Questions and Answers: Volume 17

Daily Routine

Gary Arndt shares his daily routines while traveling and working on the podcast. He mentions cooking most of his meals but also enjoys eating out to avoid cabin fever. Gary has driven in 43 countries, including the United States, Canada, and Germany, among others 1.

I may cook a steak if I'm making something at home, but some days I'll go out for sushi, to a barbecue joint, or maybe to an Indian restaurant.

--- Gary Arndt

He also discusses the lack of representation of factory work in movies, attributing it to the unfamiliarity of writers with that world 1.

   

Travel Essentials

Gary talks about his evolving travel essentials, from a cheap backpack to a soft-sided bag with wheels. He now prefers a carry-on bag and a small backpack for his camera and electronics. Essential items include his laptop, an external battery, and a travel power strip 2.

When I started, I literally had a cheap backpack. However, over time I switched to a soft-sided bag with wheels that I would check on flights.

--- Gary Arndt

He also recounts being stranded in Spain due to a volcanic eruption and experiencing a tsunami in Maui 2.

   

Local Adaptation

Gary emphasizes the importance of adapting to local cultures and terminologies while traveling. He believes in using local terms like "chips" instead of "fries" to ease communication. Gary also shares his experience as an academic debate coach and his decision not to become a classroom teacher 3.

When in Rome, do as the Romans do. So if I'm in a Commonwealth country, it's far easier to just use the local words rather than using my Americanisms.

--- Gary Arndt

He feels that his podcast allows him to teach without the constraints of a traditional classroom 3.