Pay It Onwards

September 30, 2018 by Carlitos de Jeffers in The Foreigner, Cultural Differences

When I eventually did leave Pablo’s I was left with that nagging feeling of wanting to repay him. As I munched away on a ¾ Corralisima Todotorreno burger and studied Pablo’s miserably gaunt face and his bony fingers as he ran them around the greasy inside of the empty carton of small fries to extract as much nutrition as he could, it dawned on me: If I couldn’t pay it back to him, what was to stop me paying it onwards to someone else?

Winter Exodus

June 01, 2018 by Carlitos de Jeffers in Cultural Differences, The Foreigner

Now that Winter has wrapped its moderately cold fist around our necks, the question most backpackers have is do they stick or twist? In other words, do they stay in Bondi and see the winter out like a trooper, or should they head north to warmer climes, like a Janus-faced friend who disappears when times are tough.

Disease Tacos no Prisoners

February 27, 2018 by Carlitos de Jeffers in Immigration, Hostel Environment, Toilets, Cultural Differences

Probably from a long line of taco makers, Juancho poured his love into each and every one of those corn discs, even taking the time to trim most of the gristle from the pork and beef cuts.

Kombi-ah, my lord

February 08, 2018 by Carlitos de Jeffers in Cultural Differences, The Foreigner

I immediately drew attention to her intolerance by highlighting the hypocrisy of her views. If she was at a local fair and a kindly fireman invited her son to erect his ladder or unfurl his hose, I’m sure she wouldn’t only let him, but encourage him too.

#METOO

December 12, 2017 by Carlitos de Jeffers in Cultural Differences

It can be a lonely business too. The old travelling game. And only a cold-hearted person would condemn a weary traveller for making the odd social faux pas.