A Mutant's Guide to Mutation
Chapter 4
Tricks of the Trade & Things to Remember
The well of Mutant knowledge is a bottomless one. It's bottomless because every traveler has his own way. Here are but a few facts, tips, and reminders for the would be Mutant.
Some very useful, some to consider, and most to amuse.
Chapter 4
Tricks of the Trade & Things to Remember
The well of Mutant knowledge is a bottomless one. It's bottomless because every traveler has his own way. Here are but a few facts, tips, and reminders for the would be Mutant.
Some very useful, some to consider, and most to amuse.
--- We are Just Snow ---
Contrary to what your parents may have told you,
YOU are NOT a unique little snowflake!
You are not special, and you don't deserve more, or less,
than anyone else. This is the kind of egocentric teachings that most Settlers are spoon fed from an early age, and it is the core reason why the human race cannot get along. When one travels extensively, the veil of this profound and most dangerous lie gets lifted. It is only then, that the traveler begins to truly learn from, and appreciate the wonders of this world, and the people who inhabit it.
YOU are NOT a unique little snowflake!
You are not special, and you don't deserve more, or less,
than anyone else. This is the kind of egocentric teachings that most Settlers are spoon fed from an early age, and it is the core reason why the human race cannot get along. When one travels extensively, the veil of this profound and most dangerous lie gets lifted. It is only then, that the traveler begins to truly learn from, and appreciate the wonders of this world, and the people who inhabit it.
You are not a good person, you are not a bad person, you are JUST a person! It takes an extraordinary human being to be a "good person," and it is just the same to be a "bad" one. Hitler was a bad person, Mother Teresa was a good person. These people went through enormous lengths to be the people that they were, and these kinds of people represent the tiniest percentage of the world's population. Maybe 1 or 2% at most! Now, for obvious reasons, if you are reading this blog I can assure you that you are not part of that percentage.
Most of us fall within the 98 - 99% of the population,
we are just people. Like the pendulum, we swing from decent to not so much so, and our batting average in the end is just that, average. We try hard, we fail hard, and we try to keep breathing.
Sometimes it's hard not to scream.
we are just people. Like the pendulum, we swing from decent to not so much so, and our batting average in the end is just that, average. We try hard, we fail hard, and we try to keep breathing.
Sometimes it's hard not to scream.
This isn't to say that we can't do better, or that we shouldn't try, it is just a reminder that
most of the world is doing the exact same. No matter where you go in the world, you will find those who will love or hate, accept or reject, dismiss or embrace you. Most, have either lived through hard times or will live through them soon enough. They have experienced great gains and terrible losses, seen great joys and suffered greatly. The specifics of the experiences may differ, but the psychological outcome is one and the same. Most people are the same, yourself included! Keep this in mind and the world to you will become a more interesting and
inviting place to explore.
So try not to judge others, or yourself too harshly, unless of course it's really,
really funny.
most of the world is doing the exact same. No matter where you go in the world, you will find those who will love or hate, accept or reject, dismiss or embrace you. Most, have either lived through hard times or will live through them soon enough. They have experienced great gains and terrible losses, seen great joys and suffered greatly. The specifics of the experiences may differ, but the psychological outcome is one and the same. Most people are the same, yourself included! Keep this in mind and the world to you will become a more interesting and
inviting place to explore.
So try not to judge others, or yourself too harshly, unless of course it's really,
really funny.
--- The Storyteller ---
Storytellers were the original keepers of knowledge. Storytellers have a long revered history, and in ancient times they were honored and respected by the tribes' people. When the night fires were lighted, and they needed to pass the time, it was the voice of the storyteller that roared through the darkness and stirred the air, and kept the tribe enthralled and at peace with the enchantment of the word. Entertainment, it is a powerful gift that is always welcomed and appreciated.
Barflies are bores and bored, in a pinch, one
can earn a pint or two by simply using this gift and entertaining a bar crowd. Tell some funny stories and memorize some jokes, couple that with poetic timing and charm, and you got the recipe for a free drink. A traveler's pocket can become rather tight from time to time so this is a "must-learn" skill for those with a passion for the sauce.
--- Embrace Your Surroundings ---
When you find yourself in unknown territories, the last thing you want is to look
like is a stupid tourist. Tourists are suckers, there are enough terrible horror films out there that serve as a cautionary tale for those that look too much like tourists when traveling abroad. Learn to embrace the culture of the place, and blend in with your surroundings. You just have to remember, and accept, that you came to a new place to experience something new. So no matter what you are doing, or how bizarre things may get, you are accomplishing that goal; you are always on the right track. You cannot control everything, learn to
roll with the punches and just keep on trucking.
like is a stupid tourist. Tourists are suckers, there are enough terrible horror films out there that serve as a cautionary tale for those that look too much like tourists when traveling abroad. Learn to embrace the culture of the place, and blend in with your surroundings. You just have to remember, and accept, that you came to a new place to experience something new. So no matter what you are doing, or how bizarre things may get, you are accomplishing that goal; you are always on the right track. You cannot control everything, learn to
roll with the punches and just keep on trucking.
--- Travel Light ---
--- Go Off the Yellow Brick Road ---
Forget the Wizard, follow your gut Dorothy! Knowing when to veer off the beaten path is an important and indispensable skill. All those well versed in the way of the traveler must have this tool in their utility belt in order to get the most out of their wanderings. When finding yourself on strange lands, take a few steps off the beaten path and explore. There are historical landmark that are a "must see" when visiting certain places, but you shouldn't feel obligated to see them all. Take time to submerge yourself in the local scene.
Become and explorer. A Conquistador!
Find where the locals like to spend their time,
and head there like Caesar.
By veering off the norm you will find the heart
of the real city, and get to savor the pure nectar of it, while the rest of the tourists are chugging the watered down Koolaid of the experience. Real people don't hang out around tourist traps so why should you? Even from an economical point of view, locals know where the best priced food and drink can be found, so why take the gold priced path through the valley, when you can take the scenic mountain road for but copper and brass.
Find where the locals like to spend their time,
and head there like Caesar.
By veering off the norm you will find the heart
of the real city, and get to savor the pure nectar of it, while the rest of the tourists are chugging the watered down Koolaid of the experience. Real people don't hang out around tourist traps so why should you? Even from an economical point of view, locals know where the best priced food and drink can be found, so why take the gold priced path through the valley, when you can take the scenic mountain road for but copper and brass.
--- Haggling ---
Different people pay different prices for different things,
this is a fact. It might seem unfair and bias to some, but the truth is that people will always be nicer to those whose company they enjoy the most. Knowing how to haggle is an important skill to have in order to stretch a dollar.
Haggling is a bluffing game, but it can also be a simple matter of taking an interest in the world of the person across from you. All people want to feel interesting. Make eye contact. Smile kindly and make them feel like they matter to you, shake their hand and ask them about their day, and before they know it YOU will matter to them. The more they like and relate to you, the lower the price can go, and the more likely they'll be willing to lend you a hand.
--- Hustling ---
Well, this wouldn't be The Wandering Mutant if we didn't include and elaborate a bit on this subject, would it? Hustling is the time honored tradition of disguising one's skill at a game or sport with the intent to lure unsuspecting strangers, of probably lesser skill, into gambling with the hustler.
Hustling is as much a test of skill as it is of wits. There are always rules to abide by and ways to get around them, but knowing the game is the key to winning. From humble Proposition Bets to elaborate Ponzi Schemes, cons and hustles have been around since humans figured out they could screw over one another.
Learning the basics and mastering a few hustles should be done for the purposes of survival, not as a career starter, and it can be a fun way to stay on budget and earn a few bucks when you're on the road. Stick to the basics, bar bets, games like billiards, darts, cards and dice. Practice and get good at one or more of these games, they are universally known and are readily available in almost every town, along with gullible "marks" to target. There is no fast way, you just need to practice, study up, and get good at some of these.
Try your luck and have some fun.
Try your luck and have some fun.
--- Going Continental ---
This is one of my favorite tricks, and one I discovered when I was very young. Most hotels,
and even some motels, have a continental breakfast of some kind. When money is tight, get up early, around 6 - 6:30 am, and head to one of these places. Walk in through the back, side, or pool area of the hotel, and head straight to the continental breakfast area. When walking in
through those areas isn't an option, just walk through the front.
and even some motels, have a continental breakfast of some kind. When money is tight, get up early, around 6 - 6:30 am, and head to one of these places. Walk in through the back, side, or pool area of the hotel, and head straight to the continental breakfast area. When walking in
through those areas isn't an option, just walk through the front.
The trick to not getting caught is confidence. Walking like you own it. Don't dress up, just wear loose fitting clothing and pretend to be groggy; give the kind of look that says you just had a long night and you don't wish to be disturbed. As long as you look like you know where you're going no one will question you. You see, hotels have a strict policy to not disturb the guests, so unless they are extremely sure that you are not staying in the hotel they will not want to bother you. For all they know, you came in late last night, you are tired, and want nothing to do with anyone at the moment; you just want some food and go back to your room to sleep. Hell, you can even get a couple of trays and pile on whatever
food you want and walk out with it. No one will stop you.
food you want and walk out with it. No one will stop you.
--- Respect the Streets ---
Can't just be going around 2Pac style "screaming fuck the world!" doing
whatever you want and expect no repercussions.
whatever you want and expect no repercussions.
The world is great, but it can also be full of
danger for those with the wrong attitude.
Wherever you travel to there will be street crime. People down on their luck and full of desperation. These people are never alone and always look out for one another. Keep this in mind if you ever find yourself in a dangerous situation, getting mugged or being threatened. Most of these unfortunates
are little more than ignored on a daily
basis, and get treated
by society as if they were trash, and a burden.
Their lives are unimaginably difficult, especially in foreign countries,
and not all of them are to blame for their status.
danger for those with the wrong attitude.
Wherever you travel to there will be street crime. People down on their luck and full of desperation. These people are never alone and always look out for one another. Keep this in mind if you ever find yourself in a dangerous situation, getting mugged or being threatened. Most of these unfortunates
are little more than ignored on a daily
basis, and get treated
by society as if they were trash, and a burden.
Their lives are unimaginably difficult, especially in foreign countries,
and not all of them are to blame for their status.
If you find yourself on the pointy end of a knife with some desperate soul on the other side,
try to be a little Fonsie. And how is Fonsie? That's right, he's COOL! Remain calm, remember that there is a good chance that this person doesn't actually want to do this, they just need to. Now, gather your every bit of courage, establish and keep eye contact, and address your attacker with honest respect. Use, and repeat words like "sir," and phrases like
"pardon me." Keep a polite demeanor at all times. You must turn this attack into a conversation between two gentlemen of Equal Status; neither superior to the other.
try to be a little Fonsie. And how is Fonsie? That's right, he's COOL! Remain calm, remember that there is a good chance that this person doesn't actually want to do this, they just need to. Now, gather your every bit of courage, establish and keep eye contact, and address your attacker with honest respect. Use, and repeat words like "sir," and phrases like
"pardon me." Keep a polite demeanor at all times. You must turn this attack into a conversation between two gentlemen of Equal Status; neither superior to the other.
You have to remember that this person hardly,
if ever, gets treated with respect and everyone wants to be respected. By giving them this little bit of humanity you begin to disarmed them, they can begin to see you as just another person, and not as part of the society that has so shun them. More importantly, for every one person mugging you, there is at least one other keeping a look out. Act like a fool and you'll be on the ground getting the shit kicked out of you, or worse, by people you never even
saw coming.
But if you keep to this method, add some charm,
and even some humor, you might just survive one of these dangerous predicaments. You might even convince your attacker that there is nothing to take, and that there's no need for this unpleasant moment between you two, wish them the best of luck, and walk away unharmed,
and with your money untouched.
This approach has saved this Mutant's life, and his money, in more than one occasion, and the technique itself has more than just one purpose. Now, be advised that every situation is different, and when guns are involved accidents can happen. Wise up like Kenny Rogers and learn to "know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away and
know when to run"
One way or the other, the gentleman approach will at least lessen your
chances of getting hurt.
Editor's Note:
The basic psychology that makes this technique work is verifiable,
but ultimately unimportant if the reader doesn't care for such reading material.
What is important is that it works, and it all begins with respect.
if ever, gets treated with respect and everyone wants to be respected. By giving them this little bit of humanity you begin to disarmed them, they can begin to see you as just another person, and not as part of the society that has so shun them. More importantly, for every one person mugging you, there is at least one other keeping a look out. Act like a fool and you'll be on the ground getting the shit kicked out of you, or worse, by people you never even
saw coming.
But if you keep to this method, add some charm,
and even some humor, you might just survive one of these dangerous predicaments. You might even convince your attacker that there is nothing to take, and that there's no need for this unpleasant moment between you two, wish them the best of luck, and walk away unharmed,
and with your money untouched.
This approach has saved this Mutant's life, and his money, in more than one occasion, and the technique itself has more than just one purpose. Now, be advised that every situation is different, and when guns are involved accidents can happen. Wise up like Kenny Rogers and learn to "know when to hold 'em, know when to fold 'em, know when to walk away and
know when to run"
One way or the other, the gentleman approach will at least lessen your
chances of getting hurt.
Editor's Note:
The basic psychology that makes this technique work is verifiable,
but ultimately unimportant if the reader doesn't care for such reading material.
What is important is that it works, and it all begins with respect.
--- Lower Your Bar ---
Alright ... sooo ... this is where we start getting into some of the grey areas of the
Mutant way of life.
Now, I'm not suggesting to throw all your morals, if you have any, out the window. What I am saying is that your sense of standards and morality are not always the same for other people around the globe. Different cultures have different customs, and different views as to what constitutes morality and good manners.
Mutant way of life.
Now, I'm not suggesting to throw all your morals, if you have any, out the window. What I am saying is that your sense of standards and morality are not always the same for other people around the globe. Different cultures have different customs, and different views as to what constitutes morality and good manners.
Furthermore, what constitutes your sense of morality is deeply rooted in the values that were drilled into you by your close ones, and the surrounding environment of your upbringing. So how do you really know what is best for you if you deny yourself the opportunity to explore.
Slurping noodles in Italy is bad manners, slurping noodles in China is perfectly acceptable and can be seen as a sign of enjoyment. See the difference? One travels to discover new things, mainly about oneself. But in order to truly fly, you must first be willing to let go of everything you once thought you knew. Your true nature will reveal itself to you only when you
forget who you thought you were.
You'd be amazed at how much life can surprise you, and you can surprise yourself, when you've burned the rule book to ashes and cinder. It's fun! Never underestimate the power of hedonism. One should eradicate the concept of shame from the mind, altogether, in order to find ones' true desires. Pursuing pleasure for the sake of pleasure is one of the greatest perks of the Mutant way of life; don't deny yourself this. Mistakes are part of living, and they will happen whichever path you choose. Give yourself the space to grow and experience.
Experiment and reinvent yourself.
You are only responsible for being true to who you are,
so find your path your way.
"You're always free to change your mind and choose a different future, or a different past."
Richard Bach
Slurping noodles in Italy is bad manners, slurping noodles in China is perfectly acceptable and can be seen as a sign of enjoyment. See the difference? One travels to discover new things, mainly about oneself. But in order to truly fly, you must first be willing to let go of everything you once thought you knew. Your true nature will reveal itself to you only when you
forget who you thought you were.
You'd be amazed at how much life can surprise you, and you can surprise yourself, when you've burned the rule book to ashes and cinder. It's fun! Never underestimate the power of hedonism. One should eradicate the concept of shame from the mind, altogether, in order to find ones' true desires. Pursuing pleasure for the sake of pleasure is one of the greatest perks of the Mutant way of life; don't deny yourself this. Mistakes are part of living, and they will happen whichever path you choose. Give yourself the space to grow and experience.
Experiment and reinvent yourself.
You are only responsible for being true to who you are,
so find your path your way.
"You're always free to change your mind and choose a different future, or a different past."
Richard Bach
--- Be Spontaneous ---
--- Expect Nothing ---
Life's highway has many twists and turns,
from high mountains to low valleys, each carries its own charm, each different from the last. To the neophyte, adapting to this change and learning not to compare can be difficult, but it is essential for the traveler to learn to expect nothing in order to fully appreciate the new experience. By expecting nothing you get to keep the element of surprise in everything you do, and whether that surprise is for better, or for worse, it will make for a memorable time,
and a Hell of a good story to tell.
"You are only responsible for being true to who you are,
so find your path your way"
The Wandering Mutant
This list is sure to grow so check back from time to time and see what's new.