I think one of the things most difficult for an American traveler to get used to in foreign lands is the way other people measure stuff. Sometimes you want to know how hot it is outside and you will be told that it is 26.
As if.
They are thinking of degrees in centipede and you want to know caterpillar, so here is a useful tip to keep people from trying to explain temperature math to you: just ask your phone. If searching "what is the temperature" doesn't help, try searching "what is the real temperature."
The difference between miles and kilometers is much easier to manage because it is always in your favor. If you have to pee, but you are four kilometers from your potty, you are much closer than four miles. Also, the cars look like they are driving much faster than they really are because the needle is up on 80.
Converting money is going to vary from place to place. You should get your money from the automatic teller, but if you have foreign money in your pocket when it's time to go, you should spend the rest of it on stuff you don't need. If you manage to make it back home with foreign bills in your pocket, your bank will probably turn it back into US buckaroos. If you come home with foreign change, you should put it in a bowl in your living room.
Anywhere you go, public transportation is inexpensive and frightening. Don't draw attention to yourself by talking loud or wearing a stupid-looking hat. If you are using public transportation in a foreign country and the doors don't open automatically, you have to open the doors yourself. In fact, learn to speak French and read all of the signs on the subway - or as we say in French: Metro.
If you are going to be on a train for a long time, you should bring a book with you. Don't read it. Stare out the window. Take a blurry picture.
If you don't want to carry a jacket around with you and you expect warm weather, don't let on that you wish you had packed one when it rains or gets all cold.
Think about synonyms. If the person you are talking to doesn't understand you, they may know a different word for that thing. Instead of drug store, try saying pharmacy. Instead of cab, try taxi. Instead of airplane, try flybuggy. Instead of mashed potatoes, try smooshpapas.
Maybe don't call your flight attendant "air nurse." Try to use gender nuetral language like "air nurse."
Huh?
I'll post more travel tips as I think of them if I feel like it. Safe journey!
As if.
They are thinking of degrees in centipede and you want to know caterpillar, so here is a useful tip to keep people from trying to explain temperature math to you: just ask your phone. If searching "what is the temperature" doesn't help, try searching "what is the real temperature."
The difference between miles and kilometers is much easier to manage because it is always in your favor. If you have to pee, but you are four kilometers from your potty, you are much closer than four miles. Also, the cars look like they are driving much faster than they really are because the needle is up on 80.
Converting money is going to vary from place to place. You should get your money from the automatic teller, but if you have foreign money in your pocket when it's time to go, you should spend the rest of it on stuff you don't need. If you manage to make it back home with foreign bills in your pocket, your bank will probably turn it back into US buckaroos. If you come home with foreign change, you should put it in a bowl in your living room.
Anywhere you go, public transportation is inexpensive and frightening. Don't draw attention to yourself by talking loud or wearing a stupid-looking hat. If you are using public transportation in a foreign country and the doors don't open automatically, you have to open the doors yourself. In fact, learn to speak French and read all of the signs on the subway - or as we say in French: Metro.
If you are going to be on a train for a long time, you should bring a book with you. Don't read it. Stare out the window. Take a blurry picture.
If you don't want to carry a jacket around with you and you expect warm weather, don't let on that you wish you had packed one when it rains or gets all cold.
Think about synonyms. If the person you are talking to doesn't understand you, they may know a different word for that thing. Instead of drug store, try saying pharmacy. Instead of cab, try taxi. Instead of airplane, try flybuggy. Instead of mashed potatoes, try smooshpapas.
Maybe don't call your flight attendant "air nurse." Try to use gender nuetral language like "air nurse."
Huh?
I'll post more travel tips as I think of them if I feel like it. Safe journey!
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