ignorant comments on the Podcast

[MJ6987]

I feel I have to comment about some of Pete's comments on the ABD review on the Podcast. He made several comments that I would consider "typical insular American" views. I have noticed this before, that he travels abroad but expects other cultures to conform to those he finds at home. I remember similar ignorance about the culture in Egypt. If you go abroad you have to accept that they do things differently and respect that.

The two examples that come to mind on this occasion however are:

1. The buffet where he had to eat seafood. In Mediterranean islands most of the food is seafood. That is what they eat. If you want international food that is dumbed down for American tastes then stick to Epcot.
2. Having to listen to the guide having to speak for 15 minutes in front of a "fricking poster" of the Sisteen Chapel. The reason is that you are not supposed to talk inside the chapel so they have out posters outside so that the guides can explain the layout and what to look out for. Not that you'd know given the amount of largely American voices talking in the chapel!

Another example was when he was complaining that they were not being given pizza or pasta enough. Like I say, if you like your culture American flavoured and stereotypical stick to Epcot Pete!

 

[jcb]

I feel I have to comment about some of Pete's comments on the ABD review on the Podcast. He made several comments that I would consider "typical insular American" views. I have noticed this before, that he travels abroad but expects other cultures to conform to those he finds at home. I remember similar ignorance about the culture in Egypt. If you go abroad you have to accept that they do things differently and respect that.

The two examples that come to mind on this occasion however are:

1. The buffet where he had to eat seafood. In Mediterranean islands most of the food is seafood. That is what they eat. If you want international food that is dumbed down for American tastes then stick to Epcot.
2. Having to listen to the guide having to speak for 15 minutes in front of a "fricking poster" of the Sisteen Chapel. The reason is that you are not supposed to talk inside the chapel so they have out posters outside so that the guides can explain the layout and what to look out for. Not that you'd know given the amount of largely American voices talking in the chapel!

Another example was when he was complaining that they were not being given pizza or pasta enough. Like I say, if you like your culture American flavoured and stereotypical stick to Epcot Pete!

I really think you are taking Pete's comments out of context. He needs no defending from me but my perspective on the two issues you cited are that Pete was perturbed by the fact that the guide spent 15 minutes in front of poster and then rushed them through the chapel so that she could get her kickback from the gift shop. If I am remembering them right, I don't see anything "ignorant" about these comments.

As to the food, Pete was not complaining about food in the med in general but the food selection on an expensive ABD tour. The former could be parochial, while the latter is legitimate criticism.

 

[darrengs]

I actually had a whole post put together, but I opted to not post it.

Instead I must agree with the title of your thread "ignorant comments on the Podcast", your comments on the Podcast are indeed extremely ignorant.

 

[BriarRosie]

Wow, that was harsh. I'm sure you could have found a nicer way to post your views....if you tried.

That being said, I understand the cultural thing about the Mediterranean and seafood. I'd have been perfectly happy with that. I did find it odd that they were forbidden to eat from the hot section of the buffet, as if they were second-class citizens. Pete might have found something he wanted to eat from that side if given a choice. And while for Pete it's a personal food aversion, some people have severe allergies to certain types of seafood. I think those people should have alternatives so they don't go to the hospital!

For the money people are paying Adventures by Disney, they should be given a choice of foods rather than be forced to have one thing. They're paying for the luxury, so it should be provided.

As for the Sistine Chapel...

It wasn't just the poster dialogue that got Pete angry. It was that they were rushed through the chapel in order to spend time in a gift shop. I'm sorry, but I'm with Pete on that one. I would be hauling off and decking the local guide if I were rushed through and forced into a gift shop. That is tacky to the extreme, and I'm sure ABD won't be using that guide's services in the future.

 

[Emiel]

I have to agree with both jcb and darrengs. You are taking Pete's remarks out of context and your remarks on the podcast are ignorant.
Enough said.

 

[Cap.Steamboat Willie]

WOW!

I cannot disagree with you more on your views. But I guess that is what makes America great. We are all entitled to our opinion.

I was amazed that when you compared Pete's views and those of Egypt you found that Pete's views were the ignorant ones on the topic of human rights!

As for the seafood buffet, I agree that the Mediterranean diet has a strong seafood slant (mostly found on coastal cities and towns). Yet again, Pete's ire came when three feet away from the seafood ONLY buffet they had buffet selections that DID offer meat (I guess those Mediterranean chefs did not get the MEMO that they should only be eating and serving seafood) but their group was denied access to that food.

To address your last point about the talk by the guide in front of the poster, again, when I heard the podcast and listened to Pete's opinion, what I came away with was that more time was given by the guide to shop at the store were they would be getting a kick back rather than viewing the Sisteen Chapel. Now I'm curious if they took advantage of the new technology provided by guides that have the tour persons wear headphones which pick up the guide whispering their information as the group enjoy the Sisteen Chapel. But maybe your right and no one is aloud to speak in the Sisteen Chapel.

...just one man's opinion.

 

[BriarRosie]

I have to agree with both jcb and darrengs. You are taking Pete's remarks out of context and your remarks on the podcast are ignorant.
Enough said.

At least you've had enough dealings with Americans to form an opinion of us that isn't based on a stereotype.

 

[MJ6987]

WOW!

I cannot disagree with you more on your views. But I guess that is what makes America great. We are all entitled to our opinion.

I was amazed that when you compared Pete's views and those of Egypt you found that Pete's views were the ignorant ones on the topic of human rights!

As for the seafood buffet, I agree that the Mediterranean diet has a strong seafood slant (mostly found on coastal cities and towns). Yet again, Pete's ire came when three feet away from the seafood ONLY buffet they had buffet selections that DID offer meat (I guess those Mediterranean chefs did not get the MEMO that they should only be eating and serving seafood) but their group was denied access to that food.

To address your last point about the talk by the guide in front of the poster, again, when I heard the podcast and listened to Pete's opinion, what I came away with was that more time was given by the guide to shop at the store were they would be getting a kick back rather than viewing the Sisteen Chapel. Now I'm curious if they took advantage of the new technology provided by guides that have the tour persons wear headphones which pick up the guide whispering their information as the group enjoy the Sisteen Chapel. But maybe your right and no one is aloud to speak in the Sisteen Chapel.

...just one man's opinion.

On Egypt. My point is that they have a very different culture. I am not saying I agree with it but they are entitled to their own views. You would presumably not want a Muslim to come to US and expect you to conform to their Sharia law. Similiarly you should not go there and èxpect them to share Western views and cultures.

 

[SamSam]

I agree Pete needs no defending, but I still want to say that I agree with the other posters, not the OP.

Pete's complaint was not that seafood was served, but that there was not another choice.
He was upset at the Chapel because they were rushed through the chapel and into a gift shop.

 

[jcb]

On Egypt. My point is that they have a very different culture. I am not saying I agree with it but they are entitled to their own views. You would presumably not want a Muslim to come to US and expect you to conform to their Sharia law. Similiarly you should not go there and èxpect them to share Western views and cultures.

So when did anyone on the podcast say they expect to go to Egypt and have it conform to American law and culture?

I don't remember anything other than a discussion questioning why DCL would go to ports where the country engages in human rights abuses. That was not Egypt, however, but Tunisia (I think, as my memory isn't what it used to be, if I recall correctly).

 

[Cap.Steamboat Willie]

On Egypt. My point is that they have a very different culture. I am not saying I agree with it but they are entitled to their own views. You would presumably not want a Muslim to come to US and expect you to conform to their Sharia law. Similiarly you should not go there and èxpect them to share Western views and cultures.

They are entitled to their point of view, but so does Pete, which is what he was expressing on the Podcast. He voiced his opinion and his choice to show his displeasure by not getting off the boat, keeping his money onboard the ship, and voicing his opinion on his forum/podcast. America does allow people to have their own beliefs and the right to voice them openly. This is what is done weekly by all members of the podcast. You do not have to agree with them, but in my opinion your comments were just too harsh, but you are entitled to your opinions.

 

[Disneybridein2k3]

So when did anyone on the podcast say they expect to go to Egypt and have it conform to American law and culture?

I don't remember anything other than a discussion questioning why DCL would go to ports where the country engages in human rights abuses. That was not Egypt, however, but Tunisia (I think, as my memory isn't what it used to be, if I recall correctly).

You are correct, Jack. And as always, your opinion appears to be spot on, my friend.

 

[BriarRosie]

So when did anyone on the podcast say they expect to go to Egypt and have it conform to American law and culture?

I don't remember anything other than a discussion questioning why DCL would go to ports where the country engages in human rights abuses. That was not Egypt, however, but Tunisia (I think, as my memory isn't what it used to be, if I recall correctly).

You're right, it was Tunisia in question. DCL had a woman working in clearing customs, and Tunisian port authorities delayed the clearance because they didn't want to deal with a woman. Granted, women in that country wear a hijab and modest clothing, so it doesn't come as a surprise to me. Turkey is pretty progressive in dealings with women by comparison, but they are a highly Muslim-populated country with a secular government.

I don't think it's fair to compare those opinions with the ABD trip, because the Med countries on this cruise were all Western cultures.

 

[Cap.Steamboat Willie]

So when did anyone on the podcast say they expect to go to Egypt and have it conform to American law and culture?

I don't remember anything other than a discussion questioning why DCL would go to ports where the country engages in human rights abuses. That was not Egypt, however, but Tunisia (I think, as my memory isn't what it used to be, if I recall correctly).

It was Tunisia, but I didn't want to quibble over that fact.

 

[mikelan6]

You also need to keep in mind that Pete went on a DISNEY Cruise and took the Adventures by DISNEY add ons.

Adventures by DISNEY is an American company that caters to American clients with American tastes. ABD should have kept that in mind when arranging for the meals, etc.

 

[GoofyforDisney3]

I feel I have to comment about some of Pete's comments on the ABD review on the Podcast. He made several comments that I would consider "typical insular American" views. I have noticed this before, that he travels abroad but expects other cultures to conform to those he finds at home. I remember similar ignorance about the culture in Egypt. If you go abroad you have to accept that they do things differently and respect that.

I don't think Pete ever said that the countries should conforrm to his expectations, but ABD. ABD is a a tour company that caters to the American people. They should be aware of and handle any thing that would cause issue with the (again) American tourest. But, that wasn't even the point of his displeasure.

The two examples that come to mind on this occasion however are:

1. The buffet where he had to eat seafood. In Mediterranean islands most of the food is seafood. That is what they eat. If you want international food that is dumbed down for American tastes then stick to Epcot.

Would you have said this if Pete had been allergic to the seafood? I understand that seafood may be a staple of the Mediterranean diet, but so are a lot of other foods. I may be wrong, but don't they also eat a lot of lamb? That may have been an option. I beleive rice and pasta also are staples, are they not? Pete wasn't asking for the food to be dumbed down. In fact, I think he was asking for it to NOT be dumbed down. He wanted to eat what the normal diet of that region would be, he just simply didn't want it to be all seafood and wanted some options. It isn't like there aren't wide varieties of food to offer in that part of the world too.

2. Having to listen to the guide having to speak for 15 minutes in front of a "fricking poster" of the Sisteen Chapel. The reason is that you are not supposed to talk inside the chapel so they have out posters outside so that the guides can explain the layout and what to look out for. Not that you'd know given the amount of largely American voices talking in the chapel!

Again, not what the rant was about. If the tour guide would have spent a few minutes explaining the chapel and what to look for, left them plenty of time to tour the chapel and find those things they pointed out and then spent only a few minutes in the gift shop it would have been a non issue. However, they were rushed through and spent more time looking at a FREAKING POSTER! He could have done that on the boat or even at home for all that is holy. I would have been a little upset too. And no place did he say anything about or complain about not being able to talk while in the chapel.

Another example was when he was complaining that they were not being given pizza or pasta enough. Like I say, if you like your culture American flavoured and stereotypical stick to Epcot Pete!

Again, not what the rant was about. He was saying that he was sure they people of Italy do not eat boiled beef when there are all kinds of pasta, etc. that they eat and could have been part of the menu that day.

 

[Halloweenqueen]

I'm with Mike on this one. People have the right to take their type of vacation. This was a Disney trip, so there are expectations associated with that. Of course Pete could have stayed at a hostel and backpacked, but this wasn't his choice.

We all know Pete is a travel snob, by his own admission. More power to him! He earned it!

On the issue of the buffet, I think it was more an issue that they were only allowed to eat from one section. It would seem the seafood options would be the more expensive, so why couldn't he go to the "lesser" food options.

I usually don't jump on questions like these... they do tend to become glorified butt-kissing threads.

I have to admit that one of the things that makes the Podcast one of the best out there is the fearless approach the members take in offering opinions. Agree or disagree...they are always heartfelt and honest. Try to get that on any other Disney podcast.

Keep it real, Pete!

 

[shellyminnie]

I have to agree with both jcb and darrengs. You are taking Pete's remarks out of context and your remarks on the podcast are ignorant.
Enough said.

I love a man of few words!

 

[roomthreeseventeen]

I have to admit that one of the things that makes the Podcast one of the best out there is the fearless approach the members take in offering opinions. Agree or disagree...they are always heartfelt and honest. Try to get that on any other Disney podcast.

Keep it real, Pete!

This is a good point. Even amongst the podcast team, there are sometimes disagreements.

A lot of people (including Teresa, from what she said) would have been thrilled with every aspect of the Med Cruise. Pete wasn't.

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I feel I have to comment about some of Pete's comments on the ABD review on the Podcast. He made several comments that I would consider "typical insular American" views. I have noticed this before, that he travels abroad but expects other cultures to conform to those he finds at home. I remember similar ignorance about the culture in Egypt. If you go abroad you have to accept that they do things differently and respect that.

The two examples that come to mind on this occasion however are:

1. The buffet where he had to eat seafood. In Mediterranean islands most of the food is seafood. That is what they eat. If you want international food that is dumbed down for American tastes then stick to Epcot.
2. Having to listen to the guide having to speak for 15 minutes in front of a "fricking poster" of the Sisteen Chapel. The reason is that you are not supposed to talk inside the chapel so they have out posters outside so that the guides can explain the layout and what to look out for. Not that you'd know given the amount of largely American voices talking in the chapel!

Another example was when he was complaining that they were not being given pizza or pasta enough. Like I say, if you like your culture American flavoured and stereotypical stick to Epcot Pete!

On Egypt. My point is that they have a very different culture. I am not saying I agree with it but they are entitled to their own views. You would presumably not want a Muslim to come to US and expect you to conform to their Sharia law. Similiarly you should not go there and èxpect them to share Western views and cultures.

Hi There,

As stated on the show countless times, reviews of ABD, DCL, US, WDW, and restaurants are snapshots from the point of view of one individual. Pete expressed his person opinions regarding this cruise and its ABD add-on on the show. However, you or anyone else does not have to agree with them. Again, they are his opinions regarding this single experience. Another person could take the same trip and have a much different opinion, or one that meshes with his.

Pete explained that he was upset with the guide for spending more time outside of a Sistine Chapel poster rather than in it. He felt as if he were rushed and did not gain as much from the experience inside as he expected. He also said that if less time was given to discussing it outside, more enjoyment could be experienced on the inside. To the best of my knowledge, nothing was mentioned about the fact that you should remain quiet inside the Chapel. This was not the issue being discussed on the show. Instead, it was why the tour included more time in front of a poster than inside the structure itself. I feel that this is a valid point.

The discussion of Egypt on a previous show referred to the difficulties female guests and employees had as a result of customs. I also believe it was mentioned that a female had to go back and change as her outfit was considered "too revealing." I found this offensive for many reasons including the fact that the country I live in does not require someone to change her clothes before setting foot on the soil.

With this being said, I think it is great that you have come here to express your opinions. However, you might find that people are more receptive to discussing a topic with you if you approach it in a less abrasive way. Please remember that it is okay for people to disagree with you just as it is okay for them to disagree with Pete. Everyone, please keep in mind that we maintain a family-friendly board here in which everyone's opinions need to be treated respectfully. If an individual agrees with something a podcaster says, that is fine. If someone does not, that is okay as well. However, we must be respectful of each other in the words we choose when posting. Feel free to continue this discussion, but please do so kindly.