The Interview: Ramon Stoppelenburg
"I am just fullfilling my dream, that's something more people should be doing in their life."
May 1, 2001: Ramon Stoppelenburg sets out to travel the world, relying on the kindness of strangers for lodging and transportation. In March of 2001, Ramon launched the website Let-Me-Stay-For-A-Day - and in no time, he was flooded with invitations from around the world. We were delighted when Ramon agreed to answer our Ten Questions.
Photo: Anne-Marie Munk
CQ1. First, what is the correct pronunciation of your first name?
Ramon.
CQ2. Since the launch of your website in March, you've received media attention from around the world. How does it feel to be instantly famous?
Strange. I still am unable to really understand this and express any feelings about this. It just goes on and on.
CQ3. If Hollywood made a movie about you, what actor would you want portray you?
Me, myself and I.
CQ4. Reactions to your project have been overwhelmingly positive. Other than your parents, has anyone disapproved of the idea?
Only some people on my messageboard wanted to express the freedom of speech by calling me a moron. But if they are unable to give some right arguments, I cannot have respect for those people, freedom of speech or not. It's more about tolerance.
CQ5. Many college students travel the world; none of them has been in the spotlight like you are. Do you have any worries that all the attention your journey is receiving will detract from the experience?
No. I am just fullfilling my dream, that's something more people should be doing in their life. And if you do something unique, you'll get the spotlights for free.
CQ6. Do you see yourself as an ambassador of world peace?
Of course. Not!!! A newspaper wrote about me saying I am the Jules Verne of the 21st century. I liked that phrase. But I think I am more an ambassador of the possibilities with the Internet.
CQ7. The vision of the solitary traveler, journeying from place to place on little more than his wits, is very romantic. Do you expect to break any hearts along the way?
I already receive love-mail, but I think that's much too early. Nobody still really knows me by my writing and my website. I will see what happens.
CQ8. On the reality-TV show Survivor contestants are allowed one "luxury item." What "luxury item" will you have with you?
That should be only the digital camera which will allow me to upload my travel-images onto the web. I don't need anything else.
CQ9. You will set out on May 1, and travel for an unknown period of time. Do you have any ideas about what your "normal" life will be like once your journey ends?
The possibilities are growing of course, especially with all the media covering my project. I have already received many nice offers, but people don't realise that I'm not a person to be put behind a desk and work over 40 hours a week, even when it earns good money. That's just not me. I want to be creative in any kind of way.
CQ10. Anything else you'd like to add?
I hope a lot of people will follow my tracks on my website, especially those who are stuck in their live and they just can not get out of it. Very reasonable of course, because most older people than me have a family, children and work. I just want to be ahead of that and I hope people enjoy my reporting about the world we live in.
Thanks, Ramon!
See Ramon's web site at Let-Me-Stay-For-A-Day.
