I recently read about Gina Rinehart topping the Financial Review Rich List - again. She is worth AUD$40 billion dollars. I am yet to see if she has built a hospital or school, or even supported an Aged Care facility. How much personal wealth is really needed?
If you are seriously sick, it doesn't matter how much money you have. Health is the one thing that levels everyone on this planet. Yes, you may be able to go to certain hospitals and pay for certain medication, but if it is life threatening, it may not be enough.
Martin and I are in a good situation. We're not rich, but living and working in Australia we have managed to be in a situation where we are able to do what we do without too much worry. We can travel and not work. For now. This may change, but for now, we are living as best we can. We see people around us in difficult situations because the countries they live in have no social welfare, no health system and no superannuation or retirement benefits. For that reason, we always try )within our means) to help the people we come across. It also feels great! Whether its giving a 10% tip or donating clothing, we try to do something.
The other thing is, be aware of other cultures. Ok, some are difficult to initially understand, but as a traveller, I feel it is your duty to be mindful of the "do's and don'ts" of a country. For example, don't walk around in your bikini down the main street in a Muslim country. Would you even do that at home? Don't get drunk and start a fight in a Hindu country. It's just plain rude. Do take your shoes off when entering a religious area and don't flash your arse, midriff, boobs, shoulder and hair in a place where that isn't approved of. I say this because I saw exactly that at the Big Buddha in Phuket. The locals are too embarrassed to approach and tell them not to come. Mortifying.
Thankfully, I can say, with my hand on my heart, that the people in my life do respect others. They do care, help and are understanding of others. They also understand the importance of being thankful, humble and they care. I am really lucky to have the friends that I do. I wish everyone - particularly people from Australia (Lucky Country) could be like that.
So to wind up... If travelling (in particular), have some respect. That is all for this rant. Bye for now :)
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