by AJ
Im now hitting Bangkok's roads during rush hour..... and holy shit... what chaos. Its quite a baptism by fire for a new motorcycle rider. No one stays in their lanes, so buses are constantly swerving across my path. Drivers cut me off. Others rocket past me.
Then there is the fact that in Bangkok, motorcycles ride BETWEEN cars. The big advantage- we cruise right through the traffic jams. But this can be a hair raising experience. The space between vehicles is often tight. Ive already clipped my side mirrors twice. And sometimes I wonder, as I slip between two huge buses... "do they know Im here".
All of this could produce disastrous or wonderful results. Disastrous if I am pancaked between two trucks. Wonderful if I survive. Cause Im certainly learning to drive defensively and to be constantly aware. I scan the front, sides, and back of the bike incessantly. Im always looking for the stray dogs who dart into the road, the pedestrians who dash across, the guys going the wrong way on one way streets (happens all the time)......
Some people say Im crazy. But eventually, you just have to leap into the fray. You prepare (I spent quite a while weaving around chairs and riding on back streets)... but sooner or later you've got to throw yourself into the whole catastrophe... and hope to survive.
Id say thats true of many things in life.
Wednesday, August 17, 2005
Monday, August 15, 2005
Wired & Nomadic
by Skald
Laptop, ipod, wireless internet, cell phone.... who the fuck needs to stay in one place anymore? Who needs a McMansion?
Its now possible to run a million dollar business out of your goddam van! (If thats your thing). The chains are cut... its no longer necessary to be a penniless wanderer (a noble tradition)- the Hobopoet life is open to all.
There's simply no excuse anymore. Whatever your inclinations,... whatever the level of comfort and income you need... if you are a wandering freedom seeker by nature, the opportunities are there.
Learn the skills you need to learn. Take the steps you need to take. Never has it been easier!
Laptop, ipod, wireless internet, cell phone.... who the fuck needs to stay in one place anymore? Who needs a McMansion?
Its now possible to run a million dollar business out of your goddam van! (If thats your thing). The chains are cut... its no longer necessary to be a penniless wanderer (a noble tradition)- the Hobopoet life is open to all.
There's simply no excuse anymore. Whatever your inclinations,... whatever the level of comfort and income you need... if you are a wandering freedom seeker by nature, the opportunities are there.
Learn the skills you need to learn. Take the steps you need to take. Never has it been easier!
Saturday, August 13, 2005
Lessons of the Cat
by Skald
Ive been thinking of Orwell's Animal Farm recently. What makes it particularly depressing and powerful is its dead-on accuracy. It not only describes a totalitarian communist state.. it mirrors our own American brave new world.
Napolean and the other pigs, like George Bush & the republicans, are masters of manipulation and fear. They slowly erode the newfound freedoms of the animals through the creation and exaggeration of external threats. First, there is a real threat... other human farmers attack Animal Farm. This sews the seeds of fear which the pigs skillfully exploit. They remind the other animals of this attack again and again and again.
They keep the threat of attack hanging over the befuddled animals as they dismantle their freedoms one by one. When Snowball challenges them, they drive him off. He is then puffed up into a threatening icon... the pigs tell the animals that the agents of Snowball are everywhere. Everywhere they are hiding... plotting and ready to strike (sounds like Al-Qaida, eh).
And so the animals gradually submit to control, drudgery, and... finally.. brutal oppression. Some do so mindlessly (the sheep), some do so through "loyalty" (the horse), some through cynicism and passivity (the donkey), some through fear (most of the others).
All submit except one: the cat. Throughout the entire story... from revolution to totalitarian dominance, the cat remains aloof. He ignores all efforts to "reform". He does not concern himself with the games and dramas of the other animals. He cares only for his own life and remains true to his own nature. He cannot be ruled or controlled because he remains outside the system... he never acknowledges the right of other animals to tell him what to do. And so he is the only animal that remains free and the only one who seems to smoothly ride out every event.
There's much to be learned there.
Ive been thinking of Orwell's Animal Farm recently. What makes it particularly depressing and powerful is its dead-on accuracy. It not only describes a totalitarian communist state.. it mirrors our own American brave new world.
Napolean and the other pigs, like George Bush & the republicans, are masters of manipulation and fear. They slowly erode the newfound freedoms of the animals through the creation and exaggeration of external threats. First, there is a real threat... other human farmers attack Animal Farm. This sews the seeds of fear which the pigs skillfully exploit. They remind the other animals of this attack again and again and again.
They keep the threat of attack hanging over the befuddled animals as they dismantle their freedoms one by one. When Snowball challenges them, they drive him off. He is then puffed up into a threatening icon... the pigs tell the animals that the agents of Snowball are everywhere. Everywhere they are hiding... plotting and ready to strike (sounds like Al-Qaida, eh).
And so the animals gradually submit to control, drudgery, and... finally.. brutal oppression. Some do so mindlessly (the sheep), some do so through "loyalty" (the horse), some through cynicism and passivity (the donkey), some through fear (most of the others).
All submit except one: the cat. Throughout the entire story... from revolution to totalitarian dominance, the cat remains aloof. He ignores all efforts to "reform". He does not concern himself with the games and dramas of the other animals. He cares only for his own life and remains true to his own nature. He cannot be ruled or controlled because he remains outside the system... he never acknowledges the right of other animals to tell him what to do. And so he is the only animal that remains free and the only one who seems to smoothly ride out every event.
There's much to be learned there.
Thursday, August 11, 2005
Excruciating
by Skald
That's an excerpt from a Washinton Post article that David Smallwood sent me. As I read it, I had sudden flashbacks to IBM and several other office jobs Ive had. Of course, the Washington Post put a pro-work spin on the article... stating that "overwook is less stressful than boredom". Thats hardly the take home message Ive gotten from most jobs.
Most jobs, whether they require a lot of work or hardly any-- are monotonous, degrading, freedom robbing, ethics bending, exercises in humiliation. That goes as much for an executive position at GE as it does for a minimum wage job at Wal Mart.
We all know this. Even my Dad... a lifelong corporate executive... now admits that most of the work is pointless, boring, and meaningless. This is NOT just a phenomenon experienced by anarchist hobopoets.
What makes hobopoets different is that we don't surrender to the situation. We dont consider it "normal" or "realistic". We dont say things like, "well, life is work".... or "that's what being an adult is all about". We dont consider our highest aspiration to be "cover your ass"... or "bring home the bacon".
In my experience, most people are as bored and angry with their jobs as the average hobopoet. But most people bow their head and surrender. Most get trapped by huge commitments such as a mortgage, expensive crap, a spouse, and a family. Most are very very concerned what other people will think of them. Most are trapped by ideas of respectability and responsibility (to others, not themselves).
What makes hobopoets different is not their discontent with wage slavery... its the actions they take to live freer and more autonomous lives.... its the fact that they take responsibility for themselves, their lives, and their own happiness first and foremost.
That is what defines us and separates us from the smiling but quietly desparate.
...
Bartlett had a secretary, staff, an important-sounding job and the paycheck to go with it. But, like many workers, he found himself underemployed and bored out of his mind.--from The Washington Post
"There is a reason why prison is considered punishment," Bartlett said, comparing it to his former job. "You may be in a gilded cage, but if you're just forced to sit there for eight hours all day long, staring at the wall, it can be excruciating."
That's an excerpt from a Washinton Post article that David Smallwood sent me. As I read it, I had sudden flashbacks to IBM and several other office jobs Ive had. Of course, the Washington Post put a pro-work spin on the article... stating that "overwook is less stressful than boredom". Thats hardly the take home message Ive gotten from most jobs.
Most jobs, whether they require a lot of work or hardly any-- are monotonous, degrading, freedom robbing, ethics bending, exercises in humiliation. That goes as much for an executive position at GE as it does for a minimum wage job at Wal Mart.
We all know this. Even my Dad... a lifelong corporate executive... now admits that most of the work is pointless, boring, and meaningless. This is NOT just a phenomenon experienced by anarchist hobopoets.
What makes hobopoets different is that we don't surrender to the situation. We dont consider it "normal" or "realistic". We dont say things like, "well, life is work".... or "that's what being an adult is all about". We dont consider our highest aspiration to be "cover your ass"... or "bring home the bacon".
In my experience, most people are as bored and angry with their jobs as the average hobopoet. But most people bow their head and surrender. Most get trapped by huge commitments such as a mortgage, expensive crap, a spouse, and a family. Most are very very concerned what other people will think of them. Most are trapped by ideas of respectability and responsibility (to others, not themselves).
What makes hobopoets different is not their discontent with wage slavery... its the actions they take to live freer and more autonomous lives.... its the fact that they take responsibility for themselves, their lives, and their own happiness first and foremost.
That is what defines us and separates us from the smiling but quietly desparate.
...
Tuesday, August 09, 2005
The Price
by Skald
Im guilty of romanticizing the Hobopoet life... for I do, in fact, find it romantic. But I should add a caution for those considering a leap into this sort of life: there will be a price.
The price is different for everyone. For some it is loneliness. For some it is poverty. For some it is a loss of status and "respectability". For some it is a loss of comfort. For some it may be all of the above.
Some people hesitate when they realize this. Their illusion of non-stop thrilling adventures and perfect happiness is shattered. Doubt creeps in. Some give up. Some never try to work through the challenges.
But most worthy things have a price. Often, the worth comes from paying that price and accepting it.
And sometimes, by doing so, the challenge is transcended or overcome. And sometimes it is not. As Gandhi said, the reward is in the effort made- not the result.
.....
Im guilty of romanticizing the Hobopoet life... for I do, in fact, find it romantic. But I should add a caution for those considering a leap into this sort of life: there will be a price.
The price is different for everyone. For some it is loneliness. For some it is poverty. For some it is a loss of status and "respectability". For some it is a loss of comfort. For some it may be all of the above.
Some people hesitate when they realize this. Their illusion of non-stop thrilling adventures and perfect happiness is shattered. Doubt creeps in. Some give up. Some never try to work through the challenges.
But most worthy things have a price. Often, the worth comes from paying that price and accepting it.
And sometimes, by doing so, the challenge is transcended or overcome. And sometimes it is not. As Gandhi said, the reward is in the effort made- not the result.
.....
Monday, August 08, 2005
Hobo Snobbery
by Skald
An email from a friend reminded me that Im often fast and loose with my language (part of the pleasure of blog writing, to be honest). But there is a danger.
One danger is that some readers may misinterpret what I mean by "Hobopoet"... may think of it as a fashion, or cool image, or a set of rules. Others may feel the need to define what makes someone a "real Hobopoet".
But thats all missing the point. Here's the point (as stated by Joseph Campbell): Follow Your Bliss!
Thats it. Everything else is method and technique. I advocate simplicity because simplicity expands freedom and freedom makes it easier to pursue your bliss. I attack wage slavery because most wage slaves jobs are anything but blissful.
I encourage self-examination, psychedelic shamanism, and travel because those things often lead to greater learning, freedom, and bliss.
But all those things, in the end, are just trappings. If working at IBM fires your passion, bathes you in ecstacy, and fills you with purpose and meaning... then by all means work for IBM.
I have nothing to write to such folks because Im wired differently than they are. I can only speak to the restless, wandering, creative, change-craving freaks who, like myself, find bliss in learning, exploration, and travel.
......
An email from a friend reminded me that Im often fast and loose with my language (part of the pleasure of blog writing, to be honest). But there is a danger.
One danger is that some readers may misinterpret what I mean by "Hobopoet"... may think of it as a fashion, or cool image, or a set of rules. Others may feel the need to define what makes someone a "real Hobopoet".
But thats all missing the point. Here's the point (as stated by Joseph Campbell): Follow Your Bliss!
Thats it. Everything else is method and technique. I advocate simplicity because simplicity expands freedom and freedom makes it easier to pursue your bliss. I attack wage slavery because most wage slaves jobs are anything but blissful.
I encourage self-examination, psychedelic shamanism, and travel because those things often lead to greater learning, freedom, and bliss.
But all those things, in the end, are just trappings. If working at IBM fires your passion, bathes you in ecstacy, and fills you with purpose and meaning... then by all means work for IBM.
I have nothing to write to such folks because Im wired differently than they are. I can only speak to the restless, wandering, creative, change-craving freaks who, like myself, find bliss in learning, exploration, and travel.
......
The Glories of Som Tam
by AJ
How did I ever live without Som Tam (Spicy Papaya Salad)?
There's no more sublime pleasure than gulping down a plate of lip burning, tongue scorching, mouth watering Som Tam. Its a beautiful blend of pleasure and pain: an addictive combination of sour, sweet, and salty spices.... fresh green papaya... and red hot chilis.
I gulp a spoonful and coo in delight. Two minutes later Im chugging water and ice to quench the burn.... which I chase with forkfuls of khao niaw (sticky rice). Of course, it never works. Im in pain... but the delectable dish calls... so I suck an ice cube to numb my tongue for the few seconds it takes to spoon in another bite.
For a moment, there is only the magical blend of papaya and spices... then the tongue warms and ignites... glorious pain.
To think I was once a meat and potatoes guy!
How did I ever live without Som Tam (Spicy Papaya Salad)?
There's no more sublime pleasure than gulping down a plate of lip burning, tongue scorching, mouth watering Som Tam. Its a beautiful blend of pleasure and pain: an addictive combination of sour, sweet, and salty spices.... fresh green papaya... and red hot chilis.
I gulp a spoonful and coo in delight. Two minutes later Im chugging water and ice to quench the burn.... which I chase with forkfuls of khao niaw (sticky rice). Of course, it never works. Im in pain... but the delectable dish calls... so I suck an ice cube to numb my tongue for the few seconds it takes to spoon in another bite.
For a moment, there is only the magical blend of papaya and spices... then the tongue warms and ignites... glorious pain.
To think I was once a meat and potatoes guy!
Sunday, August 07, 2005
Hiroshima
by AJ
Today I finally uploaded video from my camera to the computer.... video shot during my two month stay in Hiroshima. Of course, Hiroshima is in the news because of the 60th anniversary of the A-bomb.
So the city is on my mind. My primary feeling is one of gratitude for the place and the people I met. They were some of the most delightful people I have ever encountered. I remain impressed by the kindness, sweetness, and gentleness of most people I met.
Watching the video, I was also reminded how quiet and beautiful the city is. For a town its size, its very green. And, of course, I remember well how bicycle friendly Hiroshima is... bike paths everywhere, bicycle parking decks, wide sidewalks.
My greatest disappointment is that working in Japan is so difficult. The work culture tends towards workaholism. I was working insane hours and didnt have two days off in a row. Despite loving the city and its people.. despite making wonderful friends... I just couldnt endure the job.
This is a source of great frustration to me. Id love to live an extended time in Japan.. but I dont think I can stomach working there and its far too expensive to live there without a job. Perhaps one day I will luck into a relaxed job in Japan- and be able to spend a longer time getting to know the people and culture.
Until then, I wish the people of Hiroshima peace and happiness.... and thank you for the kindness you showed me during my two months in the city.
.....
Today I finally uploaded video from my camera to the computer.... video shot during my two month stay in Hiroshima. Of course, Hiroshima is in the news because of the 60th anniversary of the A-bomb.
So the city is on my mind. My primary feeling is one of gratitude for the place and the people I met. They were some of the most delightful people I have ever encountered. I remain impressed by the kindness, sweetness, and gentleness of most people I met.
Watching the video, I was also reminded how quiet and beautiful the city is. For a town its size, its very green. And, of course, I remember well how bicycle friendly Hiroshima is... bike paths everywhere, bicycle parking decks, wide sidewalks.
My greatest disappointment is that working in Japan is so difficult. The work culture tends towards workaholism. I was working insane hours and didnt have two days off in a row. Despite loving the city and its people.. despite making wonderful friends... I just couldnt endure the job.
This is a source of great frustration to me. Id love to live an extended time in Japan.. but I dont think I can stomach working there and its far too expensive to live there without a job. Perhaps one day I will luck into a relaxed job in Japan- and be able to spend a longer time getting to know the people and culture.
Until then, I wish the people of Hiroshima peace and happiness.... and thank you for the kindness you showed me during my two months in the city.
.....
Happy Birthday Shiori
by AJ
Shiori Iwagaki's birthday is on August 13th....... as a birthday present, check out her excellent website: Atelier Volante.
Send her an email and let her know what you think of her artwork!
Happy Birthday Shiori!!
Shiori Iwagaki's birthday is on August 13th....... as a birthday present, check out her excellent website: Atelier Volante.
Send her an email and let her know what you think of her artwork!
Happy Birthday Shiori!!
Saturday, August 06, 2005
Evil Muslims
by Skald
Muslims have now joined gays/lesbians as a pariah group that can be freely harassed. We are all careful and so "PC" when it comes to African-Americans, Latinos, etc.... but it is now acceptable in American culture to openly attack two groups: Gays and Muslims. Of these two, muslims are particularly vulnerable.
What a farce. A few Muslims fly into a building.. or explode some bombs... and suddenly MILLIONS of people worldwide are labelled as sub-human "terrorists". These people are cajoled to "control", "condemn", and "moderate" their "fellow radical muslims".
So why is it that the Christian Taliban are not given the same treatment. Christian Taliban have gunned down abortion doctors and others they disagree with. Good white Christian males blew up the federal building in Oklahoma. Good Christians are currently murdering Iraqi civilians in huge numbers. Good Christians are imprisoning and torturing muslims-- without charge or trial.
Why don't "moderate Christians" "control", "condemn", and "moderate" these fanatics? Why do we never read about the radicalization of Christianity?
This isnt about Islam. Its about whipping up fear and creating a government sanctioned scapegoat. Forget about the aggressive invasion of Iraq. Forget about the invasion of Afhganistan. Forget about the escalating aggression against Iran. Forget about America's suppport of Colombian death squads. Forget about the shaky economy and corporate control of virtually every aspect of American government and society...
All our problems are the fault of scary brown Muslims. They irrationally "hate our freedom". They are psychotic shizophrenic maniacs needlessly attacking our virtuous and innocent corporate-Christian empire.
Its all so simple. Black and white. The Muslim infidels are "evil"... the corporate Christians are "good".
Trust the government and the Republicans. Keep an eye out for suspicious brown people.
And thank God that you live in the "freest, richest, most perfect country that has ever existed".
Now get back to working and shopping.
........
Muslims have now joined gays/lesbians as a pariah group that can be freely harassed. We are all careful and so "PC" when it comes to African-Americans, Latinos, etc.... but it is now acceptable in American culture to openly attack two groups: Gays and Muslims. Of these two, muslims are particularly vulnerable.
What a farce. A few Muslims fly into a building.. or explode some bombs... and suddenly MILLIONS of people worldwide are labelled as sub-human "terrorists". These people are cajoled to "control", "condemn", and "moderate" their "fellow radical muslims".
So why is it that the Christian Taliban are not given the same treatment. Christian Taliban have gunned down abortion doctors and others they disagree with. Good white Christian males blew up the federal building in Oklahoma. Good Christians are currently murdering Iraqi civilians in huge numbers. Good Christians are imprisoning and torturing muslims-- without charge or trial.
Why don't "moderate Christians" "control", "condemn", and "moderate" these fanatics? Why do we never read about the radicalization of Christianity?
This isnt about Islam. Its about whipping up fear and creating a government sanctioned scapegoat. Forget about the aggressive invasion of Iraq. Forget about the invasion of Afhganistan. Forget about the escalating aggression against Iran. Forget about America's suppport of Colombian death squads. Forget about the shaky economy and corporate control of virtually every aspect of American government and society...
All our problems are the fault of scary brown Muslims. They irrationally "hate our freedom". They are psychotic shizophrenic maniacs needlessly attacking our virtuous and innocent corporate-Christian empire.
Its all so simple. Black and white. The Muslim infidels are "evil"... the corporate Christians are "good".
Trust the government and the Republicans. Keep an eye out for suspicious brown people.
And thank God that you live in the "freest, richest, most perfect country that has ever existed".
Now get back to working and shopping.
........
Thursday, August 04, 2005
Motorcycles
by AJ
Uh oh... there's no going back. Im already addicted to my motorcyle. The experience of riding it is so much more immediate than driving a car. No windshield or doors between me and the world (nor between me and other cars). Without doubt, its more dangerous than a car-- another factor which sharpens the senses when I drive it.
This is especially true in Bangkok... where there are few (observed) traffic laws. No one stays in lanes-- and motorcycles freely zip between rows of cars... making motorcyles the best traffic beating choice in this city.... and the most demanding form of transportation as well.
Another advantage of having the bike: Im no longer dependent on taxis. Thus, I have greater access to the city. I can ride anywhere... explore back streets.. commute to friends houses. This is one thing Ive missed about the American car culture... its nice to have transportation autonomy... especially in a city with public transportation as crappy as Bangkok's.
.....
Uh oh... there's no going back. Im already addicted to my motorcyle. The experience of riding it is so much more immediate than driving a car. No windshield or doors between me and the world (nor between me and other cars). Without doubt, its more dangerous than a car-- another factor which sharpens the senses when I drive it.
This is especially true in Bangkok... where there are few (observed) traffic laws. No one stays in lanes-- and motorcycles freely zip between rows of cars... making motorcyles the best traffic beating choice in this city.... and the most demanding form of transportation as well.
Another advantage of having the bike: Im no longer dependent on taxis. Thus, I have greater access to the city. I can ride anywhere... explore back streets.. commute to friends houses. This is one thing Ive missed about the American car culture... its nice to have transportation autonomy... especially in a city with public transportation as crappy as Bangkok's.
.....
Wednesday, August 03, 2005
Gandhi, Thoreau, Leary, and Internal Travel
by Skald
Amen Dr. Leary! Mahatma Gandhi said much the same thing... as did Thoreau. Social activism is pointless without internal transformation first. Likewise, external travel (backpacking, wandering the world) accomplishes little unless accompanied before, during, or after by deep internal travel.
Whether through introspection, meditation, yoga, psychedelic shamanism.... or a combination of them all- the internal journey is absolutely vital. It takes primacy over our external travels and travails. What is the point, after all, if you return home the same uptight, egocentric, narrow minded idiot you were before you left?
The central truth of the matter is that travel is just another means of shifting (widening) consciousness. The traveler is generally more open, more sensually alive, more sensitive, more impressionable, and more aware. Thats the kick of travel- its a spiritual experience.... a transformative experience.
By recognizing this we can focus on it and increase the power of that transformation. That, to my mind, is the point of "intentional travel".
....
If all the Negroes and left-wing college students in the world had Cadillacs and full control of society, they would still be involved in an anthill social system unless they opened themselves up first.--Tim Leary
Amen Dr. Leary! Mahatma Gandhi said much the same thing... as did Thoreau. Social activism is pointless without internal transformation first. Likewise, external travel (backpacking, wandering the world) accomplishes little unless accompanied before, during, or after by deep internal travel.
Whether through introspection, meditation, yoga, psychedelic shamanism.... or a combination of them all- the internal journey is absolutely vital. It takes primacy over our external travels and travails. What is the point, after all, if you return home the same uptight, egocentric, narrow minded idiot you were before you left?
The central truth of the matter is that travel is just another means of shifting (widening) consciousness. The traveler is generally more open, more sensually alive, more sensitive, more impressionable, and more aware. Thats the kick of travel- its a spiritual experience.... a transformative experience.
By recognizing this we can focus on it and increase the power of that transformation. That, to my mind, is the point of "intentional travel".
....
Saturday, July 30, 2005
The Underworld
by Skald
What I love about this quote is that it points to the universality of this dynamic. Its nothing new. Today, its anarchists and corporate servants. In the 60s it was hippies and the establishment..... in the 50s, the Beats and the squares.
This is the dance of evolution. The novelty seeking fast mutators (us) push the envelope.... the stability seeking slow mutators seek to impose order and control. Leary encouraged us not to bemoan this state... for it mirrors many natural processes.
What this says is that it has always been difficult to be a fast-mutating evolver. The overground.. the mainstream... the cops and employees and priests and politicians ALWAYS resist. No use whining about it. Accept it. (In fact, Id argue that we now live in a time period that is particularly friendly to fast mutators).
Psychedelic drugs are illegal. The anti-work philosophy is considered dangerous and disrespectable. Wandering travelers are viewed as unstable. The government is thoroughly corrupt. Most people in the mainstream are corporate servants and mindless consumers.
So what.
None of that absolves us of responsibility for our own lives. Our lives, our happiness, our evolution as human beings... are still our responsibility and no one else's. There is no choice but to accept the entire catastrophe and keep going.
Forget protest... evolve.
"Accept that you are a criminal and be prepared to act like one" --Hakim Bey
.........
It's always been that way, and it will always be that way. There are two societies, two symbiotic cultures uneasily sharing this planet, two intertwined human structures, mirror-imaged like root and branch. The overground and the underground. The drop-outs and the cop-outs.--Tim Leary
What I love about this quote is that it points to the universality of this dynamic. Its nothing new. Today, its anarchists and corporate servants. In the 60s it was hippies and the establishment..... in the 50s, the Beats and the squares.
This is the dance of evolution. The novelty seeking fast mutators (us) push the envelope.... the stability seeking slow mutators seek to impose order and control. Leary encouraged us not to bemoan this state... for it mirrors many natural processes.
What this says is that it has always been difficult to be a fast-mutating evolver. The overground.. the mainstream... the cops and employees and priests and politicians ALWAYS resist. No use whining about it. Accept it. (In fact, Id argue that we now live in a time period that is particularly friendly to fast mutators).
Psychedelic drugs are illegal. The anti-work philosophy is considered dangerous and disrespectable. Wandering travelers are viewed as unstable. The government is thoroughly corrupt. Most people in the mainstream are corporate servants and mindless consumers.
So what.
None of that absolves us of responsibility for our own lives. Our lives, our happiness, our evolution as human beings... are still our responsibility and no one else's. There is no choice but to accept the entire catastrophe and keep going.
Forget protest... evolve.
"Accept that you are a criminal and be prepared to act like one" --Hakim Bey
.........
Monday, July 25, 2005
Learning the Local Language
by AJ (also posted on Effortless Acquisition)
Ive always considered myself one of the worst language students in the world. Im terrible. I lived in Korea a year-- and speak no Korean. I lived in Japan a total of 6 months... and almost no Japanese.
Ive lived in Thailand for two years and speak only "taxi Thai". Pitiful, eh?
Yet I still believe that learning another language is very important. Without the local language, there is a permanent barrier between you and the culture which is very difficult to breach.
So I criticize myself for this (Im a language teacher after all). But lately Ive reconsidered this criticism in light of the research, knowledge, and techniques I use as a teacher. I KNOW that traditional language teaching methods are a huge failure (somewhere in the vicinity of 95% of language students never attain proficiency). As a teacher, I also know that living in the country is of little help to beginning students.. the input they receive is far too complex to be of use.
Yet for some reason I continued to follow the traditional mindset as a student. I thought just living in Korea or Thailand or Japan might be enough. Its not.. unless you are already at a mid/high intermediate level. I tried to learn Japanese from language tapes and textbooks... and totally failed. I studied a little Thai in a natural way (thus my "taxi Thai" ability) but then reverted to the "Ill absorb it from my surroundings" mentality.
But lately, Ive caught on and decided to try the methods I encourage my own English students to use. As Ive mentioned earlier, Im lazily trying to acquire a bit of Spanish. Ive been doing this, so far, simply by reading baby books and the lowest level graded readers (available from the TPR site... by Blaine Ray). This has been a very pleasant and indeed "effortless" approach.
Truth be told, Im not one of these gung ho people who can grind out studying for hours every day. I hate trying to memorize vocabulary- and grammar is even worse. In the past I made attempts to "study" Spanish and I got bored and frustrated very quickly... my attempts never lasted longer than two weeks.
But Ive been doing light reading for about a month now... very leisurely... I just do it when I have a little spare time... and Im making much better progress. Because I dont do this a lot, my progress is slow. But it is pleasant and most importantly-- I am continuing with it. Learning a language is like running a marathon... its not a sprint.
After a month of light reading, however, I realize Id like to get some oral input. I suppose I could order a "language tape" and do endless drills (ugh). But instead Ive decided to use movies. Im going to start with "The Motorcycle Diaries". I just watched it (with English subtitles) and loved it.
My plan is to imitate the movie technique... watch the movie in short scenes and play each scene two or three times. Since I won't have a teacher to explain the dialogue to me (in simpler language)... I may resort to looking up key words in a dictionary as I pause the scene.
To be sure, this will be slow work. But Im not in a hurry. And it will be much more pleasant than repeating drills from a language tape. My guess is, in the longrun it will also prove to be much more effective.
With Thai, I first need to learn the alphabet (so I can use a Thai-English dictionary).... then I will use the same technique with Thai kids shows (Bob the Builder, etc...).
.......
Ive always considered myself one of the worst language students in the world. Im terrible. I lived in Korea a year-- and speak no Korean. I lived in Japan a total of 6 months... and almost no Japanese.
Ive lived in Thailand for two years and speak only "taxi Thai". Pitiful, eh?
Yet I still believe that learning another language is very important. Without the local language, there is a permanent barrier between you and the culture which is very difficult to breach.
So I criticize myself for this (Im a language teacher after all). But lately Ive reconsidered this criticism in light of the research, knowledge, and techniques I use as a teacher. I KNOW that traditional language teaching methods are a huge failure (somewhere in the vicinity of 95% of language students never attain proficiency). As a teacher, I also know that living in the country is of little help to beginning students.. the input they receive is far too complex to be of use.
Yet for some reason I continued to follow the traditional mindset as a student. I thought just living in Korea or Thailand or Japan might be enough. Its not.. unless you are already at a mid/high intermediate level. I tried to learn Japanese from language tapes and textbooks... and totally failed. I studied a little Thai in a natural way (thus my "taxi Thai" ability) but then reverted to the "Ill absorb it from my surroundings" mentality.
But lately, Ive caught on and decided to try the methods I encourage my own English students to use. As Ive mentioned earlier, Im lazily trying to acquire a bit of Spanish. Ive been doing this, so far, simply by reading baby books and the lowest level graded readers (available from the TPR site... by Blaine Ray). This has been a very pleasant and indeed "effortless" approach.
Truth be told, Im not one of these gung ho people who can grind out studying for hours every day. I hate trying to memorize vocabulary- and grammar is even worse. In the past I made attempts to "study" Spanish and I got bored and frustrated very quickly... my attempts never lasted longer than two weeks.
But Ive been doing light reading for about a month now... very leisurely... I just do it when I have a little spare time... and Im making much better progress. Because I dont do this a lot, my progress is slow. But it is pleasant and most importantly-- I am continuing with it. Learning a language is like running a marathon... its not a sprint.
After a month of light reading, however, I realize Id like to get some oral input. I suppose I could order a "language tape" and do endless drills (ugh). But instead Ive decided to use movies. Im going to start with "The Motorcycle Diaries". I just watched it (with English subtitles) and loved it.
My plan is to imitate the movie technique... watch the movie in short scenes and play each scene two or three times. Since I won't have a teacher to explain the dialogue to me (in simpler language)... I may resort to looking up key words in a dictionary as I pause the scene.
To be sure, this will be slow work. But Im not in a hurry. And it will be much more pleasant than repeating drills from a language tape. My guess is, in the longrun it will also prove to be much more effective.
With Thai, I first need to learn the alphabet (so I can use a Thai-English dictionary).... then I will use the same technique with Thai kids shows (Bob the Builder, etc...).
.......
Thursday, July 21, 2005
Exodus
by AJ
It seems that some Hobopoet readers are taking me seriously!! This week, Ive gotten emails from two different people in the States who are planning to move to Thailand to travel and teach. Rock on!
For the record, Im happy to give advice and help to anyone who wishes to come this way. The first thing I suggest is to read my articles (and others) on Transitions Abroad's website (in the Teach English Abroad section): Transitions Abroad Transitions Abroad is an excellent magazine and has info on working, studying, and volunteering in countries all over the world.
Besides that, check out the travel and job links on the sidebar of this website. And, of course, you can always email me.
Join the exodus. Hit the road now.
.......
It seems that some Hobopoet readers are taking me seriously!! This week, Ive gotten emails from two different people in the States who are planning to move to Thailand to travel and teach. Rock on!
For the record, Im happy to give advice and help to anyone who wishes to come this way. The first thing I suggest is to read my articles (and others) on Transitions Abroad's website (in the Teach English Abroad section): Transitions Abroad Transitions Abroad is an excellent magazine and has info on working, studying, and volunteering in countries all over the world.
Besides that, check out the travel and job links on the sidebar of this website. And, of course, you can always email me.
Join the exodus. Hit the road now.
.......
Monday, July 18, 2005
Simplicity- The Key to Freedom
by Skald
There are many arguments for living a simpler life. Environmentalists tell us of the reduced impact to the Earth. Mystics tell us of the spiritual benefits.
But I prefer to accent the rockbottom, selfish, practical benefit: Simplicity is the key to freedom. Through simplicity, almost anyone can live a magnificent, free, interesting, and adventurous life.
I tire of hearing the sad excuses and protestations. Many write me and say things such as, "It sounds great, but who can afford to travel and live free for long periods of time?"
These folks are convinced that freedom comes only after decades of toil and wage slavery. They call this dubious freedom "retirement"..... but I prefer to call it by more brutally honest names: "pipe dream", "rationalization", "delusion".
Some think they must slave away at a high paying job in order to earn the right to travel long term. But as Ralf Potts notes, anyone can work as a toilet cleaner and save enough to afford freedom and travel.
The key is simplicity. While there are many definitions, perhaps the most practical is: living below your means. If you rake in six figures, live off of five. If you make 12,000 a year, live off of 9000.
Simplicity is what set me free financially. It has allowed me to fund extended trips in India, Thailand, Malaysia, Nepal, and the US. It enabled me to live three straight years without a full time job. Its let me choose jobs on my terms- has freed me from dependence and desperation.
Many think they must earn more, more, more and slave longer, longer, longer. But living simply is a much faster, much more efficient, and much more effective means of winning freedom.
.....
There are many arguments for living a simpler life. Environmentalists tell us of the reduced impact to the Earth. Mystics tell us of the spiritual benefits.
But I prefer to accent the rockbottom, selfish, practical benefit: Simplicity is the key to freedom. Through simplicity, almost anyone can live a magnificent, free, interesting, and adventurous life.
I tire of hearing the sad excuses and protestations. Many write me and say things such as, "It sounds great, but who can afford to travel and live free for long periods of time?"
These folks are convinced that freedom comes only after decades of toil and wage slavery. They call this dubious freedom "retirement"..... but I prefer to call it by more brutally honest names: "pipe dream", "rationalization", "delusion".
Some think they must slave away at a high paying job in order to earn the right to travel long term. But as Ralf Potts notes, anyone can work as a toilet cleaner and save enough to afford freedom and travel.
The key is simplicity. While there are many definitions, perhaps the most practical is: living below your means. If you rake in six figures, live off of five. If you make 12,000 a year, live off of 9000.
Simplicity is what set me free financially. It has allowed me to fund extended trips in India, Thailand, Malaysia, Nepal, and the US. It enabled me to live three straight years without a full time job. Its let me choose jobs on my terms- has freed me from dependence and desperation.
Many think they must earn more, more, more and slave longer, longer, longer. But living simply is a much faster, much more efficient, and much more effective means of winning freedom.
.....
Friday, July 15, 2005
Off the Beaten Path
by AJ
There are great advantages to leaving the tourist path. By doing so, you gain a closer encounter with the people of the country you are visiting. Also, you leave more room for the unplanned and unexpected. Generally I love this.
Last weekend my friends and I struck off into Thai-only sections of Kanchanaburi province with mixed results. We saw a lot of beautiful scenery.
There were problems, however. I forgot one of my golden rules of travel: avoid travel with large groups. Its nearly impossible to please everyone in a large group. Decision making becomes slow, difficult, and often frustrating. I find that four people is the absolute maximum I can travel with... and only if all four people are highly compatible and very laid back. We had six in our group-- and at least two were far from being "laid back".
So through torturous and inefficient decision making (the loudest and most demanding decide), we ended up on a houseboat on a river in the middle of nowhere. This seemed to be a great decision at first. The river and surrounding rainforest were beautiful. I imagined a quiet weekend in nature-- recharging my mental batteries.
Then the motorboats kicked in. From 7am to 10 pm.... a constant parade of extremely loud motorboats cruised the river. They were so loud that we had to stop all conversation every time they passed... wait until the noise died down until we could resume our chat.
So rather than a quiet and relaxing weekend in the jungle, I spent two days in an environment even noisier than Bangkok (before this trip, I couldnt imagine a noiser place than Bangkok).
If Id been on an extended journey this would not have been much of a problem. Thats what I love about traveling for long periods of time... if things are bad, you just move on.
But I suppose I was in vacation mode... just wanting a couple of days of relaxation before returning to work. I learned that a short weekend excursion is not necessarily the best time to head off into uncharted territory.
I also learned that I prefer longer trips.
......
There are great advantages to leaving the tourist path. By doing so, you gain a closer encounter with the people of the country you are visiting. Also, you leave more room for the unplanned and unexpected. Generally I love this.
Last weekend my friends and I struck off into Thai-only sections of Kanchanaburi province with mixed results. We saw a lot of beautiful scenery.
There were problems, however. I forgot one of my golden rules of travel: avoid travel with large groups. Its nearly impossible to please everyone in a large group. Decision making becomes slow, difficult, and often frustrating. I find that four people is the absolute maximum I can travel with... and only if all four people are highly compatible and very laid back. We had six in our group-- and at least two were far from being "laid back".
So through torturous and inefficient decision making (the loudest and most demanding decide), we ended up on a houseboat on a river in the middle of nowhere. This seemed to be a great decision at first. The river and surrounding rainforest were beautiful. I imagined a quiet weekend in nature-- recharging my mental batteries.
Then the motorboats kicked in. From 7am to 10 pm.... a constant parade of extremely loud motorboats cruised the river. They were so loud that we had to stop all conversation every time they passed... wait until the noise died down until we could resume our chat.
So rather than a quiet and relaxing weekend in the jungle, I spent two days in an environment even noisier than Bangkok (before this trip, I couldnt imagine a noiser place than Bangkok).
If Id been on an extended journey this would not have been much of a problem. Thats what I love about traveling for long periods of time... if things are bad, you just move on.
But I suppose I was in vacation mode... just wanting a couple of days of relaxation before returning to work. I learned that a short weekend excursion is not necessarily the best time to head off into uncharted territory.
I also learned that I prefer longer trips.
......
Wednesday, July 13, 2005
Reading and Travel
by Skald
I often find that reading and travel are an ideal combination. Specifically, I find that reading helps me shift to a more "intentional" mindset. Reading encourages me to examine my inner and outer travels and mine them for significance.
For example, when travelling in India the first time I read many books about India. Some prefer to read up on a country BEFORE travelling there... but I find its more powerful to do this WHILE travelling.
In India I read India: A Million Mutinies Now, No Full Stops In India, Midnight's Children, The Inscrutable Americans, Karma Cola, and several other books on the country. I found the experience of reading these books while in-country to be very thought-provoking. I didnt have to use guesswork... I could easily imagine the scenes the author's described.
I also gained deeper insights into India and its culture. I experienced my travels much differently as a result. I observed and thought about the Indian religions and social system. I considered its history. I compared these to my American experiences and my American prejudices.
I highly recommend this approach. Next trip, hold off on reading about the country until you get there.... then read like crazy.
.....
I often find that reading and travel are an ideal combination. Specifically, I find that reading helps me shift to a more "intentional" mindset. Reading encourages me to examine my inner and outer travels and mine them for significance.
For example, when travelling in India the first time I read many books about India. Some prefer to read up on a country BEFORE travelling there... but I find its more powerful to do this WHILE travelling.
In India I read India: A Million Mutinies Now, No Full Stops In India, Midnight's Children, The Inscrutable Americans, Karma Cola, and several other books on the country. I found the experience of reading these books while in-country to be very thought-provoking. I didnt have to use guesswork... I could easily imagine the scenes the author's described.
I also gained deeper insights into India and its culture. I experienced my travels much differently as a result. I observed and thought about the Indian religions and social system. I considered its history. I compared these to my American experiences and my American prejudices.
I highly recommend this approach. Next trip, hold off on reading about the country until you get there.... then read like crazy.
.....
Sunday, July 10, 2005
Huxley Quote
by Skald
The previous Huxley quote conjures a similar Buddhist saying, "All things in moderation, including moderation". Moderation is great, most of the time. But we also need extremes. We need to push the envelope. We need to be challenged.
We need what Maslow and others call "peak experiences".... to go beyond the pale routine of daily life. We need to experience higher and deeper levels of consciousness. We need to see new places, try new things,.... We need the weird and mysterious and unexplainable.
Travel, both inner and outer, is the means to get there. The psychonaut and the pilgrim are very similar. The arc of their journeys is similar. Oftentimes, they are one in the same person- simultaneously exploring the inner and outer realms.
In the end, "all travel is inner travel".
.......
The previous Huxley quote conjures a similar Buddhist saying, "All things in moderation, including moderation". Moderation is great, most of the time. But we also need extremes. We need to push the envelope. We need to be challenged.
We need what Maslow and others call "peak experiences".... to go beyond the pale routine of daily life. We need to experience higher and deeper levels of consciousness. We need to see new places, try new things,.... We need the weird and mysterious and unexplainable.
Travel, both inner and outer, is the means to get there. The psychonaut and the pilgrim are very similar. The arc of their journeys is similar. Oftentimes, they are one in the same person- simultaneously exploring the inner and outer realms.
In the end, "all travel is inner travel".
.......
Huxley
Richard Jason recently sent me this quote from Aldous Huxley.... great words to live by:
I want God, I want poetry
I want danger, I want freedom
I want goodness, I want sin
~Aldous Huxley~
I want God, I want poetry
I want danger, I want freedom
I want goodness, I want sin
~Aldous Huxley~
Wednesday, July 06, 2005
Part Time Work Abroad
by AJ
I'll be honest. Many full time jobs abroad (and at home) are terrible. My first teaching job, in Korea, was horrible. The school was sleazy. The hours were long. I hated the job. And as a result, I got a very bad impression of Korea.
My two jobs in Japan were bad too. They were better than the Korean job, but not pleasant. Luckily, my life outside of work was good and so I have a very good overall feeling for the country. But I hate working there.
The point is, while living and working abroad seems, and certainly can be, romantic and adventurous... its also possible that such an experience will be gruelling, boring, monotonous, stressful, and generally terrible.
But there is an excellent way to bypass this-- part time work. With a part time job, you are not subjected to the same gruelling hours. You have time to explore the country and settle into your life. Even if the job is bad, its bad for a much shorter time and thus effects the rest of your life less.
Of course, this is not an option for those needing or wanting to save lots of money. But for those who are focused on having an interesting and rewarding cultural encounter... part time work abroad is an excellent strategy.
I love my current teaching position in Thailand. While the students and staff are great... the main reason is that my hours are reasonable. Im officially employed full time, but my schedule is very relaxed. As a result I have time and energy to both enjoy the rest of my life and plan my classes well. Therefore, both are rewarding.
If you are thinking of living and working abroad, consider the part time option.
.....
I'll be honest. Many full time jobs abroad (and at home) are terrible. My first teaching job, in Korea, was horrible. The school was sleazy. The hours were long. I hated the job. And as a result, I got a very bad impression of Korea.
My two jobs in Japan were bad too. They were better than the Korean job, but not pleasant. Luckily, my life outside of work was good and so I have a very good overall feeling for the country. But I hate working there.
The point is, while living and working abroad seems, and certainly can be, romantic and adventurous... its also possible that such an experience will be gruelling, boring, monotonous, stressful, and generally terrible.
But there is an excellent way to bypass this-- part time work. With a part time job, you are not subjected to the same gruelling hours. You have time to explore the country and settle into your life. Even if the job is bad, its bad for a much shorter time and thus effects the rest of your life less.
Of course, this is not an option for those needing or wanting to save lots of money. But for those who are focused on having an interesting and rewarding cultural encounter... part time work abroad is an excellent strategy.
I love my current teaching position in Thailand. While the students and staff are great... the main reason is that my hours are reasonable. Im officially employed full time, but my schedule is very relaxed. As a result I have time and energy to both enjoy the rest of my life and plan my classes well. Therefore, both are rewarding.
If you are thinking of living and working abroad, consider the part time option.
.....
Saturday, July 02, 2005
Working Abroad
by AJ
Occasionally someone will remark, after reading my exhortations for longterm travel, "Easy to say but who can afford that". Well, most people.... if you are willing to work and travel at the same time.
Of course, working abroad is not all fun. Ive had many miserable jobs (see entries from Hiroshima). But working in another country does provide a deeper encounter than does simple tourism. When you work you get into the local rhythms. You live more as the local people live and therefore get a feel for what life is like in that country.
Of course, working also allows you to stay longer and thus learn more. You might pick up a little of the language. You make friends. You interact with coworkers.
Those hoping to live a Hobopoet life abroad, therefore, might consider a stint of work. I dont like work as a general rule.... but if you gotta make money anyway, why not explore a new country and culture while you do it?
.......
Occasionally someone will remark, after reading my exhortations for longterm travel, "Easy to say but who can afford that". Well, most people.... if you are willing to work and travel at the same time.
Of course, working abroad is not all fun. Ive had many miserable jobs (see entries from Hiroshima). But working in another country does provide a deeper encounter than does simple tourism. When you work you get into the local rhythms. You live more as the local people live and therefore get a feel for what life is like in that country.
Of course, working also allows you to stay longer and thus learn more. You might pick up a little of the language. You make friends. You interact with coworkers.
Those hoping to live a Hobopoet life abroad, therefore, might consider a stint of work. I dont like work as a general rule.... but if you gotta make money anyway, why not explore a new country and culture while you do it?
.......
Friday, July 01, 2005
Language Trauma
by AJ
We Americans are, as a rule, terrible language students. But dont worry, this isnt another criticism of the good ole USA. The truth is, language education in America sucks. But it also sucks in Korea, Japan, Thailand, and most countries of the world. In these other countries, the students plod along anyway because they must. Many need English in order to get into a university or to get a job.
But Americans dont have the same compelling need for another language. We can do quite well with English only. Many of us would love to learn another language... but after a couple of years of painful language classes, most of us give up.
What a shame... and so unnecessary. If different methods were used, we would learn more effectively and would generally enjoy the process. We wouldnt study grammar rules. We wouldnt memorize vocabulary lists. We wouldnt translate.
We would learn through actions, stories, games, movies, and pleasure reading. We would, through these means, acquire authentic and useful language and be able to use and understand it.
Its simply not fair to blame American (or other) students for the vast foreign language failure. It is the schools and teachers who are at fault.
........
We Americans are, as a rule, terrible language students. But dont worry, this isnt another criticism of the good ole USA. The truth is, language education in America sucks. But it also sucks in Korea, Japan, Thailand, and most countries of the world. In these other countries, the students plod along anyway because they must. Many need English in order to get into a university or to get a job.
But Americans dont have the same compelling need for another language. We can do quite well with English only. Many of us would love to learn another language... but after a couple of years of painful language classes, most of us give up.
What a shame... and so unnecessary. If different methods were used, we would learn more effectively and would generally enjoy the process. We wouldnt study grammar rules. We wouldnt memorize vocabulary lists. We wouldnt translate.
We would learn through actions, stories, games, movies, and pleasure reading. We would, through these means, acquire authentic and useful language and be able to use and understand it.
Its simply not fair to blame American (or other) students for the vast foreign language failure. It is the schools and teachers who are at fault.
........
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