Last night I slept on the couch of a complete stranger after she picked me up from the city centre, we downed a glass of red and stayed up for the next 4 hours listening to music talking about books and travelling the world.
This may seem like a weird encounter and in a way it was…but it was one we both had volunteered for. I had only just heard about couch surfing a week earlier after reading an article about the ups and downs of the web site. Some reports say that travellers have just stepped foot in the door and not before long their shirts are ripped off and they find themselves in the hots bed rather than on the couch. Other reports are being stranded in small towns by those that flake out at the last minute.
Filed under: Life | Tags: Baby Boomer, Consumer, Gen C, Gen V, Gen X, Gen Y, Gen Z, Sept 11
I was just thinking about this when I was writing this little spiel. So as the King said, “Begin at the beginning,” Gen X’ers are referred to at those that were born between the late 1960s to early 1980s. The offspring of the baby boomers and Gen X’ers must resent their upbringing as they are often referred to as the baby busters, as there was a steady decline in the number of births as they grew older. Gen X is also associated with the increase in divorce, political apathy and the birth of computers. While this generation ages though, I’m sure even though they have lived differently then the baby boomers, they will all grow old the same way. Yelling at kids on the lawn, reminiscing back in their day and enjoying boiled sweets.
Filed under: Life, Money | Tags: Financial, Gen X, Gen Y, McMansion, Recession, SUV, Troubles
Is a recession necessary for each generation to financial difficulty experience? Does being put through a recession create more mature and wiser investors?
These are some of the thoughts I have been having lately. When I was a wee little baby, the stock market collapsed over in the U.S. and the Australian dollar plummeted with it. My parents survived through this and I believe they are the wiser because of it as both are doing quite well today. I’m reasonably happy with my financial status as I can afford to take an overseas trip every year, whilst my brother is debt ridden. I’m not sure why that is as we both had the same up bring. I think financial stability is a sign and reflects the maturity of an individual.
Currently there is a big flap about the interest rates on mortgages at the moment, but at the time when I was young, my parents were paying of a house with interest rates of around 12-15%. They seem to be coping fine with the current rate problem; however the Gen X new home owner (more…)
Filed under: Games | Tags: Evolve, Flutterscotch, Gaming, Piñata, Romance, Viva Piñata, Xbox, xbox 360
Well, since receiving my Xbox back from its nearly scheduled RROD and having a lot of down time recently, rather then writing on this blog being semi productive. I’ve become an achievement whore. The tell tale sign of an achievement whore is when a Xbox game goes out and rents TMNT or Avatar to get a quick 1000 gamer points.
Though is there anything wrong in being a gamer whore? I think that having achievement points actually encourages you to get more out of the game. I finished GTA IV a long time ago, but recently I picked it up again and have slowly been trudging through the other achievements like being friends with characters, races and vigilante missions.
I’m also trying new games; I rented out Viva Piñata out of curiosity and have become surprisingly addicted. One of my friends owned the game and told me it was surprisingly good so I decided to take him on his word and rent it. If you haven’t had the joy of playing this game yet, I do recommend you try it out. Especially now that the sequel, Viva Piñata – Trouble in paradise, has been announced. (more…)
Filed under: Travel | Tags: Backpack, Backpacker, Embassy, Haggle, hostel, hotel, Pack, Tour, Travel
Just thought I would list some of the little tips I have picked up along my travels around this great earth.
Travel off-peak and weather wise.
If you’re not constrained by school holidays, kids or any work issues, traveling during off-peak periods can save you a lot of money. Flights, accommodation and attractions all drop in price during off peak times. Do your research though – some destinations have low seasons and religious holidays can mean everything’s closed once you get there.
Won’t Haggle!?!
The price you are quoted for your flights isn’t what you have to pay; it’s what they think they can get you to pay. Play hardball. Also whilst on the street trying to buy some souvenirs or catch a cyclo down a few blocks, don’t pay the first offer. However in retrospect don’t expect to pay the same as locals. Be generous, but not a sucker. (more…)
