A
break from the Europe series. I’ll still be updating my backlogs.
We
travel to unwind, discover, experience and enjoy. During my adventures, I
encounter some people and situations that just ruin entire experience. I
compiled my two-cents worth of thoughts on good manners when traveling.
Say Thank You
I
believe that this is one of the first few lessons taught to us when we were
kids. Don’t leave this at home when you travel. Say “Thank you” even when you
are in a hurry. Notice that even the contestants of the Amazing Race manage to
say “Thank You” to all the people they deal with. Even better, learn how to say
“thank you” in their native language. I’ve noticed that they have a bigger
smile when you say this in their language - even if your accent is off.
Accent Alert
Every
dialect/language is unique. There are endless jokes about funny accents or
people trying to speak your dialect but their accent is so obvious. While most
may laugh, try to leave this at home (or keep it within your circle). It can be quite hard not to laugh especially when the accent gives
the word an entirely different meaning. Grammatically incorrect signs are also posted everywhere. Well, at least they tried translating, right?
Try
not to laugh. Cultural sensitivity please. I’m still trying to master this one.