Name: Ron
City, Country: Sydney Oz
Sent: 10.43 AM - 7/9 2002
Hi Ramon,
Keep on trucking enjoy the wild life
I forgot to give you an emergency bottle of Hennesy Cognac
for those lonely cold desert nights
But Ill keep the bottle of Hennesy Cognac closed until you get back to sydney
Have fun mate see u in Sydney.....
C U
Ron
Dutch On-Line
Sydney
www.dutch.net.au
Name: Brian
City, Country: Durban, South Africa
Sent: 6.02 AM - 7/9 2002
Hi Joan
Just a reference to your comments about Daniela going to Broome and then to Perth. I guess that Ramon was not, well, swept away by Daniela!
Ok, that was feeble, but at least it brought a smile to your face! And don't try to hide it, I can see from here... ;-)
Ramon, you keep on going, bud. And keep that book in mind, I'd love to read it. Methinks it's going to be more of a twenty volume encyclopedia. Irrespective of how you get there, you still get there, and it is these experiences that enrich you, and give us the facinating articles.
Hamba kahle
Brian
Name: Nada Ross
City, Country: Gold Coast, Australia
Sent: 5.00 AM - 7/9 2002
Dear Ramon
I have been following your reports for the past few months after seeing you on our TV news and offering you accommodation which sadly you didnt get a chance to use.
I look forward to your emails with anticipation and am re-living your adventures in the outback, which we have, as a family done a few years ago. Thank you for all the photos of our huge amazingly beautiful country.
You are an inspiration to freeloading and travel.
Remain adventurous and follow your heart.....
God bless you..........Nada
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 4.48 AM - 7/9 2002
Ramon,
Thanks for the return of the message board versus the forum format. Much better!!!!!!
Joan
Name: Joan
City, Country: USA
Sent: 4.40 AM - 7/9 2002
Ramon,
Great travel diaries and pics, as usual. I love it!!!! Some comments and observations:
Judging from the pics, I doubt those ladies on the tour were 65, as you guessed. I would think in their 50's just like the British couple.
I think you were too hard on them, but not being there myself, it is hard to say. It just came across as you being not open to the age difference. After all, they are nearly the same age as your parents! :-)
I have to think that if they signed up for a trip like this, they would expect the "roughing it" aspect, but also would feel free to say probably innocent things like "Brrrrrrrr, it's damn cold", or "I sure miss the local Pub!". :-) And even say things like ""Perfect. I like it when things are easy." regarding some of the hikes/trails. I give them immense credit for signing up for a camping trip like this.
I am 51, and remember what it was like to hike the mountains of New England (Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont) when I was in my 20's. I remember the sweat and satisfaction climbing Mt. Washington during all seasons - even in Winter, to ski/slide down the bowl area. Today, I like adventures, but also like the easier trails yet want to enjoy the nature. People get older ya know. :-) I cannot keep up with a person in their 20's today, and would never profess I could. Nor would I sign up for such a trip myself now. Give me the nice hotel room! :-)
I thought perhaps you would continue on a bit and keep Daniela company! "Daniela is not going to do the full 24-days trip to Perth. She gets off after the first 11 days in Broome. She has planned to drive the distance from Broome to Perth by herself in a car of her own." I thought this was a perfect opportunity and was expecting you to report that you continued on to Broome, and then drove to Perth with Daniella. Guess I guessed that wrong!
Agreed though, perhaps you would have had more fun with a group your age. Sorry that did not work out for you, but also sorry you had to leave the tour. I hope you did not miss out on too much.
Funny, I could not help when reading your report about getting frustrated (impatient) waiting on the others to return after a hike...."He needs a ciggie"! I thought "Chill out Ramon, sit down and have a cig!".
Then, low and behold, when you were given some money the first thing you bought was a pack of cigarettes! See, I just KNEW you needed a ciggie!!!!!!! :-) I laughed and laughed, and being a smoker myself, I knew the feeling!!!!!!
On June 30th you wrote: "I crawled out of my tent this morning at 5.30 in the morning and said "What a beautiful day!" in my utmost British accent. Four grumpy old individuals looked at me and totally disagreed with that. The cold of the morning was the conversation topic of the entire morning.'"
On July 1st you wrote: "Because after the sun had set, the coldness set in immediately....." "I am kind of prepared for the cold"...."my backup team and my friends at home gave me advice on how to survive a cold night like this in a car."..."I would be fine. I would be okay. I would just think about that warm shower I had this night, and about how the campfires from the previous days glowed in my face and kept me warm out there and I would think about how hot it will be during the day and I would just forget how cold it is."
Stop f**king whining about the cold!!!! :-) Not only did those British ladies go on about it, so did you! :-)
Ramon, as always, thanks for the adventures, your stories, your honesty and sincerity, and your most excellent photos. You continue to be an inspiration for travelers (and tourists). And as always, thanks to your hosts/hostesses, and all the sponsors! It is a marvelous adventure which you are sharing with the world! Indeed those of us who are following you have learned an encyclopedia of information about the places you have visited - actually, quite better than an encyclopdia, as you not only tell us the informational data (thanks for all the links in your daily updates about the places you visit!), you also tell us about the every day living experiences - things we often cannot find in an encyclopedia! You are a world guide in more ways than just reporting on places. You are reporting on PEOPLE! Most wonderful!
I just had to make my observations. You know me, I follow every thread and update. :-) I have been wondering ever since your first announcement as to why you left the tour. Now we all know, you just needed a ciggie! :-) j/k Like I said, not being there, not being you, we cannot know the exact feelings, but I think you relayed your feelings well. You just wanted some more down to earth, and preferably, closer to your age, companions, on that tour. No harm, no foul, as they say.
Keep on traveling, be open, be safe!
Cheers,
Joan
Name: Trevie
City, Country: Amersham, BUCKS
Sent: 11.55 PM - 7/8 2002
http://www.dingosanctuary.org/dingo.html
I have found this web site all about Dingos...
This will answer your questions..
Trevie
Name: Cynthia H
City, Country: Denver, USA
Sent: 11.06 PM - 7/8 2002
I forgot to ask another question, anyone can help me with and that is this: I heard that the dingo is the only land carnivore and it is not native to Australia. Is this right?
Name: Chris R.
City, Country: Austin, Texas USA
Sent: 8.35 PM - 7/8 2002
Hi Ramon,
I just want to say I agree with Cynthia from Denver that it is not all older folks who act that way! I am a 52 year old grandma and I LOVE camping and adventure - the rougher the better. You won't catch me in too many fancy luxury hotels that's for sure. I have a daughter-in-law from Lima, Peru. She is only 32 and complains all the time about everything. So it's the person, not the age. I bet you'll be a cool old geezer yourself when you get to be your dad's age, right? (wink)
Keep on truckin'. There are LOTS of us, older folks included, who are having a wonderful time vicariously enjoying your adventures. I just wish I could be helping you out when you got stuck. I've been there too, and know what that's like.
Oh yes, and I also did send birthday wishes to your dad, and told him he should be very proud of his son!
Name: Cynthia H
City, Country: Denver USA
Sent: 7.59 PM - 7/8 2002
Hi Ramon,
I'm twenty years older than you and I think I'm very tolerable and open minded, I don't think you should blame the age difference as I take offense at that. We're not all like the British ladies. I eat with my hands all the time. I also wanted to ask about the wildlife... I was under the impression that there was an abundance of fauna yet as I recall, you've seen crocs and snakes and flies and dead kangaroos...anything else? Also explain the difference between a traveler and a tourist as I thought you were both.
I feel sorry for Dave, maybe you should have stayed with the tour as a comrade for Dave the tour operator. Anyway, I sent B-Day greetings to your Dad. I enjoy IMMENSELY your journey and your website.
Name: Trevie
City, Country: Amersham,BUCKS
Sent: 6.35 PM - 7/8 2002
Hi Ramon, I see you are having trouble with those Brits, I feel so ashamed that british people cant shut up and stop whinging for five minutes and enjoy what they have or where they are.. On Holiday. If there isnt a kitchen sink, British people are the first to moan. I feel more annoyed about it than I should, as I am not actually there. Its really winds me up..errrr
Name: Diane
City, Country: Exmouth
Sent: 6.19 AM - 7/8 2002
Like Nomi (below), I also discovered your website from a yahoo group and I have been following your exploits on a daily basis. Sorry about your "friendly welcome" to WA. I enjoy your photos and very unique and honest style of writing. What a pity you missed out on Exmouth and the Ningaloo Reef. All the best as you tour the rest of WA.
Name: qin ying ran
City, Country: china
Sent: 2.57 PM - 7/7 2002
hi. mmmmmmm, seems you visit many country, but u never think to come to china ever once. why??
RAMON:
It is always fascinating that people know what I think... I only think about visiting ANY country when I am very near that country at that particular moment or when a sponsor might be able to get me there. I have, for example, absolutely NO reason NOT to visit China. I'll get there when I get there...
Name: Nomi
City, Country: Tel-Aviv, Israel
Sent: 1.43 PM - 7/7 2002
G'day
Sounds like you're having a pretty incredible trip. I just got turned on to your website through a forum on yahoo groups. I'm an Ozzie myself but, I've been based in Israel for the past 8 years. I'm all for travelling around the world, I just don't do it in one go. I spent a year in the States, which I recommend....particularly, New Orleans, Arizona, Boston and Seattle....a few of my favourites. I'm about to take off again and travel for a couple of months before landing in Vancouver for a year. Who knows, maybe we'll meet on the road somewhere.
Enjoy and keep up the good work of promoting travel and showing everyone how small this world really is.
Nomi
Name: Eddy
City, Country: Bunbury Western Australia
Sent: 8.16 AM - 7/7 2002
you are on your way to the greatest place on earth ,Bunbury Western Australia home of the imfamous Hash House Harriers with over 1000 recorded runs & of course the drinking of the mighty amber fluid .WE run & drink every Wednesday at 6pm .If you want a good laugh & of couse a drink or three you should be there .More imfo from the Big Blue Building when you arrive in Bunbury (another famous landmark )on on !!!
RAMON:
Hi Eddy, I am not unfamiliar with the Hash House Harriers. My parents joined that group of runners/drinkers when we lived in Indonesia in my early years. Then back in The Netherlands there are several HHH's and of course we joined up there to do an annual Indonesia reunion Hash. I remember the last one I did a few years ago and I couldn't really drink that much beer yet. I bet I'll run better now, but I just don't have a place to stay in Bunburry yet...
Name: John
City, Country: Portsmouth
Sent: 11.46 PM - 7/6 2002
Did you get an get out of free jail card?
RAMON: I got one of those passes with which I can get in and out whenever I please- isn't that great?
Name: Trevie
City, Country: Amersham, BUCKS
Sent: 11.43 PM - 7/6 2002
In your reports about the Kakadu National Park you says there are six seasons, You have only stated five of them, what was the Six season. Please could you also state all the months they fall,
cheers as I couldn't quite work it out.
RAMON:
You are the first! What a good way to test my readers, huh? ;-) At this link you can read an Introduction to Kakadu which thoroughly explains the 6 seasons.
Name: Clayton Mohekey
City, Country: Busselton -- Western Australia
Sent: 11.29 AM - 7/6 2002
Hi ya good to see that you have made it this far.
What ever you do dont go back east with out seeing what the sovth west has to offer.
You will find great wine and warm homes.
Hope to catch up with you down here.
Name: dennis rivers
City, Country: kingston england
Sent: 11.14 AM - 7/6 2002
like what ur doin m8 keep it up. i would like to to do some thing like that to some day as well.any way got to go now cya ltr bbbyyyee
Name: dbk Tom
City, Country: NZ
Sent: 5.55 AM - 7/6 2002
great reports those from the Kakadu National Park.
Beautyfull photos
Name: Cheryle Robbins
City, Country: Dallas, TX USA
Sent: 4.41 PM - 7/5 2002
Do you know when you would be visiting the US continent?
RAMON:
No. Please read the FAQ.
Name: Melanie
City, Country: Karratha, Western Australia
Sent: 10.55 AM - 7/5 2002
Just saw you on TV. Hope you had enough places to stay here, otherwise you could've crashed here. Sorry I didn't know what you were doing.
Name: annemarie
City, Country: zwolle, The Netherlands
Sent: 8.01 AM - 7/5 2002
You did'nt know that hitchhiking is forbidden in Australia??
RAMON:
I did some research about that before heading to Australia. The Australian law says "thy shall not stand in road", which actually means that I'd be not allowed to hitchhike ON the road. Most hitchhikers are smart enough to stand next to the road, otherwise they'll become roadkill like all the kangaroos and cows I have seen along the road...
Hitchhiking is prohibited when practices on busy highways or at certain dangerous spots. Of course I always have to keep in mind that a possible lift has to be able to stop at a safe place, withouth disturbing other drivers.
Just don't wave at police cars...
Name: Gerben
City, Country: Zzzwolle, Holland
Sent: 8.47 PM - 7/4 2002
Good God! So they've finally got you. About time. How much did you pay for that picture ;-) Hope all is well. Don't worry about me Ramon, I'll be in France for a year or so (short holiday). Let me know if you want to crash. I've got some great wines.
Name: donatella
City, Country: milan, italy
Sent: 6.36 PM - 7/4 2002
disturbing traffic on the highway?? ramon, firstly I've thought it was a joke. I'm sorry for what's happening over there. I hope things to turn into good very quickly.
buona fortuna, donatella
Name: acadia
City, Country: MAine, USA
Sent: 3.03 PM - 7/4 2002
Back-up Team - Have you gotten Ramon out of Jail yet? What is he going to do now?
Name: Ramon Stoppelenburg
City, Country: Port Hedland, Australia (at this moment)
Sent: 2.38 AM - 7/4 2002
Well...
There you had a messageboard and I changed it into a forum. There you had the external forum and the boys out there decided to quit their service; no more forum.
Here is the messageboard again, for you pleasure of simple posting, reading and scrolling!
Name: Natalie Lam
City, Country: Hong Kong , China
Sent: 7.22 AM - 7/1 2002
Hi guy,
From the time you plan to have the "free trip" I read your website and daily report. A year past already, when will you stop teh travel ? Do you miss your family?
Actually I wanna to know your nationality.
Best Wishes !!
Name: tapperij De Joffer
City, Country: Holland
Sent: 1.26 PM - 6/20 2002
Great site, also your column in the HSK which we follow every edition.
When youre back to your roots we invite you for free drinks all night long to tell us your adventures.
Good luck,and lot of greetings. Remco&Jan
Name: Munk
Hometown: Zwolle, Netherlands
Sent: 9.10 AM - 6/18 2002
Lily, wouldn't it have been less rude to send your comment to Ramon's e-mail address instead of this guestbook for all to see?
RAMON:
Oh Munk, you should have seen her busy. She kept on going on this messageboard, so I removed messages that were simply inappropiate for this page. Then she started to call that censorship by email ("people like u always do...u can't bear for people to see the truth.....in my line of work, that is called censorship") and calls me a coward in the next one ("i will be more than happy to tell people myself......i have my own resources"). I am happy I did not stay with this person after all!
Name: Munk
Sent: 9.10 AM - 6/18 2002
Lily, wouldn't it have been less rude to send your comment to Ramon's e-mail address instead of this guestbook for all to see?
Name: Brian
City, Country: Durban, South Africa
Sent: 6.30 AM - 6/18 2002
Hi all
Jeez! I go away for a long weekend of hot air ballooning, and a volcano erupts! Well, two volcanos!
Firstly, to Lynn, I think that Bret and the others have said it quite clearly. Do not judge another until you have checked out his intentions! You really do not have any right to say what you said.
Ramon has stayed in many countries, and with many people, myself included, and the vast majority of these people were delighted to host him, and sad to see him leave.
Lynn, you clearly do not know Ramon, so let me tell you about him. Ramon is a kind, gentle, and decent young man who has a spirit of adventure and a heart of kindness that is hard to find elsewhere. He has utmost respect for his hosts, and is quite open about virtually every topic of discussion. He does not expect anything more than a place to sleep, and a meal. These are the requests he makes on this website, and you invite him subject to that. Even months later, I still feel immensely honoured to have hosted him.
Secondly, to Lily in Darwin, you are being very hard on Ramon. Again, to relate to my personal experience with Ramon, he handled the situation quite acceptabley with me. He called me on a Friday afternoon, if my memory serves me correctly, and said that he would be in Durban on the following Monday. I was so happy to hear from him. We made the arrangements, and I collected him from his previous host on the Monday after work.
Now Lily, if you had visited Ramon,s website at least once in the last month or so, you would have realised where Ramon was, and you could surely have figured out where he is headed. I'm sure you are clever enough to figure out that he was heading towards you. Then, keep your phone close by, and listen to your voice messages.
Please people, do not ridicule Ramon. He is a tremendous gentleman, and he has a huge task in this project. If you really want to help, then do so. But if you just want your mug shot on the net, and insist on complaining all the time, then perhaps this is not for you.
Ramon, keep strong, dude, and don't let these palookas put you down. You are doing great, and you have many supporters out here. Keep going.
Hamba kahle
Brian
Name: Emma Rohrlach
City, Country: Perth, Australia
Sent: 4.52 AM - 6/18 2002
Ramon, I have to recommend that from Darwin you continue around the north west coast and make your way down to Perth. Stop in Broome and go to the beach, then see if someone invites you to the mining towns, like Newman or Paraburdoo. Say hi to the dolphins at Monkey Mia, snorkel the ningaloo reef and say hi to some whale sharks... See the amazing wave rock, and the pinnacles... come through Perth and stay with me- see Cottesloe Beach (its better than bondi, and don't let any sydney people tell you otherwise!).
I also noticed someone mentioned the Barossa Valley in SA, definitely go there if you get a chance! Amazing place full of old german heritage, good food and great wine!
Good luck with all your journeys, and thanks for telling the world how wonderful Australians are!
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