I'm never entirely sure...
... what compels rich first worlders to "experience" my continent of origin in this fashion. Took me years of bloody effort and most of a year's wages to escape the bloody place.
(Ladyfingers is in your wardrobe,, Sat 28 Jan 2012, 5:07, 2 replies)

I think it's because it's the last continent in the world where you can really escape from the modern world, and actually get yourself into real trouble. For me a large part of it was meeting people who have nothing but are far happier than your average First Worlder. And all most of them want is to have our live. So yes, it's ironic.
(strongp, Sat 28 Jan 2012, 11:42, closed)

I think the answer is more or less the same reason you left
If you have an easy way to get out, anywhere can be interesting.

I spent quite a lot of my 20's bimbling around Africa (and lots of other 'dodgy' places, e.g. Yemen), for work. There's a very big difference between flying in, being driven around, staying at safe and secure hotels, then flying out again when you want to, and having to live as a local.
(username failed moderation, Mon 30 Jan 2012, 9:50, closed)

yep, that would make you a tourist, or an expat. I think the 'interesting' bit starts once you get away from that. For me it was all about not being able to squawk for help if things go to shit. You make your decisions and live by them. Sure you are going to have an easy time of it if you're in a city with a credit card, but there aren't any easy exits in the middle off the jungle or the desert. The great thing about getting of the tourist routes is there aren't hotels - you eat on the street with the other young men, and actually see the real country not the tourist destinations. And yes, it can be dangerous at times, but those moments are outweighed by all the good people that you meet. I learned a lot about myself which surprised me as I've been around the block - if I'd been in some of the situations I found myself in on the trip when I was 20 I'd probably had fucked it up and killed myself.
(strongp, Mon 30 Jan 2012, 10:51, closed)

have been re-reading
long way down recently.

It sounds very appealing. Too late for me now though, my wife and kids would never stand for it!
(username failed moderation, Mon 30 Jan 2012, 11:21, closed)

You should ask the missus - if you're lucky she might be glad to get rid of you for a few months. I did some of the routes as they did, only without the support team. Having to do you own washing up is a bitch.
(strongp, Tue 31 Jan 2012, 16:24, closed)

Hah
Yeah, was a bit like that. But still, if you could, why wouldn't you?
(username failed moderation, Thu 2 Feb 2012, 9:08, closed)