Coaches at the international level, so I've heard the stereotypes of "Americans" up close and personal. In a tele-session with the coaches for calling Bermuda, China and Canada and the United States, when I started the legal part, I was interrupted by laughter.
"You Americans," said Bermuda. "Someone always has to mention a few. Down here we just have to deal with ineptitude." Note to self: Get with it multiculturally!
Yes, we have more lawyers per capita than anywhere in the world: in 2000, we had 281 / 100, 000, Britain was 94/100, 000, France 33 / 100, 000, and Japan, a piddling 7 / 100, 000. (By 2003, we were at 361/100, 000).
The rest of the world is very different from us (United States), and not just because they have fewer lawyers per capita!
1. WE are relatively richer than you can imagine. I remember the line for massages on a Russian river cruise, where the doctor was also the masseuse and massage, it turned out, were U.S. $ 20 per hour. "Hey Madge," someone shouted: "It 's so little that I have two a day!" Imagine how this played any distance Russians at the hearing, which could be U.S. $ 20 a week salary.
1. Some things are sacred. Do not forget those churches are not "sights" in which people are religious. Do not wear shorts, and if you're female, bring a shawl or head covering, and act respectfully.
The same applies to the statues. Before getting on the ride of Peter the Great for a photo, be sure to see some guys to do this before the Russian school. You never know what is acceptable in another country. Keep your eyes and ears open, and not be on the leading edge.
3. Believe. We were repeatedly warned by our tour guides in Russia by the gypsies, and remain with the group. "They will steal from you, we were told," and I'm very good at it. "
Now, we in America do not like to hear such things.
However, those who do not listen, were robbed and beaten. With the gypsies. What a surprise. And how do you recognize a "gypsy"? Be ', is the person who robbed you, while watching their precious child playing a violin.
In addition to your security, those who were robbed you go back and tell others that it is dangerous to travel to Moscow, which is not, if you play by the rules. How safe is it to get off the beaten path in New York City?
4. Buy traveler's insurance and pray. My friend who broke his ankle on a bad motor scooter in Mexico learned that was not in Kansas anymore. Is not innocent until proven guilty (who paid for the damage scooters - remember what the lawyer?) And the ER does not see it without a credit card in the United States. Insurance does not mean anything (but may be sold off stateside).
Check if the insurance covers trips abroad and international waters and portage stateside, unless you want surgery in San Juan de Bad News. Otherwise, buy travel insurance.
Pack all prescription medications separately and keep them with you in a carry-on luggage, backpack, purse or pocket.
5. Blend. The American tourist stereotype is strong, irreverent, poorly dressed, and obvious. Learn the art of brewing and you'll experience more authenticity and enjoy your trip more. Adjust the pace, rhythm and style of your nation, and leave the "worst of you at home. Not kill you to drink warm soda with dinner at 9 pm. Showing off your diamonds and Rolodex not impress anyone except the thieves, who will be grateful for the easy mark.
6. Every place he loves and hates its tourists. I want to know, since I live in San Antonio that has its tourist invasion, just as Dauphin Island, Atlantic City, and Hilton Head Island. We love the tourists to feed our economy, and we hate them for their volume, drunkenness, Wreckless driving, congestion they create, the "I'll never see these people again" behavior and negative criticism. We live here, after all. Already it's hot here in August and our city seems to have been planned by an engineer drunk, but if you wanted to "home" because you stay there? This kind of thing.
This is uber when you travel abroad. One reason is the extension of the trip is due to appreciate what we take for granted - like clean toilets, telephones that work in orderly line up, people who understand your language and the food family. Be surprised, feeling stupid, be amazed at how things are different, but do not complain. You are basically a guest in someone else's house.
7. Where are you from. The fun comes when you ask where you came from. Now, in my case, being from Texas, I not only to fight the "cowboy boots" thing, but Bush also must claim and what it means to the person I'm talking to, that, being on holiday, are not always interested in hear. So sometimes they are from another city. And in St. Petersburg, Russia, I certainly did not proclaim my German heritage. These things die hard.
8. Sore points. I remember a tour of the city of Seattle, where our driver maverick female arbitrarily decided that we must see the "slums" as part of our "education."
Every city, every country has its problems, and not the personal responsibility of those in that time. A tour guide may feel personally attacked, like ours did in Russia, political diatribes with someone, or "aghastness" the living conditions. It 'should shout from the back of the bus, "How do you feel about Stalin?" I think not. How do you think the Russians feel about Stalin?
9. It is not about YOU. The same goes for exaggeration, and shows. Men are particularly bad about this. retired professors love to travel, and I'm sorry, but are the worst. You know a lot, in different circumstances we appreciated, and are used to having the word, but, ladies and gentlemen, this place is wrong. We stop outside a church, and some engineer is monopolizing the guidebook on how they are constructed and naddering locks is rude. We came to see the country and hear the guide, not you. Save it.
10. TRAVEL label. You are an ambassador for the United States, wherever you are, and if you think that has no impact, think of the person that you met from Fargo and what would now say "North Dakotans." Even if you know better.
You are also a part of a group, if you're on tour. We want to see the country and people, knowledge, and fun. This was only possible on our tour bus returning from Tijuana, where half the people on the bus were drunk and vomiting. Please.
Do your homework. Learn some phrases in any language and history. The rest of the world knows English, knows our currency and time zones, you can talk centigrade, pounds and ounces. It 's the least you can do. And you do not want to ask the doctor slash Russian masseuse to touch your feet, or for storage or to count the change in Japan, is not it? (And Google!)