You don't have to love those countries, especially in their current states, but yeah, a lot of what those of us in the west (particularly the US) hear about those countries are dubious and in service of ~narratives~ for those in power.
When Rednote took off earlier this year there were people legitimately in shock that Chinese people lived normal lives and weren't like... working under duress or censored to the point of trembling in fear of their government. Just shows how damaging the narratives have been for the last ~30 years.
Same with me, when sent to china and Iran ON BUSSINES. This was years back, but China, FIBRANT ... supermarkets, everybody so friendly, although I could not understand a word they stated but the hotel +service was 100x better than ours... and their historical sites blew my mind. Only had one mishap, when we visited a "local restaurant" when it wanted to "treat us"... we ordered some pork dish and it was literally ALL FAT (I hate that, my Dad loves that)... THESPECIAL DISH WAS TO "HONOUR US". Sorry, but needed a toilet and was sent out via thekitchen and had to walk / run 100 yards to a hole in the ground - not covered.... funny as hell looking back at it.
Only been back once since then ... UNBELIEVABLE TRANSORMATION...For the better.
...
Iran - Just try and visit and yes you can get access to all things;if you do notgob off loudly.
As it does most of us in the overfed West. Back in the late sixties and early seventies when I was prospecting you would get to the point of actually craving fat. This is your body's way of telling you need more energy.
LOL...I know the benefits and also stated above about the honour thing; but I hate the stuff; I had NO problem with the overall meal - a fantastic experience (remember a long time ago .. when "WESTERNERS" were rare.... BUT needing a dump in full view ?
Oh yes, very much so. I was very lucky in that I travelled on O&G business a great deal so had no problems with the holes in the floors - as I was young and fit and could squat... now though, at my age, I would fall in the ruddy hole, start crying and calling for Mummy.
But apart from the toiletry differences; the cultural differences are fantastic to witness - even within Europe; even within areas of different Countries; my UK is a prime example..
You don't have to love those countries, especially in their current states, but yeah, a lot of what those of us in the west (particularly the US) hear about those countries are dubious and in service of ~narratives~ for those in power.
When Rednote took off earlier this year there were people legitimately in shock that Chinese people lived normal lives and weren't like... working under duress or censored to the point of trembling in fear of their government. Just shows how damaging the narratives have been for the last ~30 years.
HAHAHA LOVE IT.
Same with me, when sent to china and Iran ON BUSSINES. This was years back, but China, FIBRANT ... supermarkets, everybody so friendly, although I could not understand a word they stated but the hotel +service was 100x better than ours... and their historical sites blew my mind. Only had one mishap, when we visited a "local restaurant" when it wanted to "treat us"... we ordered some pork dish and it was literally ALL FAT (I hate that, my Dad loves that)... THESPECIAL DISH WAS TO "HONOUR US". Sorry, but needed a toilet and was sent out via thekitchen and had to walk / run 100 yards to a hole in the ground - not covered.... funny as hell looking back at it.
Only been back once since then ... UNBELIEVABLE TRANSORMATION...For the better.
...
Iran - Just try and visit and yes you can get access to all things;if you do notgob off loudly.
In nutrition compromised societies fat is like gold. It was indeed a great honor they were bestowing on you.
Oh dear. Fat makes me nauseous, too.
As it does most of us in the overfed West. Back in the late sixties and early seventies when I was prospecting you would get to the point of actually craving fat. This is your body's way of telling you need more energy.
LOL...I know the benefits and also stated above about the honour thing; but I hate the stuff; I had NO problem with the overall meal - a fantastic experience (remember a long time ago .. when "WESTERNERS" were rare.... BUT needing a dump in full view ?
There are definitely many differences in our cultures.
Oh yes, very much so. I was very lucky in that I travelled on O&G business a great deal so had no problems with the holes in the floors - as I was young and fit and could squat... now though, at my age, I would fall in the ruddy hole, start crying and calling for Mummy.
But apart from the toiletry differences; the cultural differences are fantastic to witness - even within Europe; even within areas of different Countries; my UK is a prime example..
Thanks, Dave. I hope people will stop doing that.
More like seventy five years. If you think about it maybe all the way back to the Civil War.