Foreign Travel?

[dmccarty]

Another thing for Ultra to consider, is how much will you regret if you do not go? We had an opportunity to attend a wedding in Taiwan in November of 2019. Some coworkers went but we did not since we had a vacation planned for April 2020. We should have gone to the wedding. In hindsight of course.

 

[MoKelly]

I went to the Philippines for business many many times. All was fine. Had local company folks as escorts.

The last 5 years I was required to take along a Corporate security person for safety.

Manila should be just fine.

I always had a trusted driver. I don’t suggest driving yourself.

We were 100% prohibited to go Sulu or Mindanao.

Have fun.

I live in St. Louis. I’ve lived here almost my entire life. Never had a problem. But - if you google STL you would think it’s a war zone.

I also went to Mexico City often. We had an armored car and many guards. The local Mexicans laughed at us and asked what we drove in STL and how many guards. Then showed us articles saying STL was the most dangerous city in the USA.

It’s all relative.

 

[WinterDeere]

I used to drive daily thru some of the worst neighborhoods in Philly, more than once getting home to turn on the news, and find I'd just missed driving thru a shooting by less than 30 minutes. I was a poor student, with a total POS car, and so I never worried about standing out.

I'd have more trouble pulling off the same today in Philly, let alone the Philippines.

 

[ultrarunner]

I went to the Philippines for business many many times. All was fine. Had local company folks as escorts.

The last 5 years I was required to take along a Corporate security person for safety.

Manila should be just fine.

I always had a trusted driver. I don’t suggest driving yourself.

We were 100% prohibited to go Sulu or Mindanao.

Have fun.

I live in St. Louis. I’ve lived here almost my entire life. Never had a problem. But - if you google STL you would think it’s a war zone.

I also went to Mexico City often. We had an armored car and many guards. The local Mexicans laughed at us and asked what we drove in STL and how many guards. Then showed us articles saying STL was the most dangerous city in the USA.

It’s all relative.

Mindanao is destination out in the province at the base of Mt Apo.

Growing up in East Oakland my thought is how would the Philippines be worse?

It’s true kidnapping here almost unheard of and so far no chopping of heads…risk of getting shot in Oakland is a different matter.

 

[dmccarty]

Another source of information can be YouTube. I get far more relevant information on YoutTube about current events than most of the main stream media. One just has to find the right channels and know how to sniff out the valid comments vs trash comments. The comments often have as much or better information than the video itself.

After I started posting about the Philippines, I started getting YouTube videos about the country. Oddly, many were about finding a wife.....

I suspect there are discussions about what is happening in Mindanao.

 

[gsganzer]

Ultra,
I think going with some locals would be a pretty safe option. But, if the worry over your safety is going to override the enjoyment of the trip, then I'd bow out.

I'll tell a story:
Years ago, the CEO of the company I worked for asked me to come to his office. Our company had sold some oil and gas equipment that was to be installed in Algeria and the customer (Kellog, Brown and Root) wanted someone to oversee the installation. The CEO gave me the customer contact info, so I could find out the details and decide if I was comfortable going and he would stand by my decision to go or stay.

When I contacted the State Department, they had a level 3 and 4 which is reconsider travel or do not travel. So, I contacted KBR for the details. It seems that they were flying people in and out of the site all the time and they had a charter flight from Paris that went straight to Hassi Messaoud, bypassing Algiers. You then transferred to a twin otter and flew straight to the gas plant. I ended up working out a deal where I met up with a "returnee" in Paris and he was my escort for the trip. It actually turned out to be a really memorable trip. When the twin otter landed on the dirt strip at the site, you were greeted with a jeep with a M-60 mounted on top as they ushered you quickly off the plane into a waiting van. The van then raced to a secured compound, that was like a POW camp style, with a double fence and a guard tower at each corner. There I was security briefed on the do's and don'ts, including what to do in the event of gunfire, what buildings were hardened etc.

I ended up making 2 trips to that site. On the first trip, I brought the bare essentials, consisting of just clothes and a set of construction drawings. On that trip, I realized how impressive KBR was as a logistics company. This was in the early 2000's when the Bush administration was catching flak for no-bid contracts to Bechtel and KBR. I now understand why they were awarded no-bids, the folks at KBR could get you anything from a 1/4 x 20 screw to a 747 airliner with a phone call and their folks at all levels were the most organized and proficient I've ever worked with in my career.

A few days before my second trip to the site, I got a crackly phone call from the guys at the site. They had some items they wanted me to bring that included AA/AAA batteries, flashlights, chips and salsa, margarita mix and tequila. I told them I was a little leery to try to bring alcohol into a Muslim country, but the KBR guys told me to place a bunch of company swag on top of my bag (company hats, pens, flashlights etc.) as I went through customs in Hassi Messaoud and I'd sail right threw. Having worked with these guys and trusting them, I took a chance and they were right. The custom guy's eyes lit up as he started trying on the hats and stuffing the other swag in his pockets, sending my bag unchecked down the line. Breaking or challenging the rules, however, is not something I'd recommend.

The purpose of the story is that if you have someone that you trust, who knows the place and the risks, then they would be the best source to gauge your safety.

 

[ultrarunner]

Another source of information can be YouTube. I get far more relevant information on YoutTube about current events than most of the main stream media. One just has to find the right channels and know how to sniff out the valid comments vs trash comments. The comments often have as much or better information than the video itself.

After I started posting about the Philippines, I started getting YouTube videos about the country. Oddly, many were about finding a wife.....

I suspect there are discussions about what is happening in Mindanao.

Several on YouTube have replied saying no issues and all we’re traveling with locals.

 

[ultrarunner]

Ultra,
I think going with some locals would be a pretty safe option. But, if the worry over your safety is going to override the enjoyment of the trip, then I'd bow out.

I'll tell a story:
Years ago, the CEO of the company I worked for asked me to come to his office. Our company had sold some oil and gas equipment that was to be installed in Algeria and the customer (Kellog, Brown and Root) wanted someone to oversee the installation. The CEO gave me the customer contact info, so I could find out the details and decide if I was comfortable going and he would stand by my decision to go or stay.

When I contacted the State Department, they had a level 3 and 4 which is reconsider travel or do not travel. So, I contacted KBR for the details. It seems that they were flying people in and out of the site all the time and they had a charter flight from Paris that went straight to Hassi Messaoud, bypassing Algiers. You then transferred to a twin otter and flew straight to the gas plant. I ended up working out a deal where I met up with a "returnee" in Paris and he was my escort for the trip. It actually turned out to be a really memorable trip. When the twin otter landed on the dirt strip at the site, you were greeted with a jeep with a M-60 mounted on top as they ushered you quickly off the plane into a waiting van. The van then raced to a secured compound, that was like a POW camp style, with a double fence and a guard tower at each corner. There I was security briefed on the do's and don'ts, including what to do in the event of gunfire, what buildings were hardened etc.

I ended up making 2 trips to that site. On the first trip, I brought the bare essentials, consisting of just clothes and a set of construction drawings. On that trip, I realized how impressive KBR was as a logistics company. This was in the early 2000's when the Bush administration was catching flak for no-bid contracts to Bechtel and KBR. I now understand why they were awarded no-bids, the folks at KBR could get you anything from a 1/4 x 20 screw to a 747 airliner with a phone call and their folks at all levels were the most organized and proficient I've ever worked with in my career.

A few days before my second trip to the site, I got a crackly phone call from the guys at the site. They had some items they wanted me to bring that included AA/AAA batteries, flashlights, chips and salsa, margarita mix and tequila. I told them I was a little leery to try to bring alcohol into a Muslim country, but the KBR guys told me to place a bunch of company swag on top of my bag (company hats, pens, flashlights etc.) as I went through customs in Hassi Messaoud and I'd sail right threw. Having worked with these guys and trusting them, I took a chance and they were right. The custom guy's eyes lit up as he started trying on the hats and stuffing the other swag in his pockets, sending my bag unchecked down the line. Breaking or challenging the rules, however, is not something I'd recommend.

The purpose of the story is that if you have someone that you trust, who knows the place and the risks, then they would be the best source to gauge your safety.

My neighbor and mentor was an Industrial Gas plant super intendant who was retiring as the family that owned the sites had decided to sell after the founder died.

He oversaw the dismantling and crating of the entire gas plant.

The buyer was so impressed my friend was offered 4 years salary and all expenses for 6 months work to oversee the foreign assembly.

My friend had many clearances from the military and state department regarding industrial gas applications on Nuclear Submarines and Carriers.

His wife said no way, never going to happen… this is our time.

The country that bought the plant was Iraq and it was 2 years before the Gulf War…

 

[gsganzer]

His wife said no way, never going to happen… this is our time.

The country that bought the plant was Iraq and it was 2 years before the Gulf War…

A really cool tidbit about the gas plant I was at in Algeria:
There were key workers and contractors from all over the world, Scotland, Spain, France, Texas etc.

A number of the workers at the site arranged between themselves to "swap kids" back home, so their children could experience a different culture for a few weeks during the summer. Some kids from Spain went to stay with a worker's wife and kids in TX for 2 weeks, afterward, the Texan kids then went to Spain to stay at the other family's house for 2 weeks. Really cool experience for those kids.

 

[ultrarunner]

A really cool tidbit about the gas plant I was at in Algeria:
There were key workers and contractors from all over the world, Scotland, Spain, France, Texas etc.

A number of the workers at the site arranged between themselves to "swap kids" back home, so their children could experience a different culture for a few weeks during the summer. Some kids from Spain went to stay with a worker's wife and kids in TX for 2 weeks, afterward, the Texan kids then went to Spain to stay at the other family's house for 2 weeks. Really cool experience for those kids.

The only time I have seen that is with Bechtel employees... they were always hosting exchange kids and the employee I knew had kids that saw a lot of the world.

Don't hear much about Bechtel here but at one time it was the zenith and SF based... building railways, highways, dams, powerplants, ships, pipelines, airports, urban transit, etc...

 

[gsganzer]

The country that bought the plant was Iraq and it was 2 years before the Gulf War…

Kind of feeling that way with this job I'm currently on in Taiwan. I suspect that someday I'll reflect on this job as "I remember Taiwan before it was...". It's especially concerning with all the discord we have with our current Washington leadership and the prospective leaders.

The world doesn't seem to be in a very good state at the moment.

I'm not an overly religious guy, but I do give thanks and praise at our family dinners, when I'm home. One of the things I always ask for is "World peace and to help our world leaders to make wise decisions". It seems to be a more fitting request each coming day.

 

[ultrarunner]

Kind of feeling that way with this job I'm currently on in Taiwan. I suspect that someday I'll reflect on this job as "I remember Taiwan before it was...". It's especially concerning with all the discord we have with our current Washington leadership and the prospective leaders.

The world doesn't seem to be in a very good state at the moment.

I'm not an overly religious guy, but I do give thanks and praise at our family dinners, when I'm home. One of the things I always ask for is "World peace and to help our world leaders to make wise decisions". It seems to be a more fitting request each coming day.

I work with premier Ortho Docs tied to Taiwan in that they are the oldest son each and family has considerable holdings.

Both have been going back and forth liquidating property including beach front with approved resort plans… property in the family going back to Great Grandparent in one case.

They see no future there and their families are with doctors or politicians…

 

[tradosaurus]

I went to the Philippines for business many many times. All was fine. Had local company folks as escorts.

The last 5 years I was required to take along a Corporate security person for safety.

Manila should be just fine.

I always had a trusted driver. I don’t suggest driving yourself.

We were 100% prohibited to go Sulu or Mindanao.

Have fun.

I live in St. Louis. I’ve lived here almost my entire life. Never had a problem. But - if you google STL you would think it’s a war zone.

I also went to Mexico City often. We had an armored car and many guards. The local Mexicans laughed at us and asked what we drove in STL and how many guards. Then showed us articles saying STL was the most dangerous city in the USA.

It’s all relative.

Most large cities are dangerous if you venture into the wrong area populated by one demographic. I advised my daughter when she moved to Chicago for work that just venturing a few blocks in one direction can put your life in peril.

 

[Vashophy]

While it's often a bit of a hunt, there are some strategies you can use to find great deals. One thing to try is booking well in advance or keeping an eye out for flash sales. Many airlines also have promotions or discounts that aren't always advertised widely, so it’s worth checking out newsletters or following them on social media.

Finding cheap travel business class tickets can definitely make a big difference in travel comfort and cost.

 

[gsganzer]

I work with premier Ortho Docs tied to Taiwan in that they are the oldest son each and family has considerable holdings.

Both have been going back and forth liquidating property including beach front with approved resort plans… property in the family going back to Great Grandparent in one case.

They see no future there and their families are with doctors or politicians…

I think Xi Jinping told his military leaders to be ready by 2027 to intervene in Taiwan. It's coming and I don't think there's a thing the US and allies can do about it. I also don't think we plan to. I think that's been part of the CHIPS act, part of a behind the scenes deal, to let the US get on our feet with chip production before they make a move. Otherwise, we'd be forced to intervene in the name of national security. The Chinese will then just flood the market with chips anyway, to bankrupt the US makers/government that invested all that money. The Chinese play the long game, while our politicians play 2-year election cycles.

I've been very impressed with Taiwan. No crime, clean, smart, diligent and respectful people.

 

[2manyrocks]

South China Morning Post newspaper actually does a good job of journalism. 4th week of January 2020, they reported on Taiwan's plan to deal with covid which included issuing N95 masks to their population. Despite having a population density greater than NYC, they never shut down their economy and didn't spend themselves into insolvency with stimulus.

 

[gsganzer]

South China Morning Post newspaper actually does a good job of journalism. 4th week of January 2020, they reported on Taiwan's plan to deal with covid which included issuing N95 masks to their population. Despite having a population density greater than NYC, they never shut down their economy and didn't spend themselves into insolvency with stimulus.

I'm in Taiwan right now and about 40-50% of the folks are wearing masks.

I had an "Amber Alert" type message come across my phone last week. It said something to the effect of "Presidential Alert", [Air defense drill] Incoming missile/rocket threat. Seek immediate shelter.

It was kind of freaky. I'm at a power plant that would probably be turned into a smoldering pile in the first few minutes of such an attack.

 

[tradosaurus]

I'm in Taiwan right now and about 40-50% of the folks are wearing masks.

I had an "Amber Alert" type message come across my phone last week. It said something to the effect of "Presidential Alert", [Air defense drill] Incoming missile/rocket threat. Seek immediate shelter.

It was kind of freaky. I'm at a power plant that would probably be turned into a smoldering pile in the first few minutes of such an attack.

Reason why I wouldn’t want to live in another country. Almost all countries bought into the covid scam and still do.

 

[2manyrocks]

The Taiwanese were accustomed to wearing masks pre-covid. Part of that had to do with them being hit hard with the SAARs epidemic around 2001-2004. The concern for them in 2020 wasn't being asked to wear N95s, but that they could only produce something like two N95s per week per resident. And it seemed like China stepped up their saber rattling at the same time.

 

[1Mech]

Reason why I wouldn’t want to live in another country. Almost all countries bought into the covid scam and still do.

The U.S. also bought into the scam, only a few didn't unfortunately. Hopefully, we are more aware now and would not go along without proof of a real danger!