Wanted to share with you guys - TravelPUNK Backpacker College Student Budget Travel Message Boards!

**benna2** · 02-26-2006, 03:08 PM

This isn't an excuse to make you all visit my blog, but I just wrote an entry that I really wanted to share with the community. I took a little road trip today out in the country, the REAL Dominican Republic, and my eyes have really opened up to a lot of stuff.

For anyone interested in reading about this, click on the colourful little "READ ME" link at the bottom of my signature. Pictures will be added very soon.

**U2fan** · 02-26-2006, 04:11 PM

Very well written! I totally know what you mean; that is the Dominican Republic I remember seeing...

And congrats on the scuba test!

**bluepea** · 02-26-2006, 07:31 PM

Benna - I hate reading anything you write.

Too much jealousy. Haha, partially just kidding. Glad everything is working out so well for you!!! Sounds amazing.

mark-0 · 02-26-2006, 07:54 PM

just reminds me that i havent been anywhere, havent seen anything yet.

thanks benna

**mowark** · 02-26-2006, 08:07 PM

Brooke, you're an exceptional writer. Just one more reason to love you.

**kingcrazylegs** · 02-26-2006, 08:31 PM

You're making me wish I was living in another country - mostly because you're reminding me of how many amazing experiences you have living in a different place/culture.

**benna2** · 02-27-2006, 05:59 AM

Pics to the entry have been added!

Mowark, thanks buddy, you're awesome.

Mark-o...couldn't really tell by your post if you were being sarcastic....HMM. Anyway, the very fact that you are posting on these boards just shows that you have the interest in travel and seeing new places. So if that is a dream of yours, just hold on to it and don't let it go. It's here for you to experience.

KCL-You have been in this situation, and know how special it is. You are a big inspiration to everyone on these boards!

Jamie dear....Don't hate sister. Just get on a plane and come and visit!

U2Fan-You also have experienced living in a new country. I have visited lots of places but this is the first time I have actually settled myself in a new place. It's a learning experience every day but worth it.

**ScarlotteDorian** · 02-27-2006, 12:28 PM

very cool brooke. when you're pointing the inspiration finger, don't forget to point it back at yourself girl. i think you're one of my new role models.

mark-0 · 02-27-2006, 12:39 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by benna2@Feb 27 2006, 08:59 AM
Mark-o...couldn't really tell by your post if you were being sarcastic....HMM. Anyway, the very fact that you are posting on these boards just shows that you have the interest in travel and seeing new places. So if that is a dream of yours, just hold on to it and don't let it go. It's here for you to experience.

[snapback]104482[/snapback]

There was no sarcasm at all in that. I've travelled a bunch already, but I've never seen the kind of reality you've seen and described for us. The "thanks" is very serious as I feel we in the developed, wealthy countries often need a wake up call to realize how fortunate we really are, but also as you describe, to show us that happiness is not found in all the material possessions provided for us by so-called progress. Often I feel like I need to leave the rich countries for a while to get some real perspective on how the world works and how most people live, and hopefully, the time will come when I can do that. I'm sorry if it seemed like I might have been sarcastic, though for future reference, when I use sarcasm in forums or emails I always make it clear, because that's the problem with communicating this way, often times you're not quite sure if someone's being sarcastic or not.

Cheers

**benna2** · 02-27-2006, 01:44 PM

Hey no problem at all!! It is hard to tell but usually any kind of sarcasm on these boards is never mean spirited, so I didn't take it that way in the least bit. I agree with everything you said and you said it eloquantly.

SD, same goes to you hon. I have a lot of role models on these boards and you are one of them!

**MolsonGirl** · 02-27-2006, 06:11 PM

LOVE it!! see my comment on the Blog

take care, see you soon!

**voyd** · 02-28-2006, 06:11 AM

Sounds pretty awesome!

Do they eat pintos gallos there too? Ironically, one of the BEST things I like about "impoverished" countries is the food. It's usually always so much better than the mass-produced crap we get in industrialized countries - since they are still largely agricultural. So, food is usually much fresher, simpler, healthier, cheaper and better-tasting with more home-grown variety!