Comments on: Next Stop, Azerbaijan

By: Chris

Chris — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:31:45 +0000

@Patrick,

I didn’t say that outsourcing was the root cause; I just said that the phone battle is with outsourced reps who (unfortunately) may not know a lot about how awards tickets work. I certainly agree that United is to blame for not training their employees properly.

By: Patrick

Patrick — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 15:31:44 +0000

Great post Chris, sounds like another exciting trip. On, “…I decided to use most of my remaining United miles for this one, I was prepared for a long battle with outsourced support reps on the phone.” — you sure the ‘outsourced’ part is the problem? Often it’s the processes put in place that limit reps from giving you what you need – I’d blame United and the way they run things before I point towards outsourcing as a root cause! just some food for thought.

btw if you’re ever in Manila let me know – I’m in and out helping companies in the US outsource here and elsewhere in the region.

By: Laura Lee Bloor

Laura Lee Bloor — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 17:42:24 +0000

Thanks for the updates — have a wonderful, inspiring trip!

By: Deja

Deja — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:38:23 +0000

You've probably been reading up about Azerbaijan, but I thought I'd let you know about recent news I've been following concerning bloggers. Two youth have just been sentenced to prison for activism via video blogging. This is pretty significant in the area of defending free speech online. Read more about it here.

By: Vince

Vince — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 18:12:02 +0000

Chris,

You mention getting a Visa, when you travel abroad do you have to get a Visa, even if you are just traveling there for a short week? I ask because I thought that having your passport was enough to travel globally.

Vince

By: Srinivas Rao

Srinivas Rao — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 05:05:48 +0000

Chris,

I really admire your lifestyle and aspire to eventually do the same. I was unemployed for the last 6 months and got into blogging and during that time I spent a great deal of time surfing. I fell in love with the sport and realized I would love nothing more than to create a blog about surfing and surf the world. I think what you have done is a great inspiration for me.

By: jenx67

jenx67 — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 16:20:52 +0000

Really, Chris, you never cease to amaze me. Just when I think you’ve been everywhere, here you go to Georgia. I’m with Deja. I’ve always wanted to visit there and many other places in the former block.

By: Mario

Mario — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:13:11 +0000

Have a nice trip Chris! I’m really looking forward to going to the Caucasus in the near future so I would love to know what your impression about things there is! Take care!

By: Kanchuki

Kanchuki — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 04:38:12 +0000

Are you having same problems with google maps as I am? Where you cannot point the mouse at the exact starting point because it picks up the location pointer? Its very frustrating, if you know any workarounds please share.

By: Deja

Deja — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 03:00:11 +0000

So jealous! I want to go to Georgia.