tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21635939.post5487934161902210964..comments2024-03-15T10:23:07.022-06:00Comments on Sustainable Adventure: Santa Cruz TrekAndrew McKinlayhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14951795633428513769noreply@blogger.comBlogger2125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21635939.post-3965246949351520472010-01-21T13:26:09.813-06:002010-01-21T13:26:09.813-06:00Your stories do not make me laugh at your struggle...Your stories do not make me laugh at your struggles. I just admire your determination and your ability to handle such hassle. <br /><br />I also grieve for countries where confusion and inefficiency waste so much of their potential. There are few parts of the world where fifty years of peace, the rule of law and even half-sensible government would not bring prosperity. I am sure I have said all this before. <br /><br />We have lotsd of traffic roundabouts in England. When I see traffic approaching from four directions and slowing down for vehicles with priority so that the traffic sorts itself out safely, peacefull and rapidly I reflect that this is civilisation. It is not just the cops of whom we could do with more but in the victorian phrase 'enlightened self-interest'. perhaps even morality. <br /><br />Some communities seem better at it than others. So do some individuals: the ability to postpone gratification for a greater reward - get up in the morning to go to work - varies greatly between individuals. <br /><br />Solemn thoughts from a vivid decription of a lively scene.<br /><br />My own idea is a comfortable seat om a major airline, an airport like Hong Kong where formalities and baggage reclaim work quickly and efficiently and then there is a friendly face waiting to greet one and help with bags. Failing that a taxi-driver holding a placard with one's name. <br /><br />The sanitised international hotel is however going too far. Small enough to mske one as person, large enough to have an adjoining bathroom. <br /><br />Best of all is the Bed & Breakfast in Oz or NZ where one can end the day drinking with the proprietors. Have not tried Canadian B&B - doubtless similar. <br /><br />The hazard is that in ma ny countries the westernised facilities available to tourists ll rich beyond the hopes of the locals lead to ignoring and indeed not noticing the poverty and degradation of those outside the magic circle of dollars. <br /><br />I am being sententious again: enough.<br /><br />To have seen the landscapes, the plants and beasts and the people makes the hassle worthwhile. It is something to lift one's eyes to what there is to see in the world without a TV set. There I am, sententious again. <br /><br />Waiting for more. <br /><br />J A BJohn B.https://www.blogger.com/profile/15164975589117097310noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21635939.post-82624585540460288342010-01-21T12:13:09.351-06:002010-01-21T12:13:09.351-06:00Well, one thing about all the rain, it sure makes ...Well, one thing about all the rain, it sure makes the colors vibrant! Wonderful pictures! Looks like an amazing trek!Jenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14824656707394952302noreply@blogger.com