Originally Posted by Mr. Charlie

I think it's gotten harder to move from country to country too. In the 70s my parents backpacked from the UK through Europe into the Middle East then through Persia and Pakistan into India and back again. I tried a similar trip myself in the 90s and only made it as far as Jordan/Syria as it was too difficult and dangerous to go any further. Border crossings are much tighter these days, and the level of hostility towards citizens of countries like the UK and US has increased. My then girlfriend (a Yank) and I (a Brit) were stoned in Hebron by an angry mob of Palestinians, and eventually chased, we had to make a very speedy getaway.

Originally Posted by eraser.time206

If you can't deal with the fact that there are 6+ billion people in the world and none of them think exactly the same that's not my problem. Just deal with it yourself or make actual conversation. This isn't a court and I'm not some poet or prophet that needs everything I say to be analytically critiqued.

Originally Posted by p-bo

You'd be shocked at how well we're received in the Middle East, for the most part. I've been through Jordan, Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Iraq. Most places I've been received with open arms. I've actually seen more hostility in Germany, France, and Spain, although not necessarily from the natives. Still, I'd recommend a trip to South America any day over the Middle East region. The inherent risk is much lower and blending in is much easier.

Originally Posted by Plankton

When I was in Germany there were some who were jaded from G.I.'s that came before us who had run amok and caused quite a bit of damage, mostly left over from the Vietnam era, and there were "No GI's" signs on a few places. But of course there were many who welcomed us with open arms. My first night on the town, I was bought several beers by old timers who just wanted to thank us for our contributions. This was in the late 80's though. Things have mostly changed.

Originally Posted by p-bo

I was there in the mid to late 90s. Most of my bad experiences were from Turks or Serbians. I found most of the German populous to be either polite or extremely adept at pretending I didn't exist. I can't say I blamed them. I went to a bar that was for members only. When I inquired about membership I was told the only way to become a member was to frequent the bar. Loud and clear.

Originally Posted by p-bo

You'd be shocked at how well we're received in the Middle East, for the most part. I've been through Jordan, Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Iraq. Most places I've been received with open arms. I've actually seen more hostility in Germany, France, and Spain, although not necessarily from the natives. Still, I'd recommend a trip to South America any day over the Middle East region. The inherent risk is much lower and blending in is much easier.

Originally Posted by Mr. Charlie

Where in South America did you go?

Originally Posted by p-bo

You'd be shocked at how well we're received in the Middle East, for the most part. I've been through Jordan, Egypt, Syria, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and Iraq. Most places I've been received with open arms.

Originally Posted by mord

Actually, I like you a lot, Nea. That's why I treat you like ****. It's the MB way.