Disqus - Latest Comments for W

Re: Daily Travel Photo - Papua New Guinea

Sun, 08 Jun 2008 15:37:21 -0000

Wow, lucky you! That's a fantastic view to wake up to!

Re: On Poverty

Wed, 15 Oct 2008 11:16:24 -0000

I'm not sure if I agree with the opening lines of your first point:

"Go back even 100 years, and pretty much everyone on the planet was poor. Go back 200 or 1,000 years, and this was definitely true. I don’t think there are many people who would prefer to be a nobleman in ancient Rome versus an average person today."

I believe that poverty is relative. Yes, ancient Roman nobleman didn't have the same amount of money than we do today, but relative to their cost of living in those days and the amount of inflation since those days, you can hardly call them "poor" by any means. Just as you point out later that most of the "poor" in developed nations aren't actually poor compared to those in developing countries because they make more money, they may be poor relative to the cost of living and those around them. (I'm kind of playing devil's advocate with that last statement. Part of me believes that people don't save and spend wisely, but at the same time, a lot of it is relative to the society. There's definitely more involved than money, dollar for dollar, even though there is absolute poverty in the world. I won't argue with anyone that you're poor when you're making less than $1 USD equivalent a day.)

And a couple of other points, just for thoughts:
1. If there's no shortage of hard working people in Asia, why is there still poverty in those countries? Just because their society place value in working hard, doesn't mean that it can eliminate poverty.
2. Anecdotal evidence is definitely useful, but it's also difficult to quantify, as you've pointed out. I remember in one of my college classes, I was describing a taxi driver that I had met in Beijing who was barely making ends meet for him and his family, as an example of (the lack of) economic progress in China. Another student, who had also been in China recently, was telling about how this small village that she visited had internet and all these modern technologies. So while both anecdotes are true, it's hard to make sweeping generalizations with them, and that's partly the problem with them. (And reading back on what I just wrote, it may have to do with the relative poverty that I was writing about earlier.)

I think this article is a good start on trying to understand poverty. But the problem isn't acknowledging that it exists, but what can actually be done about it. Kiva.org is definitely a good organization that empowers people in developing nations.

(I'm sorry for hijacking your comment section with my long rant. This is a topic that I feel strongly about, but even so, I have many conflicting internal arguments with myself.)

Re: New Site Feature: Click on the Daily Photo

Tue, 11 Nov 2008 09:55:00 -0000

Looks good! :)

Re: A Brief Encounter with the Spanish Medical Establishment

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 19:48:01 -0000

This is kind of weird because it does sound like mumps, with the swollen parotid glands and all. But mumps is caused by a virus and can't/shouldn't be treated with an antibiotic. I find it kind of strange that the doctor diagnosed mumps yet gave antibiotics anyway. Either way, glad it's getting better! :)

Re: The Dopplr Effect: Have Social Media, Will Travel

Fri, 24 Oct 2008 12:25:30 -0000

I just joined and I'll be adding you! :)

Re: Arriving In Agra

Sun, 15 Jun 2008 09:08:41 -0000

Wow, I can't wait to read your post about Taj Mahal. I'm already impressed with the photos!

Re: Day 2 – Crossing The Snowline

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 10:48:27 -0000

When I first glanced at the photo, I wasn't sure if it was a slug or shiny, shiny poop.

Re: Chatuchak Weekend Market And Siam Paragon

Mon, 21 Jul 2008 09:38:08 -0000

Wow, that's a nice movie theater! But $19?! (That's USD, right?) Glad you enjoyed it! Me, on the other hand, probably would have fallen asleep with the recliner and the pillow and the blanket! :D

Re: Bye Bye Bangkok, Hello Koh Samui

Wed, 23 Jul 2008 10:09:03 -0000

The first photo is gorgeous!

Re: Kayaking Ang Thong National Marine Park

Fri, 25 Jul 2008 11:48:10 -0000

The photos are gorgeous!!

Re: More Photos From Phi Phi Leh

Mon, 01 Sep 2008 08:57:15 -0000

Wow, the water color is AMAZING!

Re: My Holiday In Cambodia

Sun, 14 Sep 2008 13:02:19 -0000

I'm really looking forward to reading about Cambodia! Hope you're enjoying it!

Re: Birthday Wish List

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 21:20:40 -0000

Happy birthday! I'm so looking forward to your future destinations!! :)

Re: The Birthday Rock Climb

Sun, 05 Oct 2008 10:48:14 -0000

Happy belated birthday, Dave! Sounds like you had a good one! :)

Re: Befriending Tigers

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 10:51:42 -0000

That's pretty awesome! Nice pictures!

Re: Video Of Tiger Cubs

Sat, 11 Oct 2008 16:26:44 -0000

So cute!!

Re: The Plan

Thu, 13 Nov 2008 08:57:24 -0000

I had a tough time voting, but ultimately went for Victoria Falls. At the same time, I can't imagine going through Africa without doing a safari! (I'm not a big fan of beaches, so while they might be beautiful in Mozambique like Geoff said, they're just beaches in my mind.)

And I think your photos make your posts that much more real and interesting, so I wouldn't mind you spacing out the entries but with photos. :)

Re: A Year Abroad

Sat, 06 Dec 2008 10:35:17 -0000

Congratulations for hitting that one-year mark! :) Hope you make just as many amazing memories with the rest of your travels!

Re: The Great Pyramids And Sphinx At Giza

Sat, 03 Jan 2009 20:17:42 -0000

Awesome photos!

What was the temperature like? Just curious because of the scarf around your neck.

Re: The Grand Tour Of Arcachon Bay

Sat, 24 Jan 2009 10:26:14 -0000

I absolutely LOVE the third photo! The composition is awesome and colors are amazing!