I don't think anyone was surprised by his choice. It was part of his person. He knew the other side well, and didn't try to hide it. That's what made him stand

I don't think anyone was surprised by his choice. It was part of his person. He knew the other side well, and didn't try to hide it. That's what made him stand out to me. He wasn't singing the praises of every place he went to. He was a real human being, exploring and talking about what he saw and felt while he was bouncing from place to place. Always a little dismissive, but not because he didn't care about the people or places he was visiting. More because he was an observer to the world, not a participant.