My Greatest Weakness, My Greatest Strength

Posted by: Roy Marvelous Tags: Posted date: May 2, 2011 | 13 Comments

Normally, you can expect a seasoned traveler to be trained at navigating their way through foreign cities and streets. Not me. I would ask for directions in Toronto and London all the time. even after living there for 2 years. In fact, my sense of direction is so bad, that I still get lost on the ship. And its not even that big!

Needless to say, my lack of sense of direction is my greatest weakness, followed closely by my lack of photography skills. Rather than get embarrassed or insecure, I find it exciting. I have no idea if I’ll find myself accidentally in Rszeszow or mugged in Peru.

My favorite part however is that I get to talk to more strangers. I used to be incredibly shy as a kid and had to muster all my courage to talk to new people. Now I can safely say that I’m happy to approach most people without feeling insecure. Even if they’re rude, I just rationalize it’s because they are suffering from hemorrhoids or haven’t had sex in a while.

Similarly, I suck at taking photos. Rather than wallow in my inadequacy when compared to photographers such as these, I express myself with MS Paint instead. Not to say I’m spectacular at MS Paint but at least I have fun. Basically when life gives you lemons, ~~you make lemonade~~ bring out the tequila!

How have you turned a weakness into a strength?

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Roy Marvelous
In 2004, I sold everything I owned and left New Zealand to go see the world. In that time, I've run with bulls, watched the Man burn, volunteered at a special-needs summer camp, hosted & couchsurfed with 100+ people, taught English, trained with Muay Thai fighters, worked on cruise ships, hugged strangers on the street and this one time, I even hitchhiked naked. I've recently moved to Vancouver, BC to embark on a new adventure. Let's keep in touch: @roymarvelous, facebook & RSS. Love you long time :)

13 Comments for My Greatest Weakness, My Greatest Strength

@manonthelam1

Enter text right here!

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@manonthelam1

Not sure where the text went, so let's try this again from the top…and a 1, and a 2….

I have a weakness for booze, but I somehow find the strength to keep at it. Does that count? xD

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cruisesurfing

Absolutely. You ability to commit is a rare strength!!

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Ayngelina

twitter: ayngelina
I drink too much, but it does mean I meet lots of people :)
My recent post The carnal seduction of Argentina

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cruisesurfing

Yup that's a strength ;)

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Rodney Makohoniuk

Mr. Roy saw a picture of you the other day on my camera from WAY!!! back when, think it was the Tequila party at the Bat Cave, yeah I know, that was a WHILE ago… But wait, not sure where I was headed with this, oh yeah, *note : not sure how this is connected with the above comment* you are actually VERY good with MS Paint. I think your pictures are great and only compliment the already awesome writing that is you.

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cruisesurfing

Thanks Rodney, you rock. That tequila party was messy!!

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Grace

Your strength is actually my weakness. I'm an introvert so I find it hard to just talk to a complete stranger. But because of my greatest strengths- adaptability and determination- I have been able to learn how to be an outgoing introvert =) Anyways I'm glad your a bad photographer because I like your snazzy drawings.
My recent post Celebrating 6 years in America a fresh off the boat’s untold story

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cruisesurfing

There you go, your strengths compensated for the weakness :)

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Jeremy B

twitter: budgettravelsac
I've gone through this as well. In my trip to Spain and Portugal, I spent a lot of time analyzing my strengths and weaknesses when I travel. I don't always like the way I travel but each of us has strengths and weaknesses for sure. It takes being honest with yourself and it helps to get feedback from others as well.
My recent post The essential visitor’s guide to Slovenia

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cruisesurfing

Thanks Bean :)

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Scott - QuirkyTravel

No need for pics when you have such clever sketches! I love the look of your blog because the drawings really make it unique. Great way to stand out, and great way to turn a weakness into a strength!
My recent post James Dean and meteorites at the Griffith Observatory

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The Leaning Tower of Pisa with the NVR guys> Roy Marvelous – Cruise Ships & CouchSurfing. Work & Travel Around The World!

[...] apparently not. We ended up asking a couple of girls for directions. The problem however, is I have no sense of direction so I invited the girls to join us. They declined, saying that have seen it before. Kent and Caanen [...]

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