Ok, so having just returned from a lil' international adventure I'm once again reminded of the some of the worst behaviour amongst other travelers. Ignorance.
Whenever I go abroad I endeavor to adapt and learn about other's cultures and customs - in fact I find it one of the many joys of experiencing other countries. Learning a little of the language, and respect for foreign customs goes a long way amongst the locals. It helps to experience the most of a new place. I am constantly astounded by those who seem to have the opposite attitude.
Those who travel to far off exotic locations, only to be obnoxious and disrespectful towards the locals. Those who treat their vacations as opportunities to drop common courtesy in favour of abusive and insensitive displays that I'm sure they would never consider at home. Every country has these. The English are known across Europe for being drunken louts. Aussies and Kiwis are renowned for behaving like animals on the fabled "OE". Germans and northern Europeans are renowned for hitting beaches nude at any opportunity, even if it deeply offends. Americans, aside from being loud and obnoxious have a nasty propensity for disrespect. You know the ones - they treat the locals like servants, or worse, slaves.
In my mind, the least you can do when overseas is treat the locals like equals. They're humans too. They might not speak your language, but that does not make them retarded. They might have strange customs, but believe me, your customs are equally as bizarre to them.
The beauty of strange places is that they are STRANGE. Enjoy that.
That aside, experiencing this big, amazing world is one of the most enriching things a person can do. Get out there, learn and love and respect all cultures and differences. Its our differences that make us interesting.
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