In the 18th century, a French political writer Montesquieu claimed that poor people show more hospitality to strangers on average. Do you think he was right? I think it has to do with many things, not only with economical factors. For example, if you go to countries like Ethiopia, in Africa, where you can find really poor people by our standards, and then you will not find or receive as much hospitality as we have seen in Muslim countries such as Iran or Syria. So there are many, many indicators or things that could make that right.
Travel writer Juan Pablo Villarino had visited 90 countries before making the trek to exotic Arlington, Virginia for this chat with Tyler. Amazingly enough, this recording marked his first trip to the mainland United States, which is now the 91st country in an ever-expanding list.
The world's best hitchhiker talks with Tyler about the joys of connecting with people, why it's so hard to avoid stereotypes (including of hitchhikers), how stamp collecting guides his trips, the darkest secrets of people he's gotten rides from, traveling and writing books with his wife, the cause of violence in the Americas, finding the emotional heart of a journey, where he's going next, and more.
Read a full transcript enhanced with helpful links.
Recorded May 4th, 2018 Other ways to connect