Job Discussion Forums

asromacalcio · Joined: 21 Apr 2006 Posts: 54

I won't bore you with the details but I have a chronic allergy to cigarette smoke, so I can't go to bars where I am at the moment.

It would be simple for me to go back to Italy where it is illegal to smoke in bars, but I'd like to travel a bit more first.

But if I have to stay home every night it's hardly worth it.

So, where on this planet either is it illegal to smoke in public bars etc, or, where are there a handful of decent places where you can't smoke?

I'd favour a Russian speaking country right now as that's what I'm learning.

PS Non-smoking sections are a waste of space, smoke can't read the no smoking signs.

Thanks

White_Elephant · Joined: 02 Sep 2006 Posts: 175

Let me get this straight - your first and foremost priority in finding a TEFL job "on this planet" are those located near bars [pause] with no smoking?! Rolling Eyes

You'd better head back to Italy in your aspiring travel pursuits.

basiltherat · Joined: 04 Oct 2003 Posts: 952

you can definitely cross kazakhstan off yout list. smoking appears to be the national pastime.
sorry i cant be of further help.
best
basil

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

There are plenty of things to do besides going to bars, so you should never have to sit at home every night. You may have to turn down drinking or dinner invitations, but most countries will have cultural sites, natural beauty, museums, etc. to explore. And there are enough non-smokers in the TEFL community that you can have house parties and get-togethers with the other teachers in smoke-free environments, especially if you initiate and invite them into your home. Unless your idea of fun is based solely on pubs and clubs, you should still be able to enjoy yourself.

d

asromacalcio · Joined: 21 Apr 2006 Posts: 54

I won't waste my time explaining, I simply cannot stay in a smoky environment, not because it annoys me but because I have bronchitis. So either I stay in every night, I find somewhere where there are smoke-free bars, or I end up in hospital.

And for the sake of asking, I chose to ask.

And no, it's not my foremost criteria. I've been in this business long enough to know what I look for in a job and a place to live, but sometimes there are other issues.

asromacalcio · Joined: 21 Apr 2006 Posts: 54

Thanks, and most of that I already do, but I still miss out on a lot. Sometimes there are gatherings of teachers but it's not my idea of TEFL, why travel round the world to hang out solely with other Brits? I know you weren't saying that I should, but to meet local people 90% of this revolves around bars etc

asromacalcio · Joined: 21 Apr 2006 Posts: 54

PS In Bishkek it would take about two hours to see all of the cultural sites and museums.

Gordon · Joined: 28 Jan 2003 Posts: 5309 Location: Japan

Avoid Japan

denise · Joined: 23 Apr 2003 Posts: 3419 Location: finally home-ish

I have to disagree that meeting the locals generally happens in bars. While I have met people in bars and restaurants, I've also made friends in gyms, cultural centers (e.g., places where locals go to find conversation partners/friends), and just on the street. And of course the first and easiest point of contact with the locals is your students.

And no, I don't think that people should travel halfway around the world and then only hang out with their compatriots, but I also don't think they should avoid people simply because they come from the same country. Friends are friends, whether they're local or foreign. There are certain bragging rights to having a circle of local friends, but I would always rather just have someone to talk to.

d

White_Elephant · Joined: 02 Sep 2006 Posts: 175

asromacalcio · Joined: 21 Apr 2006 Posts: 54

OK, you got me beat.

I do have it bad but I admit I got defensive and exaggerated. However I was only exaggerating and not inventing. I have learned to live without bars and I can meet people in other places, but I feel like I'm missing out on a lot when everybody goes out. I was looking for the magic solution.

Thank you for your answer

On another note, I think you should find more locations for having fun other than bars. How boring. There are so many other things to do in this world. Maybe you should learn the art of how to meet strangers wherever you are in the world. Some examples are: elevator, mall, restaurant, shopping, streets, anywhere etc. Haven't you ever heard the expression, "I've never met a stranger?" I never use bars to meet people and I'm not having any trouble.[/quote][/quote]

Kent F. Kruhoeffer · Joined: 22 Jan 2003 Posts: 2129 Location: 中国

asromacalcio · Joined: 21 Apr 2006 Posts: 54

Great info, thanks.

I think within five years another fifty or so countries will have followed suit.

If you can make it work in Italy, it can work anywhere.

wailing_imam · Joined: 31 Mar 2006 Posts: 580 Location: Malaya

Yes, as mentioned earlier Hong Kong has just outlawed smoking in pubs.

Smoking in pubs in SCOTLAND is also now banned, and in Ireland too I think.

Singapore has a fair few non-smoking venues and smokers are generally made to feel like lepers there. Singapore also knocks the spots off Hong Kong when it comes to lifestyle.

demoiselle · Joined: 16 Dec 2006 Posts: 25

I live in Moscow now, and probably 2/3 of the population smokes. And heavily, it seems!

I have found one or two cafes that are non-smoking or have entirely separate rooms for smoking. However, it is -- for me -- an unpleasant side effect of life here. I've on occasion come home from a restaurant feeling quite ill from the smoke.