Name: MJ
City, Country: Denver
Sent: 3.43 PM - 5/16 2002
Hello all, I also think it is up to the hosts to say, "Please only stay on this long, here is what it will cost us to have you stay online, etc." Remembering how every country or even state is with long distance charges, internet charges, etc would be difficult to do...
Just my two cents...
:)
MJ
Name: Glenn Watson
City, Country: Noosa, Qld
Sent: 3.28 AM - 5/16 2002
We recently hosted Ramon (Apr 18 and then again by may parents on Apr 21) and had a great time with him. ( even taught him how to fish and feed Dolphins by hand) I was however a little dissapointed to find that he had left an internet phone bill on my parents phone account of $30.00.
Ramon, you need to remember that not all calls are local and that if it is Long Distance and not local that remaing connected all night (even when asleep) will cost big dollars. I was a little dissapointed more because my parents are retired and it was me who suggested that they help Ramon out for the night as he was stuck for a place to stay and a meal. Ramon, never forget that it is your hosts that are doing you the favour...not the other way around.
Continue to enjoy your journey and stay safe.
Regards, Glenn.
Name: Brian
City, Country: Durban, South Africa
Sent: 4.03 PM - 5/15 2002
Hi Munk
Your response about the sponges was brilliant! It would be hard to beat that chirp! Witty, accurate, clever, the works!
Ramon, you have a cool friend.
Sala kahle
Brian
Sent: 1.47 PM - 5/15 2002
Ramon, It's Journo Jim. I've been following your trails with interest, and was very intrigued by your reaction to the Fortuyn assassination. I was in the paper newsroom when I heard about it, and remember thinking at the time that it would be interesting to hear what you had to say about it. Unfortunately, you were and are on the other side of the world. To make matters worse, you then go and lose your laptop, the one way you have to talk to us all. Glad you got everything sorted out in the end, and I'm sure I join with evweryone in wishing thanks to everyone who contributed to keeping you in business.
Now, if we could only spread that sort of energy around a bit more, we might have less cases like Mr Fortuyn's tragic death.
Incidentally, I love Holland - it's a rich culture with a long tradition of adopting other cutlures into its melting pot. Fortuyn's views do not represent me or even those of the vast majority of Dutch people. nevertheless, killing causes only more killing, as we have learnt to our cost in my native Northern Ireland. I hope that the Dutch people will respond in the proper fashion to this tragedy, and gather together in a show of compassion and dignity and respect for all during the forthcoming election.
Name: Munk
Sent: 12.43 PM - 5/15 2002
Mick, no one told you not to eat sponges? Everybody knows they make you sick.
Name: Mick
City, Country: Australia
Sent: 9.28 AM - 5/15 2002
You're a sponge.... you make me sick
Name: Murray Clarke
City, Country: London, Ontario, Canada
Sent: 7.54 PM - 5/14 2002
Good day, eh? Ramon, I came across your site from my ISP WebSite "http://www.broadband.rogers.com" or "http://www.hispeed.rogers.com" you pick, they are the same.
Well I must say that reading some of your messageboard postings, you've be come very popular in this small world of ours. When I was about your age I much did the same, only across Canada though. I was very pleased to see that someone else is doing it, but on a much larger scale.
<<<<< EXCELLENT JOB !!!!!! >>>>> To you and to your guests keep smiling and let the sun shine upon your face. I wish that the world would wake up someday; to learn as much as possible that you want yourself to allow in, to help others see the light. No matter what thier believes are, with that to say good luck on your journeys... Sorry I wasn't able to help you, I'm finacially strapped too.
Your Sincerly;
Murray
Name: Steve Mosby
City, Country: Leeds, UK
Sent: 7.15 PM - 5/13 2002
Best of luck! Keep going!
Name: Therése Hammar
City, Country: Malmo/Sweden
Sent: 12.00 PM - 5/13 2002
I read about you in yesterdays newspaper here in Sweden. I think your idea is wonderful and i hope you will have a joyful trip around the world. Good luck too you. Sorry about you hade problem to find places in Sweden to stay in...good luck.
Sent: 7.18 AM - 5/13 2002
(anonymous message deleted)
Name: Chris & Maz
City, Country: HAMILTON ISLAND
Sent: 2.25 AM - 5/13 2002
Good luck with the rest of the trip mate. Thanks for visiting us at Hamilton Island.We hope that you enjoyed yourself as much as we enjoyed meeting you!! All the guys & girls at the Island Bar & Bohemes say a big HELLO & goodluck too.I don't know why some people refer to you as freeloader, from what I saw over the past 3 days, everything was offered to you. You didn't ask. Like I said before you left - you are welcome back at our place ANY TIME mate. Just drop us a line. Take care Ramon, hope to see you again !!!!!!!
Name: Pit
City, Country: Wilhelmshaven, Germany
Sent: 1.15 PM - 5/11 2002
My opinion about you trying to get in the Australian Big Brother House: don't go there. Your self-potrayal on the net is kind and sympathic, and you shouldn't present yourself in such a bullshit of exhibitionism (physical and psycological), voyeurism an commerce.
Name: Mischa
City, Country: Zwolle, the Netherlands
Sent: 11.05 PM - 5/10 2002
Hi Ramon!
Just a quick note from Zwolle. Everything is going as usual here. In case you might wonder if you are missing something; you aren't. I really enjoy your daily reports, but I am also looking forward to the day that you can tell us about your adventures in person. I guess I won't be living in Zwolle by then though, as at july 1st I will be moving to Nijmegen. Of course, I'm happy to see you whenever you decide to take a break at our beautiful "hanzestad bij de ijssel."
Cheers,
Mischa
Name: Bret
City, Country: CA,USA
Sent: 10.53 PM - 5/10 2002
Ramon, I too think it was great of you to not give up on the guy. Most people would've just let it be. It's always a tender moment when one is trying to help another, whether one is treading too much into anothers pesonal pride. Fortunately you didn't give up and neither did he. What a great reward it must of been to see his face with excitement. Hopefully he will take another step and learn how to swim to help himself explore even more of what's out there. Here's to you you Ramon. []! (big hug). Happy trails.
Sala kahle
Bret
Name: Brian
City, Country: Durban, South Africa
Sent: 3.02 PM - 5/10 2002
Ramon, well done on getting that guy to go into the sea. Who knows, he may have suffered a loss or injury in the sea and had a phobia. You would have cured him! That's a wonderful way to use human power. We all have this power, and so few of us use it in this sort of way.
Well done, Ramon. I hope he remembers you.
Hamba kahle
Brian
Name: Matthew
City, Country: Adelaide, Australia
Sent: 12.06 PM - 5/10 2002
Mate you are a Bloody Riper. Your an insperation to allo of us. I hope you get in the big bro house.
Name: Dbk Tom
City, Country: N.Z
Sent: 6.53 AM - 5/10 2002
I've just been reading your latest report.
I'was quite impressed what you did for this pommy guy.
It must have been amazing.
Thanks for that Ramon,you made my day.
Name: Brian
City, Country: Durban, South Africa
Sent: 6.13 AM - 5/8 2002
Hi there, Adam (Ramon's host on 27 April)
It seems that you and I have the same idea about domestic life. Clean only when you should, cook the basics (remember, Ramon reported that I am a lousy cook, and it's true!), and bung all leftovers in the freezer! Mate, I know how it is! At least you served Ramon something that is universally acceptable, I didn't... :-( Although Ramon's diplomatic approach was, well, interesting.
It's such an eye-opener to see honest reports about how people live. Often, when you go to visit someone, they clean up and make everything nice, and cook up a great meal. It's cool to know that there are others out there like me. We invite people over and they must see exactly how we are. Adam, good on ya!
Sala kahle
Brian
PS. Ramon, I read your reply to my earlier posting. Yes, I understand and accept your comments. Thanks.
Name: MJ
City, Country: Denver
Sent: 11.05 PM - 5/7 2002
Yes Joerg....sometimes even on this messageboard.
Name: Joerg Habermann
City, Country: Orlando-Florida, USA
Sent: 9.49 PM - 5/7 2002
Dearest Ramon,
You are my only true hero, man. You are not like other freeloaders, NO, you are cadging the whole damn world. And you make the people loving and sponsoring you for that. See, idiocy really goes global!!
Name: Brian
City, Country: Durban, South Africa
Sent: 6.33 AM - 5/7 2002
Hi all
Ramon, I can understand how the Dutch people must feel about the assasination in Netherlands. No matter what a person thinks, it is wrong to kill him. That is the fundemental behind freedom of speech.
Having said that, I can also understand the situation, although I know nothing of Dutch politics. You see, I live in South Africa. We have merciless killings every day. Some victims are high profile figures, others are police, others are just ordinary citizens, rich and poor alike. Just this weekend, a 38 year old policeman was shot dead about 7km from my place.
I'm not sure how much of this you picked up while here in SA, but this is the norm. The sad part is that there is no single cause. You can't blame poverty.
This weekend I stayed in a traditional Zulu village without electricity or running water. These people are poor, but are happy and respectful.
Ramon, criminal-minded lunatics live all over the world. There is always someone wanting to kill another. It is our job to smother these idiots, and let peace and respect shine though.
The fact is that, even in SA, it is only a few percent of the population that behaves like this, most of us are decent people.
I'm sure that Netherlands has an even lower percentage of the population like this. My undersanding of your country is that you are polite and respectful, and always allow the other person freedom of thought and speech. Certainly, you showed me that when you were here.
I empathise with the Dutch people, as this is a tragedy in any country, and more so in Netherlands. But your country will survive. I'm sure of that.
Sala kahle
Brian
RAMON:
Thanks Brian, for your rationalisation. However I think you can not compare the situation in South Africa with any other countries. I don't want to compare the situation in the Netherlands with other countries either. We must understand the differences in cultures, even if we speak about Africa, America, Europe or Australia. However we all have MacDonald's, Coca Cola and MTV, there are independent differences in every country.
In the Netherlands you can't just buy a gun, guns are prohibited. Dutch don't have to defend ourselves with guns, therefor we have the police. Since the start of the Dutch democracy, most Dutch political leaders travel without bodyguards, often using public transport.
It is for the very first time in our long-going democracy of this small country called The Netherlands that a politician is assasinated in broad daylight.
And that is why it strikes me this hard. Because it has never happened before and it is just so unreal for The Netherlands.
Name: jane
City, Country: Perth, Australia
Sent: 3.37 AM - 5/7 2002
Strange, this is not true Australian standard for u to wait so long for a new laptop. Usually we would have one right on your 'footpath' immediatley.
Come all the big guys out there, help Ramon to get his Laptop a bit quicker ................Channel 9 where are u ??????
Name: RAMON
Sent: 3.35 AM - 5/7 2002
FOR PEOPLE OUTSIDE THE NETHERLANDS IT MIGHT NOT BE EASY TO UNDERSTAND WHAT A BIG THING THIS LATEST EVENT IN THE NETHERLANDS MEANS TO ME.
IT IS THE END OF A FREEDOM OF SPEECH. I FEEL SORROWS AND AM IN DISBELIEF THAT SOMETHING LIKE THIS COULD HAPPEN IN MY MUCH BELOVED COUNTRY.
[ PHOTOS ]
Name: Martin
City, Country: Roden, Holland
Sent: 3.16 AM - 5/7 2002
It's a black day for my country.
I agree with Ramon, my vote is for somebody else.. but this a big shock for our country (and Europe)
Where to go from here?
Keep traveling save Ramon!
Name: donatella
City, Country: milan, italy
Sent: 12.22 AM - 5/7 2002
I learn now from your current position display that in australia is deep morning.. so have a nice day (here is 1:30 am.. it's REALLY time to go sleeping!).
bye :) dona
Name: donatella
City, Country: milan, italy
Sent: 12.12 AM - 5/7 2002
hello ramon, I came back home now from my boyfriend' and while driving I listened to the radio about what happened in your country.. I don't know much about it yet, but anyway it's really serious and unfair, though Fortuyn's ideas are (in my opinion) disagreeable.
why europe seems to be moving towards the "right wing"? hasn't the past taught enough? ..I know, this is another story.. but I was also thinkin' about general elections in france yesterday.. and also here in italy we've got a centre-right government with a chief that makes laws "custom-made" for his (and others businessmen) properties.. let's it go..
ciao, donatella
Name: Mischa
City, Country: Zwolle, The Netherlands
Sent: 11.43 PM - 5/6 2002
Hi Ramon! How is the new laptop coming along? Holland is in state of shock at the moment; it appears that the elections are going to be postphoned (just for your information) And oh, it still rains over here...
Could we visit you? Please?
Name: RAMON STOPPELENBURG
City, Country: CURRENTLY IN AUSTRALIA
Sent: 7.08 PM - 5/6 2002
LAST NIGHT AFTER PUBLISHING THE LATEST REPORT ON THIS WEBSITE I GOT SHOCKED WHEN I HEARD THE NEWS THAT A DUTCH RIGHT-WING POLITICIAN BY THE NAME OF PIM FORTUYN IS SHOT DOWN.
JUST 5 MINUTES BEFORE I LOGGED OFF THE WEB AFTER LISTENING TO LIVE RADIO FROM THE NETHERLANDS THROUGH THE INTERNET WHERE MISTER FORTUYN HAD A TWO HOUR TALK. SHOWING THE HUMAN BEHIND HIM.
THE MOMENT I WALKED TO THE BED, THAT MAN GOT SHOT. AND HOWEVER HIS IDEAS AND POLICIES IN THE UPCOMING ELECTIONS IN THE NETHERLANDS WOULD NEVER GET MY VOTE, I KNOW IT IS W R O N G TO KILL BECAUSE OF SOME DISAGREEMENTS.
SOMETHING LIKE THIS HAS NEVER EVER HAPPENED IN THE NETHERLANDS.
CNN.COM: "Dutch rightist Fortuyn shot dead"
Name: Henri W.
City, Country: London, Ont., Canada
Sent: 3.08 PM - 5/6 2002
To Brian from Durban SA: Thanks very much for your explanations. Very interesting. 11 official languages..wow. Keep on trucking Ramon.
Name: Lars Vinther Schmidt
City, Country: Copenhagen, Denmark
Sent: 11.17 AM - 5/6 2002
Hi Ramon!
Seems you're still going strong, eh? Glad to see that. Lucky you...that's an amazing collection of pictures you've got by now...wonderfull !!!
Keep cool, best wishes,
Lars.
Name: Brian
City, Country: Durban, South Africa
Sent: 6.42 AM - 5/6 2002
Hi all
An interesting collection of postings, (Ronald MacDonald???). To Henry from Ontario, sala kahle means stay well, and hamba kahle means go well. Those are the meanings of the expressions, and also the word-for-word translations. The language is Zulu, one of the 11 official languages in SA, and the biggest home language in SA (I think).
The majority of people in SA speak Zulu, Xhosa (similar to Zulu), Afrikaans, and English. Afrikaans was formed from English, Dutch (it's main ingredient), French, German, Portuguese, and others.
I can't speak much Zulu, I know a few words. If you want, I can tell you what I onow, but not on Ramon's website. That's not the purpose.
Ramon, I hope that your new laptop is on its way, and that you have some means of retrieving at least some of your records from the hard disk.
Keep on travelling, Ramon, the laptop thing is one of those things that is sent to test us. I'm sure that you will forge ahead regardless.
Sala kahle everyone
Brian
Name: paula
City, Country: berlin, germany
Sent: 5.37 AM - 5/6 2002
I just noticed, you look like Ronald MacDonald.
RAMON:
Fortunately I was just in time in getting a hair cut last weekend. My current hosts Merv and Trish say I now look like Woody Harrelson with very very short hair... Hmmpfff!
Name: Henri W.
City, Country: London, Ont. Canada
Sent: 3.34 AM - 5/6 2002
Hi Joan,
I truly like your stile! What insight...what comon sense...more than anything else, my comments were mainly meant as a compliment to you. Yes, Ramon is quite a guy and utterly unique. I am looking forward to his arrival in "the great white North"...someday, and will hopefully have the oportunity to meet him and give him a tour of the awesome "Niagara Falls". Did you hear that Ramon..? By tomorrow you should have enough $ to buy a laptop. good luck. Regards to you Joan. H.W.
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 3.26 AM - 5/5 2002
Hi Henri W.
I would agree with you that Ramon has probably met some self-centered "Americans", and mouthy Americans, and has also formed opinions from TV. I have done the same. There are without a doubt obnoxious folks, but they are everywhere. (He just loves CNN - NOT! :-) )
This is fine, we all naturally form opinions based on experiences we have and based on the news media and coverage we read and see as well. We have to absorb info, filter info, and make our own opinions.
I have grown very fond of Ramon as a person and a man, and enjoy his travels and honest commentary very much. I don't always agree with his impressions of Amercians, but what a boring world if we all agreed on everything. Life is complex. Don't want this to get into a major issue/discussion though. :-) It was just an observation of my readings. He is obviously a great guy from my impression in following his trip for a year now.
I am glad he likes pizza, since I don't cook, I'll be calling Pizza Hut if he ever makes it to my house. :-) I am also a master at frozen microwave meals, hehehe. On the other hand, I make a 'mean' tuna casserole! And I do believe he likes tuna! Also, he'll need a couple of days at my place at least, for me to show him all the places I want to go.
I believe when Ramon begins his LMSFAD travels in the USA he will have all kinds of experiences. It's a big country, lots of diversity. Probably some good experiences, probably some bad. But he'll hopefully have a blast. And there are many folks anxious to see him here.
Ramon, you are getting close to being able to order that Dell laptop now - the donations are coming in. Way to go!!
Cheers,
Joan
Name: Henri W.
City, Country: London, Ont. Canada
Sent: 6.05 PM - 5/4 2002
To Joan from the USA: I enjoyed your post from 4/30/02. Obviously Ramon hasn't met any normal, open-minded, down-to-earth, tolerant etc. etc. "USA-American" such as yourself or his opinion of "Americans" would differ significantly. He may have met a few "mouthy" tourist from the USA on a bus or whatever..but that is, needless to say, not sufficient exposure to stereotype an entire nation. Without actually knowing Ramon, it's difficult to speculate as to what he really thinks of Americans...his comments were most likely made in jest...or funny-sarcastic....and let's not forget he is young and likely somewhat naive....in that he may not realize what he says on his site may be taken more seriously than what it was meant to be. I doubt very much that he dislikes a particular "people" for no apparent reason....I dobt that he would be doing what he is doing if he were that way inclined. Do you agree, Joan? Well, Ramon, yes? no? H.W.
Name: Henri W.
City, Country: London, Ont. Canada
Sent: 5.44 PM - 5/4 2002
Brian from Durban , South Africa I have a question for you: What does "Hamba Kahle" and "Sala Kahle" mean...and in what language? (Africaans perhaps?). By the way I enjoy reading your posts. You appear to be one of Ramon's biggest fans and are on a "virtual trip" alongside with him. Good luck to you. H.W.
Name: Parvin
City, Country: Berlin,Germany
Sent: 2.16 PM - 5/4 2002
Hi Ramon,
I read about your history in a magazine called "stern", keep on moving, you live the dream of many peoples.Good luck Parvin
Name: Chris
City, Country: Hilversum, The Netherlands
Sent: 8.43 AM - 5/4 2002
Hoi Ramon,
I heard about your travels before, but right now I'm digging through your site and I'm stunned. Still going strong after 1 year. Neat! It's really beautiful and both brave what you're doing, respect. I visited different people in Denmark and Sweden who I met on the internet a few years ago during my holidays, but this goes a huge step further. Have fun during your travels and good luck.
Chris.
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 1.57 AM - 5/4 2002
Hi Ramon,
Sorry to hear about the demise of the laptop. What an unfortunate thing. Too bad travelers insurance did not cover this. Oh well. I have sent you a donation. Get a Dell Dude! :-)
Cheers,
Joan
Name: Geoff
City, Country: Daytona Beach, Florida, USA
Sent: 7.16 PM - 5/3 2002
Ramon,
Sorry about the laptop. I sent a donation to you via PayPay. Hope you get enough $$$$$$$$$$$
Keep up your trek.
Name: Lupe
City, Country: Rosario, Argentina
Sent: 7.12 PM - 5/3 2002
Sorry Ramon, but I cannot help you with your lap-top, you see, things here in Argentina are a bit complicated and our money has been kept form us in the banks..Did you know anything about this??? We are waiting for you anyway... Beautiful things to see here, eh!!!
Name: Gabriel
City, Country: Netherlands
Sent: 9.56 AM - 5/3 2002
It will be interested to see if the Board of Supporters helps Ramon out with a small donation for a new laptop too. Haven't seen their names yet on the front page, hehe.
Name: Sylvia (past host)
City, Country: Scotland
Sent: 11.58 PM - 5/2 2002
Hi Ramon
MANY BELATED CONGRATULATIONS ON ONE YEAR OF ADVENTURES!
In a couple of weeks time it will have been ten months since you stayed here with us! Where has the time gone?
I have been away and have missed my daily dose of your fascinating website! I will now begin to catch up on what I have been missing and hope that everything is going well for you.
Lots of love to you Ramon, to your Mum and Dad and the lovely Irena, Keep Safe!!
Lots of love
Sylvia and Family xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
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