The best value my degree in International Relations inculcated in me is adaptation of foreign cultures. Cultural awareness doesn’t end in merely knowing but should culminate in acceptance and tolerance.
Traveling is not just taking photos you can brag to your friends. I feel sad when I meet people who do nothing but take photos, complain and criticize and eat at western fast-foods when they travel. I believe it is better to highlight the things that impress you when you’re traveling and try to do what locals do: eat their food, learn a few words of their language, take their public transportation, and sometimes wear their traditional costumes. After all, to belong is better than to be foreign.
Indian sari – Japanese kimono – Philippine baro’t saya – Vietnamese áo dài
Join the Weekly Photo Challenge and discover what ‘foreign’ means to others and how they deal with it.
should culminate in acceptance and tolerance – not learned everywhere …
Great choice for this challenge – love your thoughts about belonging
Cheers to that! When my hubby and I travel to other countries we move in for a while: rent an apartment, eat local food, and use public transportation. I don’t understand the other part of the population who are too timid to immerse themselves. Why even leave home?
I have the same question. These forms of cultural immersion when we travel make our experience more memorable and worth-telling. I just learned about renting apartments thru AirBnB as recommended by a friend. Booked most of our accommodation in Indonesia from the site. I’m excited!
Awesome! I haven’t tried AirBnB yet, only Home Away. I was very happy with my experiences with them.
Then, that would be in my next travel plan. Thanks, Britt!
Gorgeous clothes… Perfect for the challenge. ;-)
well said !
Great response to the challenge!
Nice. You look pretty in all outfits.
http://www.rajniranjandas.blogspot.com
I’ve really enjoyed using local public transport and eating in local restaurants when I’ve travelled, because I’ve met so many interesting people that way. From them I’ve learnt a lot about different cultures.
It is a whole different perspective, a genuine one, I have to say.
pretty. you are. :) and yes, the world is so small right now to still feel foreign about other cultures.
Agree. There are so many ways to familiarize ourselves with other cultures.
When she was a young girl my sister used to collect dolls in national costume – you have just reminded me!
Hi Andrew. You know I also have a doll collection with national costumes. I already have from Japan, China, Vietnam, India, Korea, Bangladesh, Singapore, I forgot the others. I don’t have one from Philippines, ironically.
I love this :)