Travelers originating from "distant and exotic" places?

[Wheelie]

Seemingly HU is overwhelmingly represented by "westerners" longing for lands and cultures that are far far far away, in addition to "unusual" and "exotic" (to us) - often less developed and primitive than the countries we were borned and raised in. We both enjoy and promote the cultural exchanges, and assist each other in any way we can. On our travels we are welcomed, supported and even hosted as VIP guests by locals everywhere we go. And, sometimes, when we think about relative means, the hospitality offered is sometimes truely mind blowing.

Our favorite pastime, exotic to most even in our part of the world not so long ago, can now even be said to be becoming quite ordinary. Now, how about the other way around?

I am yet to meet a single biker from the Middle East, South East Asia, South America, Central America, Africa... - traveling to my corner of the world (Norway). Even when really far away from home, like in the middle of Africa, I am a hundred times more likely to come across a European biker crossing a border than someone from the African continent.

Every now and then, I might hear of some biker from Japan, South-Africa, and a few other distant places going my way. But, I have never actually met any in person (neither here or on my own travels). And even less, I virtually never hear about someone from locations that are truly exotic to me. Seriously, how often do you come scross an overlander originating from Afghanistan, Congo, Bolivia or Nepal - heading even remotely close to your part of the world?

Now, we all understand to some extent the many reasons why this is the case. It is still a shame that the exchange is so extremely uneven - and "both sides" are at a loss for it.

How much would you not appreciate it, to be able to aid and befriend a fellow traveller originating from one of the countries you dream of yourself?

It makes me wonder what more can be done to inspire, to educate and to assist - on everything from cutting through red tape, the logistics, the financial side, or various other practicalities.

I see how this "us", "them", "here", "there"... "exotic", "ordinary, "primitive", etc - that the wording can come off all wrong. I do understand that we truely are an international community on the HU, and that none are inferior to another, that we all seem equally ordinary when looking at ourselves in the mirror. Whatever culture is exotic to me, will find mine exotic. Anyone that can cross a border simply for pleasure, is immensely privileged.

All I am trying to convey is; I wish that more people of cultures that I want to seek out because they are exotic to me, were found heading in my direction. And I wonder, can something be done about it,vand if so, what would it take?