One of the best things about your channel is that you try to stay out of politics and geopolitical affairs. Don't get baited by those who try to undermine your positivity with such issues. Thanks for the video.
One of the wonderful things you realize from travel is that even though there are some pretty awful governments around the world, the world is full of lovely, friendly caring people.
@@matthewmorris7510 lol I'm an indian and I'm born in India. I'm 34. And live in rural area and even some of developed areas on consistence basis then you will know the true color. Indians loves foreigners because they found them urban but they don't even treat their own people that nicely which they do to foreigners. And I'm not saying whole India is bad but for me and my experience living in India, I can definitely say atleast 70% Indians are rude towards each others. And you can find foreigners mostly visit in India but they never settle down in India forever except few Cases because only then you will understand how much corruptions and crime rate exists in India and most of those crimes are not even recorded.
@@matthewmorris7510I'm an indian. I'm 34. And I lived in India my whole life. Don't go by some travel videos But actually live in india on a rural and even some develop cities areas and then you know the true color. And yes each has different experiences but Indians usually behave nicely towards foreigners because Indians finds them Urban white people. But unfortunately Indians don't even behave that nicely towards their own people but they are quite opposite and rude towards each other. And I'm not saying whole India is bad but from my 34 years living experience here I can say that 70% Indians are Rude towards each others with having so little humanity in them. and many crime rates are not even recorded and I'm the Witness of that cases.
@@matthewmorris7510 I'm an indian. I'm 34. And I lived in India my whole life. Don't go by some travel videos But actually live in india on a rural and even some develop cities areas and then you know the true color. And yes each has different experiences but Indians usually behave nicely towards foreigners because Indians finds them Urban white people. But unfortunately Indians don't even behave that nicely towards their own people but they are quite opposite and rude towards each other. And I'm not saying whole India is bad but from my 34 years living experience here I can say that 70% Indians are Rude towards each others with having so little humanity in them. and many crime rates are not even recorded. And I'm a proof because I'm a Witness of those kind of many cases.
Whatever country I visit, I think I support: - That server, who uses the money to fund their studies, to prepare a better future for themselves - A taxi driver, who is trying to put food on the table for his kids - A shop keeper who is trying to make both ends meet - A tour guide, who is only trying to put money aside for whatever reason while allowing foreigners to discover the wonders of their home country I could go on and on I am not supporting a government. And I've never heard of any leader saying "Uh oh, he refuses to travel here. I better stop doing what I do."
exactly, the majority of touristic regions in Turkey are currently ruled by opposition municipalities because the people living there for the most part felt that the policies of the ruling party was hurting tourism income and thus mostly voted for the pro-western secularist opposition.
Gabriel, nobody does 'REAL' travelling better than you (having been a world traveller myself in the 70's and 80's and having developed an open mind due to those travels, and now in my 70's myself with lots of time to reflect on those past amazing travel experiences). You are the Ibn Battuta and Marco Polo of this current age! I could comment after each of your videos but this video requires an admiration of the highest degree for this episode, not only for your walk through history in those ruined buildings depicting the ravages of time and probably warfare too but for expressing your opinions of why you travel taking into consideration political reasons as well. I concur. I too swam in the Dead Sea in 1975 during my overland journey back to Australia from Holland, a great experience. Our world is amazing, especially to an open minded traveller who has the freedom and capacity to travel as you do. We are one of the luckiest generations to have ever lived and to have had the freedom of choice to travel and to experience the wonders of this world, its history, its geology and spectacular landscapes. I will continue to travel vicariously through you. Thank you for your amazing journey. You are certainly building up and incredible bank of memories with which to reflect on when you arrive into your senior years.
Having been in the Dead Sea several times (and gotten the water in my eye once, as well), here is some more advice for people: 1. Wear shoes (as you did). These salt lakes/seas often have rocky shores and rocky floors and 2. Be VERY careful getting in and out, as the salty water makes things very slippery.
Another thing to add; the most liberal Muslim countries are those that have a booming tourism industry, many of these countries have populations that are influenced by Western tourists and become attracted to Western lifestyles. The most oppressive ones tend to fear that Western tourists will "corrupt" their youth and thus tend to not support the tourism industry.
@annethall maybe the UAE and nowadays saudi arabia under MBS' rule, which is liberalising with women allowed to drive, walk around hijabless, concerts and raves, etc...?
@@rajm2626 It's quite funny to me that people think the UAE and Saudi Arabia are liberal Muslim countries. It shows how brainwashed people are to think this only because they are US allies 🙄. To name a few Muslim majority countries that truly are liberal, these would be Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Bosnia, Albania and there are others too.
I for one am so glad that we have your videos, showing so many places I'm unfortunately unlikely to ever be able to visit. You provide valuable and very real glimpses into other cultures, without judgment. Please continue traveling to any and all countries that interest you. Travel (and sharing it with all of us) is the best antidote to ignorance and prejudice.
I think the countries with difficulties and bad governments should be visited even more by independent travelers. Tourism, especially in the age of social media, brings a degree of transparency. The worst thing that can happen to a society is it gets shunned by the world and turns into a hermit kingdom. In such circumstances the rulers will often become even more tyrranical as the world has no idea what is happening inside the country and the rulers have no check on their power.
Brother man, I'm digging the fact that you mentioned the past atrocities of old Spain. There's been a tripped out commentor on this channel who's been trying to glorify colonial Spain despite the darkness they brought to the Americas and the indigenous peoples. Keep preaching the truth my brother. Chaka brah 🤙 ☮️
Well one of the reasons I like watching you is you stay out of politics. I can enjoy world travels. Dont change! We all have views and it doesnt matter what side you're on, someone will hate you for it. I would like some of those billions of dollars to be used at home.
You addressed this really well Gabriel. Most who ask this question come from a place of ignorance of their own country’s history and government policies in addition to organisations they spend their money on. As a Brit, my country should be top of list if there was any boycotting with the way it colonised the world. As a tourist especially when solo female travelling it inspires oppressed women of the possibilities ❤️
As another Brit, I fully agree. It need hardly be mentioned that the tragic mess of Israel/Palestine would not have happened if not for the machinations of London at the height of its imperial power. Same goes for nearly every intractable conflict zone in the world, from Syria (Sykes-Picot) to Sudan to the rise of the BJP in India and the India-Pakistan tensions, and so on. We messed up a lot of places, and stole masses of wealth in the process.
Not to me Gabriel. I visit countries only because of the interest I have in them but not for any political agendas. Amigo I am truly happy for you because you are now living a better life as you make a living off your travel endeavours and no need to go back to a 9-5 every year to save up to travel again. CONGRATS!!!!!!!! Keep on trotting the globe.
I have been watching your videos for many years and this is the first time I have witnessed you talking about international politics, Visiting a country and spending your money there will help the locals more than the government, Especially if they are relatively poor. Also your videos may give a more realistic view of the country than those of the media, Neutrality is one of the strengths of this channel. Expressing personal views is likely to be devisive,
I agree with you Gabriel! I have to avoid general judgment on one country! But I feel sorry for the majority who are only listening local news & propaganda!!!
I appreciate your thoughts on this important part of travel. As you imply, expecting to participate in what we fully agree with, unfortunately, means that it would be impossible not only to travel, but even to live in your own community. After all, you avoid taking a position as much as possible. Another central point: your videos open our understanding and care about places we've probably never experienced. This encourages people to, for example, learn more about Egypt and decide for themselves what they think and do about a place they felt no connection to only a few minutes before. Sure, some places and circumstances are too horrific to even visit, but most countries mix good and bad. By exposing us to both, at least from the POV of a visitor, helps your viewers understand a little more about what is happening and what they think about it. So be sure to venture on!
I fully agree. Financial pressure can for sure change a country's policies in some cases, but through actual and very, very severe official Government sanctions and not through small and symbolic individual consumer boycotts like choosing to not travel to a certain country for vacation. People may think they have this kind of power but they really don't. The North Korean and Chinese Governments for example would continue their repression of their people if not a single tourist visited their countries. It's not going to end that easily.
Good Points here. You can visit or live in a country and not be in support of the government you have. Not everyone is going to be happy with the election results.
My relative said oh you are giving your money to a foreign country, first of all I use United Airlines mostly so that is U.S. and then I use Expedia. to me by them saying that it is ignorant. And also they were not walking in my shoes I spent 30 years taking care of 2 disabled children for 30 years. I deserve to finally be able to be able to heal, and to me traveling is very healing for me.
I have been to a country that Gabe has never been to. I don't think he has. And it's right next door to where he is now. I still have fond memories of the adventures I had as a small child in Libya. I learned how to swim in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Benghazi. It was another world back then.
No you can't. Because you still be supporting that government with fees, taxes and whatnot. Like it or not, a lot of the money you spend directly ends up in the hands of that government.
@@TheKingOfBeansBut the question wasn't can you visit a country without caring about or liking its government, right? Which is an entirely different matter really. I think most governments don't give a fig about your opinion as long as you keep supporting them with your wallet.
I agree very much with your perspective Gabriel! Plus, I think it's quite valuable that you continually discover and share hidden aspects of these troubled places that the news will never tell us about - it humanizes these countries and I'd say that does a great deal to combat the otherization and hatred that enable war in the first place. You are contributing to the sort of elevation of consciousness our world needs!
Think of the reverse too. They accept you there even though they may dislike your government's positions. It goes both ways. When you travel you're also an ambassador of sorts. Making connections benefits both sides and is worth it in most situations.
PS the core beauty of your channel is that allows us to get away, to escape from if you will, all the negative, nasty, and often political divisions. When I watch your videos, Sardinia for example, I feel like I am floating on clouds, way above all the man-made ugliness and crap.
Please don’t get baited, it’s a topic that can ruin an influencer. I care for my governments policies too much and feel like we’re loosing more and more of the basic freedoms. I don’t support any government that justifies harm to civilians and targets them. Don’t support apartheid, war monger’s, and lover the idea of being able to openly visit all the different countries and their peoples and experiencing the culture. Been a long time follower and I would recommend not even mentioning Israel or its campaign by its government, just say you wish there was peace and unity where people could co-exist.
With regards to Bald and Bankrupt, something similar happened to JohnnyFD when he made the mistake of doing an interview with RT. Him and Bald did several videos together and he never imagined war would break out, but when it did it changed his whole perspective and outlook.
You could even argue that for a youtuber, traveling to those problematic places helps people get better informed about what's going on. I don't see why it's a bad thing. By the way, the risks of traveling to Russia now are a bit exaggerated. You'll probably just face extra security checks at immigration, and that's it. Most of the videos about Russia on UA-cam seem really biased, especially from these popular 'dark tourism' folks like Bald and Bankrupt. I'd like to know your take on modern Russia.
yes, and that is why N.Korea does not allow tourists to freely enter the country, they don't want the locals coming into contact with Westerners as it would make the people start questioning their own living conditions and thus start questioning the government.
Right after Russia invaded Ukraine I made a video criticizing the invasion. If the Russians are keeping track enough that they know about comments posted under Bald's videos, then it's quite possible I could also be on some list for criticizing the Russian government and the war. An American woman who flew to Russia to visit family was sentenced to twelve years in prison because she made a $50 donation to Ukrainian relief efforts. That government is absolutely crazy right now, so I wouldn't take my chances. I literally wouldn't go to Russia if you paid me a million dollars, it's not worth it when ending up in prison is a real possibility. www.indiatoday.in/world/russia-ukraine-war/story/russian-american-woman-ksenia-karelina-jailed-donating-ukraine-charity-2582812-2024-08-15 ua-cam.com/video/YV6tSHJrRcc/v-deo.html
I apologize for making multiple posts, but this is a very interesting subject that has various facades to consider. If one side of the argument is "does travelling to a country equal to supporting its government" the other side is "does travelling to a country help build bridges". Despite all the disputes between Greece and Turkey, the reason why there are direct ferry lines between major tourism hubs on the Turkish Aegean coast and the Greek islands close to the Turkish Aegean coast is tourism, and mutually supporting the locals on both sides who depend on tourism income. Both Greeks and Turks as well as foreigners can freely travel between the Turkish coast and those Greek Islands (The Greeks even found a way to allow Turkish tourists to travel to those Islands without a Schengen visa) this is creating an opportunity for especially the younger generations of both countries to start understanding each other better and start overlooking their differences. You mentioned N.Cypus; Greek Cypriots, if they had though you were supporting the administration in the North thought you were supporting them would not have allowed you to travel there from the south, both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots agreed to allow people to be able to cross the green line from both sides did so because in the long term this will play a major role in the reconciliation of the past between the two populations (many GCs and TCs cross the green line and spend money in each respective region and both Cyprus and the administration in the North allows this). In the short term your tourist money may benefit an administration, but in the long term your presence and the presence of other tourists will make a change for the better.
I don't think you need to make that video, Gabe. We're already overexposed to information, opinions, and comments about it via the media and algorithms
It's not a matter of being afraid, it's more a matter of avoiding potential tension, especially under the current circumstances with the US support for Israel's actions against Palestine and Lebanon. Also it's true, I am Canadian. I was born in Vancouver but raised in California.
Your right in your belief. I think the Palestinian people deserve liberty. They should not be terrorized and killed for a terrorist government. What you do in your travels and visits is you. I enjoy your videos and comments. Don’t stop.
Thank you for sharing your views, they are very well balanced. Unfortunately it’s the civilians that get caught in the crossfire both ways.😢 When travelling I love to support the locals when I can. It is so cheap to get around and your driver will benefit from it. Oh wow! That salt pool and lake was absolutely amazing, so clear and blue. I remember your Dead Sea video, this lake is so much clearer and no salt in your eye! . Thank you Siwa is just incredible. ❤
if i did not travel any place that i did not support the government of countries and states in the usa, i would end staying in my apartment and not going anywhere
Would love to see what its like inside some of these local people's houses Thanks for showing us the salt pool my psoriasis would probably go away if I used that!
Of course travelling supports the government. With that said, it may do more good than harm for us to reach out to other countries on a personal level.
Gabriel thanks for the video I get my new from Democracy Now by Amy Goodman. To see the world thrill your video are just so beautiful. Take care Betty Jean
Hi Gabriel, your political views aren't why you travel to these places, you travel to experience them the food and the culture are a big part of it. What empires have done in the past and present shouldn't be the deciding factor, you're there to enjoy the experience and get a taste of what it is like. Your opinion should be based on what you want to see and experience of course you're going to have strong opinions for certain political views and you're not always going to agree with them but that shouldn't be the deciding factor in fact policies should not be a reason not to visit a country. Other than that, you can't visit the country because of the political climate, which risks harm.
Here is my dilemma, I have close friends in Lebanon and Israel. Therefore, I suggest these so called leaders in all the countries were thousands are dying just stop your insanity. Sit down and settle your differences with diplomacy and civility. All wars are no way to come up with solutions.
I am guessing that the young lad wanted to know your UA-cam channel name, as he was pointing to his phone. Great video, as always. Commentary very on point too!
I enjoy watching your videos because they are different from others and I respect your choice of countries. I especially enjoyed your earlier adventures on those challenging hikes. I made a vow not to visit any European countries given the current overcrowding of visitors. I am glad I have visited the countries on my list prior to the current move/swing to the right in a lot of the EU and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Keep on trekking and I will keep on watching.
I appreciate you sharing your thoughts about the war, Gabe. As you say, Netanyahu's response has gone beyond any sense of proportionality for last October's attacks and it seems he is trying to attack to take his citizens' minds off the appalling failure of intelligence that those attacks represented. He seems determined to kick every hornet's nest that he sees and, as a result, hundreds of thousands are dying. The passive response from the west is a stain on our conscience. Israel's predicament cannot be solved with war, only with peace. Shalom / salaam.
@@goostrey4210 peace seals but who's buying ? When every house in Gazza is involved with terrorism what can you do And i really hope Netanyahu and his government to go to jail for 7.10.23
Travel and tourism are matters that should not be part of politics in any way. Because life goes on And do not stop at the geography that has changed throughout history, and because everything is for us humans, it is better to plant the seed of love everywhere and leave to Caesar what is Caesar’s while God’s is God’s, as Christ said. ❤💙By the way, Siwa is a fantastic and amazing place, thanks Gabriel to entertain us with your beautiful trips
well i am chinese, you know our govt and US govt aren't friends, and I think people is the people, govt is the govt you know what I mean? I mean people doesn't represent their govt and their govt doesn't representing their people sometimes
Please DONT make a political video. It is a LOSE / LOSE situation for you. You will just make a lot of peope angry regardless which side you are on… even staying in the middle, you will just anger both sides.
Me personally recommend that you don't get into the politics of Israel in video because the subject is contentious your channel is built on peace for all
Intersting video. I am not political and truly try to avoid those discussions even with family and friends…..that being said people can share their political views if they feel compelled
There are plenty of YT channels that are focused on politics, and this is where those comments really belong. On travel channels people seem to do it to discourage people from traveling to those countries. We don't need more hatred and divisiveness in the world.
If the country with a questionable administration has a booming tourism industry that it relies on, the situation would become even worse if tourists stopped going there, as tourism is a restraining factor for the governments of such countries. If tourism was an important factor for the economies of the Israelis and the Palestinians things would be playing out much more differently than it currently does.
I was also born in a country with a communist regime. The regime was starving for hard currency, so they were kind of forced to accept foreign tourists. Even then, the only people interested in those tours were members of the diaspora and communist sympathizers. I wished that the regime not receive those dollars and that it had collapsed sooner, instead of prolonging its agony. I see some benefit for tourists: they enjoy cheap shopping, and some are curious, but they are not helping the local population in any way. Now, the situation is more complex because oppressive regimes are wealthy and no longer depend on tourist dollars, though they still can derive some value from it. Who cares about the propaganda of parading achievements and progress of some random country? Nobody, but they will use it internally to support their narrative.
I'd stay out of eolitics, it's a no win situation for you. Just don't go to places where your safety would be threatened due to politics or war. BTW, I don't know if you've thought about it, but have you considered one of those translator devices? They seem quite useful and better than google translate for conversation. Just wondering.
Some people roll over when terrorists kidnap their people and film the unspeakable acts they do to them. Some people vow to annihilate the evil that perpetrated such acts and follow through with it. Allowing hamas and hezbollah to terrorize as they please without reprocussions is just as evil as what they themselves do.
So by your own logic, when the IDF posts their antics of humiliating random Palestinian civilians that they *know* aren't military personnel, they justify all reprisals? Or does it this logic only apply to white people?
one can not go around killing 10 year olds to punish some other dudes' crimes. that is the definition of evil. if they want to have any sympathy from people they should have been carefull to discriminate betwen innocents and criminals
@@kocahmet1 have you ever coordinated an offensive in an urban setting against a adversary holding their own people as human shields? No? Didnt think so. War is nasty. None of us like it. But if you are so sapient, why dont you explain EXACTLY how it should be done? Il wait.
@@justinpyle3415 yes i know exactly how it is done. just check the' hendek operation turkish army did in 2015. not a single person under 15 years old'was killed and thousands of pkk operatives killed in a dense urban setting. the operation took one month which could be done in 2 days if they bomded the whole neighboorhoods. it is doable if you take the time and effort like turkish armyy did. but, for some reason idf does not . why not? that is the explanation that should be given first?
@@beyasalIts not like a dictator would care what some local business owners think about the Government though. After all, they are dictators, they don't need people to vote for them, there are no real elections.
Keep visiting different countries and enjoy. Don't listen to the negative people and just stay out of politics in your videos. I enjoy watching especially that you've never stray into politics. It's a nice escape from all the noise.
☆ When the oligarchy pays for our elected officials, they do arrange for services acquired from our public services funding. If you choose to be independent and to disconnect from such corruptions, I sincerely hope you're not injured by this - in any way. The tendencies to neutralize voices that speak to the truth does gallop ahead despite any public objections. Your caution in choices of topics and personalities affected seems a chilling feature and as an understandable practice. Editors surely recognize which side gets the butter, for instance. Your unique perspectives allow observations that would be personalized during longer interviews with citizens in public places. This is part of a potential we treasure in anticipation. We might hope that a brilliant example of public opinion - in itself - proves the efficacy and value of such an open and free speech. We might wish this on everyone - and hope that struggle about this would be unnecessary. A casual but high regard for such speech could certainly draw my attention and support. It does seem that more genius will continue to need to be applied, as we continue to look forward. Prospectively, we make the best of it as we can. 🌲😎🌲 Gabe, would some interviews at several intentional communities express some of the range of attitudes you feel need to be expressed? 🌍 .
Love your channel, been a fan for about 10 years. No interest in political matters when wanting travel content. I started to watch this clip and realised it wasn't for me. But others would differ. No problem. Travel on Gabe, you're still the best travel vlogger on YT.
The kids on the balcony who took your camera initially wanted to take a picture with you, and then asked you if you would sell your camera, and asked you how much.. that was when you said I do not understand and left, smart move...
Ha, that's funny. I understood the part about them wanting to take a picture, couldn't have guessed they were saying they wanted to buy the camera. I highly suspect they didn't have enough on hand. Maybe they were just curious about the price.
@@justinpyle3415 They made RA the villain and blew it up 🤣 Hollywood loves to dictate who is a Hero and who the villain is based to their liking, noFAX; Maybe they should visit Italy and study Machiavelli & his Hero 😎
People like I enjoy and watch your channel for travel. Do yourself and your channel a favor and keep politics out of it. Your political views will alienate your viewers; who disagree with your political views.
There is a difference between direct and indirect support. Local people you are supporting pay taxes which goes to the government. It's considered indirect support. If you have to pay for a visa to enter the country it's considered direct support.
I wonder if nowadays (or maybe for quite a long time?) the need to have one's opinion heard has become a pathological one? Could it be that the US is a country of rugged individual strangers where with technological advances human interaction has become even more limited, and where the desire to be heard has thus become almost a militant goal? Put another way, I get the impression that many folks just have an innate need to argue with someone over something.
One of the best things about your channel is that you try to stay out of politics and geopolitical affairs. Don't get baited by those who try to undermine your positivity with such issues. Thanks for the video.
One of the wonderful things you realize from travel is that even though there are some pretty awful governments around the world, the world is full of lovely, friendly caring people.
But unfortunately not in a Society. Specially if you live in India or in some third world country.
@@Billie0708 India is full of lovely, friendly caring people, have you been there? I guess not saying things like that.
@@matthewmorris7510 lol I'm an indian and I'm born in India. I'm 34. And live in rural area and even some of developed areas on consistence basis then you will know the true color.
Indians loves foreigners because they found them urban but they don't even treat their own people that nicely which they do to foreigners.
And I'm not saying whole India is bad but for me and my experience living in India, I can definitely say atleast 70% Indians are rude towards each others.
And you can find foreigners mostly visit in India but they never settle down in India forever except few Cases because only then you will understand how much corruptions and crime rate exists in India and most of those crimes are not even recorded.
@@matthewmorris7510I'm an indian. I'm 34. And I lived in India my whole life.
Don't go by some travel videos But actually live in india on a rural and even some develop cities areas and then you know the true color.
And yes each has different experiences but Indians usually behave nicely towards foreigners because Indians finds them Urban white people. But unfortunately Indians don't even behave that nicely towards their own people but they are quite opposite and rude towards each other.
And I'm not saying whole India is bad but from my 34 years living experience here I can say that 70% Indians are Rude towards each others with having so little humanity in them. and many crime rates are not even recorded and I'm the Witness of that cases.
@@matthewmorris7510 I'm an indian. I'm 34. And I lived in India my whole life.
Don't go by some travel videos But actually live in india on a rural and even some develop cities areas and then you know the true color.
And yes each has different experiences but Indians usually behave nicely towards foreigners because Indians finds them Urban white people. But unfortunately Indians don't even behave that nicely towards their own people but they are quite opposite and rude towards each other.
And I'm not saying whole India is bad but from my 34 years living experience here I can say that 70% Indians are Rude towards each others with having so little humanity in them. and many crime rates are not even recorded. And I'm a proof because I'm a Witness of those kind of many cases.
Whatever country I visit, I think I support:
- That server, who uses the money to fund their studies, to prepare a better future for themselves
- A taxi driver, who is trying to put food on the table for his kids
- A shop keeper who is trying to make both ends meet
- A tour guide, who is only trying to put money aside for whatever reason while allowing foreigners to discover the wonders of their home country
I could go on and on
I am not supporting a government. And I've never heard of any leader saying "Uh oh, he refuses to travel here. I better stop doing what I do."
Well said.
exactly, the majority of touristic regions in Turkey are currently ruled by opposition municipalities because the people living there for the most part felt that the policies of the ruling party was hurting tourism income and thus mostly voted for the pro-western secularist opposition.
I go for the wonderful people…not the government.
Gabriel, nobody does 'REAL' travelling better than you (having been a world traveller myself in the 70's and 80's and having developed an open mind due to those travels, and now in my 70's myself with lots of time to reflect on those past amazing travel experiences).
You are the Ibn Battuta and Marco Polo of this current age!
I could comment after each of your videos but this video requires an admiration of the highest degree for this episode, not only for your walk through history in those ruined buildings depicting the ravages of time and probably warfare too but for expressing your opinions of why you travel taking into consideration political reasons as well. I concur.
I too swam in the Dead Sea in 1975 during my overland journey back to Australia from Holland, a great experience.
Our world is amazing, especially to an open minded traveller who has the freedom and capacity to travel as you do.
We are one of the luckiest generations to have ever lived and to have had the freedom of choice to travel and to experience the wonders of this world, its history, its geology and spectacular landscapes.
I will continue to travel vicariously through you.
Thank you for your amazing journey.
You are certainly building up and incredible bank of memories with which to reflect on when you arrive into your senior years.
very well written sir! :)
Having been in the Dead Sea several times (and gotten the water in my eye once, as well), here is some more advice for people: 1. Wear shoes (as you did). These salt lakes/seas often have rocky shores and rocky floors and 2. Be VERY careful getting in and out, as the salty water makes things very slippery.
Another thing to add; the most liberal Muslim countries are those that have a booming tourism industry, many of these countries have populations that are influenced by Western tourists and become attracted to Western lifestyles. The most oppressive ones tend to fear that Western tourists will "corrupt" their youth and thus tend to not support the tourism industry.
Which liberal Muslim countries are you speaking of?
@annethall maybe the UAE and nowadays saudi arabia under MBS' rule, which is liberalising with women allowed to drive, walk around hijabless, concerts and raves, etc...?
@@rajm2626 It's quite funny to me that people think the UAE and Saudi Arabia are liberal Muslim countries. It shows how brainwashed people are to think this only because they are US allies 🙄. To name a few Muslim majority countries that truly are liberal, these would be Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Bosnia, Albania and there are others too.
I for one am so glad that we have your videos, showing so many places I'm unfortunately unlikely to ever be able to visit. You provide valuable and very real glimpses into other cultures, without judgment. Please continue traveling to any and all countries that interest you. Travel (and sharing it with all of us) is the best antidote to ignorance and prejudice.
Im also an american, and i do NOT trust, support, or advocate for its government.
I think the countries with difficulties and bad governments should be visited even more by independent travelers. Tourism, especially in the age of social media, brings a degree of transparency. The worst thing that can happen to a society is it gets shunned by the world and turns into a hermit kingdom. In such circumstances the rulers will often become even more tyrranical as the world has no idea what is happening inside the country and the rulers have no check on their power.
Brother man, I'm digging the fact that you mentioned the past atrocities of old Spain. There's been a tripped out commentor on this channel who's been trying to glorify colonial Spain despite the darkness they brought to the Americas and the indigenous peoples. Keep preaching the truth my brother. Chaka brah 🤙 ☮️
Well one of the reasons I like watching you is you stay out of politics. I can enjoy world travels. Dont change! We all have views and it doesnt matter what side you're on, someone will hate you for it. I would like some of those billions of dollars to be used at home.
You addressed this really well Gabriel. Most who ask this question come from a place of ignorance of their own country’s history and government policies in addition to organisations they spend their money on. As a Brit, my country should be top of list if there was any boycotting with the way it colonised the world. As a tourist especially when solo female travelling it inspires oppressed women of the possibilities ❤️
As another Brit, I fully agree. It need hardly be mentioned that the tragic mess of Israel/Palestine would not have happened if not for the machinations of London at the height of its imperial power. Same goes for nearly every intractable conflict zone in the world, from Syria (Sykes-Picot) to Sudan to the rise of the BJP in India and the India-Pakistan tensions, and so on. We messed up a lot of places, and stole masses of wealth in the process.
Not to me Gabriel. I visit countries only because of the interest I have in them but not for any political agendas. Amigo I am truly happy for you because you are now living a better life as you make a living off your travel endeavours and no need to go back to a 9-5 every year to save up to travel again. CONGRATS!!!!!!!! Keep on trotting the globe.
I have been watching your videos for many years and this is the first time I have witnessed you talking about international politics, Visiting a country and spending your money there will help the locals more than the government, Especially if they are relatively poor. Also your videos may give a more realistic view of the country than those of the media, Neutrality is one of the strengths of this channel. Expressing personal views is likely to be devisive,
I agree with you Gabriel! I have to avoid general judgment on one country! But I feel sorry for the majority who are only listening local news & propaganda!!!
What news do you listen to?
I appreciate your thoughts on this important part of travel. As you imply, expecting to participate in what we fully agree with, unfortunately, means that it would be impossible not only to travel, but even to live in your own community. After all, you avoid taking a position as much as possible. Another central point: your videos open our understanding and care about places we've probably never experienced. This encourages people to, for example, learn more about Egypt and decide for themselves what they think and do about a place they felt no connection to only a few minutes before. Sure, some places and circumstances are too horrific to even visit, but most countries mix good and bad. By exposing us to both, at least from the POV of a visitor, helps your viewers understand a little more about what is happening and what they think about it. So be sure to venture on!
And who is pulling the strings of the governments? Let them all spend a week in the desert and see if they survive.
I fully agree. Financial pressure can for sure change a country's policies in some cases, but through actual and very, very severe official Government sanctions and not through small and symbolic individual consumer boycotts like choosing to not travel to a certain country for vacation. People may think they have this kind of power but they really don't. The North Korean and Chinese Governments for example would continue their repression of their people if not a single tourist visited their countries. It's not going to end that easily.
Exactly.
Good Points here. You can visit or live in a country and not be in support of the government you have. Not everyone is going to be happy with the election results.
Not everyone has elections
@@justinpyle3415 sometimes no elections may be better than voting when all parties on offer have the same policies when elected
@@angelawhitehead6187 so autocracy is better if you dont like the policies of partisans?
How does that make sense?
My relative said oh you are giving your money to a foreign country, first of all I use United Airlines mostly so that is U.S. and then I use Expedia. to me by them saying that it is ignorant. And also they were not walking in my shoes I spent 30 years taking care of 2 disabled children for 30 years. I deserve to finally be able to be able to heal, and to me traveling is very healing for me.
I have been to a country that Gabe has never been to. I don't think he has. And it's right next door to where he is now. I still have fond memories of the adventures I had as a small child in Libya. I learned how to swim in the Mediterranean Sea off the coast of Benghazi. It was another world back then.
I don’t like my government, yet I live in the country. So I think you can visit a country and not support the government.
Very true.
Exactly what I was going to say. I don’t really care about any government anywhere
No you can't. Because you still be supporting that government with fees, taxes and whatnot. Like it or not, a lot of the money you spend directly ends up in the hands of that government.
@@TheKingOfBeansBut the question wasn't can you visit a country without caring about or liking its government, right? Which is an entirely different matter really. I think most governments don't give a fig about your opinion as long as you keep supporting them with your wallet.
@@ageoflove1980 They do actually, if tourism is an important part of their economy.
If you ever come back to Cairo you have an invitation for lunch with me in my home in Maadi, you're gonna like this beautiful neighborhood!
I agree very much with your perspective Gabriel! Plus, I think it's quite valuable that you continually discover and share hidden aspects of these troubled places that the news will never tell us about - it humanizes these countries and I'd say that does a great deal to combat the otherization and hatred that enable war in the first place. You are contributing to the sort of elevation of consciousness our world needs!
I for one support human rights for all humans no matter where they happen to be born. Happy Travels
Think of the reverse too. They accept you there even though they may dislike your government's positions. It goes both ways. When you travel you're also an ambassador of sorts. Making connections benefits both sides and is worth it in most situations.
Good point
Gabe, please ignore anyone questioning your travel destinations based on the goverment policies or ethics.
PS the core beauty of your channel is that allows us to get away, to escape from if you will, all the negative, nasty, and often political divisions. When I watch your videos, Sardinia for example, I feel like I am floating on clouds, way above all the man-made ugliness and crap.
a genuine smile and little respect makes a difference that you are in for the people...
Please don’t get baited, it’s a topic that can ruin an influencer. I care for my governments policies too much and feel like we’re loosing more and more of the basic freedoms. I don’t support any government that justifies harm to civilians and targets them. Don’t support apartheid, war monger’s, and lover the idea of being able to openly visit all the different countries and their peoples and experiencing the culture. Been a long time follower and I would recommend not even mentioning Israel or its campaign by its government, just say you wish there was peace and unity where people could co-exist.
With regards to Bald and Bankrupt, something similar happened to JohnnyFD when he made the mistake of doing an interview with RT. Him and Bald did several videos together and he never imagined war would break out, but when it did it changed his whole perspective and outlook.
He's free to say what he wants without such advice from people like you
Your moving the camera too fast, it makes me dizzy.
He does that often. Annoying😮
You could even argue that for a youtuber, traveling to those problematic places helps people get better informed about what's going on. I don't see why it's a bad thing. By the way, the risks of traveling to Russia now are a bit exaggerated. You'll probably just face extra security checks at immigration, and that's it. Most of the videos about Russia on UA-cam seem really biased, especially from these popular 'dark tourism' folks like Bald and Bankrupt. I'd like to know your take on modern Russia.
yes, and that is why N.Korea does not allow tourists to freely enter the country, they don't want the locals coming into contact with Westerners as it would make the people start questioning their own living conditions and thus start questioning the government.
Right after Russia invaded Ukraine I made a video criticizing the invasion. If the Russians are keeping track enough that they know about comments posted under Bald's videos, then it's quite possible I could also be on some list for criticizing the Russian government and the war. An American woman who flew to Russia to visit family was sentenced to twelve years in prison because she made a $50 donation to Ukrainian relief efforts. That government is absolutely crazy right now, so I wouldn't take my chances. I literally wouldn't go to Russia if you paid me a million dollars, it's not worth it when ending up in prison is a real possibility.
www.indiatoday.in/world/russia-ukraine-war/story/russian-american-woman-ksenia-karelina-jailed-donating-ukraine-charity-2582812-2024-08-15
ua-cam.com/video/YV6tSHJrRcc/v-deo.html
@@GabrielTravelerVideos If Russia depended more on tourism income they wouldn't have been doing any of that.
@@GabrielTravelerVideos Nice video, I missed it. Thanks. Your position is understandable - well, everyone has their own level of risk tolerance.
the Kid said... picture
I apologize for making multiple posts, but this is a very interesting subject that has various facades to consider. If one side of the argument is "does travelling to a country equal to supporting its government" the other side is "does travelling to a country help build bridges". Despite all the disputes between Greece and Turkey, the reason why there are direct ferry lines between major tourism hubs on the Turkish Aegean coast and the Greek islands close to the Turkish Aegean coast is tourism, and mutually supporting the locals on both sides who depend on tourism income. Both Greeks and Turks as well as foreigners can freely travel between the Turkish coast and those Greek Islands (The Greeks even found a way to allow Turkish tourists to travel to those Islands without a Schengen visa) this is creating an opportunity for especially the younger generations of both countries to start understanding each other better and start overlooking their differences.
You mentioned N.Cypus; Greek Cypriots, if they had though you were supporting the administration in the North thought you were supporting them would not have allowed you to travel there from the south, both Greek Cypriots and Turkish Cypriots agreed to allow people to be able to cross the green line from both sides did so because in the long term this will play a major role in the reconciliation of the past between the two populations (many GCs and TCs cross the green line and spend money in each respective region and both Cyprus and the administration in the North allows this).
In the short term your tourist money may benefit an administration, but in the long term your presence and the presence of other tourists will make a change for the better.
I don't think you need to make that video, Gabe. We're already overexposed to information, opinions, and comments about it via the media and algorithms
No war for any reason is worth the loss of a human life, especially a child. God, help us all.
When asked by a cab driver, you told him you were Canadian. Are you afraid to be a US citizen in a Muslim country?
It's not a matter of being afraid, it's more a matter of avoiding potential tension, especially under the current circumstances with the US support for Israel's actions against Palestine and Lebanon. Also it's true, I am Canadian. I was born in Vancouver but raised in California.
Your right in your belief. I think the Palestinian people deserve liberty. They should not be terrorized and killed for a terrorist government. What you do in your travels and visits is you. I enjoy your videos and comments. Don’t stop.
Thank you for sharing your views, they are very well balanced. Unfortunately it’s the civilians that get caught in the crossfire both ways.😢 When travelling I love to support the locals when I can. It is so cheap to get around and your driver will benefit from it. Oh wow! That salt pool and lake was absolutely amazing, so clear and blue. I remember your Dead Sea video, this lake is so much clearer and no salt in your eye! . Thank you Siwa is just incredible. ❤
🙂❤👍Thank You Gabriel Safe Travels🙂❤👍
if i did not travel any place that i did not support the government of countries and states in the usa, i would end staying in my apartment and not going anywhere
The majority of people in every country are good people. Visiting a country helps the people more than anyone else.
7.10.23
Would love to see what its like inside some of these local people's houses
Thanks for showing us the salt pool my psoriasis would probably go away if I used that!
Of course travelling supports the government.
With that said, it may do more good than harm for us to reach out to other countries on a personal level.
War makes money for the elites.
Profound 🤡
Travel does not have any thing to do with supporting a human government , saludos
Gabriel, your channel, your rules. Say whatever you want.
30:49 it definitely would make a difference in a place like North Korea and where your money is literally directly only going to the government
Gabriel thanks for the video I get my new from Democracy Now by Amy Goodman. To see the world thrill your video are just so beautiful. Take care Betty Jean
Hi Gabriel, your political views aren't why you travel to these places, you travel to experience them the food and the culture are a big part of it. What empires have done in the past and present shouldn't be the deciding factor, you're there to enjoy the experience and get a taste of what it is like. Your opinion should be based on what you want to see and experience of course you're going to have strong opinions for certain political views and you're not always going to agree with them but that shouldn't be the deciding factor in fact policies should not be a reason not to visit a country. Other than that, you can't visit the country because of the political climate, which risks harm.
Amazing color of sea❤
Here is my dilemma, I have close friends in Lebanon and Israel. Therefore, I suggest these so called leaders in all the countries were thousands are dying just stop your insanity. Sit down and settle your differences with diplomacy and civility. All wars are no way to come up with solutions.
I am guessing that the young lad wanted to know your UA-cam channel name, as he was pointing to his phone. Great video, as always. Commentary very on point too!
Yes, of course, at least in a literal sense. You pay all sorts of taxes and fees that go directly to the government.
I enjoy watching your videos because they are different from others and I respect your choice of countries. I especially enjoyed your earlier adventures on those challenging hikes. I made a vow not to visit any European countries given the current overcrowding of visitors. I am glad I have visited the countries on my list prior to the current move/swing to the right in a lot of the EU and the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Keep on trekking and I will keep on watching.
Great video Gabriel, once again you have given me a great idea on where to go on my next trip!😊
“Abraham Accord”
I appreciate you sharing your thoughts about the war, Gabe. As you say, Netanyahu's response has gone beyond any sense of proportionality for last October's attacks and it seems he is trying to attack to take his citizens' minds off the appalling failure of intelligence that those attacks represented. He seems determined to kick every hornet's nest that he sees and, as a result, hundreds of thousands are dying. The passive response from the west is a stain on our conscience. Israel's predicament cannot be solved with war, only with peace. Shalom / salaam.
@@goostrey4210 peace seals but who's buying ?
When every house in Gazza is involved with terrorism what can you do
And i really hope Netanyahu and his government to go to jail for 7.10.23
I want to go to Egypt, but is it as bad as peoole say, with people trying to sell you stuff and get your money
people trying to sell you stuff and get your money is how the whole global economy works
I like these conversation videos
Again a fascinating video. That salt water lake looks awesome. I'd go along with the thoughts you expressed, more or less.
Thank You! Excellent commentary!
Travel and tourism are matters that should not be part of politics in any way. Because life goes on And do not stop at the geography that has changed throughout history, and because everything is for us humans, it is better to plant the seed of love everywhere and leave to Caesar what is Caesar’s while God’s is God’s, as Christ said. ❤💙By the way, Siwa is a fantastic and amazing place, thanks Gabriel to entertain us with your beautiful trips
Don't know about that I'm sure it adds to the economy of the country though
well i am chinese, you know our govt and US govt aren't friends, and I think people is the people, govt is the govt you know what I mean? I mean people doesn't represent their govt and their govt doesn't representing their people sometimes
Well said
Another Perfect Day in Paradise 🎉😊
Don't make the video gabe, I will not watch it.
Keep out of politics.
I watch you for travel and its an escape from the ship that's going on.
Please DONT make a political video. It is a LOSE / LOSE situation for you. You will just make a lot of peope angry regardless which side you are on… even staying in the middle, you will just anger both sides.
23:02 he ask a photo from you 2 (soura = photo) nice video, love Siwa ❤
I see, good to know, thanks. He got one, or at least a video.
@@GabrielTravelerVideos "He got one, or at least a video." Is this really true or do you just think so?
@@mirror5076 Yep, it's true, there's even evidence, captured on film.
Loved your political commentary! I feel the same way about the Middle East! I’m so happy to know there are sane Americans out there.
Me personally recommend that you don't get into the politics of Israel in video because the subject is contentious your channel is built on peace for all
Intersting video. I am not political and truly try to avoid those discussions even with family and friends…..that being said people can share their political views if they feel compelled
There are plenty of YT channels that are focused on politics, and this is where those comments really belong. On travel channels people seem to do it to discourage people from traveling to those countries. We don't need more hatred and divisiveness in the world.
If the country with a questionable administration has a booming tourism industry that it relies on, the situation would become even worse if tourists stopped going there, as tourism is a restraining factor for the governments of such countries. If tourism was an important factor for the economies of the Israelis and the Palestinians things would be playing out much more differently than it currently does.
Yes
I was also born in a country with a communist regime. The regime was starving for hard currency, so they were kind of forced to accept foreign tourists. Even then, the only people interested in those tours were members of the diaspora and communist sympathizers. I wished that the regime not receive those dollars and that it had collapsed sooner, instead of prolonging its agony. I see some benefit for tourists: they enjoy cheap shopping, and some are curious, but they are not helping the local population in any way. Now, the situation is more complex because oppressive regimes are wealthy and no longer depend on tourist dollars, though they still can derive some value from it. Who cares about the propaganda of parading achievements and progress of some random country? Nobody, but they will use it internally to support their narrative.
Must accept the laws of the country you visiting and doesn't matter if you dont know anything about..
Obeying laws of a foreign nation does not equate to being a proponent of those laws
@@justinpyle3415 if you are a lawyer, ok. if not, enjoy the Adventure...
@@johnmax5652 doesnt take a lawyer to use simple logic, my friend.
Im not even a proponent of my own nations government.
You don't have to accept them, just don't get caught if you don't.
@@justinpyle3415a law is meant to came by god, so first you accept it and after you fight against it.
Ok hold up, are you tellin me its hotter in Texas than in the Sahara desert right now?😅
I'd stay out of eolitics, it's a no win situation for you. Just don't go to places where your safety would be threatened due to politics or war. BTW, I don't know if you've thought about it, but have you considered one of those translator devices? They seem quite useful and better than google translate for conversation. Just wondering.
Some people roll over when terrorists kidnap their people and film the unspeakable acts they do to them.
Some people vow to annihilate the evil that perpetrated such acts and follow through with it.
Allowing hamas and hezbollah to terrorize as they please without reprocussions is just as evil as what they themselves do.
So by your own logic, when the IDF posts their antics of humiliating random Palestinian civilians that they *know* aren't military personnel, they justify all reprisals? Or does it this logic only apply to white people?
one can not go around killing 10 year olds to punish some other dudes' crimes. that is the definition of evil. if they want to have any sympathy from people they should have been carefull to discriminate betwen innocents and criminals
@@kocahmet1 have you ever coordinated an offensive in an urban setting against a adversary holding their own people as human shields? No?
Didnt think so.
War is nasty. None of us like it.
But if you are so sapient, why dont you explain EXACTLY how it should be done? Il wait.
@@justinpyle3415 yes i know exactly how it is done. just check the' hendek operation turkish army did in 2015. not a single person under 15 years old'was killed and thousands of pkk operatives killed in a dense urban setting. the operation took one month which could be done in 2 days if they bomded the whole neighboorhoods. it is doable if you take the time and effort like turkish armyy did. but, for some reason idf does not . why not? that is the explanation that should be given first?
How many Israeli civilians + Israeli military personnel have been killed as opposed to Palestinian civilians (Palestinians who are non-combatant)?
You first support the local businesses. They in turn support the government through taxes.
Precisely
they in turn oppose the government if government policies will lead to a decrease in tourism income.
@@beyasalIts not like a dictator would care what some local business owners think about the Government though. After all, they are dictators, they don't need people to vote for them, there are no real elections.
Keep visiting different countries and enjoy. Don't listen to the negative people and just stay out of politics in your videos. I enjoy watching especially that you've never stray into politics. It's a nice escape from all the noise.
☆
When the oligarchy pays for our elected officials, they do arrange for services acquired from our public services funding.
If you choose to be independent and to disconnect from such corruptions, I sincerely hope you're not injured by this - in any way.
The tendencies to neutralize voices that speak to the truth does gallop ahead despite any public objections. Your caution in choices of topics and personalities affected seems a chilling feature and as an understandable practice. Editors surely recognize which side gets the butter, for instance.
Your unique perspectives allow observations that would be personalized during longer interviews with citizens in public places. This is part of a potential we treasure in anticipation.
We might hope that a brilliant example of public opinion - in itself - proves the efficacy and value of such an open and free speech.
We might wish this on everyone - and hope that struggle about this would be unnecessary.
A casual but high regard for such speech could certainly draw my attention and support. It does seem that more genius will continue to need to be applied, as we continue to look forward. Prospectively, we make the best of it as we can. 🌲😎🌲
Gabe, would some interviews at several intentional communities express some of the range of attitudes you feel need to be expressed? 🌍
.
Nice vlog 😊❤
Love your channel, been a fan for about 10 years. No interest in political matters when wanting travel content. I started to watch this clip and realised it wasn't for me. But others would differ. No problem. Travel on Gabe, you're still the best travel vlogger on YT.
Supporting the economy directly supports the government. Stay out of politics.
It helped to be emotional calm to this subjects,like u do,well Analysed Gabe:)
Free Tibet!
Free the baby seals in Labrador!
Gabriels just living his best life floating in the Siwa! Great video!!
The kids on the balcony who took your camera initially wanted to take a picture with you, and then asked you if you would sell your camera, and asked you how much.. that was when you said I do not understand and left, smart move...
Ha, that's funny. I understood the part about them wanting to take a picture, couldn't have guessed they were saying they wanted to buy the camera. I highly suspect they didn't have enough on hand. Maybe they were just curious about the price.
Mars on Earth?! I wonder if I can travel there on a rocket 🤣
Thoroughly reminds me of Stargate the movie 😇
Now il be waiting for Ra to land his giant pyramid and flirt with Kurt Russel
@@justinpyle3415 They made RA the villain and blew it up 🤣 Hollywood loves to dictate who is a Hero and who the villain is based to their liking, noFAX; Maybe they should visit Italy and study Machiavelli & his Hero 😎
@@ZknotInF so, they deleted my comment about the movie.
So much for the free world, right?? Lmao
This is Gabe at his best 👍 Here, here!
People like I enjoy and watch your channel for travel. Do yourself and your channel a favor and keep politics out of it. Your political views will alienate your viewers; who disagree with your political views.
go where you want, have fun
There is a difference between direct and indirect support. Local people you are supporting pay taxes which goes to the government. It's considered indirect support. If you have to pay for a visa to enter the country it's considered direct support.
I wonder if nowadays (or maybe for quite a long time?) the need to have one's opinion heard has become a pathological one? Could it be that the US is a country of rugged individual strangers where with technological advances human interaction has become even more limited, and where the desire to be heard has thus become almost a militant goal? Put another way, I get the impression that many folks just have an innate need to argue with someone over something.
NO
I listen news from North America, Asia, Africa, Europe, Australia, Well known Critic of Politics & Religions!
This comment makes no sense fella
No