (I’m thinking of Asghar Farhadi, among others—he’s the most well-known—and I love his films). But between censorship and sanctions, it’s tough to produce a film in Iran.
Your analysis of Trump's economic policies seems too simplistic.
No, it's not me being simplistic—it's Trump himself.
What he doesn't see is that trade flows are interconnected; we're talking about interdependence, like Apple outsourcing to Foxconn in Asia.
Once Trump raises tariffs on imports from Asia, he’s shooting himself in the foot because a huge portion of Apple’s components come from Asia.
Boeing is facing nearly $20 billion in financial losses—yes, the U.S. economy has lost some of its strength.
The manufacturer can’t seem to revive its 737-Max program; it’s on the brink of bankruptcy...
Given that there are competitors even in the aerospace industry
But between censorship and sanctions, it’s hard to make a film in Iran.
Yes, and yet it produces wonders of essentiality. Like *Tehran Chronicles* (*Versets terrestres* in the original language), shot in a week, without any kind of authorization, and in which one of the scenes shows a director struggling with a censor who tears page after page of his script.
Catherine
By this, and this only, we have existed. Which is not to be found in our obituaries. (T.S. Eliot)
Some people develop a conspiracy-theorist image in others' minds.
Others develop a sheep-like image in some people's minds.
We haven’t made much progress...
Wow, you’ve never been this close to the truth. That said, I sometimes find those sheep pretty vehement. Like rabid sheep who also pick the wrong targets.
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
They should be the first to protest for the freedom to dress as they please, given that they were the first to lack that freedom.
But strangely, the opposite is happening.
Ancestral customs, what people will say, modesty (very trendy right now 😉), prudishness, propaganda (I should really find that photo of a poster plastered at Tehran Airport saying the hijab protects the family), and maybe a hint of jealousy too??
Go figure, Charles...
At least Iranian women fighting this ideology know what the hijab represents. (I really feel like adding "they do").
I agree with you. Sooner or later, the machismo of certain cultures catches up with their women. I think religion is just an excuse.
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
Women who didn’t want to dress in little dresses were confined to their homes, then discriminated against as suspicious backward people for years
Exactly.
I’ve always wondered why those women, who weren’t free, don’t defend today those who’d like to be.
They should be the first to protest for the freedom to dress as we want, given they were the first to lack that freedom.
But strangely, the opposite happens.
It’s illogical.
Good evening Agnès,
What do you want me to say?
The fact is, unlike you, I’m not sure that these women who willingly wear the veil and see it as an important part of their identity form a homogeneous group.
I imagine that among the most fanatical, a desire to keep society in their image leads them to reject any evolution. And that the more open-minded are neutral or even support these movements, without necessarily wanting to get hurt. Or maybe they do. Just conjectures. Chatter. I don’t know.
Catherine
By this, and this only, we have existed. Which is not to be found in our obituaries. (T.S. Eliot)
Not all women would be affected by what reduces them solely to their gender?
I totally agree with you on that.
I experienced a form of orthographic sexualization of my study title, which really bothered me. It seems to be driven by the current wave of feminism.
Completely illogical 😛
Catherine
By this, and this only, we have existed. Which is not to be found in our obituaries. (T.S. Eliot)
But in doing so, they harm their image by reinforcing the idea of an intolerant Islam in people's minds.
Why would you expect them to care about the image you have of them or of Islam?
They live their lives in their own environment; they see themselves as the norm, just like you see yourself as the norm.
Why do you always reduce everything to binary confrontations? Why this idea that society must be divided into 2 clans and no more?
It’s actually pretty common, when two opposing sides clash, to belong to neither and stay on the sidelines. That’s definitely happened to me a lot...
Catherine
*a little Jesus syndrome? ("Whoever is not with me is against me.")
By this, and this only, we have existed. Which is not to be found in our obituaries. (T.S. Eliot)
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
This isn’t intellectually acceptable—what you’re doing here is really a lack of courtesy toward me. Why? Because you linked to the website where the article was published when I was quoting an article by a person, just a regular person like you and me...
So first, you’re confusing an individual with a media outlet.
An article, especially one published on a participatory platform where opposing articles and comments clash—unlike newspapers where only the journalist has a say.
On top of that, you cite WOKIPEDIA, as some call it. That’s the cherry on top! You should check out Michel Sandrin and Victor Lefebvre’s book *The Hidden Face of Wikipedia*.
This participatory encyclopedia seems increasingly infiltrated by editors with a very specific agenda, which undermines neutrality.
Michel Onfray complains about it regularly: it’s become a political encyclopedia. The descriptions of certain personalities are indeed very—*too*—biased, something I’ve personally noticed. Not to mention some outright errors.
Did you at least do some research and think carefully about the article’s topics, or do you just feel uncomfortable because what you read doesn’t align with what you’d prefer to believe? That’s completely human, after all.
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
No need to read Wikipedia to get a pretty clear idea of the quality of the article you're offering.
Calling it a "kindergarten game"—meaning childish—when referring to the work of the Justice system is a deliberate attempt to discredit and belittle. And it quickly identifies the author (and increasingly, those who still insist on it here, despite all the caution). I’ll only go back to reading this biased piece to analyze the mental functioning of this group.
If the facts lead to the President being charged, which is entirely possible, let justice take its course. Regardless of the embezzlement for which the blonde woman was convicted.
Catherine
By this, and this only, we have existed. Which is not to be found in our obituaries. (T.S. Eliot)
« Tout le monde s'interroge sur comment laisser une meilleure planète à nos enfants, mais on devrait plutôt penser à laisser de meilleurs enfants pour notre planète. » Clint Eastwood
(and increasingly the one who, despite being so careful, insists here).
Michel Onfray, WOKIPEDIA, "People are absolutely not aware..."
These are no longer tweezers, they're clodhoppers.
@Jojoone
Michel Onfray regularly complains about it: it has become a political encyclopedia. The description of certain personalities is indeed very—too—biased, something I had personally noticed.
Had you also "personally noticed" the shift in Michel Onfray's stance?
This participatory encyclopedia (Wikipedia) seems increasingly infiltrated by editors with a very specific mindset, which excludes neutrality.
An historian's perspective?
Wikipedia, a democratic tool to defend
First, I don’t know of them killing anyone—or maybe I just don’t understand what you’re talking about? 🤪
Do you think cremating bodies or eating them would be better?
The norm of others seems strange to us, and it’s pointless to try to understand it—it’s legitimate by nature. This idea goes way back, from Herodotus to Montaigne and Lévi-Strauss.
Ce poste va déranger, j'en suis sûr... Je ne suis pas le créateur de l'article et je l'ai trouvé sur un autre site internet de voyage (ouais, je sais, j'ai…
Deux questions qui me turlupinent... J'ai toujours pensé que les voyages rendent plus tolérants. Je me disais avant, qu'à force de partir et de m'interresser à…
Une fois n’est pas coutume, je vais parler de mon propre pays, la France, où j’ai fait récemment un voyage assez court à partir de Bangkok (où je vis). Je…
Voyager pourquoi? 1- Pour quitter ce pays Pour ma part, je commence vraiment à prendre la France et les francais en grippe...En effet, ce pays me gonfle de…
Je trouve un peu dommage que bon nombre de membres de ce forum critique le tourisme de masse qu'il faut à tout prix éviter pour des raisons qui ne sont pas…
Who’d like to share their best and worst travel memories in a few lines?
For me, it’s watching the TAJ MAHAL at sunrise and getting chased by dogs at the top of a mountain pass in GREECE on the way back from ISTANBUL.
THANKS GUYS
This is my 15,000th post, and it's a message I would have preferred never to write.
Patrick—Yangguizi—won’t be returning from his trek in Uganda. His health betrayed him in the mountains.
Like many of you, I laughed until I couldn’t anymore at his travel stories. I met him in Shanghai, then in Istanbul... We scoured restaurants—he was an incredible expert on world cuisines. We relived Korea, China. Always brilliant, so sharp, so funny, so down-to-earth. Being even a little bit his friend was something to be proud of. I think I envied him.
Patrick is still out there, of course...
He found his happiness running across the world. He’s on his path. He never doubted that "the traveler doesn’t even know if he’ll return one day."
Not sure this would’ve suited him, but his departure devastates me.
Alright,
Farewell, you foreign devil. Safe travels.
hello to all travelers with their eyes wide open to the desert...
I’ve always wondered what I was "doing" on this earth. And why my father, who died a few months after I was born—a former youngest French resistance fighter—joined the First Saharan Motorized Company in Atar and spent the rest of his life repairing army engines in Algeria, Mauritania, Senegal, Mali (which didn’t exist under that name back then), Morocco, and finally Algeria, where my mother was born and raised. (Believe me, it’s not "cool" being the child of a soldier in a country occupied by France, and even less so the child of a "pied-noir.")
Of course, I never got an answer: the dead don’t talk, and the army doesn’t either.
But here’s the thing—I had photos...
So naturally, one day I hit the road. I wanted to see, to understand.
It’s thanks to VF that I was able to do a little research on crossing the Morocco-Mauritania border, and I’m grateful to its members, just as I’m grateful to all those who welcomed me on the road for 14 years.
For the past few weeks, I’ve been wondering if I should talk about this or not...
It turns out the Mauritanians changed my life by asking for my help... And that started as early as February 2012... (Did I owe them something? No answer to that question.)
Ah, the irony—they saw me coming. But when you’re handed sick children and begged to do something, what would you have done? I’d worked in a hospital, so I knew a bit about the rules to follow. I didn’t hesitate.
And well, over all these years, I met doctors, surgeons, and together we organized care, evacuations of children, training for surgeons—even trying to stop children from having to travel outside their country. It was never easy. I’d like to thank those who supported us, as well as *La Chaîne de l’Espoir*, *La Fondation Face au Monde*, and everyone who built bridges between our two countries.
Unfortunately, despite the constant efforts of Mauritanian doctors and surgeons, some children couldn’t be helped in time. Today, I want to talk about four siblings—orphans of their mother—suffering from congenital glaucoma causing irreversible blindness. Their case was entrusted to me in 2020, just weeks before the big lockdown. We couldn’t do anything for them then, but when their father asked me for a gift, I rushed to my computer and wrote a story.
Through a tale, the children take a great journey, explore their country, and fulfill a dream. I never thought this book would be published—it was, in 2023.
This book pays tribute to Mauritania. It’s a message for those who know nothing about the hardships of life there, carrying both the harshness and beauty of an immense desert where you can travel by 4x4, bike, on foot, or by camel in complete safety. It bears witness to the kindness of Mauritanians toward travelers.
As a woman traveling alone in my vehicle—a now-rusted old Mercedes that no longer runs—I had the most beautiful encounters of my life there (I’ve seen other parts of the world...). The blind children of Choum, Atar, Nouadhibou, and Nouakchott will forever be in my heart.
Volunteer readers transcribed the book into a free audio version for the visually impaired. It’s available in sound libraries in France, the *Fondation Valentin Haüy*, and the Swiss Romande library.
I made my last trip to Mauritania in my old 4x4 to distribute the book everywhere, especially to its heroes and the school for the visually impaired in Nouakchott.
After that, I thought it was time to close the chapter because I no longer have the means or the strength to travel.
My publishers chose this title for it: *The Blue Eyes of the Desert*.
This publication helped a mission of Swiss volunteer ophthalmologists come to operate on glaucomas in Mauritania. I’m thrilled because they come back every year!
This adventure is ending, yes—everything must come to an end—but ultimately, it was born here, on the VF site!! So yes, I had to say it: THANK YOU!!!!!
Hi everyone,
I’m Loulou, a French expat who’s been living in Southeast Asia for about fifteen years, currently in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. A passionate walker at heart, I’ve trekked in Nepal (Thorung La, Mardi Himal), India, Vietnam, and I’m still planning new hikes (Char Dham, Langtang, Annapurna).
I’ve just published my first travel journal, recounting three months of walking and encounters across India. A portion of the sales goes to an educational center I support in Kep, for children whose parents work in the salt marshes.
I’m also working on a second book about Nepal with a musician friend, focusing on the Mardi Himal trek—two independent perspectives on the same journey.
Happy to swap stories with you about the Himalayas, India, Southeast Asia, or just the urge to hit the road and walk far from home.
Safe travels,
Loulou
Hi! It was totally by chance that I stumbled upon VoyageForum (an ad online and a story lol), and I’ve been reading some really old posts from 2011 about Thai massage schools—discussions on how to get by, accommodation, prices, etc. It reminded me of my own experience: I kept things simple by staying with a local family during my entire trip. I only shared all the expenses with them, which, I’ll admit, was super cheap… and I often traveled with them, which naturally opened a lot of doors for me. To start, at the school in Salaya, my Thai friend immediately connected me with Teacher Phong (the school’s mentor and teacher of teachers, a former monk). I was supposed to join a group session with other foreigners, but for some reason I don’t know, I got two days of private lessons for free with this expert… incredible! And on top of that, he loved France! It was an amazing experience. I "discovered" massage by chance—the Thai family just told me: "Try it, you’ll see!" (I’d had a pretty intense massage in the capital before 😅… but the next day, I felt unbelievably great!))
Every morning, I’d take a taxi (chosen by the Thai family at prices that beat all the competition) to this school—I’ve forgotten the name of the little village now… right in the heart of the countryside. Then, in the evenings, I’d keep practicing massage on all the family members… and they’d teach me Thai at the same time!))
Since then, I’ve practiced a bit, with lots of positive feedback. Following Teacher Phong’s advice—he thought my pressure was deep, firm, and precise—he strongly encouraged me to take this seriously.
I love Thailand so much. It’s a whole different way of living… and it’s a real blessing, even if I couldn’t live there full-time. Anyway, that was an unforgettable memory, and sometimes the Thai family and I still say hi—from 2011, 2013… right up to today!
"It seems to me that poverty would be less painful in the sun" wrote Aznavour...
Not sure...😕 Who can prove that people in hot countries are happier than others?
What do you think?
Is it better to live in Montpellier than in Lille?
Are the Pygmies happier than the Inuit?
Are Canadians less happy than the people of Louisiana?
Are there more French expats in hot countries?
And your travels? Do you choose your destinations based on the climate?
Do you rejoice when a bit of sunshine appears?
Hi everyone, just this once I’m not posting for a travel story, but to share a thought for Venezuela.
If you didn’t know—since it’s not making headlines—the country was hit by two 7.5-magnitude earthquakes last week. Over 2,200 people have died, more than 50,000 are missing, and some coastal towns have been completely destroyed.
Maybe when the scale of the humanitarian crisis becomes clear, our media will cover it a bit more... especially since earthquakes with this many casualties usually make the front page, but there’s been nothing in France.
So here’s a thought for this country, which, whatever you think of its politics, is a true jewel of South America, both for its landscapes and its people.
hi there
I’d like to invite you to discover my coastal province in central Vietnam: Quang Ngai.
This year, my province has really improved its infrastructure—mountains, countryside, and sea are all authentic here.
No harassers or thieves, and no Russians either.
A local lunch costs around 1 €.
A *** hotel room is about 25 €, and you can find hotels right on My Khe Beach.
We have a specialty: *banh xeo*—10 crepes for just 1.5 €.
You can rent motorbikes to explore the province and maybe visit the many ethnic minorities.
I live here—I’m not selling anything, but I can help if needed (my father-in-law is a traditional Vietnamese doctor and he’s very skilled).
Hi everyone! 😉
I’m Typhaine, 35 years old. Five years ago, I left France for a solo round-the-world trip—no planes, just a van, hitchhiking, cycling, and even a canoe in the Amazon! Today, I work as a naturalist guide in Argentine Patagonia.
Wherever I go, my compass stays the same: observing and photographing wildlife, which I deeply admire and respect.
My project: I’d love to share this experience through a sustainable, authentic, and immersive nature tourism initiative. But to build something meaningful, I need to understand how other nature enthusiasts experience their own adventures.
If you:
Are over 20 years old
Have a true passion for Nature
Have already taken at least one trip lasting more than 3 nights (in your country or abroad) in your life
Promise: I’m not selling anything, this isn’t marketing. Your answers are 100% anonymous and will only help me shape this wild project.
A huge thank you to everyone for your help and kindness! Looking forward to chatting in this thread 😛
(Dear admins, this is purely a collaborative effort for my project study, with no commercial purpose. Thank you so much for your support!)
Photo: Grizzly Bear (Ursus arctos horribilis), female on the left and her cub on the right. Photo taken by me in Alaska, Denali National Park.
It’s something we often notice in this forum—and many others—this behavioral shift.
A long-time member, or even a new one, asks a question.
They get one or more answers, some brief, some detailed, and then... nothing???
Not even a simple thank you!!!
From what I’ve gathered, if the answers don’t align with what they wanted to hear, it seems natural for the asker to just disappear!! 😕
Unless—(and I fear this is the case)—basic politeness is no longer part of our society????
I spent 3 weeks in Bali last summer (+ 3 nights on Gili Meno and a day trip to Kawah Ijen in Java). So I wanted to see what ChatGPT could suggest for comparison...
Here’s the prompt I gave:
"You’re a local expert guide for Bali.
- Plan a 20-day itinerary for Bali with a side trip to Gili Meno and a day trip to Kawah Ijen in Java without staying overnight.
- I’m traveling with my wife, and I love visiting historical sites, hiking, relaxing at the beach, snorkeling, and exploring rice terraces...
- For the duration of the stay, I don’t want more than 8 places to sleep, and I’d like to stay at least 2 days at each stop to avoid unpacking too often. Except for the last night, where I’m okay with just one night near the airport.
- I prefer neighborhoods that are walkable and try to avoid typical tourist traps, though I don’t want to miss the must-see spots. So suggest a mix of iconic sites and hidden gems.
- Recommend hotels or guesthouses with a budget of 50 to 100 € per night, including breakfast. Make suggestions in areas popular with travelers, specifying the vibe (I prefer quiet), and consider safety and proximity to attractions.
- For lunch and dinner, suggest two to three restaurants that are well-rated by customers.
- Give me a day-by-day program with details on travel times, visiting times for each point of interest, and recommendations for transportation (taxi, train, bike, etc.).
Estimate the total cost of the trip, including accommodations, food, transportation, and activities, and suggest two tips for saving money in each category.
- Don’t make anything up—be realistic about travel times, take into account the opening dates and hours of sites, and give me the entry fees for places to visit.
- Ask me all the questions until you’re 95% sure you understand what’s being asked. Don’t generate your response until you’ve understood."
The AI asked for a few clarifications:
"Great request—I can build you a really optimized and enjoyable itinerary, but to be 95% sure I hit the mark, I need a few key clarifications (this will really influence the pace, areas, and accommodations)."
In the end, it proposed a program very close to what we actually did.
I’ll skip its accommodation and restaurant suggestions...
Its proposal:
"Ubud (4 nights) => we did 5 nights
Sidemen (2 nights)
Amed (3 nights) => we’d planned 2 nights
Gili Meno (3 nights) => we did Gili between Sidemen and Amed
Munduk (3 nights) => we did 2 nights before Pemuteran
Pemuteran (3 nights) with Ijen => we did 4 nights
Sanur (2 nights + 1 last night) => we chose Jatiluwih instead of Sanur
It suggested "activities" (and accommodations too):
IN UBUD:
- Walk around central Ubud (1–2h)
- Campuhan Ridge Walk
- Tegalalang Rice Terrace
- Tirta Empul
- Gunung Kawi
- Massage / market / slow café
IN SIDEMEN:
- Rice terrace hike (2–3h)
- Cooking class
IN AMED:
- Snorkeling
- Japanese Shipwreck
- Beach + relaxation
- Volcano sunset
ON GILI:
- Snorkeling at Gili Meno Turtle Point, Nest Underwater Statues
IN MUNDUK:
- Jungle & waterfall hike - Munduk Waterfall + Melanting Waterfall
- Loop: 3–4h (perfect for your level)
- Ulun Danu Bratan Temple
- Twin Lakes
IN PEMUTERAN
- Snorkeling: Menjangan Island
For Kawah Ijen, it detailed the day well:
👍 from Pemuteran = best possible option
12 PM: leave hotel (we left at 10 PM)
1 PM: ferry
3 PM: arrival in Java + transfer
11 PM: start ascent
2 AM–6 AM: volcano
Return to Bali around 11 AM–12 PM (we got back at 4 PM)
👍 still very intense, but doable with an agency
💰 ~80–120 €/person all-inclusive
IN SANUR:
- Relaxation
- Quiet beach
- Proximity to airport (30 min)"
I’ve kept the habit of blowing my nose in the sink and then washing my hands—a custom I picked up in India. Sometimes, non-travelers are shocked when they catch me in the act... 🤪
Also, when I run out of toilet paper, it doesn’t bother me—unless I’ve got company over... 🤪
Just got back from walking a friend’s dog (while they’re on vacation), wearing a djellaba and Tibetan boots... 😏😏😏 Oh, for sure, if I’d run into locals, I probably would’ve shocked them? 😏
Anyway, as long as I’m not spitting on the floor at a restaurant or squatting on the side of a highway with a water bottle in hand...
After taking a little trip around the world, I came back a few months ago with an idea in mind.
I mostly do diving, and I love observing animals in their natural habitat without disturbing them.
During the trip, I realized it was quite complicated to know where and when to see certain species.
For example:
where to dive with sharks or manta rays
where you might get a chance to swim with whales
I even discovered thresher sharks during my trip… I didn’t even know this species existed before, even though they’re incredible to see.
We spent a ton of time searching for info all over the place, especially on social media, without ever getting a clear picture.
So I started putting all this together on my own, in the form of a map, to make it easier to visualize where to go depending on the seasons.
I recently put a first version online (it’s called Fauneya).
There are probably mistakes, inconsistencies, or things to improve, and that’s partly why I’m posting here.
I’d really love to know how you all go about planning this kind of trip.
As part of my Master’s thesis, I’m currently conducting a public survey on a topic that concerns all of us when planning a trip: artificial intelligence and the role of human contact in travel planning.
These days, we’re using more and more digital tools to find ideas, compare options, and book trips... but is the role of human advisors still essential? At what moments? And for what types of trips?
The survey is anonymous and takes about 7 minutes.
It’s aimed at anyone who travels (or has traveled) for leisure, whether you plan everything yourself or go through an agency.
While browsing the forum to gather info for my upcoming trip to Thailand, I often see the terms "traveler," "great traveler," and also "tourist"—so what’s the nuance for you?
I've traveled quite a bit in Vietnam over the past few years—from the southern delta to bustling cities and even some small islands—but what really sticks with me is the north, the high mountains.
Up there, there's something different—maybe slower, more raw. The morning markets with ethnic groups, women in traditional clothes, the colors...
The stilt houses, kids following you and laughing for no reason, the terraced rice fields—it almost feels unreal at times, so vast and quiet, yet so human and simple.
You often hear that Sapa has become too touristy, and that's partly true, especially in the center. But as soon as you move a little farther away, everything changes quickly. The landscapes open up, encounters feel more natural, and you rediscover something truly authentic.
I think it's that contrast that struck me—the difference between what you imagine before going and what you actually discover when you take the time.
And you—what memory do you hold onto from Vietnam? A particular place that touched you more than others?
Hello,
We’re finalizing the plans for our upcoming trip to China in May 2025. The second-to-last stop will be in Zhangjiajie, where we’ve planned to stay for 2 full days before heading to Shanghai.
We’re traveling solo using local transport and have arranged to stay in the city of Zhangjiajie.
We’ve seen that there’s a lot to see:
Tianmen Mountain, the Grand Canyon and the glass bridge, Zhangjiajie National Park, and that the sites are quite far apart with fairly expensive entry fees.
We’re thinking of dedicating one day to the national park and the Grand Canyon (glass bridge) and one day to Tianmen Mountain.
But we’re not sure if this plan is realistic—any thoughts would be much appreciated!
I should be serving a warming drink to the participants in the discussion about gardens and parks that provide us with beautiful photos, I could mention the delicious buttery scent wafting from bakeries in the thread about returning to France, but my heart, its powerful pulse that nourishes my entire being, is elsewhere.
Dasht-e Lut, Yazd, Esfahan, Bam, Kerman, Qeshm, Hormuz—a melody, a prayer at the heart of desire.
A dream, an unattainable fantasy? No. Not anymore.
A very serious Italian travel agency is organizing this trip for 6 people this winter. I’m signed up, I’m going, I’m living. Maybe.
"But you’re completely crazy!!!!"
I know... I know that every civilization, every society has a vital need to create scapegoats to define and justify itself, pathetically. And Iran is one of them, top of the list. I laugh or sigh, and it doesn’t bother me.
But that unchanging red, deep red and garnet, so beautiful in itself, in all the Western chancelleries repeats, whispers, shouts: don’t go, don’t go, don’t go, you’re putting yourself in danger and we can’t do anything for you. You’ll be turned into mere bargaining chips, into arguments for endless negotiations. Fear must be instilled, its power absolutely preserved, no concessions made to the enemy. The information (how many French hostages, real or fake, compared to the number of travelers?) is always lacking.
Traveling becomes a merciless confrontation between desire, the vital pulse, and anxiety, its ghosts.
Hi everyone, here’s our itinerary. Arriving on the evening of December 13th. Departing on January 7th.
Thanks in advance for your tips and valuable feedback.
Manila – 1 night
Coron – 4 nights
Coron to El Nido cruise – 2 nights
El Nido – 4 nights
Port Barton – 5 nights
Flight from Puerto Princesa to Vigan
Vigan – 2 nights
Sagada – 2 nights
Banaue – 2 nights
Bagabag – 1 night
Manila – 1 night
I’ve only booked the flight to Manila and the Manila/Coron flight so far. Is it possible to book boat trips, accommodations, and the Puerto Princesa flight last-minute?
Really disappointed with Costa Rica! Pura vida? The scam of the century!
(Costa Rica pure emptiness).
The country where animals are free and people are in cages.
3 weeks in December in this country and never again. Imagine the trailer of a movie that seems interesting, and when you go see it, you realize it’s a flop and the best moments were in the trailer.
Well, that’s exactly how we felt with Costa Rica pure emptiness.
My wife and I have traveled quite a bit and didn’t expect to be so wrong about a place.
On the main routes, we visited:
San José
Alajuela
Limón, Cahuita, Puerto Viejo, Manzanillo (Caribbean side)
Jaco, Quepos, Manuel Antonio (Pacific side)
And a few short stops in intermediate towns.
Our dissatisfaction grew gradually like this:
When we arrived at the hotel, the taxi dropped us off on a small street in front of a white metal gate with ground-floor windows barred. We looked at it skeptically, but the sign matched.
He approached the gate, rang the bell, the buzzer sounded, and the door opened slightly. The hotel wasn’t bad for the price, a 10-minute walk from downtown, but with a "Fleury-Mérogis" vibe guaranteed.
So far, so good.
After showering and regaining our bearings, we headed downtown.
What started to unsettle us on the way was seeing houses with bars on the ground-floor windows and even on the second floor.
At first, we thought the hotel’s neighborhood wasn’t great.
Downtown San José:
It’s a generic city, not very exotic, with a pedestrian street and a small mercado where you can eat local food without frills. Very few tourists—if any—which let you blend in with the locals. We had lunch and struggled to make ourselves understood because, aside from one or two shops, English wasn’t spoken.
On the way back to the hotel, we took a different route, and while chatting and strolling, my wife pointed out a beautiful two-story white house completely barricaded like Fort Knox.
From that moment, we started noticing the facades of houses and buildings, and wow, it was creepy—most looked like prisons, some even with barbed wire.
Though put off, we told ourselves it was probably a big-city thing and the rest of the country couldn’t be like this.
So far, so good.
We relaxed at the hotel and had a drink at the bar. Night falls early, around 5:30 PM. By 7:30 PM, we headed back downtown for dinner. A bit unsettling for a capital—downtown was almost deserted, and aside from fast-food chains, very few restaurants were open, with hardly anyone on the streets.
Bars with security guards out front.
I won’t say we felt unsafe that night, but once it got dark, we realized the bars on the windows weren’t for nothing. First day in, and our impression was already mixed.
The next day, we explored the city and surroundings, and our feelings didn’t change.
So far, so good.
Off to Cahuita by bus—4 hours of travel.
The landscapes are very green but quickly become monotonous. The road runs alongside the forest and passes through a few towns and villages, and even in the countryside, there were just as many prison-like houses.
The bus dropped us off at Cahuita’s terminal station—only four of us got off. It’s a village, or rather, a small town. Cahuita is basically one straight road and a perpendicular one, and honestly, doubt started to creep in.
A few restaurants that add 13% tax and 10% service charge—so 23% extra. We dropped our stuff at the hotel and went to explore. In 20 minutes, we’d seen it all. We had lunch and planned to check out the famous park.
Entry is by donation—well, the "entry" is a joke. There’s a path along the forest by the sea, and that’s it.
Nothing’s going right anymore.
We thought it was a total scam, but since we hadn’t gone far, we decided to come back the next day to explore further.
We returned to the hotel, relaxed, and around 8:00 PM, we went out for dinner. Only two restaurants were open, and the streets were deserted.
Creepy!
The next day, we explored the so-called park more thoroughly and really got it.
A path along the forest by the sea—2 hours there and 2 hours back, where you see animals that feel like showing their faces.
A total joke—"all that for this?"
The beach was full of wood debris and coconut husks. We wondered if the photos online were edited because the sea, very rough, wasn’t the azure blue we’d seen in pictures.
But calling this a park is a joke—it’s like a new concept.
When we thought about the reviews online, we started to suspect that professionals with interests in the country were monitoring and countering any negative feedback that could harm their business.
Too bad we didn’t check the negative reviews beforehand—we did while we were there, and it helped. We wondered if we’d become too demanding after all our travels, but no—when something’s bad, it’s bad.
Manuel Antonio’s park is even more ridiculous—there’s a short path along the sea for about 500 meters, and then nothing. You have to climb through mud and hack your way through the forest. We ended up barefoot because the mud was up to our calves. All that to see a raccoon and a few parrots flying overhead.
We didn’t expect Noah’s Ark, but we’ve seen more animals in Bali, Mexico, and Thailand while visiting temples or just walking around than in these so-called parks!
Puerto Viejo, not far from Cahuita and supposedly livelier—well, it couldn’t be worse!
According to Lonely Planet, it had a Caribbean vibe and wild nights, but maybe that was a long time ago. The good reggae music playing everywhere isn’t enough.
In the evening, Puerto Viejo was a bit livelier than Cahuita, but that’s not saying much. Very few tourists—if any—no night market, just two or three shops open selling $20 T-shirts. Same vibe as San José.
No big deal—we enjoyed the beach and the sun, which was reliable.
Our itinerary was supposed to include Tortuguero Park, but after talking to other travelers who’d just been, we changed our minds, knowing we’d be visiting Manuel Antonio Park on the Pacific side.
To get back to the Pacific side, you have to take the bus and go through San José again—5 hours this time—then switch bus terminals and another 4.5 hours to Quepos.
A stopover town to get to Manuel Antonio’s beach and park!
A town just like the others we’d seen—deserted as soon as the sun sets, and not exactly bustling during the day either. (Where are all the tourists?)
Still as many bars on the windows and that feeling of being in the wrong place.
7 km later: Manuel Antonio beach and park.
The beach is very beautiful and quite large, but don’t expect turquoise blue water—the waves stir up the sand, giving the water a brownish color.
Along the beach, shops and restaurants for about 300 meters, and then nothing. At night, after sunset, the town shuts down too.
Manuel Antonio Park is highly praised for its wildlife, so we were eager to see it. When you express dissatisfaction with Cahuita or Manzanillo parks, the response is always, "But you should’ve gone to Monteverde or Manuel Antonio!" No matter what you do or say, they’ll tell you, "You should’ve gone there or here."
Back to our famous park—entry was about $16, and contrary to what we’d heard, it wasn’t crowded!
Guides at the entrance with spotting scopes offered their services for about $30.
The park: a mix of boardwalk and dirt paths through the forest, sometimes running alongside beautiful coves and beaches.
As soon as we entered, a crowd was taking photos of a deer eating leaves.
A little further on, a guide with a group of five stopped. The guide raised his arm and set up his spotting scope! He showed them, about 100 meters away, a hummingbird perched on a branch. Some, looking through the scope, exclaimed, "Oh my God! Amazing! Incredible!"
For a moment, we thought they’d discovered a unicorn or were in Jurassic Park and had just crossed paths with a T-Rex!
The concept is comical—looking at a bird or another animal through a spotting scope because it’s too far away. Isn’t that what TV is for?
For our part, we saw monkeys, ants, an armadillo, an iguana, and the backside of a sloth climbing a tree. Amazing, incredible!
We stayed a few days in Manuel Antonio to enjoy the beach, changing hotels often because prices varied wildly from one day to the next for shameful services. On top of that, they’d quote a price in dollars and convert it at their discretion—thieves!
Alajuela, a city near the airport, has a two-story mall and a local market downtown! No interest except its proximity to the airport.
What we liked:
The climate and, in hindsight, San José—the most authentic city we visited.
What we didn’t like, in addition to what we’ve already mentioned:
Costa Ricans aren’t very friendly or communicative. English is barely spoken, not even by doctors at Quepos Hospital, where my wife ended up with food poisoning (thanks, Google Translate). The widespread obesity among Costa Ricans, who eat like Americans. The insecurity. The eco-hipsters who leave their $150 lodges in minivans with guides to visit parks and other sites, then return to barricade themselves in their fortresses at nightfall (oh my God, amazing, incredible). The blue signs at the entrance of towns that accept this payment method: "We accept American Express." Parking lots that become paid just because a guy is watching your car. Prices displayed in dollars. The cost of living (hotels, restaurants, taxes). Landscapes that are too green and not flowery enough. Beaches—nothing exceptional. Pollution in cities where big American trucks rule. Sewage dumped directly into the sea. Aside from the jungle, there’s nothing to visit—no ruins, monuments, or anything worth seeing.
In short, my wife and I think the hype about this supposedly eco-friendly country is overrated. It’s just the trendy destination of the moment. There are much better, cheaper, and more authentic places.
In hindsight, we keep the good memories and our beautiful photos, but if we had to do it over...
Before signing off, a little message to those who don’t like hearing opinions different from theirs:
Well, some things aren’t up for debate. And to those who’d have us believe that in 3 weeks, we don’t have the right to criticize a country or express our feelings—how can you praise it in so little time? What a scam. Costa Rica is a money pit. Pura vida? Pure cosmic emptiness.
If you like spending your evenings barricaded in your cozy hotel after dark, this country is for you.
For everyone else: run!
Hello,
Since the war between Russia and Ukraine, nothing is simple anymore for traveling to Belarus due to sanctions.
No more direct flights from the EU to Minsk.
Driving is a huge hassle, especially crossing through Poland at the only open border in Brest—you can wait 2, 3, or even 4 days just to get through by car.
The least painful driving option is to come via Lithuania and cross at the only open border, with a minimum wait time of 8 hours, sometimes up to 20 hours or more!!
Controls are very strict and annoying on both the Lithuanian and Belarusian sides. Avoid bringing alcohol, food, or cigarettes—everything will end up in the trash, especially when leaving Belarus for Vilnius, where the Lithuanians are tough, even with EU citizens.
The joy I once knew when visiting my wife in Minsk is sadly over—it’s now a real ordeal.
The fastest solution is to fly. My wife travels to France by taking a bus to Kaunas in Lithuania, where you can catch a flight (though not daily) to Paris Beauvais or Charleroi in Belgium with Ryanair, for example.
For the return trip, it’s the same: a flight to Kaunas and then a direct bus from the airport to Minsk.
The bus crossing is quicker than driving—the 250 km journey, including border checks, takes about 6 to 8 hours for buses leaving Lithuania around midnight, but controls are still strict at the border.
The biggest challenge is finding flight schedules that align with the bus routes between the two countries, given the unpredictable border crossing times.
Now, my wife travels via Charleroi in Belgium (near Brussels), and you can take a train to Paris. Alternatively, you can fly into Beauvais and take a bus to Paris (Porte Maillot).
For those driving, note that EU insurance and assistance policies no longer work in Belarus or Russia. You’ll need to get local insurance, usually limited to third-party liability (I don’t think full coverage exists?), as well as mandatory medical insurance. This is available at the border.
You now have to pay highway tolls—no more BELTOLL boxes. Instead, you pay a flat fee for the duration of your stay. Stop at the first gas station after crossing from Lithuania to fill up on fuel and cigarettes.
From what I know, Lithuania bans carrying more than 60 € in cash, but there’s no limit for USD (though it’s capped at $10,000??).
With a Visa card, you can now withdraw 1,000 rubles per week (about 270 €)—two months ago, it was only 500 rubles!!
For now, you can still pay by card in shops and gas stations.
However, major retailers like KORONA (which may be Russian-owned??) no longer accept foreign Visa cards.
Unfortunately, the additional sanctions announced by the U.S. on August 5, 2025, against Russia—and possibly Belarus—aren’t promising for the future.
After 20 years of visiting Belarus, I’m truly saddened to see the joy of living in this country with my wonderful wife turn into such a bleak situation, all because of human folly.
Hi everyone!
I’m putting together our travel itinerary for Veneto at the end of April. And the more I look and research potential sites to visit, the more I find!
We’ll only be there for a week—my family and I—including 3 days in Venice. So we have to make some choices...
I plan to rent a car when we arrive in Venice and head straight to Bergamo, which would be our first stop. We’d leave the car at the airport when we return to Venice so we can explore the city at our leisure.
What do you think:
1 night in Bergamo (a 2h15 drive from Venice airport),
1 night in Garda,
1 night in Verona,
1 in Padua, and
3 in Venice—would that be doable?
Thanks in advance for your tips and experiences! :)
Now that the curtain has fallen on the past year, it’s time to see what’s happening around here.
It seems pretty quiet, but I’ll read more in detail later.
First, I need to tell you all an anecdote.
My eldest little girl, in her third year of law school, was really scared she wouldn’t pass the year.
I told her:
“Trust yourself, you’ve worked so hard, and worst case, if you fail, you’ll just redo the year.”
“But I don’t think I’ll make it—they changed the rules, and if I mess up even one unit, I have to start all over.”
I knew her grades weren’t exactly stellar, and with what I was about to say, I wasn’t taking much of a risk.
“Here’s the deal, sweetheart: if you pass, I promise I’ll take you to India, just the two of us.”
I have to admit, India is a country I’ve talked about so much to all my grandchildren that in their minds, it’s become a magical, mythical place (hmm).
July had barely begun when my phone rang, her name flashing on the screen.
“Mamido, I did it!”
My promise came rushing back—oh no, oh no, oh no!
“Congratulations, sweetheart!”
A little shyly, she said:
“Is the India trip still on?”
And me, replying:
“Of course it is!”
And that’s that—a promise is a promise, or you risk losing that precious trust that keeps hearts warm and at peace.
We’re leaving in February. Only 8 days—yikes, the carbon footprint!
But we can’t miss her tutorials, or she’ll be kicked out.
Personally, that works just fine for me.
Going to India has become a challenge for me. It’s far, it’s exhausting, I sweat, I hate mosquitoes, the spices bother my mouth when I used to love them. There’s noise all the time—at night, the dogs bark nonstop, and we almost get run over. I’ll get lost in the streets because my sense of direction has vanished. I don’t like rice anymore. All that chaos and those cultural differences that once enchanted me now just overwhelm me.
But I promised.
The upside—and it’s a big one—Raman, the same driver I’ve had forever, will be at the airport with a sign with our names. We’ll stop at the same little shop for chai (or tea, plain and simple) with that aroma that intoxicates me, halfway through the trip.
It’ll be a tiny trip—staying with friends, I’ll show her a few places I love: Chidambaram, Mamallapuram, and the clinic where I worked. Then we’ll head back.
My little girl will go home to her parents.
As for me, I’ll leave right away for our Scottish island with Homme for our chilly winter.
How can you love a country so much you want to live there, then suddenly reject it, no longer able to appreciate what once made it special?
That’s the mystery of love, I guess.
I’ve visited the U.S. four times myself, including two long road trips. The last one was just this past August...
I won’t be going back. I already felt guilty last August, but recent policies have finally convinced me: the humiliation of Zelensky, authoritarian excesses, Gestapo-like methods for detaining people of foreign origin, the murder of innocent people (a mother shot dead), corruption, insane "tariffs," skyrocketing healthcare costs for Americans, the abduction of foreign figures to secure oil, the requirement to disclose social media accounts, and now... threats and blackmail to forcibly take Greenland—a region that belongs to Denmark and thus the European Union!
The reality is that simply posting this could get me denied entry to the U.S.!
In this context, I just can’t keep spending money there. I loved my trips, but there are so many other countries with stunning landscapes to explore.
So I get why you’d want to travel there. I did, and I loved it. But once a country no longer respects any of the values that made us love it, why go?
How can we even consider traveling to a country that threatens to take one of our territories by force?
Hello everyone,
Controversial topic? Not necessarily—maybe just a reflection on a world to come.
I spent the last 15 days of August on a cruise in Greenland, from Kangerlussuaq to Tasiilaq.
I was utterly amazed by this unique world of rock and ice, the little houses in every color, a simple life that’s also complicated by isolation and climate, among other things...
I carry in my heart the kindness of the people I met, the raw and gentle majesty of the icebergs, the colors of the sky...
So, I can’t even imagine a massive presence of raw material prospectors, heavy machinery requiring roads to be built—if that’s even possible—changing their way of life... putting sled dogs out to pasture!
Do fast food and Greenland’s northern lights really mix?
I wouldn’t trade my memories for an ESTA!
All opinions are respectable, which is why this isn’t a controversy—but I’m sorry, I have a soft spot for *my* Greenland.
We’re a couple aged 58 and 63. We’ve just returned from a wonderful trip to South India in Tamil Nadu and a few days in Kerala. We traveled with a local French-speaking guide and his friend, the driver. They both live in Pondicherry. We spent 3 weeks with them in the most authentic way!
We covered just over 2,500 km and visited not only temples but also archaeological sites, museums, and small artisanal businesses making tiles, tea, sculptures, bronze, and silk spinning. We were lucky enough to visit a public school, attend a wedding, and even a death announcement in a small countryside village. We were fully immersed in the culture, food, noise, and colors—it was incredible!
The hotels and guesthouses we chose were very clean and mostly quiet. We’re returning from India with amazing discoveries!
We’re happy to share more info if you’d like!
M-Claire and Jean
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