Carlos carlos

"Have any Aussie travellers had problems? I'm interested to know if any anti-Yanqui sentiment has rubbed off on us as a result of Emperor Johnny's unbridled support for "The War On Terror" (coming soon to a third world country near you). Is the more recently declared "War on Tsunamis" any more winnable? "

I didnt have any trouble at all, but everyone knew who was with whom, while some would point to the farsi salam alekum under the headlight and say terrorist? So I would have been with us and against us at the same time!

I regularly dolled out small clip on koalas and sickers to confused police and border guards that wanted a "little present".

I didnt have an Australian flag on the bike because unlike GlobalGS I find it difficult to be proud of a country whos government imprisons refugees for years, supports unecessary wars, wont insist that its citizens held in US prisons are afforded natural justice and whos majority talk empathy and practise cruelty for the sake of low mortgage interest rates......but I do have some Australian freinds!

A recent bumper sticker on a car in Melbourne was a map of Australia with a statement " Fxxx Off where full"

Sean hit the nail on the head.

cheers

alec


[This message has been edited by simmo (edited 17 January 2005).]

[This message has been edited by simmo (edited 17 January 2005).]

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Close to Antarctica and a long way from reality

I simply don’t understand why somebody needs to exhibit a large American flag (or any other national flag) on his bike.

I love my country, but it never even crossed my mind the idea of traveling displaying an Italian flag on my bike.

If somebody is so proud of his country that he can not even travel without an American (or any other national) flag, than have the courage and the coherence to face the consequence of his action.

As a Brit married to an American I am torn between the politics of the current situation and the needs of individual identity.

Firstly, the US has a very aggressive and ill-conceived foreign policy in my opinion and it disgusts me that the British and the Aus PMs have poodled along with it. Though I see the need for security the Iraq invasion had nothing to do with WMD and alot to do with OIL.

ON a personal level I like to be British and I am sure my wife is proud to be American though when we travel I am Welsh and my wife uses here Irish passport why?

Well I am not proud of what the flag (Union Jack or Stars & Stripes) means at the momentto most of the people we meet in Europe and Africa. It means greed, wealth and aggression. so we dont wear our flags, as badges of honour.

I am a little taken aback when people claim that a governments country is not the fualt of its people with the US and UK enforcing democracy on the world, and us electing them in the us with a real 50% of the vote of course our countries are representative of our people.

Its just that the people who vote these people into power tend to not be interseted in travel adventure and understanding other people and cultures.

My advice is take off the flags (of any nation) and travel quietly and respectfully, though I would hope you would have very little problem in Africa.

Good luck my friend and travel lightly on this earth

Charlie

Boy, I go away for one weekend and look at this thread.

I have an American flag on my jacket sleeve. I always thought that it was important to show that not all Americans are the same. Afterall, anyone who travels in foreign countries on a motorcyle is going to be more savy than the typical tourist. However, these days you have to wonder if you are risking your safety for the sake of pride. I can't bring myself to go around pretending I am from Canada, but I may make sure there are plenty of other flags on my bike or jacket. In the end, I don't think pretending to be someone else works, because most of the time the truth is obvious. Also, say you are in a local cafe and are striking up a nice conversation with the local patrons (is this not the best part of traveling), it is going to be hard to keep up the act for very long, and if they discover the lie where does that leave you.

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Prevously known as JSherm
My blog: http://www.motorcycleramblings.com/
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/sherman/ I will up date this soon, really Grant, I will....
"This is the story of America. Everybody's doing what they think they're supposed to do." J Kerouac
"Who's more foolish: the fool, or the fool who follows him" OW Kenobi

Unfortunately people will see a flag of a country and associate it’s political leader to it. If you want to have a flag of your country then you should consider the consequences that may happen.
I would agree with Chris and Seanh travel with no flag and let people get to know you as an individual. But not put another countries flag on your bike because they have a more favourable experiences from it.
I am sorry to hear about your experiences and wish you safe travels


Take care
Nobby

I didn't mean that you have to LIE about being from Canada. Canada was just a metaphor if you will for "some other country that is not as controversial." No offense to Canadians. By the way all you Kanooks....GREAT COUNTRY! and please don't let your leaders follow OURS no matter how much they try to bully you!. I love CANADA..the land of windpower, great people, the metric system.... and HOCKEY!!!!!! When I travel I do blend in the best I can, but a German friend of mine gave me the U.S. Flag Sticker, and up till now, I met some GREAT people because of it....but that time has gone. I also sport the flags of every country I've visited on my side cases. Along with a peace symbol decal, etc.....I have never been boistrous about being an American. I think we are very spoiled and Anthropocentric! I once watched an American lady YELL at a German hotel manager because she didn't have a TV and she had to share a toilet with others on the floor! Yup, proud to be an American.

P.S. Can I be an honorary Canook?

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If you want to stay alive on your trip around the world, PUT CANADIAN STICKERS ON YOUR BIKE. IF you want to be jailed or abused, put an AMERICAN FLAG on your bike.

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If you want to stay alive on your trip around the world, PUT CANADIAN STICKERS ON YOUR BIKE. IF you want to be jailed or abused, put an AMERICAN FLAG on your bike.

I QUOTE: "I didnt have an Australian flag on the bike because ...I find it difficult to be proud of a country whos government imprisons refugees for years, supports unecessary wars, wont insist that its citizens held in US prisons are afforded natural justice and whos majority talk empathy and practise cruelty for the sake of low mortgage interest rates......but I do have some Australian freinds!"

I agree with all this and am desperate to leave, being nothing more than indentured labour in this land.

While at home I avoid the Jack and stars like the plague and always fly the Eureka flag (Southern Cross flag)...even though many misinformed Australians associate it with Neo Nazi skinheads or militant trade unionists.

The green and gold with boxing kangaroo tends to be associated with large mobs of ugly Aussies throwing up in the street after major sporting events, accompanied by the ubiquitous chant of Aussie Aussie Aussie Oi Oi Oi! (cringe and put on a german accent). I do however think that as a whitey about to travel in developing countries it is important to make it clear I'm not an American.

I know there are many decent Yanquis roaming the globe, but if someone is looking for a target to vent anti-US rage I'd rather not be the obvious and immediate choice. Not everyone will politely ask where you're from before they start throwing stones, defacating on your machine (I'd never heard of that happening before...Eeurgh!) or whatever else.

Hence the concern about being tarred with the imperialist brush, whether it's Jack or Stripes.

I like the idea of the clip on koalas. Cheap, small and light to carry, instantly recognisable. Does it work?

"I like the idea of the clip on koalas. Cheap, small and light to carry, instantly recognisable. Does it work?"

You better believe it Carlos, works a treat!!!

I hope the aussie contingent isn't hijacking this american flag thread, however I generally agree with the sentiments being expressed, particularly the fellow aussies, although I may not have been as forthright.

Back to the koalas - I travelled with my wife and few friends for about 5 months in eastern europe, spain, portugal and morrocco in 2003. We were backpacking, not motorcycle travel, a error I will redress in a year or so when I return. However, in our backpacks we all carried a bag of givaways including clip-on koalas and kangaroos, as well as pens, pencils, rulers and playing cards all with some australiana on them. We never used them to try to bribe anyone (its very obvious they are cheap) nor did we use them to overtly advertise our nationality (they were not openly displayed). We really took them just to give to kids, I just love the look on their faces when they aren't expecting a gift. But the biggest surprise was how well they worked as a thankyou to adults that have been really helpful and friendly - you know the ones, you meet them all the time, everywhere. Its those times when thankyou seems too little, but money just seems inappropriate - perfect solution, little aussie gift and really BIG thankyou! The smile it left on some adults was even more priceless than the kids! That is the reason I do it, but if it also leaves a good impression of my country and fellow coutrymen, then that's a bonus.

Get yourself to a wholesale type place that sells this stuff and you can buy in bulk, cost very little, weighs nothing but worth a fortune in memories. Just dont let on they are made in china!

Skillo

[This message has been edited by SKILLO (edited 18 January 2005).]

Maybe I'll give away little miniature George Bushes...that clip on to your shirt. Then when you press the button, he says "Screw the world, I'm gettin' some oil." Oh wait, that's not funny.

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If you want to stay alive on your trip around the world, PUT CANADIAN STICKERS ON YOUR BIKE. IF you want to be jailed or abused, put an AMERICAN FLAG on your bike.

I've gotten a little flack for being a Yanqui Running Dog in Australia but it's in the same way the Aussies pick on the Kiwis. At least I think so -- no one's covered my seat with dog shit. I'll see if Carloscarlos has any hidden plans when I show up at his house.

The US ain't a popular nation worldwide. I don't say I'm Canadian and when asked I say, "I'm from California". It goes with the CAL plate on the bike.

US foreign policy ****-ups have been brought up by lots of Aussies, Germans and other foreigners I've met. A quick, "all governments are corrupt, and since the US is so rich, it's extra corrupt" sums it up. Feel free to use that quote. It's true and its done me good.

It never even occured to me to fly the US flag, but I love seeing other foreign travelers flying theirs.

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Trying to ride (and work) my way round the world on a 1965 Ducati 250cc. Australia, New Zealand and Japan are first. http://nokilli.com/rtw/

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Not Ted Simon since 1970!
http://nokilli.com/rtw

Pietro (from Italy), that didn't really make sense. Since it's the American flag, wouldn't it take more courage? Coherence?....ah..sure....you sound angry man. Do you need someone to talk to buddy?

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If you want to stay alive on your trip around the world, PUT CANADIAN STICKERS ON YOUR BIKE. IF you want to be jailed or abused, put an AMERICAN FLAG on your bike.

ach...
i'm riding a(probably stolen)japenese bike, with thai numberplates and a dutch carnet..
I'm belgian and even if i had a flagsticker..nobody would recognize it. anyway people over here dont know belgium (brazil?)and even if they would,what can you blame belgium for? the good and the belgium fries? maybe the chocolate? -no,its not a question-
greetz and fun to you all
niels

ps dont let me catch any of you driving under my flag..
ps leave pietro alone

I am driving with your flag on my bike. It is directly underneath my German flag. Which is underneath my Finland flag, which is underneath my Icelandic flag.

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If you want to stay alive on your trip around the world, PUT CANADIAN STICKERS ON YOUR BIKE. IF you want to be jailed or abused, put an AMERICAN FLAG on your bike.

Hi - it's Pete's other half Jenny here for a change. I'm also sorry to hear about the problems you have been having. People are angry and don't know how to express their anger appropriately. I am also angry, and not just with the US government, but i try to act in somewhat more constructive ways.

Here is a letter written by a Buddhist peace activist and sent to George W Bush more than three years ago - before the second Iraq war. This is only a partial list but I think it probably answers your question about why the US is a little out of favour at the moment.....


Dear President Bush

Why? Why? Why? Why do people around the world hate America so much? Tens of millions of your citizens are asking themselves this question. May I be permitted to respond to that profound concern?

In the space of two generations, US foreign policy has:
Maintained itself as the world’s biggest arms dealer
Dropped two atomic bombs on Japanese men, women and children killing more than 100,000 people
Waged war on Korea splitting the country in two
Waged war for a decade on the peasant army and villages of Vietnam killing more than 1.5 million people
Bombed Cambodia, another Buddhist country, precipitating a national holocaust
Conducted a secret war in neighbouring Buddhist Laos
Supported numerous repressive regimes like Chile, El Salvador, Argentina, Philippines
Manipulated the economies and debts of African nations through supporting World Bank and IMF
Ordered a fatal helicopter raid on Iran and ignored diplomacy
Conducted an aerial attack on the Libyan president and his family
Made total war upon a plimsolled army and infrastructure of poverty stricken Iraq
Supported the Israel army’s invasion of Lebanon costing the lives of 17,000 people
Ignored rights of Palestinians for nationhood, ignored assassinations and shooting of Palestinian children
Ignored countless UN resolutions concerning human rights and international law
Bombed Kosovo and Chinese Embassy in Belgrade; launched attack on Wako cult in Texas, USA.
Destroyed half of Sudan’s tiny pharmaceutical industry by bombing their main factory
Sold billions of $$$ of weaponry to corrupt, undemocratic regimes in the Arab world to secure cheap oil
Demonised the Muslim world as fanatics. Are Catholics all fanatics because of the IRA?
Pushed through global capitalism that exploits people and environment of poor nations
Mercilessly cut off aid for years to poor nations, if they do not agree to US demands
Rejected the Kyoto agreement to help protect people and the environment
Rejected well-established international treaties on nuclear weapons

The death toll, suffering and sorrow heaped upon people and environment around the world, including the loss of countless lives of American soldiers and civilians, through US foreign policy, is incalculable. Isn’t the USA the leading rogue nation? Has the USA consistently supported freedom, justice, security and basic needs for people or pursued the politics of ruthless self-interest?
There is much that is great and beautiful about the USA, but, sadly, such a list of fine attributes would not include soul-searching. We must all take responsibility for international conflict. Or else, in Buddhist terms, the vicious cycle of co-dependent arising continues. We, the West, do not need to make War on Terrorism but we do need to start compassionate Acts of Reconciliation with the rest of the world.

Yours Respectfully,
Christopher Titmuss
International Advisory Board Member
Buddhist Peace Fellowship

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Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10

Wow, I didn't say bash everything about the US! Yes, our people are more overweight than any country on the planet. Yes, we drive super large SUV's to pick up a gallon of milk, Yes, our tourists are often bitching about not having a television, or wearing some tacky looking shirts with cameras around their neck. Yes, our voters are easily brainwashed by an idiot from Texas. Yes, we have the strongest military in the world. But you know what, there is good in that as well, when it is used FOR GOOD. Which you are right, our might is not often used for the right reasons. Especially under this dumbass president. I for one, do not have an attitude that the US can do whatever it wants, I think that with being the biggest and the strongest, we must take the lead in HELPING humanity and guarding PEACE, which this president knows nothing about, unless oil is concerned. We must work with ALL countries and come to agreements about our environment, rogue nations (yes, under Bush, we are a ROGUE nation). We can not just tell other very important countries such as France, Germany, Belgium, Italy, Spain, etc etc....that their opinions don't matter. One day, the U.S. will NEED them, and then they WILL remember what GW Bush did to them....and payback hurts. However, just because GW is acting hitler like, doesn't mean that everything the U.S. has ever done is evil. Far from it.

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If you want to stay alive on your trip around the world, PUT CANADIAN STICKERS ON YOUR BIKE. IF you want to be jailed or abused, put an AMERICAN FLAG on your bike.