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Vacation please!!

krystalp

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This is my first time posting to the website and am not really sure where to post, so I thought the General Discussion area would be best. This may sound off-topic, but as someone from the UK, I have never felt more in need of a getaway. My country has never felt so divided, there are divides all over Europe, and things are certainly looking a bit crazy in the USA right now. In a couple months I will be back at my resort in Cancun, Mexico and I have been feeling for the last several weeks that I CANNOT WAIT!! I have, over the years made lovely friends of other owners at my resort, and always looked forward to seeing them, but unfortunately one of the families we chummed up with a few years ago, will not be returning this year. To me, it was a big plus being an owner to think you would likely see the same faces every year and build friendships with people from other countries. I find that, these days, I worry about meeting new people in case we clash! It rather feels like everyone the world over has become so intolerant and can become rather hostile if you don't see things exactly the same way. I certainly do not want to have clashes with other people that I may see every year when I return to my resort. When you tell people where you are from, they most always ask you something about how things are back home and lately I just don't want to answer. I wonder if talking about anything could lead to an argument. Yet at the same time I don't want to be unfriendly. It's quite a conundrum.
 

susieq

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It certainly is ............. Just be you and enjoy your Vacation. If someone should ask or talk about something you don't want to talk about, just say sorry I'm not comfortable talking about that. If they persist, walk away............. Have a great Vacation!!
 

silentg

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Enchanted Isle.
Glad to see you on TUG. We don’t engage in politics or anything controversial either. If people try to talk about subjects I’m not comfortable discussing, Just ask them if we can just enjoy our vacation and the surroundings we are fortunate to enjoy. For that matter we don’t go to Timeshare Presentations either.
 

marmite

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Marriott's Grand Chateau, Sheraton Desert Oasis,
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WorldMark
Welcome to the forum. This is a different perspective than mine, but I would absolutely not have a problem having a friendly conversation and friendship with others who do not see things my way. Heck, even family members don't always agree but we have to find some way to get along. I'm Canadian (and British by birth), and I truly steer clear of serious topics like politics when in the US as to some people that is considered private. Travel is usually a GREAT topic for other travellers, they love swapping vacation stories. Food is also very unifying, we have had friendly conversations even in restaurants and in countries all over the world. If you don't want to share your opinions on something asking lots of questions can let you hear other perspectives and learn about different cultures. It takes two to argue, so if you decide not to it won't happen.
 

DeniseM

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Hmmmmm... Interesting first post. :unsure:
 

Timeshare Von

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After 40+ years of T/S ownership, I am no longer "an owner"

Timeshare Von

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After 40+ years of T/S ownership, I am no longer "an owner"
This is my first time posting to the website and am not really sure where to post, so I thought the General Discussion area would be best. This may sound off-topic, but as someone from the UK, I have never felt more in need of a getaway. My country has never felt so divided, there are divides all over Europe, and things are certainly looking a bit crazy in the USA right now. In a couple months I will be back at my resort in Cancun, Mexico and I have been feeling for the last several weeks that I CANNOT WAIT!! I have, over the years made lovely friends of other owners at my resort, and always looked forward to seeing them, but unfortunately one of the families we chummed up with a few years ago, will not be returning this year. To me, it was a big plus being an owner to think you would likely see the same faces every year and build friendships with people from other countries. I find that, these days, I worry about meeting new people in case we clash! It rather feels like everyone the world over has become so intolerant and can become rather hostile if you don't see things exactly the same way. I certainly do not want to have clashes with other people that I may see every year when I return to my resort. When you tell people where you are from, they most always ask you something about how things are back home and lately I just don't want to answer. I wonder if talking about anything could lead to an argument. Yet at the same time I don't want to be unfriendly. It's quite a conundrum.
No need to clash . . . be as open and willing to discuss things as you feel comfortable doing. I have traveled a lot and been blessed to have met and made many friends along my life's journey. I hope the same for you as well.
 

Monkeyboy

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Kaanapali beach Club. Bay Club
This is my first time posting to the website and am not really sure where to post, so I thought the General Discussion area would be best. This may sound off-topic, but as someone from the UK, I have never felt more in need of a getaway. My country has never felt so divided, there are divides all over Europe, and things are certainly looking a bit crazy in the USA right now. In a couple months I will be back at my resort in Cancun, Mexico and I have been feeling for the last several weeks that I CANNOT WAIT!! I have, over the years made lovely friends of other owners at my resort, and always looked forward to seeing them, but unfortunately one of the families we chummed up with a few years ago, will not be returning this year. To me, it was a big plus being an owner to think you would likely see the same faces every year and build friendships with people from other countries. I find that, these days, I worry about meeting new people in case we clash! It rather feels like everyone the world over has become so intolerant and can become rather hostile if you don't see things exactly the same way. I certainly do not want to have clashes with other people that I may see every year when I return to my resort. When you tell people where you are from, they most always ask you something about how things are back home and lately I just don't want to answer. I wonder if talking about anything could lead to an argument. Yet at the same time I don't want to be unfriendly. It's quite a conundrum.
Tell them your taking a vacation from all the politics to.
 

ScoopKona

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When you tell people where you are from, they most always ask you something about how things are back home and lately I just don't want to answer.

I can certainly relate to that.

Here's a easy answer, "Despite our continued trouble at home, I'm managing to keep from boiling over. And personally, things are okay. Hopefully everyone sees some improvement soon."
 

jp10558

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HGVC Seaworld
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Foxrun Lake Lure
I kind of wish I'd run into people to talk in person about what they're doing with timeshares when I'm at one - I love learning and sharing and discussing! However, I'm not someone who tends to end up in that sort of situation - I don't like pools, and often when I've been places they seem pretty empty - I'm not running into people all the time, and an elevator usually doesn't lead to much of a conversation lol.

My BIL was just talked to at the hot tub I think at Smuggs though - asked if he was a Wyndham owner! Nope, I just did an RCI Last Call GC for them. And they got a great view from the 1BR vs the 2BR view I got last time. They were having a lot of fun - makes me want to go back again too. I see you can't pick up any holiday weeks on RCI cash, but there were some Wyndham ones for right after New Years. I wonder what would be the best week to plan (not necessarily this year) for trying out a snow tube and what it actually entails there...
 

Talent312

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Simply say, "I've learned not to discuss this subject in polite company."
-----------------
“... very often, in matters concerning religion and politics, a man’s reasoning powers are not above the monkey’s.”
–Mark Twain
 
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easyrider

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Worldmark * * Villa Del Palmar UVCI * * Vacation Internationale*
We try to veer a conversation away from provocative subjects when meeting new people at the clubs, bars, hot tubs or wherever. Especially while drinking. I'm not the least bit annoyed when people do spout off because for the most part, I really don't care what others say unless it's too loud. I care about actions more than words and even then I find odd actions more interesting than annoying.

I do get what the op is saying though. People are getting a bit hostile due to the current circumstances that are affecting their wealth and lifestyles.

Bill
 
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davidvel

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No. Cty. San Diego
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Marriott Shadow Ridge (Villages)
Carlsbad Inn
This is my first time posting to the website and am not really sure where to post, so I thought the General Discussion area would be best. This may sound off-topic, but as someone from the UK, I have never felt more in need of a getaway. My country has never felt so divided, there are divides all over Europe, and things are certainly looking a bit crazy in the USA right now. In a couple months I will be back at my resort in Cancun, Mexico and I have been feeling for the last several weeks that I CANNOT WAIT!! I have, over the years made lovely friends of other owners at my resort, and always looked forward to seeing them, but unfortunately one of the families we chummed up with a few years ago, will not be returning this year. To me, it was a big plus being an owner to think you would likely see the same faces every year and build friendships with people from other countries. I find that, these days, I worry about meeting new people in case we clash! It rather feels like everyone the world over has become so intolerant and can become rather hostile if you don't see things exactly the same way. I certainly do not want to have clashes with other people that I may see every year when I return to my resort. When you tell people where you are from, they most always ask you something about how things are back home and lately I just don't want to answer. I wonder if talking about anything could lead to an argument. Yet at the same time I don't want to be unfriendly. It's quite a conundrum.
So one family of all the people you have made friends with is not returning this year and that concerns you? That is odd. People always love to bring up uncomfortable topics at timeshare resorts, especially drinking around a pool or hot tub. Nothing in this regard has changed.

Despite all the tension and a-holes, maintain an apparent neutral tone. If you can't crush them with fact and logic and make them look foolish (easily done with the reality challenged), just change the subject or stop responding.
 

4TimeAway

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Marbrisa, Kohala
In general people only care about themselves and what interests them. The irony is that we mainly define these interests in things that divide and separate us from the others. The list of these is nearly infinite, but here’s a short list: religion, politics, socioeconomic, age, weight, height, skin color, hair color, eye color, the car we drive, the place we live, and handedness…

Seriously, handless is a huge issue… They call themselves Right. Then politics they are called Right. Sorry for talking politics… SARC.

Personally, I have friends of all persuasions for the most part they are right, because they believe they are right. There’s no point in telling them they are wrong. Why do the same with strangers?

There are so many neutral topics: philosophy, how the kids are doing, what you’ve done, what you want to do, ideas of how to make your vacation better…

You can reach out to TUG members or comment you’ll be somewhere on an approximate date to see if there’s a chance to meet. My family has met and seen ScoopKona’s business in Hawaii. He gave us some great ideas of things to do. I think most people are afraid to put forth the effort and how it might go wrong. I’m hoping he gets the business scaling soon so we can buy some coffee from him.

Be the change you want to see in the world. Timeshares are a great neutral topic. Seriously who doesn’t want to take more and better vacations. A talk over a drink or just meeting people can be really rewarding. To me that’s more valuable than being right.
 

Timeshare Von

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After 40+ years of T/S ownership, I am no longer "an owner"
I kind of wish I'd run into people to talk in person about what they're doing with timeshares when I'm at one - I love learning and sharing and discussing! However, I'm not someone who tends to end up in that sort of situation - I don't like pools, and often when I've been places they seem pretty empty - I'm not running into people all the time, and an elevator usually doesn't lead to much of a conversation lol.

My BIL was just talked to at the hot tub I think at Smuggs though - asked if he was a Wyndham owner! Nope, I just did an RCI Last Call GC for them. And they got a great view from the 1BR vs the 2BR view I got last time. They were having a lot of fun - makes me want to go back again too. I see you can't pick up any holiday weeks on RCI cash, but there were some Wyndham ones for right after New Years. I wonder what would be the best week to plan (not necessarily this year) for trying out a snow tube and what it actually entails there...
We almost always end up in conversations at the pool or around the resort . . . first thing I mention is TUG!
 

Patri

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I have never witnessed someone limiting their contacts by eye color.
 

easyrider

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I have never witnessed someone limiting their contacts by eye color.

I have. There is a group of racists called the blue eyed devils. I wonder if they all have blue eyes, lol.

Bill
 

dioxide45

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Be the change you want to see in the world. Timeshares are a great neutral topic. Seriously who doesn’t want to take more and better vacations. A talk over a drink or just meeting people can be really rewarding. To me that’s more valuable than being right.
It depends on who you are talking to. A lot of people see timeshares as scams and are adamant about it even though they have no experience with it.
 

4TimeAway

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It depends on who you are talking to. A lot of people see timeshares as scams and are adamant about it even though they have no experience with it.
Parent-Inlaws say we are stupid for liking timeshares... The line was you know you have to pay for them every year, right?

Tried to explain, but instead we just take the rest of the family to Marbrisa and let the nieces enjoy LegoLand. We pay for the housing, and everyone has a great time.
 

Patri

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JudyH

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I loved my recent Norway cruise. Mostly all Dutch and no one at all asked about America. In fact, they rarely spoke English unless we spoke first. Then they spoke perfect English.
 

krystalp

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It certainly is ............. Just be you and enjoy your Vacation. If someone should ask or talk about something you don't want to talk about, just say sorry I'm not comfortable talking about that. If they persist, walk away............. Have a great Vacation!!
Thanks for the good wishes!
 

krystalp

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Glad to see you on TUG. We don’t engage in politics or anything controversial either. If people try to talk about subjects I’m not comfortable discussing, Just ask them if we can just enjoy our vacation and the surroundings we are fortunate to enjoy. For that matter we don’t go to Timeshare Presentations either.
One was enough, eh! Lol
 

krystalp

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Welcome to the forum. This is a different perspective than mine, but I would absolutely not have a problem having a friendly conversation and friendship with others who do not see things my way. Heck, even family members don't always agree but we have to find some way to get along. I'm Canadian (and British by birth), and I truly steer clear of serious topics like politics when in the US as to some people that is considered private. Travel is usually a GREAT topic for other travellers, they love swapping vacation stories. Food is also very unifying, we have had friendly conversations even in restaurants and in countries all over the world. If you don't want to share your opinions on something asking lots of questions can let you hear other perspectives and learn about different cultures. It takes two to argue, so if you decide not to it won't happen.
Kind of you to write to me, thank you. I am in a better 'place' right now, and feeling more positive generally.
 
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