Travelcast with Igar Garai
Hello dear travelers from around the globe, and welcome to Travelcast!
I'm your host, Igar, an active traveler for last 9 years. Join me as I dig into the world of travel with my esteemed guests. From budget-friendly journeys to luxurious escapades and everything in between, we'll explore diverse travel experiences that are sure to inspire you. Allow these stories to spark your wanderlust and lead you towards more dynamic, engaging, and safe travels. And don't mind the occasional background noise; after all, we're recording from the heart of different destinations, capturing the essence of travel in real time.
Let's enjoy this journey together!
Travelcast with Igar Garai
E16 - Robin: Sustainable Travel, Cultural Immersion, and Unlikely Friendships Across Continents
What if travel could truly transform the way you see the world—and your place in it? Meet Robin, an adventurous globetrotter who has explored over 60 countries with a focus on sustainable travel. He recently spent six months in Australia as a language assistant, weaving through cultural tapestries and embracing the warmth of Australian winters. Tune in to discover how Robin navigated the vibrant tapestry of cultures in Brisbane and beyond, all while savoring the unique experiences of living with host families and exploring the serene beauty of Fiji.
Robin's stories challenge the notion that travel is an automatic path to self-improvement. Instead, he shares how stepping outside one's comfort zone can offer fresh perspectives and a newfound appreciation for home. Whether it's the colorful chaos of India or the structured recycling systems of Germany, Robin's journeys offer rich lessons in cultural nuances and environmental consciousness. His anecdotes remind us of the importance of open-mindedness and the transformative power of experiencing life through a different lens.
In this episode, we also explore the serendipity of friendships forged on the road, like Robin's chance meeting with an Italian friend, Stefano, and their heartwarming reconnections. Discover how island life in Fiji offers a rhythm all its own, where time slows down and community spirit thrives through shared traditions like kava ceremonies. With each narrative, Robin invites us to embrace the diverse beauty of our world and the unexpected bonds that enrich our travels.
Connect with Robin:
- Couchsurfing: https://www.couchsurfing.com/people/rob-eibes
- Instagram: https://www.couchsurfing.com/people/rob-eibes
Connect with me:
- Igar Garai Instagram: https://instagram.com/igargarai
- or be my CS guest: https://www.couchsurfing.com/people/igar-garai
Hello, dear travelers, and welcome back to another episode of the Travelcast. Today I would like to dive into the world of the adventure of Robin, the person who traveled more than 60 countries, who has a dream to travel the most sustainable way as possible and who always finds some philosophy in his travels. Robin, welcome, Thank you for joining. Cheers for having me, man. Yeah, how are you doing?
Robin:Man, I'm all right, All right, sitting here in the basement drinking buple beer that my father bought, enjoying life. It's good as it gets.
Igar:How are you, man? I know that you like just came back from the adventure, from like pretty big adventure, um so from australia right, and been there for like six months or something like this. Yeah, uh, can you like like, what did you do there and why six months? Like or like?
Robin:yeah, man, I mean like like uh, long story short. You know, I applied for an internship there at the school, um, I studied education, so like to become a teacher, um, for geography and sports. But I also I do speak english decently, right, so I thought maybe I can go to an english speaking country and get some experience there, um. So, um, I went to a school and they have they have a so-called german immersion and extension program and since I'm german, so I'm also like speaking english fluently at German. Apparently, like they accepted me as a language assistant there, so like they teach bilingual, so they teach some classes, all the materials in German, and they need people who can help the students to like, I don't know, learn the language practically, you know, like to have a conversation.
Robin:When I heard about that, I was really fascinated. I thought, like cool, like they speak. They have a school where they teach in German, but it's not a German or international school, just a normal Australian high school. Eventually, like most of the students couldn't speak German right, like on a really basic level. So I spoke more English than German there.
Robin:So, like the staff in the staff room, the language staff room, most of them spoke German. They were like Germans, austrians or Australians who speak German, or New Zealanders, like what's that? Like New Zealander who spoke German. So it was interesting being on the other side of the world, you know, and then having a side of the world, you know, and then having a german community there, you know, like to. So it gave me a feeling of an expert, you know, like to to be a person who's in another country. Um, working there for some time, yeah, even though, like it was more like volunteering, so I didn't earn money there. They gave me guest families and food and drinks and, yeah, like I didn't really have costs too much. Australia is expensive.
Igar:Man, yeah, man, yeah, and like could you travel during that time?
Robin:I had to leave the country after three months because I had to re-enter the country because of my visa. I went to fiji, um, for like a week and a half or so.
Robin:Um, I also traveled a little bit in australia with my kids, families and everything around, like I was in brisbane, so like it's more like in the northern part of australia which is warmer, so while I was there was winter, but because it was um, like southern hemisphere, like I mean, like while there was summer here, like I was there when there was summer here and winter there but was still warm, was still like 25 degrees sometimes in winter, like they have the hottest winter day with like 36 degrees there, like in the history so it was still all right to stay there, you know, like it's actually quite good, yeah, weather-wise yeah, and how is it like this, let's say, this australian lifestyle?
Igar:I heard that they have this reputation of like cheerfulness, that, like always, like you know, but I don't know like it's stereotypically so I don't know. Like, definitely, people are still people and there's many of them right. So, and um, yeah, how did you find yourself like into connection with some locals?
Robin:yeah, man, I think I mean you, you, you got a good point there. You know that like people are different. You know, because like often people call the stereotypes right like people something, say something, whatever you're from belarus or you're from germany, and they like think things without. If they've never seen you, you know they will have like some pictures like oh, yeah, um, and I would say like it's also like same with australia. You know, like what you say cheerfulness, yeah, or also mateship, right, people always say mate, and where is it going? I would say, to some degree, yeah, that's right.
Robin:People are also more informal. In Germany, for example, you have to write an email. You write like dear sir or madam, really formal. Like you write like um, dear sir or madam, really formal. You know like, uh, australia just say hi, or like like it's really like. You know, um, yeah, like I mean german also. You have like a formal way to talk to people. You would always write in the email australia.
Robin:It's like everyone's your, your mate, kind of like you go on the street, uh, like the experience that I had, like this time, because I was there once before, but like as a traveler, more as a backpacker, and now I actually stayed in one quarter for most of the time, um, so I stayed in the suburb and I felt like, um, it's a bit like, like a mixture between somehow like, maybe more like european culture, in a way like british culture, but also american culture, but then also like, there are a lot of people from lots of different countries, a lot of asian countries, lots of asian restaurants and all you know. Um, like, in some cities they have like thai markets or festivals, for example. So, um, yeah, like, and I would say like the people, they're friendly, like they don't want to have conflict so much like, for example, germans love discussing things. You know, like, like people are really straightforward. They're going to tell you hey, I don't like that shit, man. And like people are like, what the fuck? How rude you know.
Robin:But like for us, it's more like for like also stereotypes, stereotypical germany. Like, it's more like, um, it's an insult when you're not honest about something, right, because, like people would smell it. They will be like, this is just like someone wants to give me a compliment, but they don't mean it, you know, they think it's fake. You know, and like in this way, like, like for germans, australians might be a little bit fake, you know, like they're a bit like too nice, you know, but I think it's good.
Robin:You know, like, like in some to some degree, like you go out on the suburb, like I lived in the suburb, people they say hello, they say hey, good day mate. You greet the bus driver, you say hello to the bus driver, you say thank you to the bus driver. You know, I see that really really like sometimes in germany, really rarely, but like almost like here I go through my village right now, my father's in the village. I go around here and people, like they're not, but they don't want to say, they don't want to look at you, they don't want to say hello, you know, they just want to be like like minding their own business. You know, yeah, but like, yeah, like interesting, but you can see like it's something else, it's not european culture.
Igar:You know, like, um, yeah, well, and how is it like, let's say for you this, uh, not necessarily with australia, but in general, like any other trips, and like, even back then you know, like when you was just starting, yeah, like, so, like it's part of the travel, of adventure, to face the culture, differences and the different approach or everything. Everything can be different upside down and uh, and definitely it's shaped us as travelers. So, and like, did you experience on yourself such a change? And, if so, or changes, yeah, maybe they're constant. So, like, can you open this one?
Robin:yeah, and I think, yeah, like, I do believe like there's a constant change in a way, um, yeah, like when you're, when you meet different people, I kind of believe you know, like, might might sound like some some new new age stuff, but like, like you, you meet people and you have some connection. You know, like, um, like if you whatever, like like if you, if you have on on the same place at the same time, like the universe did all of those things and you ended up in the same place. You know, like you're going to have some exchange. I don't think that everyone who travels necessarily like becomes a better person. You know, I also don't think everyone has to travel. You know, like you need to feel comfortable with it yourself. You know, and like some like I mean people, they might I don't know book an all-inclusive hotel, an all-inclusive hotel somewhere in Egypt or whatever, and they're just by the beach. You know, at the pool drinking, which is fine. You know, I just want to enjoy the holiday and good weather, but they don't really adopt the culture. You know Like, for example, like you go to a Muslim country like Egypt and you go there and drink, you know, all the time, or whatever Like you should be, like time or whatever, yeah, like, like you should be, like, like, try, like I think it's more beneficial when you try to understand how the people are living. You know, like the, to try to understand the lifestyle, and I mean like like you, just you can just do it for a day. Maybe. You know, like, try to meet some locals for a day, hang out with them, and then you can still go back to your western country or whatever you know and like live your old lifestyle, you know, and then if you disliked what you've experienced, then it's also good because it shows you like maybe you appreciate your, your home culture more, in a way. You know, um, but like I, uh, yeah, like I think you can have a great exchange when you, when you make friends with people from other cultures, with other religious backgrounds, maybe as well, and those things. You know I've changed a lot. Yeah, definitely Like I still am, and I think that's also a bit of a thing.
Robin:You know once you go back home, maybe the biggest change is not while you're traveling, but when you go back home. Maybe the biggest change is not while you're traveling, but when you go back home, you know, and you meet the people who haven't traveled, who never, like, left their comfort zone, you know, and they won't really like, maybe like understand what you, what you experienced, you know, um, so like, um, I think it's, it's really great when you, when you have a friend, a mate or a partner that also loves to travel with you, the way that you do because then you can share those stories afterwards but also like solo traveling is is really really interesting because you, you can just do what you want, you know, you can just like I'm a person when I travel, I I like to say yes to a lot of things you know, um, and then I get into situations where, yes, to a lot of things, you know. And then I get into situations where I know a lot of my friends. They would never do that, you know, so, like, if I would travel with them, then, like you know, like I wouldn't do things that I might want to do, you know, in a way. So yeah, there you can experience yourself, you can learn about yourself.
Robin:When I think for me, the craziest experience or the most meaningful culture-wise is probably going to India with a friend of mine who's also Indian and lives in my hometown. We studied there, going to his village for a couple of weeks and then traveling solo, uh, for a few weeks as well. Um, yeah, like it's man, like, like you just see, you know, like it's the same, it's the same world, you know, but it's a different life. Like, uh, and like I see a lot of things like a lot of complaints and a lot of like things like people think they have to have in germany, like, or like in western countries, also in australia. People think I deserve that, like, um, like I think differently about those things, like seeing people like carrying, like, like, like horses, things on the mountains, for example. You know, like, like things like I've never seen before, like animals on the street, like, like religious experiences, like festivals, where people were like thousands of people were like like moving together and man like just the smells.
Robin:I mean, it's definitely not for everyone. You know like some people never go there. They're gonna be like, oh, like there's a lot of like the negative things, you know, um, and I like, like I also like I don't think any place is just good or bad, you know, like it's not, like like germany is better than india, for example. You know, I don't believe that you know like they're bad places in germany, where you don't want to be, you know for sure. You know also like in australia, united states, poland, whatever, you know like like every place is good, like they're big countries. You know like just one city can have like really nice or really bad places. You know so like just because you went to a place and you made one bad experience doesn't mean that the place is bad or the people are bad, you know.
Igar:So if I'm drifting away from like the question that you were asking, well, man, like actually I want to touch, I want to go to India. Like it's a good story, you know, like did you go, you?
Robin:said you were with friends. You definitely can have a good time, man.
Igar:Yeah, it was a regular trip, like with a friend or like you did also also guys, something like volunteering or backpacking. What did you do, guys?
Robin:that was like I didn't, didn't work there or whatever, um, even though, like like now I got some contacts of people who told me like I, I would have some options to do things there, like this is also like, I think the way I did, like staying somewhere, let's say, even for a few weeks, it's different than staying somewhere for a year, you know like, because then then becomes from from traveling to, to actually moving somewhere. Uh, like long time ago, probably like 10 years ago. So I had this like like bucket list thing, you know like, where I wrote down things that I would like to do. I mean, I'm not also like, like I don't take it too seriously. I know whatever happens happens and what doesn't happen was not supposed to, but it said that I would like to live on on every continent. You know like and like what is living somewhere, you know, I would say like staying half a year at one place, like I did in austral, kind of counts, you know um, like, um, but like just being somewhere for some time, always moving, it's not really living there. You know like, even if you spend, even though it's been half a year in India, just traveling around, it's not living there, kind of. You know, um, because you always meet different people, you don't really live the daily life at some point. Yeah, yeah, even though it's also like it's a different type, like it's way more exhausting actually to to move around all the time.
Robin:But, uh, in india I just um, yeah, like um, I just went there for for traveling sake, you know, but, um, I met, I met a lot of nice people and then also, like there was a different feeling like like, like I know the word by and and dd and ben is like kind of like sister and brother in in in hindi. And now the people, it's like they always call each other brother and sister and they will call me brother as well. You know, like I always felt this like community, this like sense that there's something bigger than money. For example, you for a lot of people that they really try to be nice to you because they think it's the right thing to do, because they're religious as well. And here I know a lot of people, lots of friends of mine maybe, who say religion is dangerous, you know, and all of those things you know. But actually, like, I'm not really afraid of of like like the people that have values that are more important than money. You know, like, like, people who have like, like, basically like, not really much for like our western standards. They shared everything with me, you know, yeah, like, and and this like also. I feel like.
Robin:You know, like, like when I, when I came back from my first trip to india, I was talking with my brother-in-law and I explained them how I lived in the village there and like they had they had goats and and like, uh, like cows, and then like chicken or whatever in the backyard and then someone would come and put them on the fields and how they would exchange like, like lentils or or rice with the neighbor. Like they also all know each other or like uh, related to each other, you know. And and my brother-in-law, he was kind of like when I explained him like, oh, we're like sitting down the ground and she's like using the wood and the dry cow proof to light a fire, to make bread on it or whatever. And eventually I tell him all those stories and he's like, but, like, so so they were poor, you know, and I was like I was, I was kind of annoyed like, like, yeah, they don't have much money, you know, but like, I don't think that like that, like, first of all, it's not their fault. You know it's the fault of the, the system, the big system in general. And then the other thing is, I don't think that money makes you a good person.
Robin:I felt like a lot of people there were like really happy. You know like, like, like generally. You know like satisfied in a way, more than a lot of the people that I know in some western countries you know, who are always like feeling this, like, like pressure or loneliness or whatever. You know um. Then there's also a thing like about india. You know like, yeah, you can talk about like arranged marriages. You can talk about like the, the trash, the pollution that is there, about gender inequality, the caste system. Obviously you know like for, like someone who's not used to that, like like we might think it's a bad thing, or like or we are actually as as white people. You know like you go there and you are kind of like privileged. You know, because the British went there and they kind of like you know, put themselves on top of this, you know above this, or kind of something like this.
Robin:You know, um, also arranged marriages. You know like you tell people they think like it's crazy or like like really bad, you know, but I think we are. We are not the people who should judge that. You know, like I, like, I think you know, like, first of all, this stuff also happened in europe.
Robin:You know, like, like, like we also had the caste system, we also had all those things, um, but then also saying like they live in a different time or whatever is also I don't know like not really reasonable, like that, a lot of people that don't get forced to do that, you know, and I feel like it's just a different culture. You know, like you, you cannot go there. Like you should respect that, like, I think if you want to go like to like india what I said before like like, uh, like in an arab country maybe, like like saudi arabia or whatever, you and you want to walk there in a bikini to protest against the system, you shouldn't do that man, it's not your culture. It's what I think. I think people won't understand it. They will be offended.
Igar:Yeah like some tourists come and you know same like stories happens on. Like you know same like stories happens on like Bali or something. Yeah, when like people driving shitty way disrespectfully and like local kind of becoming unhappy. Okay, not Bali like Barcelona, yeah like. Or uh in Italy. Yeah like also tourists like overdo uh some activities and like overdue some activities and like locals becoming unhappy with this you know.
Igar:Yeah, yeah, yeah, so you, come in there and you go, but these places stay. These places with their traditions, with their way of living, with their everything, you know You're just one of them. You know, like you just fly, come and go, come and go. You know of them. You know, like you just fly, come and go, come and go. You know. So, like and like if you're trying to uh approach a culture and say, oh, what the fuck they're doing, they it's wrong. No, there's no wrong.
Robin:Yeah there's no wrong. You know, you should ask some questions. Why? Why do they do that? You know, like and and like, try to get behind the the surface. You know, talk to the people, ask them if they're happy about it. You know, don't tell them oh, it's not good, awesome, you think it's?
Igar:good, you know maybe actually what they do and they can show you their way and like, explain why and so, and yeah, and you will be, oh crap, this makes sense actually.
Igar:You know, like, uh, like I mentioned from myself that like I have some things. Okay, I would come in really fast, but it's a little bit funny in like, uh, in my example, uh, uh, when I've been in portugal and my friend plays, like uh, something like did laundry, regular stuff, you know, and then his mom like again, for you maybe it will funny, but for me it was something what I took from local culture, so it's where I'm going, and like his mom, he did socks kind of like inside, so like two socks together and look nice and you don't lose them. Yeah, so that's it and it's nice to pack. And I was like, oh, wow, this is actually cool stuff. And then I started to do it in my life, you know, and I had other things like this as well, but kind of like, yeah, but like simple things come into my mind, you know, yeah, oh, okay, I don't know what crap, like what I had or something with food connected. I also had many things you know like about, like daily regular simple things.
Igar:So yeah, you have some things, yeah yeah like.
Robin:Yeah, definitely, man, I know like lots of things, regular, simple things. So maybe you have some things, yeah, yeah, like. Yeah, definitely, man, I know like lots of things, like I've learned from other people also. I personally believe you know it's like also like there's there isn't really like just good or bad or black and white, you know, and there's also that they're not like like smart people and dumb people, for example. You know like you can learn something from everyone. You know and like like you just need to know like what does this person like? What is this person interested in? You know, yeah, and I think I think when you travel, you know you should like always like like see yourself as a guest, you know, like be respectful and see yourself like, like like you own this place, you know.
Robin:But, yeah, like the example that you just had before, like what I've learned like from from some people is like putting my, my clothes on the clothes hanger. You know watching them putting on the clothes hanger instead of like letting them try on on like a clothes horse or like like something and then put them together. You know, I just put them on the clothes hanger and put them, you know, like, like you know, hang them up immediately on the. Yeah, you know like, and I saw that in thailand, you know. I know also like some people in germany might do that somewhere else, you know, in europe.
Robin:But like, like, there's also a thing like individual culture. You just see, there's also an amazing thing you know about, like, like living with locals, you know, see those like basic things of daily life. You know, and you can, you can think about like, like, because you've learned something from your parents or from your family, you know, and then you go to another family or to another person's household and just see, oh, they do things differently and it works kind of better, you know, and then you can just adapt. That it's definitely.
Igar:That's a great thing, yeah, and you mentioned, like this india, about the pollution, like, so is it like for real, like this, uh, like, was it bad? Or like the pain of the city? How is there? And did you feel like, like physically, like when you breathe, should you keep the masks or something? How is it?
Robin:the thing thing about india is, you know, india is a big country, so so, like you can't compare to like poland or belarus, right, or like, or even like germany. It's like it's way bigger and especially, population is huge. So they have, they have thousands of huge cities there and all and they're different. Yeah, so, and like in the, in the north you have mountains and it can be really cold, and then the south you have rainforest, um, so it really depends on where you go. Uh, one place like the big cities like, like, let's say, mumbai, delhi, um, they will have certain amounts of pollution, definitely when you go around there depends also on where you go there. Maybe mumbai is better because it's by the coast. I went to a place called um jaipur, which is the capital of uh, of the state rajasthan, where this is where my friend lives, which is a city with, I think, around three to four million people living there, and it's kind of in the desert, you know. So you will have a lot of dust there as well, like you have dust from, like the desert, but then you also you will have people burning that trash somewhere on the street, you know, at some places, because they don't have, like a recycling system or whatever, so they they need to dump it or, you know, like burn it basically, so, um, so some people they burn it. Also, mumbai, you will, like, I saw, I saw like kind of like small piles with um, like like I know, coal, like just dark burnt plastic. Basically, you know, like on the street somewhere, like relatively like in the city, people just burning piles of trash, you know on the street, and then you will have that in the like in the air. Obviously you will see that in the morning, especially when the sun is rising. You would see that in the morning, especially when the sun is rising, you would see that mist and, yeah, like you would also see the trash on the street. You will also see animals walking around, especially like in Jaipur and Mumbai and Delhi. I didn't see that too much, but, like in more like traditional cities, you will definitely see that and they will also, like they will poop there right, might they might die there because they also eat the trash and then they, they, they starve, you know, because of the trash in their in their stomach and um, then other animals, like dogs, will come and eat that. Maybe I saw dogs eating bones and stuff like that and just being like street gangs at night, you know, and then like, yeah, like, so you will like it's like in public in some cities. You will think it's quite dirty, like maybe it's like european or whatever you know, but, um, then there are also places that are really more more natural, like like little jewels, um, and yeah, like, um. That's definitely one thing that made me think a lot while I was there, because I felt bad about buying things that were packaged because I knew I couldn't throw them in the trash. You know which, for me, as a german, like you know, like, we love recycling. You know, like we have, like we have 16 different bins for like you know, you know, like. Then you like, like, I went, I went to the Himalayas, there to a guy called Billy like, who runs a camping site that you know.
Robin:He was just opening this camping site and I met a friend of Billy who was telling me when I go there I can call billy, so just call billy and I could stay there for free at this place. Basically, I helped him to build up the tents and all uh, and then, like, at this camping site, while I was there, I also wanted to help him right. So I collected all that trash that was laying around there, you know, um, and then, like, I put all that trash somewhere, you know, and then Billy comes and he's like like, first of all he told me I shouldn't work there. I was like, dude, I want to work here because it was like you're the guest. And I was like, yeah, but then he was like, oh nice, you, you collected the trash.
Robin:Cool, we can, we can burn it over there later in the, the like bottom layer, the, the fundament of the, the tents, you know, because you have to put them on the height a little bit, like on on something, so the water doesn't go in when it's raining. Um, it was the best thing we could do, you know. But like, there's like, there's trash like and like, like. Then he asked me what should we do with it? You know, and I understood like this was the moment I really understood you cannot do anything with that trash, you know, like it's laying around there. They cannot. There's no one coming picking it up. They can just burn it. You know, it's the best thing they can do for themselves.
Robin:So it doesn't lay around, you know, and obviously it's a big problem for the environment, you know, but like I also dare like, germany is way worse for the environment than india. You know, like per person at least. What do you mean? I mean, I mean like, uh, like the carbon footprint, for example, like of me, like, not me personally, but like as a like, like average german is way higher than than those of an indian, of an average indian, indian, obviously not like the super rich Indians or whatever.
Igar:But why?
Robin:Because I had a lot of classes about this in geography. Yeah, I know there are websites where you can check that Ourworldanddataorg.
Igar:They have a lot of data about this Because of our lifestyle so, after some technical issues, uh, now we're back and uh, man, uh, as I remember you stop, we stopped on the topic of this.
Robin:Uh, difference of like, let's say why indians has um bigger sorry, lower footprint than germans, and I just was curious why so yeah, I mean like it's just things like um, like we have more access to to things, to like resources, but like, for example, I read the statistic, like 80 of the world population never went on the plane, you know world population never went on the plane.
Robin:You know, think about oh man, oh, this is like something new for me. Yeah, think about that man like now. Now, think like, like, like you are one of the 20 percent, right? So, yeah, I mean like all of those things like everything we do, everything we consume, it comes from somewhere, it has some impact on, on the environment, and just like in, especially in western countries, but also in countries like like the, the oecd countries, all producing countries, they also like they, they just like um, consume a lot, you know like, and all of those things like they. They just cost a lot of energy, you, you know Um. And also, yeah, our, our industry is just different, um, yeah, but like what?
Robin:What I think you know like here, for example, like uh in in Hanover, where I live, uh, I know, like the, we have a recycling station, right, like, like, there's like of things like packages for paper, for like waste, for um, organic waste, you know, and then like um, like it gets recycled in some way. You know, even though, like germany is also creative recycling, like this also also gets exported. But like like our trash, like when I, I have something that cannot be recycled here, it gets burned and we produce energy with it, right, like it gets filtered. You know, like, this is the way we deal with it. You know, and you have country like india. You know where, like they're like, like more than 17 times more people are living in india and germany, for example. You know, and they don't like, they don't have any like power plant like this, they cannot like like you know that there's way more potential in those countries actually to do something. You know, and it's not that the people don't want that, it's just that that we don't support them with it. You know, in a way, that's my, my opinion about it um, yeah, but like, um, so like, I don't know, like, uh, if everyone would live the same lifestyle as we do in the West, there wouldn't be enough resources for people. So I think we need to learn to share so everyone will have enough to live a sustainable life, so everyone will have enough food.
Robin:Here we have a system that's called food sharing. My father just went there earlier. So it's like an organization, an NGO, that collects food from supermarkets that the supermarket would throw away and you can pick it up for free. You can just go there and you get a lot of brötchen, like those little buns that we have in Germany. You get bananas, you get whatever yogurt, you get fish, mushrooms, uh, whatever kind of stuff you know, uh and like, this is just like how much we here overproduce, while they're also like people not having enough food. You know, in this world, like hundreds of millions, you know and like for me, um, I like, I, I don't know, like, uh, I prefer more actually to to like, I would like to help people, you know, while traveling. So, like, um, like earlier, before we started recording, like, you asked me if I was volunteering in Australia and.
Robin:I said no, even though I worked there without earning money, because I feel like for me, volunteering is more like something like actually helping, like giving some of your privilege away to support others in a way. But I've never really done that. You know, it's actually something that I would like to do, but, yeah, I know people who did that and I want to do that in the future. To work at the farm. At the farm, you know, to like have contact with some people in Africa where they have orphanages, so like they help children and all I don't know like if, yeah, I think that's more like better, like to give some of your privileges away. You know, like to learn how people on the of your privileges away, you know, like uh, to learn how people on the other side live. You know, I mean, for me, like I'm always like the thing is, you know, when I go let's say, I go to to uganda, you know, and I work there with people like uh, I can always go back. You know, like uh, you can always say, okay, it's enough. You know, but some people they will live like that their whole life. You know, like, like like I saw things also in India. You know, like, I went to some festival and like, randomly, I also met some other travelers there and, like you know they were, for example, they were afraid of some interaction with some local people, you know, getting touched by them or whatever, or eating the food. You know, and like I, usually, I like I'm not really afraid of those things. You know, like when I go somewhere, I believe you know the people that do that every day. You know like you can do it for a couple of days, you know, and you'll be fine and I kind of like it. You know, like I don't know, like India really fascinated me, like, by the way, like this brotherhood that I mentioned earlier, you know, like it doesn't matter. You know, like, yeah, there's trash. You know there's no recycling system or whatever, you know, but I feel like there was a was different sense of community, at least for me. But then also, I'm a foreigner, like um, I wasn't born there, I'm not part of this caste system. Um, I don't know how it would be if I would be like, let's say, indian, you know, and then, like um, I would be treated differently. You know, like um, so maybe they're just like, like I don't know, maybe I just make.
Robin:I think everyone makes different experience. I also heard people like I met another german girl, australian. She told me she hated india. You know, I think she was like. The people were like this and like I always felt like that. You know, um and um I quite individual. I mean also about Germany. I met people. They told me, oh, germany is the nicest country and the people are so friendly. People are like, oh, germans are rude, I had the worst experience there. Like, okay, whatever.
Igar:Yeah, it's all based on personal experience.
Igar:Yeah, but when like, like, like on based on personal experience, yeah but like I think, yeah, like, uh, like, because you, you mentioned this, uh, stuff like yeah, would be nice to go to live like this, like brotherhood and so whatever. Yeah, but like for me, kind of, some idea came to my mind and I, and I like personally me, I never thought about it, you and what I'm talking about is kind of, uh, you know, like there's a different way of travels and like one is like tourist, like hotel, comfortable, another like backpacking and so on, and another, let's say we're talking mostly, let's say, about the slow way, come to live, to try, but and again, we kind of coming from nowhere, yeah, like to another country, maybe a little bit from western perspective, it's even, let's say, even more different from privileged country. We go, let's say, less privileged country and we leave, but again we leave, we hang out, maybe we help, yeah, maybe maybe we just leave to feel the vibe and anyway, sooner or later we leave and like, isn't it somehow a little bit treating it as a game? You know kind of that? We come, we play, it was cool, nice, fun, he, he, he, cool locals I met, I met, I like, but then, like this moment, and you leave and it's not only you leave, kind of you.
Igar:Also, you got close to the people or like to community or to the country and you leave, and so other people said, but for you it's kind of, ah, let's go to another journey, yeah, so what do you think about? Of course, maybe it's more like philosophical and more like blah blah and like individual. Personally, I never felt this way, but I think it's also valid that we can see from this way that you just come hang out and then you leave.
Robin:You know, yeah, I think, I mean, I think that can that, there's no problem about that. You know, like, man, I mean I think a lot of funny, funny, funny shit can happen like that. And I mean I mean you remember the night, uh, in warsaw where we went out, you know, just randomly, like on the park, you know, yeah, it was funny as fuck, man. You know like, and we just had this random group. You know like, like, just random stories come like and people from different countries come together, you know and hang out, and just random stories come like and people from different countries come together, you know and hang out and share the stories and the laughter, you know, and then like, like it definitely helps us to, you know like, get closer to each other, you know, and overcome also like, like stereotypical things, like or things I don't know, just like having contacts, you know, makes us feel less alone, especially like you can go like if you keep the connection. It's not gone. You know like, in.
Robin:German, we have a saying, you know it's like man sieht sich immer zweimal im Leben, which means like you always meet twice, you know, basically, so it means like there's no thing, there's no goodbye, there's just a let's just uh, see you later or see you again. Basically, you know um. So, like you can, you can also like later on, um, let's say like, like you meet someone, like I met people, for example, from from mexico, like really nice people from mexico. Yeah, uh, I like, or like better, better example like when I was in australia in 2017 yeah, I had a working holiday visa and I went there and uh, I met this uh italian guy, stefano um, randomly in sydney, you know, like, just like on the beach.
Robin:Like he asked me if I could take a picture of him, you know. Then we chatted and then we were just like hey, we want to hang out together, you know, and then, like we were like kind of like best buddies for for a couple of weeks while we were both there, yeah and like, like going out together, like going to the beach together and shit like that, you know.
Robin:And then, like 2017, yeah, like last year, I went to australia, to australia to, to italy yeah, this internet ticket, uh, so like, and I and like I remember that he told me he lives in that corner, so, uh, I just text him because I had this contact someone facebook or instagram or something, so just text him. Hey, stefan, what's up? Do you remember me? Like, we met in australia and he was just like, like, also like like texting me, like, oh, dude, of course I remember you. Yeah, you're coming out, be my guest, my friend, you know, like like seven years after I met him the last time, or like six years, you know, like, like it just meant that, you know, we never had contact afterwards again, you know, but like, like, like he hosted me and a friend I was traveling with, like he hosted us for like a week. You know, we went to lots of different things together and I know, just like, like this, this feeling like, this awesome kind of like feeling like brotherhood. You know, like, if you meet people, you know you, you just know like, okay, like, like, uh, they're like, they have the equal mindset in a way, like they, they would just like open their doors for you, they'd be there for you.
Robin:You know, um, so like, um, yeah, like, there I was, I wasn't thinking about will I ever see him again. You know, I was like, I know someone is reaching. I was like, yeah, that's sure, stefan, let's see if he's available. You know, and I mean, truth is also like there's some people who will not reply to you, like, and all those things you know there could also come with stereotypes. What kind of people would do that more? I I leave it um, yeah, like, and this is also quite individual, I think, like on on how people think of you. You know, like, um, how they remember you, like, let's say, you know, I just personally, I think some people they're actually a bit racist about it, you know, or like sexist. Also, you know about what kind of people they want to hang out or they they want to meet. You know, um, so, like, um, but usually like um, I don't know like it's uh, like you can, you can make friends.
Igar:You know, like, like, like I made like, like, lots of like really, really cool friendships. You know we're traveling, you know and how you usually usually connect with people Online or randomly on the streets.
Robin:Yeah, I think for me, random on the streets depends on the country and depends on the situation. I mean, you can do that, I think, for example, in India that's possible. In India you can like with people on the bus or like like I had a lot of random encounters also just with your rickshaw driver, if you like, but also depends on you if you want to talk with them. You know, like I sometimes like I just go there, just like hey bye, you know how you're doing, you know, and I just talk with them. You know, in Germany, for example, I think it's it's like not that easy to make friends on the street but depending on where you go, you can also do that.
Robin:You know, let's say you go to berlin or to, or to my, my, my city in the summer uh, there are a lot of kiosks outside where people get beer, or like you just talk with them. You know, like if you have a group and there's another group, you can come together. We call that corner, like being on the corner. You know, like, if you have a group and there's, another group, you can come together.
Igar:We call that corner like being on the corner, you know, and checking together.
Robin:But, like, what I usually do is like I think when you go to a hostel, if you do that, it's quite easy to connect to people in a hostel because they have some social events and all Like. You just see, like there's a free walking tour and you ask another person do you want to go there with me, or something, um, but like also depends on your personality. If you're not so outgoing and you know you need to ask people otherwise on the internet, yeah, I mean, yeah, obviously, like like couchsurfing, but also depends on where you go and how you use it, who you meet.
Robin:You know, like um biggest city, it's easier to meet people on the hangout if you're in the smaller, yeah, yeah, or like in a region where it's not so popular, it might be a bit difficult. Um, you can use like other, like like um in australia at something called meetup. I think they also have it here, and um, then also like yeah, maybe facebook groups, um, yeah, like, um. I mean, you can also, if you like, for example, volunteer, like you go to an ngo like people there, you know, like um, um, yeah, um, but yeah like I mean like differently.
Igar:Yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, naturally differently, yeah, depending on the situation, location and stuff and now there's definitely yeah and about like destinations, like what other exotic places you have like from all these 60 plus I don't know 60 countries? Yeah, I mentioned 60 yeah and like things like something what touched your heart. You know, and like and like definitely india fascinate you. I really understand. Yeah, like also also fiji.
Robin:Fiji was also, even though I didn't spend much time there, but, like I, I didn't know much about fiji, I just went there because it was was like relatively close to my place in australia and like how much time you spend there, no, just like, maybe, maybe like 10 days or so it's still like, because it's pretty like it's a small place yeah it's really small, but there are lots of islands, uh-huh, or like the, the generally, like the size is like the size of the netherlands, yeah, of the whole country, or like even a bit smaller, you know, and then like, like most of it is the main island where I was um tell me, how was it like I?
Robin:I know nothing about it yeah, I mean like, like, whether there it's like uh, uh, an island there in the south south pacific, so um, like it's warm there, like while I was there it was more like winter kind of, but since it's tropical, yeah, I really understood.
Igar:This winter is not winter.
Robin:It's hotter than here summer, you know here is like at night, maybe 18 degrees the coldest and then they're like 30 degrees, you know um, and then a lot of like coconut trees and all the people there itself like, um, like, uh, like there are a lot of like people who look indian there, yeah, like like 30, 30, 40, and then most of the other people are like the native kind of people oh so, and they look like Nancy for cool, yeah, yeah, yeah, they look more like that they look, but they have darker skin.
Robin:You know, like like bigger nose is a bit more like, like like the originals, maybe in Australia, kinda, you know, but also a bit different. I mean, you know, you know, train rock Johnson, right, like he's, like he's got Samoan background which salts on island there. I mean like, so like, and those island people, like, like they didn't Australia called my island people.
Robin:I know that, yeah, like, well like, yeah, they did like, kind of like like they look, yeah, like you, you can see them, they have their own like like look kinda uh-huh but like then it's also mixed with that indian culture there, because the british brought indians there to work on the sugar, sugar cane um farms and all um, and then they also have like indian food there and all you know, like, like it's kind of mixed, you know, um also then make a bit mix with western culture, um, then the houses still like, like I went, I stay with some locals, um, yeah, like it's more a bit like easy go, like an easy and traditional, but like the people are really chill, the people that I met like really really relax, um, and then you have this tourist part, like resorts for honeymoons, with hotels and yeah, but like generally, like the local people, they inspired me because they were like also like just sharing everything.
Robin:You know, like at night you just sit with a group of people and then they have these ceremonies with, like they call it, kava is some kind of drink that you share. That is like supposed to, I don't know, like not really, it doesn't, doesn't make you high or drunk or whatever you know, but like it kind of stimulates you, you know.
Igar:But like energetically stimulates or like energetically stimulate, like kind of like, like you, your mouth feels numb when you drink it.
Robin:So it's some, some kind of like pepper plant, okay, you drink the roots, and then when you drink it, your mouth gets numb and like, I don't know like it's. Apparently it also takes away anxiety, you know, makes you feel brave and then you know, shit like that and like and what your.
Igar:After all, this is a ceremony. What did you do?
Robin:they. They did it like the locals, like that I've met. They did with me like the males, at least you know. They did with me every night. You know we were sitting there and drinking kava, and then some people would play music sometimes and then just chill and talking, yeah, yeah yeah, it's just chilling.
Robin:It's like like what we, when we drink beer or whatever like, but you don't, you don't get hangover from it or whatever. And then like people, they, they, they have, have this kind of like island music, like also what you think like Hawaiian music, kind of, with like ukulele and all those things, and they're just chilling, singing. Yeah, like it was really really. You know, I felt like time was different there. You know, also, because I think it's such a small island in the middle of nowhere, you know they're like, uh, time runs differently. You know, like they're just like I don't know, you just like in there. You know, like you don't stress yourself, you know I feel like there was no stress, you know, man, interesting crap.
Igar:This is. This is, I think, very like, let's say, exotic destination. I like to to go there, to like I think nobody goes just there. Yeah, like you need to be all region exploration.
Robin:I mean from europe. It's so far away, you know. So I think, like, like, like australians or people from new zealand or you americans, they might go there because they like their planes stopping there to go from one to the other, you know, but from europe, and I had no idea what's going on there, you know, like, what I thought about fiji is from, like american movies, you know, when people go there on their honeymoon, you know like, oh yeah, we go to f. Like American movies, you know, when people go down their honeymoon, you know like, oh yeah, we go to Fiji to celebrate. You know, like honeymoon, uh yeah, like.
Robin:So also, first I thought I don't know if I want to go to Fiji. I wasn't thinking more about Papua New Guinea, yeah, png, but like, I decided not to go, even though I would love to go there one day, but it's more complicated to travel there, I decided Fiji. Fiji was actually, since that island was so small. It was also since I didn't have much time. I just had a vacation for 14 days and I don't like to rush too much, to just stay one day in the city or whatever. I thought that's good, you know, because, like, you can drive around the, the main island, in eight hours, you know. So, like it's really small, you can drive around the whole island easily, you know. So I decided, okay, I'm gonna do that. Okay, meet some locals and drive around the island and maybe hitchhike there.
Robin:Did you camp there? No, I didn't. I didn't camp there. Like I like, yeah, I stayed, stayed with different locals and like that was like definitely, like, really man, like, uh, like the second family I stayed with was like a single mother with like four children and like some kind of housekeeper, and I stayed on the like I slept on the floor with like the two other children in the room, all right, like I also stayed in the children's room, and then I now like man I mean, it's like I can't really put it into words man, like the whole situation, the whole like household, how it looked like man, but they cooked the food. Man, it's like, uh, I don't know, it's like the, the other family, yeah, you're usually on these youtubers disappear, like some photos, videos here you know, around the screen.
Robin:But I don't have it yet, maybe you can try but like, like, definitely, it's a thing you know when you're like me, who'd like a person who's the thing you know when you're like me with like a person who's like adventurous, you know, likes to say yes to things, um, you need to develop this like sense of like am I safe or not? You know, because you need to need to understand like, is it like? Is it is that person just like really nice, generally nice, like you know, like what? Does that person maybe want something back from me? You know? I mean, I generally I believe like most people don't want to harm you, like no one wants to harm you for no reason or whatever you know. But like, also like different situations, you know, like you should still be aware, you know, and also like as a male, it's also different than as a female.
Robin:You know, this is true, definitely careful, you know, um, but also there you need to make sure that you don't end up in like bad situations, not not just people, you know, it's also maybe just situations where where you danger yourself because you go into nature where you're not supposed to be, you know. Or like situations that, like I had a few times that like white dogs would chase me, you know, and there's like suddenly five dogs. There are street dogs, you know.
Robin:Like you're like, fuck man. You know, like I mean now. I know like, like there's, there's a, there's a trick for this. You have to pick up a stone, or pretend that you pick up a stone, the dog, they will run away. You know, it's like, like, whenever you end up in this situation, pretend that you pick up a stone or something. How did you figure out myself? No, no, no, someone told me.
Robin:And then I tried it and it kind of kind of works all right, just you don't even need to to throw anything. But then they know, okay, he can use a tool. You know you can fuck me. You know street dogs can, definitely they can be, they can be dangerous man yeah, they can.
Igar:they can yeah, even though like, like I'm dog lover and stuff, but I know that, like street dogs can eat you Again, especially if they're hungry or something.
Robin:Like I mean, I've also seen how people treat them. You know, people kick them. You know there's one situation in India where a guy, he like, also think like in India you can just hitchhike easily like sometimes like a guy on the motorbike would just take you for some time.
Igar:This is funny. I never, I never took a bike. You know, to hitchhike. I would like to, I think I would, or maybe to take somebody or something because I think it's fun, you know kind of like, oh, hitchhike on motorbike is like yeah, I mean I didn't do it long distance, but like in in the city, you know, I told them like hey, do we need to go there?
Robin:and then jump on it? Um, but like I had a situation where I was on the motorbike and then like, like we were going and then there's this bunch of dogs, you know, just coming and barking at the drive and jumping up, like you can see the t like you know like they're going really wide, you know.
Robin:And then the guy with the motorbike you just hit them with the motorbike with the front wheel, he's just going to the side. You know, like, like hits the dog with the motorbike. He just hit them with the motorbike with the front wheel, he's just going to the side you know, like like hits the dog with the motorbike.
Robin:So the dog goes away. Another level Sometimes you know like I mean I think I think you're safer. You know when you, when you just stay at home and do nothing in a way. You know Obviously there were lots of situations I see my friend, india as well like my indian friend got hit by by a tuk-tuk or rickshaw. You know like, so he was standing by the street and this guy just hit him.
Robin:You know, I mean, it was all good eventually, but like shit can happen, like yeah, you should be aware of that. You know like, and then you need to evaluate is it, is it worth the risk? You know, or like this is what I want. You know, um, so I think I got into like some situations. You know they were like um, could have been different. You know like they might have been dangerous in some way. You know like uh, eventually also like like they make great stories, right, so, and nothing ever happened. You know like yeah, because I, like I can also see now, you know, when I really feel uncomfortable in the situation I get out of it.
Robin:You know, just say, okay, it's not worth it or I change it. You know what's the thing like, like, what's the thing? For example, it's about couch surfing. You know, if you, if you couch surf at a place, it's not worth staying at the person's place where you don't feel comfortable yeah, 20 euro or whatever and leave that fucking place if you don't feel comfortable. You know, like um, money, yeah, like like, of course, like it's a thing. You know, like I also like to travel low budget. You know, which is countries like india. It's definitely like relatively easy, but um, I've I've like also been in situations generally where at some point I say, okay, I leave.
Igar:You know, like I'm just you know, like, um, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah, mine like and uh, you know we kind of touch it and uh, but because of technical issue we kind of it's not this episode, but again, if you would like uh to open up a little bit like, in general, like your love to the travel where it came from.
Igar:Uh, like, uh, your geography class lesson teacher. Like uh, because in my personal opinion, I, I really like it. You know that way it's all coming to people, uh, this adventure feeling and like curiosity to to have this exchange and openness to other culture. You know, because, as we already all podcast talking and you see, can be different, can be really different and not easy, can be and dangerous and many cool moments, but you never know. That's the thing. So, uh, yeah, if, if you want, we can touch this briefly and yeah.
Robin:Yeah, sure.
Igar:So what do you think about it? No, I want to listen to your story where you start your how do I say? Passion today.
Robin:I mean for me, me, I think it started like, as I mentioned in, in 2017, I went to australia. I've been to some place before, but never alone at all, so just went there by myself. But it was also something that like a feeling that I would like to change something. I would like to change something. I would like to see how all this somewhere else, um and you choose directly australia.
Igar:Yeah, like yeah, yeah, let's do another part of the world. What's going on there?
Robin:yeah, man, I want to go to an english-speaking country that is like western, that is not the uk or australia or america okay so like australia was relatively easy because they have this working holiday visa thing.
Robin:So you can you can go there for a whole year and work there. So I thought it's a good idea to go there, um, yeah, and, as I said, like, it was a bit like, um, yeah, maybe, maybe not always so positive about like, like living in germany and all um, eventually, like, um, what I realized first of all, people don't really like first, like, I think your nationality is not the most important thing, but your personality first of all. And like many people I have met, they didn't have, I had, like, my picture of Germany was more negative than this of the people that I met. So, like, yeah, like, and then I like. Then I went to Japan, went to japan after australia, straight after australia, because, uh, I had a friend and we, we consumed a lot of this japanese culture. Yeah, we played japanese games, watched the, the like series, like one piece and all those things, and, um, like, he wasn't there.
Robin:So I just decided I go there by myself because it's relatively close to australia and it was for me the first time really like being in a like non-western culture, sport, by myself, you know, um and like. Well, today it's also a longer story, but like, I just wanted to stay there for a week. Yeah, so like, the first night I had like a couch surfer and then the other nights I stayed in two different like in one capsule hotel I don't know if you heard of this like, just like a capsule you got because I want to experience that was also relatively cheap, uh, and then I went to like a normal hostel as well for a few days. And then I want to go back to germany, um, but like, I booked the last minute flight in australia and, um, it had two stops in Russia and then one stop somewhere else and then another stop in Germany, and I couldn't take the flight to Russia because I didn't have a visa and the airport doesn't have a transit zone. So I just stuck in Japan. So I was just there at the airport and then, like I don't know like, shit happened. I need to fix that, you know. And then I texted the in in japan. So it was just there at the airport and then, like I don't know like, like should happen. I need to to fix that, you know. And then I texted the, the couch surfing guy from the first night. I was like, hey, I'm still here if you want to hang out. He was like, you can come to our place. Yeah, so, um, so eventually I stayed one more night in the hostel and the next day I went to to um.
Robin:Back to the japanese place. We're like like it was like a shared flat with like nine people like uh, four women, five guys or so, two different levels in the like 30s, but living in a shared flat like that, um, and that was really like the first time I really like like saw, like how different shit is man somewhere else. And especially, what it opened up for me is the situation of being a foreigner. There was one other guy in that Japanese place, a Taiwanese guy, who was also a foreigner, but he could speak Japanese and all. But he told me I hung out a lot with him because his English was also really good, and like he wanted to spend time with me, uh, and like he always told me that he's jealous of me for like being german and speaking german and shit you know, because he is like uh, he's in japan and the people think he's chinese, you know, even though he's taiwanese, you know, and he says he hates china and all um, whatever you, whatever, you know like um, but like um.
Robin:For me, it was like also when I went out by myself, like everything was so different. People, like when many people wouldn't speak English, you know, even though they could, like you, go into the 7-Eleven and the people speak Japanese with you, and you're like uh, and the people speak japanese with you and you're like uh, I got to, whatever you know, like however, like I could see that it's like just for myself, not because of the japanese people, like they were, they were like friendly and all, but like it is not. Like like there was an issue of just like going to people and talk to them. Right, yeah, yeah, um. And then I felt like like I could understand how people feel when they come to europe, when they come to germany from other places. You know, as a foreigner, like how frightened, like frightening it might be to see people, and I think like, for example, this is different in a country like india. In india, you can easily talk to people, you know, on the street, on the bus, whatever, you know, people will talk to you in japan, they won't do that. In germany they also won't do that. You know, germany also don't go on the train. People will just talk to you oh, like, oh, you're from like like india, interesting. You know like, no, no, german will do that. You know, like, um, um, yeah, like, um. I mean not just go to you and ask you like it's too direct, like to like, like, yeah, you like it's too direct, like too, like, like, yeah, like now, like here, it's just like the level of privacy is different.
Robin:Also in Japan I felt that like people have their zones, you know, but then, yeah, like, once you see those like, especially like, yeah, different cultures felt, like to me another world is opening. So when I went to China, you watch, you turn on the TV and you see they have their own like casting shows, their own movies, their own music. You know like everything is different, you know and like. For me it's also like it, like it's cool to see that, but also gives me this nostalgic feeling, like I'm never going to be able to understand that. You know, um, also like, uh, yeah, like, but like I can try, you know like I can like, at least you know like. Like as much as I like at least the food you know like at least you can eat some some local stuff, you know food you know like at least you can eat some some local stuff, you know yeah, you cannot speak the language.
Robin:You can try some of the yeah, yeah, and now it's like you know, I realized how big the world is. You know how different things are. Um, I don't need to see everything. You know, like I'm like, as I said, it's a privilege. You know, like I'm happy for everything that I can see and also like I don't. I don't actually don't really count countries or whatever too much, because I think it's uh, it's like different. You know, like, like. If you go like, like, like, for example, in the india, for example, as well, it's like a huge country with different languages, different cultures. It's like like europe. You know, like, saying like, or you like, I mean like, italy and norway will be different. You know like uh and like. So I think it's more like how intensively have you been to a place you know?
Igar:Yeah, actually with this. I also very agree about the intensity about knowing the culture, not just chicken chicken. Yeah, yeah, I was there.
Robin:I was here. Go somewhere for one day, you know. Yeah yeah, let's say you go to like whatever, like you go from Budapest one day, bratislava one day, like Prague one day, berlin one day, and then I'm at home, and then you say I've been to four countries or whatever.
Igar:In one week.
Robin:Yeah, but I don't know it's different than really at least spending two or three days at a place, I think, if you can. You know, sometimes you really don't have much time, you want to see different things but I would at least stay 24 hours at the place, you see the whole day. You know like um, at minimum you know um. But I also like, I think like villages are more interesting than than cities.
Igar:You know, I kind of like like I think, yeah, curious, more explore, let's say, countryside you know, or like smaller cities, you know where, less touchable, and, let's say, more reaching somehow, yeah, not by picture, like not about the picture, fuck the picture but more about the like again, this feeling of these people like what's going on how?
Robin:how is going on, yeah, yeah like eating with some local people, if you can. Yeah, like, like, uh, like, come here visit me at my father's place. My father's gonna cook some german food. You know, tell some stories from his youth, you know I'll look like I. I hosted some people on couch surfing.
Robin:He had my father's, yeah yeah, because I had that place in the city. It was amazing man, also my father. He speaks English fluently because he worked internationally and, yeah, like he cooked some German food. You know like I mean then I can also like here you will have a different culture in the city. You know, like it's usually less international right. So, like like here you will have a different culture in the city. You know, like um and like it's usually less international right, like you see more like uh, local traditions.
Robin:You know uh one one coaster if I brought to some festival here. Uh, like it's like for shooters, you know for like uh hunters and all you know people play like music and drink beer and all you know like german things. Yeah, yeah, so I just brought that to this, to this uh festival like um, and to to like uh like some kind of pool party at my friend's place somewhere in the countryside. Um, yeah, like, uh, like, like you can get like into, like you know, like closer contact with people. You know, because in the city it's always like it's busy. You know, and it's definitely good when you, when you know people, it's always good, like if you know one person, that's good. You know, because if you have one friend somewhere you know he might know or she might know other people you know, like yeah, yeah, yeah, yeah yeah man like so far, any upcoming travels?
Igar:any, like all any, let me. Let me put it in the this way you know, uh, any. Let's say, do you have any dream destinations where you still would like to go from your bucket list? Oh man.
Robin:Igor to you, I have to go to you to me?
Robin:yeah, maybe they're like, not really like a country or a single place, but like regions that I would like to see. I would like to to see, um, I would like to to go more like to like central african countries, uh, like ghana, um kenya, uh, tanzania, um namibia. It's just not central but like, yeah, countries like that, um, but there's some context there and some some like in uganda and tanzania and ghana, in nigeria and namibia, um, south africa. South africa, I've, like german south africans I met in australia.
Robin:I stayed with the family, spoke german, but they were from south africa, didn't even know that. It's a thing you know, but like, um, and like latin america, definitely. So, like right now I'm thinking like, because the last two years I traveled the whole summer and then I was in germany over the winter, kind of. So now I'm thinking like, maybe, like in january or something, I should go somewhere that's warmer. Yeah, I'm back here, like, maybe it's a month, yeah, maybe. I mean, you know, like in summer it's like like festivals, parties, like people are outside and friendly and winter is different you know like if you go, let's say, in january, february, uh, to south america.
Igar:Uh, it's summer for them. It's one thing. Another thing is also this party time, carnival and so on.
Robin:Yeah, this experience like I think interesting, interesting in general to yeah, I mean I, I speak a little Spanish and I would like to improve it. So I was thinking but also as a language teacher maybe to go to Mexico as a language teacher or actually work at a school, because I can also teach German as a foreign language. I also am working on a certificate for English as a foreign language, so maybe just to get a little bit of income and then stay somewhere um yeah, like I mean, if I, if I could, I think like would be cool to go from mexico all the way down to argentina.
Robin:Well, um, this would be beautiful man yeah, yeah, well like, yeah, nothing, nothing like I need to think about it, but I mean I kind of I want to travel again, man, I feel you, I feel you, I mean it's also good, you know, honestly it's good to spend some time with my family and all yeah and I, I also have to say just like, uh, like european culture in a way, um, it's like what I've understood, also last year, when I, when I traveled europe, um, like I just felt like, uh, yeah, like I would like to travel more in europe, um, but, um, yeah, like it's also like I want to go somewhere like where there are palm trees. You know like, like my dream is to live by the beach. You know like I just want to get out into the water, man yeah, you can make it.
Igar:You can make it all right, robin, thank you. Thank you. I have one more question. I think it would be nice to wrap it up so like if you could sum up your travel philosophy in one sentence or mantra.
Robin:What it would be well, you got me on the spot here. Um, I would say, you know, like there's a, there's this song by the Wet n' Chilli Peppers. You know a band that used to be popular and they have a song called Around the World. They say life is beautiful around the world. You know, and I think that's something that you should try to, that I want to see. You know, I want to see also the beauties of life. You know, not just the beauties, but you know, not just the beauties but like, yeah, like beautiful things, like nature. You know, like, try to find something beautiful, no matter where you go.
Igar:It was more than one sentence, but no, it was beautiful man, let's say, and I like it like very, very good approach. You approach, you know, uh, seeing the world. Say it again seeing the world, seeing the beautiful world, like interesting man. Yeah, anyway, man, thank you, thank you so much for for joining us.
Robin:Yeah, thanks, you know, thanks for having me.
Igar:Yeah, and uh, really, for having me, yeah, and uh, really really nice. Yeah, nice approach, nice philosophy towards, like travel, towards life. I I really enjoy it. So, um, where, like, where people, if they want to to track you, uh, where they can connect with you, yeah they.
Robin:They can connect with me on Instagram.
Igar:It's around the world as well. What do you mean? I can put the link.
Robin:Yeah, yeah, yeah if there are any questions or like it's always good to exchange some contacts or like impressions I'm always happy to help out or to have a discussion cool, cool, cool, perfect man.
Igar:Once again, thank you for joining virtual high five you know, let me thank you, man, and all other listeners you know here and see you in another episode, right? Yeah, cheers for listening, cheers and cheers. Shout out to sasha, let's see if you listen. All right, all right, uh, I think I can.