Joined: Feb 2009 Gender: Female Posts: 4,271 Location: USA
Re: My old job « Reply #180 on Jul 2, 2011, 7:43pm »
I've enjoyed this adventure so much, from the comfort of my own computer. Thank you.
I can see trying such a job for awhile. It would make most others seem unchallenging afterwards. How could you top that for using the most possible skills?
You'd have to start each trip committed to finishing. Insisting on being dropped off at the nearest airport would be so tempting at times.
I guess you could refuse a trip? Like at the end if they told you to turn around and head back to the beginning to lose another 44 pounds?
I'm still curious about who would take such a trip. Say the young Japanese woman with the money belt: why? Because it's there? Does Daddy pay for it, or do they save all year to do this?
Re: My old job « Reply #182 on Jul 26, 2011, 5:26pm »
How could you top that for using the most possible skills?
Difficult. So much so in fact that a lot of ex leaders never quite feel satisfied in other jobs. They turn out to be, like me, a bit of a sad bastard casting round for something worthwhile.
I guess you could refuse a trip?
Not initially. But as you became more of an 'asset' you did get a bit of a say in what you wanted to do. Normally it was known that you'd have no holidays for the first 18 months or so, and then you could pick and choose a bit when to have time off (with the appropriate notice).
As with the Japanese girl, she paid for it herself. Relatively a lot of the trips are not too expensive when you try and work out what you would spend staying at home. Especially if you were just renting a flat etc and you stopped doing that, plus maybe running a car or paying for other transport. If you add up what you spend on everything for 6 months and then, if possible, cut the ties with everything financially as you are going to University or just left or in between jobs - then spend that money on going away? That was the case with many. There would be the initial outlay for the trip but after that, especially in remoter areas, day to day costs are minimal. Going through central Africa meant that for a couple of months there was nothing at all really to spend money on, for example, as all other costs like transport, food and accommodation had been paid for.
Re: My old job « Reply #184 on Jul 26, 2011, 6:10pm »
Mark, I have finished reading the book. Thoroughly enjoyed your experiences. I thought it was very well written and the subject matter covered was interesting having never knew about these trips. Some things needed explanation, but not due to your writing skills. Your children are fortunate to have this reference of your old job and in the future when they read and understand the content I am sure they will have many questions for you since they know you as daddy. Thank you again for sending it to me. Hope you are vacationing in Spain and enjoying everything there. Cheers! Mich
Re: My old job « Reply #185 on Jul 27, 2011, 7:38am »
Kerouac, I just can't imagine everyone getting their schedules in synch. But if everyone clubbed together and bought me a truck I'd give it a go.
Mich, thanks for your words. I appreciate them. I've been to Spain, now I'm in the UK to see my dad with the kids for a few days, then we'll go back to Spain. From there it'll be Germany and finally to Jordan.
Joined: Feb 2009 Gender: Female Posts: 4,271 Location: USA
Re: My old job « Reply #187 on Jul 27, 2011, 6:43pm »
Would we have to drink a lot of alcohol?
I can really see doing that, specifying somewhere without mosquitos. It would be fun to take turns marketing and trying to approximate local cuisines for a group.
Re: My old job « Reply #188 on Jul 27, 2011, 8:05pm »
mich, yes, Egypt is now history. as it's so close to Jordan we may nip back for a holiday or two but for all intents and purposes it is no more. The last gesture was to give about 6 dollars worth of local currency as a tip to a floor sweeper as I got on the plane out. I will be able to live in Jordan, with a residency permit, as I did in Egypt and the Philippines. Life there will be pretty ordinary I expect. The usual going out for meals, shopping etc. The highlight will be going round some of the historical sights when I've time. I feel a photo essay or two coming on later in the year maybe.
Lola, would you want to drink a lot of alcohol? If so, you can do. If not, like me, I never did. A place without mossies? I for one have no idea where that would be. Arctic? Antarctic?
My name really isn't Don, but I used to be anónimo.
Joined: Feb 2009 Gender: Male Posts: 2,952 Location: Michoacán, México
Re: My old job « Reply #190 on Mar 24, 2012, 2:13pm »
I only discovered this amazing account yesterday, and it's one of the best modern adventure tales I've read, ever. Mark's wry sense of humor gives it a special touch.
I enjoyed the earlier parts describing the quirky personalities of the "guests", or whatever the clients were called.
The latter part, with the various stalemates with officious and avaricious officials was just pure frustration. I don't think I could have put up with it, but, what could you do? You HAD to.
Mark, thanks very much for sharing this great story.
Re: My old job « Reply #191 on Mar 24, 2012, 4:16pm »
Thanks Don. Thanks indeed.
The officials are one of the lasting bug bears that still bring me to the point of wanting to kick something to this day when I think about them. Not all were difficult, not all were easy, but on the whole I'd say they all liked just to show their power a little bit (or a lot in some cases).
Joined: Jun 2012 Gender: Female Posts: 4,281 Location: Florida
Re: My old job « Reply #192 on Jun 8, 2012, 10:39pm »
Fascinating story, Mark. Thank you so much for sharing. This is the type of trip I just never thought or read about. It was great to be able to follow your travel experiences from the comfort of my living room. Did you write more in your book, or did you post most of it here?
Joined: Feb 2009 Gender: Female Posts: 3,224 Location: Greenest UK
Re: My old job « Reply #194 on Jun 9, 2012, 7:26pm »
I did start reading your stories a long time ago and then uni happened. I guess I might have some time around 2015 to read it all over again. looking forward to it!
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