Let's Start Over. Hi, I'm Sarah.

I was reading through some of our comments the other day, and started wondering if Brendan and I were doing something wrong. Childish rants aside, it appears that a few of our readers have taken the opinion that all we do is complain, or make fun of people, or expect the rest of the world to be just like the Unites States.

I'm not sure why we're being misunderstood, but I'd like to at least try to clear things up if I can.

This blog is, first and foremost, about the relationship between Brendan and me in our first year of marriage as we travel the world. That's the premise. It isn't about which countries are good or bad or much of a "travel" diary at all (we've done that to death on our own blogs already, and let me tell ya, that's a whole other project). Obviously many of the experiences we're fleshing out here are unique to couples traveling for extended periods of time, and that's why we think our stories are worth sharing with you. We enjoy being playful with each other by pointing out one another's cute/weird/annoying idiosyncrasies that inevitably present themselves more and more the longer we stay away from home. It's generally light-hearted stuff, though I like to think we hover around insightfulness now and again.

But have we come across as preachers of USA supremacy? Trust me, if I liked it that much, I wouldn't have packed up and left. I'm baffled by the accusation that we're being blind to other peoples' traditions and cultures. We're traveling the world in an effort to not be blind. Sometimes cultural differences are refreshing and sometimes they're challenging. Sometimes they're so off the wall you just gotta laugh about it. I'm pretty sure anyone who's lived out of a backpack for as long or longer than I have would attest to that. Brendan can drive me up the wall, and I can be a huge pain in his rear, but we're out here doing our thing because we want to be.

If we've failed a few of you through our honesty about our trip and each other, then I apologize. We're kind of just winging it day by day. However, I can assure you that flooding our blog with scathing, negative comments is not the way to make us be different people. If you hate what we have to say, then I implore you to stop torturing yourself by coming here and reading our inane stories. Please, be respectful of those that do like our stories and want to participate in our comments section. Or better yet, go on your own world trip, start up a relationship blog, and show us how it's done. I promise to read yours with an open mind.

That's all. Thanks for listening.
-Sarah

Comments

People do what people do, best to let them be.

What a piece of work is man (and woman in this case)!
How noble in reason!
how infinite in faculty!
in form, in moving,
how express and admirable!
in action how like an angel!
in apprehension how like a god!
the beauty of the world!
the paragon of animals!
And yet, to me, what is this quintessence of dust?
man delights not me; no, nor woman neither,
though by your smiling, you seem to say so.
--William Shakespeare, _Hamlet_, II, ii, 316

Well, I don't know Hamlet, seen the movie. I do enjoy the blog from both of you. No, I don't see it as a rant of "USA!!". Just a married couple traveling the world, sometimes getting on each others nerves. As for respect of culture, dont's worry. It's not as if your your asking folks in Delhi were one can get a real good steak for the upcoming high holy day. Finally, I do understand that if a monkey shits on your only decent pair of walking shoes, one is entitled to get pissed. Like the old saying goes; "You can't please all the people all of the time, and those that are not pleased can fuck themselves" Skittles!!

Sarah its the net, did you expect any less? This is what happens when you post ANYthing for the rabid netbies to look over.

Sarah,

I've been a follower of this blog (and your personal travel blog, as well as Brendan's) since the beginning of your journey yet never commented to this point. Hi there. On the one hand, I suppose I could understand how some might mistake you and your hubby's occasionally coy sense of humor for disdain of the people and customs you encounter throughout your journey. But like most of your fans here who love your engaging and quirky observations, I wouldn’t want you to change a thing. I'm getting ready to move to Jordan (or Morocco, not certain yet) this summer to work with the Peace Corps for two years and whenever I need to diffuse some anxiety I find your tales of adventure to be the perfect cure. Your stories have, I'd bet, inspired many to someday undertake a journey of their own off the beaten path, and until we all get to appreciate the joys of thieving monkeys and Russian hair care products firsthand, it's great to live vicariously through the two of you. Keep up the great work :-)

Sarah,

I also have been a follower of this blog (as well as your own, and Brendan's) since I discovered you here on iVillage. I have truly enjoyed reading about your year of travel and your experiences all over the world. I'm a travel guru who has yet to actually go anywhere (poor college student). But one of the most enjoyable things about reading your blog is the comments and stories you tell about one another. Its great to see a couple that are best friends as well as partners, truly man and wife. As a girl who has yet to be married it's a nice insight into the world of married life. Here on iVillage there are a lot of people who like to make rude comments, it's not just on your blog, trust me. I have very much enjoyed reading your blog , don't change it a bit!
Wishing you all the best,
Emily

I have to agree with Neal.
" quirky observations & coy sense of humor " definetly true & one of the things I come back for.
That sarcastic sence of humor is very Chicago/Midwest ( Don't know how Sarah got it ). I've seen it cause misunderstandings before. The stuff they comment on is the stuff I think I would be commenting on if I were there. I'm from Chicago so maybe that gives me an edge. Please don't stop !

Dear Sarah and Brendan,
I'm not one who comments on blogs as a rule, since I haven't the courage yet to post my own thoughts online. I am sure I am one of many who read you blog for its content and enjoy it immensely. Please don't feel obligated to apoloigize to a small number of spoilers who find it easier to criticize the thoughts of people they don't agree with, rather than look critically at their own thoughts and ideas, as well as those that seem to be most in sync with their own. That is the harder task. Keep writing and enjoy your travels!

Hmmm... Maybe I don't analyze the blog as much as others, I just enjoy the stories. Keep doing whatever you're doing, because it's working for me.

-John-

Nice.

Sarah, I will always love you.
Do keep blogging!

Wow, this post may actually have all the "party poopers" go away. There hasn't been one hate comment yet. That's good. Let's keep it that way.
I also really enjoy your stories. Their fun and kooky. Keep it up and I hope you guys are having a lot of fun!

Hey Guys,

Keep having fun. To hell with the assholes that you thought you had to address with this post!!!

To steal a quote from an old cohort of yours Alex Albrecht of Diggnation.....

"The problem with all of the many douche bags in the world (besides the obvious douche baggery)is they don’t realize that they are douche bags and think they way they act and treat people is normal".

I think your blogs are great and read them often when I should be working. Trust me there are far more of the silent readers who enjoy your work than the loud douche bags.

Keep up the great work.

I'm probably older than most of your followers (mid 50's) hope you don't mind an old guy's comments.
I suspect the negative stuff comes from people who have never left the good'ole USA, sit in front of a computer 12-14 hours a day and actually think they have a life.
I read this and your blogs and find them refreshing and entertaining. I hope you two will be as happy and still as in love as my wife and I are after 24 years of marriage (and traveling together)

Don't change, keep posting and having fun. Oh, and more photos please, they bring back memories of places I haven't seen in many years.

Yay! Go Sarah!

Ditto to everyone's lovely comments. I've been reading your ivillage blog as a lurker for a few months, and recently popped over to check out your travel blogs. I find it odd that anyone who hasn't experienced what you are doing together would think they have a valid opinion.

There are times I've thought to myself that you do complain a bit about certain things. Then I catch myself and think "what the hell do I know about what they are experiencing?!" I mean, jeez, I'm at home in my central heat/air conditioned home with all my personal belongings that make life so very comfortable, and I know I sure complain a lot about things sometimes!

Keep up the wonderful posts -- I love living vicariously through you until my husband and I travel the world :)

This is my first time commenting too...You guys rock. Forget the haters. There are LOTS of us who enjoy your travels and observations and sense of humor. Thanks for bringing all of us along for the ride.

Yep, me too! You guys are my favorite feed. :)

Wow, people are really ignorant. I really really hope that this isn't going to affect you guys in any ways. I LOVE the way both of you (on this blog and the sarahlane.com) present your experiences. I really think that its interesting to see how other Americans perceive another country, because honestly, I'm probably going to have the same views as you two. Anyways, I really hope ignorant peoples remarks aren't going to dissuade you guys from blogging about your travels. It's almost like I'm traveling with you guys when I read your blog! I love the blogs and hope you keep blogging as long as you're out there!

- Sean

Sarah Rocks!!!

I don't think I've ever commented but I've read most of both your blogs and I've found the posts funny and interesting and all around entertaining. I think you and Brendan are crazy and brave to travel the world in your first year of marriage, but I also think it's wonderful! Y' all rock!

What I will never understand is how random people can just pass judgment on experiences they know nothing about. Ah well.

As someone up there said, don't let it get to you too much. :) And keep on tellin' your stories!

I agree with everyone. I have followed your trip since the beginning. Hearing of your trip made me get of my butt and plan an around the world trip with my wife and son which we leave on in about two months. It was always my dream. Keep up the great work. Thank you again!

I was going to write but NEAL said EVERYTHING I was going to say!!!
love ya!

Yeah, I'm guessing most of the over-PC people bitching about your 'disdain' for other cultures and your worrying about missing the Golden Globes haven't traveled much.

Before you set out on a trip like this, no one tells you that you'll sometimes spend entire meals in silence with your books, that you'll invariably reach your breaking point with a particularly obnoxious tout, and that you'll miss western things from time to time...no matter how social, calm, and adventurous you think your are.

If you can't see the humor in the midst of the poverty and the squalor, you'd spend most of your time bawling your eyes out in your hotel room. Sometimes you just gotta laugh.

Thanks for the honest reports from the road, guys!

Amazing! Guess this is what it took to get rid of people like 'Doony Dog' who just can't help leaving nasty comments on practically every single blog before this. Good job, Sarah! Have fun on the rest of your trip! :)

Sarah, I enjoy you and B's writing it makes you look at how married life is. It's not always fun filled. Sometime you need a good laugh and be able to laugh at each other and still know you love that person when the day is done.

Dont worry about the haters. I like to read ur blogs. keep up the good work.

cheers

GEEEZ now she's complaining about the people who read her blogs about complaining! jk ;)

haha - free speech is awesome

Sarah you shouldn't have to apologize for anything. Last time I checked this was yours and Brendan's blog. So blog away and enjoy your adventure. It's been an absolute blast reading about it :)

Oh my freaking lord, after the comments after Brendan's last blog I can totally see why you would write this. I don't really read the comments, but after I read this blog entry I went to the last one and read a few. Those people are insane! Are there not enough forums and other outlets for cranky people on the internet?

I have to say, even though it has been said several times now, I love this blog. I "get" the humor and I appreciate the time you take to keep us informed.

I would sensor your comments section if it gets bad like that again. There's just no need for it.

Thank god for these comments. After the Golden Globe comment section fiasco I was afraid to ever read another comment on this blog. It just seemed so tainted. It was as if no one understood the spirit of this blog. I'm all for freedom of speech, but some people just shouldn't be allowed to use a keyboard. You know what I mean?

Long time reader, first time commenter. I've been enjoying the blogs since day 1. Sadly, some people have nothing better to do than be asses on the internet. They figure they can hide behind their computer monitor, and say whatever they want.

I say keep up the great work. Don't change a damn thing.

I think you guys are awesome! Keep doing what you are doing, i love your stories. Forget all the other people who are critical, then they shouldnt read the blog!

How funny! Doony Dog changed her tune...I'm glad to see you finally gotten a life and let us enjoy Sarah and Brendans journey without your senseless innane giberish.

Love you guys! Keep blogging please!

Sarah and Brendan,
Keep up the good work.

Sarah, I don't blame you for being perplexed by the angry remarks. I'd say there's some jealousy going on, hence the attempt to sabotage.

But, I have become addicted to your travel and iVillage blogs. I've done a lot of traveling to the same places and love to hear your take on some of the crazy things that happen. India, especially, I loved, though it may be more in retrospect than at the time. The staring was unnerving, but I was traveling alone. I want to go back with my boyfriend next time and have a laugh at the things that challenged me at the time.

I think you guys handle yourselves quite well. Even Brendan's yelling at the rickshaw driver that time was probably way out of line, but understandable. We all have breaking points.

Thanks for blogging and now that I know you read the comments, I'll post! Ignore the rudeness if you can.

Hey, and keep an eye out for my friend Nic who's down in India at the beach now. She's a small, pretty, dark haired Aussie traveling on her own.

I enjoy this blog and your travel blog. All I ask is that you comment more about how the monkeys you have encountered in your travels have affected your relationship to one another.

Keep bloging.

Kevin in St. Louis

Hi Sarah.

As a newlywed I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your blog here and your travel website as well. It's hilarious to imagine my husband and I in the situations you find yourselves in, and I feel quite confident that we would have killed each other by now. Thanks for not taking yourselves too seriously and for sharing your journey with us. I love your honesty, candor, and humor in adjusting to each new place. Don't let the haters get to you. So many more of us are along for the ride and enjoying every minute!

Well put. Hopefully this will discourage negative comments in the future. I've always enjoyed reading your blogs and watching the podcasts. You guys rock!

I wanted to say I don't find you annoying or ignorant! I think its wonderful you are travelling and experiencing the world.

Brilliant! Sarah, that was so perfectly worded -- honest and diplomatic. I am so glad you wrote it, if for no other reason than because it brought all of the lurkers to comment... and you and Brendan should know how many people LOVE you. Trust me: We outnumber the haters by a landslide.

Just another lurker posting for the first time! I've been reading this blog since the beginning and I have to agree with the others - it's a good blog, keep it up.

Great post, this is what makes you so great Sarah. The hell with them. I'm really glad you decided to let everyone keep in touch with what's going on. This is my first post. I've been keeping up with you ever since the very early days of techtv and met you here in Nashville. Keep having fun on your trip, and keep postin away. By the way, AOTS just ain't the same without you.

Thank you for addressing this Sarah.... my brother turned me on to AOTS and I've been inclined not to watch ever since you and Brendan left! haha Anyways, I think it's great that you are sharing your travels with us, and I'm hoping that these negative people stay away and stop ruining it for all of us!

I love what you guys are doing, and I miss the heck out of you on AOTS!

No complaints about complaining here, I check in every other day , and I guess all I would say is that you two took on quite a large adventure through many cultures so getting frustrated once in awhile is totally understandable. That said I know few people gutsy enough to journey as you are, especially blog lurkers. Keep it up! I need new gems!

Sarah -

You shouldn't have to apologize. This is youur blog, your stories, your experiences! If people don't like it, then don't read it. I have been reading your postings since you started out in Greece. :-) I love your stories, so please keep them coming!

The great thing about the internet is it allows people from all over to communicate. The bad thing is, a lot of those people are jerk-offs. Don't let the people who are obviously trolling the comments section to get to you, a majority of us visit her reguarly because we like hearing about your trip.

Keep it up!

Obviously, the people who love what you write aren't going to harass you with comments. They simply enjoy. As one of them, I've been enjoying both blogs for months. This blog is a perfect counterpart to the travel blog adventures. Not that you would, but just so you know, the silent majority hope that you don't change a thing.

--One of the silent majority of 'Sarah-and-Brendan-blog' fans

Hi Sarah! You know I love your blogs and just adore you guys and have since ATOS and TSS. There is noooo need for you to apologize to the idiots who come here just trying to look "cool" with their nasty comments. You both have been doing a WONDERFUL job. You guys always make me smile and laugh. :)

Thanks for clarifying the purpose of your blog :). I'm enjoying reading it and, I'll admit, it leads to a bit of daydreaming on my part about if I would ever have the guts to do what you've done and start out my marriage on the road...right now, I'm just happy to have gone to Vegas and Seattle with my boyfriend (and we didn't kill each other - whoo hoo!).

Thank you for the relationship insights - they're very helpful to a relationship newbie like me!

Personally, I've enjoyed both the travel blogs (I'm living vicariously as you cross the globe) and the relationship blog (you're brave and/or stupid for doing this as a honeymoon, but you're learning lots about eachother!)... maybe I'm wrong to take any "complaining" as tongue-in-cheek analysis and/or fun-poking at yourselves, but it works for me!

I was so dismayed to read that people are leaving scathing comments! I love this blog! (just found it yesterday and have been reading it from the beginning!)

You guys are cute and witty, and haven't done anything other than what this blog was meant for - to write about your relationship in conjunction with your travels, not just the travels themselves. This isn't a "Vacation" blog, it's a "We just got married and now we're in a totally new environment, watch us be "us"!" blog... I love it, and I give you kudos :)