And I went home to my parents house, found the issue it was in, and reread the entire issue – I’ve kept every issue of Asimov‚Äôs I’ve gotten since my parents bought me a subscription in ’94 to encourage me to read more fiction.

Thank you for the great flashback to a great story and a great issue!

I’m not really sure if I liked this story. I didn’t hate it, though. I liked how the tourists were lied to for the sake of convinence. It makes me wonder what lies have been told to me when I go on tours. I don’t know, maybe it’s because I’m a history major, but now, I kinda feel like researching all the info I was told on tours to make sure that it’s all backed up.

I liked the shiny effects that they did for the historical part of the story. Except that the first one confused me, when it transition into the story. And then after that I got the hang of it quickly.

I sincerely hope that when humans meet aliens, they don’t see us as jerks or in any other negative light. I’m not a jerk, just crazy-hyperactive- because- I – ate- too- much- sugar.

I was a big sci fi fan in my youth, but have gotten too busy with my adult life to read routinely. Thanks so much for this podcast–it reminds me of why I love the genre and in this format i can listen anywhere (esp since i travel a lot–great for intercontinental flights)

Perfectly read (although could’ve done without the effects on the historical readings)

I’d like to think that as a race, humans have learned something from their past, but fear that wherever there are resources to be plundered, greed will supersede and the powers that be will follow the money. Certain members of our species see themselves as superior to other members of the same species, so they will certainly think they are superior to another species should we happen upon an alien species first. I sometimes hope another species find us first, just so this story never happens.

The story is well deserving of the Hugo.

I agree with what everyone has said so far, good and bad. Bottom line, the story held my interest throughout and kept me thinking about it long after the reading was done. I wouldn’t say I enjoyed it though.

This story could be based on a visit to just about any developing nation on Earth. It reminded me of my own visit to India, but it didn’t tell me anything new about colonized societies.

Outstanding story and production. The portrayal of the tour guide was well-wrought: gentle, knowing, incisive. The atmospheric cut-ins used for stage-setting were well-done.

I was pleased to hear such a careful, nuanced description of the relationship between tourist and guide. I’m certain that Mike has seen a number parallel situations with Western tourists in Africa. I’m pleased that Mike didn’t seem to me to be suggesting that people from developed countries are not morally permitted to, in effect, take advantage of economic disparities with underdeveloped countries to travel to them and experience their riches. (Or was he, kind of?) But I am happy that he drew attention to the need for such travelers to appreciate the history and, more importantly, the people in those places.

Glad you enjoyed your vacation, and thanks again!