Post #3278 by Trader Woody on Wed, Jul 3, 2002 3:08 PM

On 2002-06-29 12:32, bigbrotiki wrote:
The tropical paradise is something to dream about, not to actually realize, that's why Tiki bars, at home and in the neighbourhood, are so great.

Wise words indeed. These sorts of places seem like the answer to all life's problems. Why sit around at home going through the bills while the rain pours down outside when you can have a quick swim in a turqoise sea, followed by a few cocktails with all your mellow tanned pals at the 'Bamboo Shack'?

The reality of these places is that anyone who is actually working in these Tropical Paradises has the same old hassles as all of us. I was in the Greek Islands a few weeks ago, and you could tell the people were already shattered from all the work, having to be nice to the tourists, etc.

Years ago I did my dissertation on beach vending in Barbados, and spent 6 weeks there. It sounds wonderful and was for a while, but by the end I was in dire need of meeting people who were not so laid back and/or liked the horrible noisy music I did. I'd even had my fill of rum! All the locals wanted to leave the place too, as there's only one big town, and I guess life on a tropical island just gets predictable after a while.

So, keep dreaming & have your Tiki parties at home.

Trader Woody

[ Edited by: Trader Woody on 2002-07-03 15:21 ]