International Traveling Tips 1- Conversation


International travel? DO IT! :) 


I highly recommend that everyone travel internationally at least once! If possible, try traveling to a country that speaks a different language. When you travel to a place different from what you're used to, it presents a unique challenge. You'll feel vulnerable and perhaps a bit awkward. But it's all part of the experience! Travel forces you to see the world from a whole new perspective. Plus, you get to eat yummy food, make great friends, and see some awesome places! 


Here are some conversation do's and don'ts learned from my own experiences and that of some of my friends while traveling. 


Don't- "Is it true that you guys eat/do/(verb) ---insert blanket statement here “--- 


DO - “Can you describe your typical cuisine? Tell me more about common activities people enjoy here. How do people here feel about?”

--- 


Keep the questions open-ended, and the responses you'll receive will be more detailed and thorough. Plus it's always better not to assume anything about people. Not to mention you'll decrease the probability of offending someone, which we all know does not promote happy chatter 😅



You know what helps conversation? Coffee! Some of my friends in Spain, Italy and Japan agree. If you're traveling, try the above tips for conversation! I hope its helpful. Until next time, enjoy these happy images of coffee time!


Coffee time in Spain



Un Caffe Per favore! (Italy)




                                    Cafe con Tostada (Spain)

Coffee and Donuts (Japan) 



Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Summer Recipe Series: Portuguese Sardine Salad

Image
Wow! First recipe post! Woohoo!  I LOVE to cook. Cooking for me is a very calming enterprise because very aspect of cooking evokes all the senses. When traveling, I like to keep a journal of my experiences and favorite recipes from each country. This adds naturally adds an international flair to the dishes I prepare.  Below is one of the many recipes I  will be sharing from my travel journals. You'll soon notice though, that with most of the recipes I post, I like to add a bit of a twist!  As indicated by the title, this salad is inspired by a popular salad enjoyed in Portugal. Sardines are commonly consumed in generous quantities by the Portuguese, in part, due to the sheer abundance of freshly caught Sardines.  Packed with healthy omega 3's (Your heart will thank you) and bursting with flavor, summer is the perfect season to eat this lemon herb infused salad.  Ingredients (for one salad)  2 cups of fresh baby arugula 1 Small Avocado diced  ½ can...
Read more

Ode To Strasbourg

Image
(not an actual Ode ) Nestled in a unique location with generous French and German influences, this lovely city is a darling to visit. Cobblestone streets and Bavarian style architecture beckons one to wander and get lost. It breathes the essence of walking right into a painting of an old charming German town. My fascination is further piqued as I observe local passersby. In such beautiful surroundings, I am simply amazed at how nonchalantly they stroll. Are they not aware of such beauty? Perhaps being inundated with such picturesque scenes becomes mundane with time. Nonetheless, this visitor is captured and absolutely mesmerized. Photos 1 & 2. General walkways lined with shops and restaurants 3. The Canal de la Marne au Rhine 4. Place Kléber is the central square of Strasbourg, France
Read more

Portugal

Image
Portugal is truly Europe's best kept secret. For anyone seeking to find adventure in southern europe, eat delicious seafood, be mesmerized by calming fado music and explore castles all for a fraction of the price, Portugal should be your next stop!  The people of Portugal embody southern Europe in every sense. Kind, warm-hearted, jovial, and down to earth; it was truly a pleasure experiencing such a beautiful country in the company of such charisma.  Here are some highlights!  Food and Wine Portugal is renowned for vinho do Porto wine. What makes this wine unique is the addition of distilled grape spirits. This process results in a richer, sweeter wine.    Ginjinha, also renowned in Portugal, is a liqueur created from the combination of Ginja cherries alcohol and sugar. Oftentimes, it is served in an edible mini chocolate cup. YUM!   The preparation of seafood in Portugal is an artform. My favorite dish by far was Bacalhau. Salted cod marinated to perfectio...
Read more