Comments on: Gonzo Traveler: Chasing The Dragon In Laos

By: caronabra

caronabra — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 09:41:34 +0000

"I travel because every once in a while I stumble across a universe so unexpectedly inspiring it can change everything. "

If in a two week glimpse you have learnt this I congratulate you. Robin, you're on your way to the truth!

Criticism of your writing, of your experiences, highlights perhaps your inexperience as a travel writer and of one who knows how to delve into the world of travel journalism. Personally I like your simplisitic writing, your innocence and light heartedness reminds me what initial experiences with fresh eyes feels like. I have found that those that look too deeply often miss the basics and their writing suffers for it, not because they're incompetent, quite the opposite actually, rather it is that their style lacks what you so effortlessly express; simple appreciation.

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By: Fiona Murray

Fiona Murray — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 07:57:56 +0000

Unemployment and other social issues may also be a reason for the relaxed attitude of many people in Laos. I spent some weeks there this year, and like yourself, found it a great place to relax.
However, i do feel uncomfortable with the way many writers romanticise the laid back atmosphere. I think there's alot more going in and it may not be a choice for the population to be so chilled!

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By: ianmack

ianmack — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 08:48:21 +0000

Actually I think he's South African.

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By: ianmack

ianmack — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 08:47:41 +0000

Not sure which article you read, but I thought Robin offered a respectiful portrait of Laos. He attempted the stereotypes (opium) and found it not nearly as inspiring as the people themselves. He left feeling ultimately humbled. Isn't that what real travel is all about?

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By: Andrea Kirkby

Andrea Kirkby — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 06:51:34 +0000

For UK residents who can't make it all the way to Laos, the Fat Cat pub in Norwich serves Lao beer as well as many other international ales. Landlord Colin Keatley travels around the world and manages somehow to sniff out beer wherever he goes!

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By: tom

tom — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 13:56:00 +0000

I just did this trip earlier this year and it brought back tons of memories.

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By: roy

roy — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 12:58:34 +0000

Why the h. are SO many US travel blogs SO superficial??? The world just seems to be out there for you guys- to patronize the quaint natives. That in itself would be forgivable- but cannabalistic consumerism ultimately destroys what it claims to admire. Take Vang Vieng, where I assume the tubing snapshot was taken. It's a first world's jeunesse doree hellhole. Yeah, long-suffering sweet Laotians, first bombed to all eternity, now there culture systematically abused by wgaf, lets party idiots

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By: Tim Patterson

Tim Patterson — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 02:31:27 +0000

Glad you enjoyed Laos, but as I'm sure you recognize, there's a whole lot more beneath the surface!

Also, I should note that although in past years the Golden Triangle was a center of opium production, these days most of the world's opium is grown in Afghanistan. The gov'ts of Laos, China, Thailand and even Myanmar have been eradicating opium for years now, a campaign that actually has a lot of support among the population.

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By: Nick

Nick — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 01:55:30 +0000

With you crass attitude you really should not be allowed to travel – you're the kind of pathetic Yank that gives your country a bad name

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