the people…
To help you connect with people of another culture… of another country…
Attitude. Smile whenever you have a chance, and to everyone you come in eye contact with (when appropriate)… and you will see this being your doorway to open hearts of people of every country… It is the most immediate bonding gesture that everyone can understand and it has the amazing potential of making people feel good, or at least better…
Language. The first thing to learn is to say “thank you” in the country’s language… This becomes your passport to the world. It creates an opening for communication, specially even more appreciated in countries that are really not used to hear a tourist say “thank you” in their own language. If you feel capable of learning a second word, go for the “please”. Then, gently excuse yourself for not speaking their language. This will ease you switching to english, the international traveling language. However, if you intend to stay for a while, and even live there, then register yourself to a class to learn the local language. When you speak the language, it is amazing how much more you can understand a culture and communicate with people.
Adapt. Assume you are the one having to adjust to the country’s culture, timings, dress, ways… and not the other way around. So inform yourself about the customs, traditions and etiquette before going to any new country, and respect those as much as you can. When people feel respected and see your effort into trying to blend in with their traditions, it will touch the warmness of their hearts and they will want to show you even more…
This page is only a little snap of traveling tips, the beginning of our journey of sharing traveling experiences, ideas and inspirations… so much more to come… !
