Travel experiences

[Phantasmal]

Mexico is an amazing place, flying into Mexico city airport took 45 minutes over the city, it is huge. The poverty can be seen with shacks right up to the airport fence and up the hills and yet other parts of the city were high end . Thousands of VW bugs used for taxis and buses. In mexico I found out they take things as they come, no drama. The food is plentiful and cheap and not like what we call Mexican food here.

Was in the city center on a Sunday it was packed with families, food vendors and street performers

I’ve never been, but would love to go!

[ThatOwlWoman]

I think the biggest stereo types that seemed to go from country to country were all Americans are loud and boisterous.

I will tell you a story you may enjoy. Every year the city of Wittlich Germany has a pig fest that last a few days. There are rides and games, they roast whole hogs on an open spit in the town square and it is generally a good time.

Just outside of town is a campground. all of the good camping slots by the creek and waterfall are reserved for Europeans. The Americans are camped in a separate area where the nose won't bother the other campers. That is not to say some Americans (My group of friends) were not given the best camp sites because like the Europeans we respected those around us. We went every year in fact the owner always gave us the best sites.

 

Now the pig fest history: Wittlich was a walled city. The city was under siege but they lost the peg to keep the gates closed. In desperation they used a carrot. well the pigs ate the carrot and the gates swung open allowing the enemy in. Thus every year the city gets it's revenge on the pigs.

How awesome. I love your travel stories, esp. about Germany.

That stereotype doesn't surprise me; it's pretty much what I've heard too. Only adding in the word "obnoxious" as well. When we go there someday I vow to not be like that.

[Phantasmal]

You were in a shark cage, right? Was it cool? Scary?

No, they are friendly sharks, nurse. They nudge up against you, but wouldn’t bite. They were there for the food the guide fed them. The water was so clear, it was a great day, ceviche and rum punch, too.

https://caribbeanlifestyle.com/insta...rks-in-belize/

[Cypress]

No, they are friendly sharks, nurse. They nudge up against you, but wouldn’t bite. They were there for the food the guide fed them. The water was so clear, it was a great day, ceviche and rum punch, too.

https://caribbeanlifestyle.com/insta...rks-in-belize/

I think sharks are amazing and beautiful animals.

[Phantasmal]

I think sharks are amazing and beautiful animals.

I love sharks. They are a very misunderstood species. You have to respect them, but most of the time, they aren’t interested in humans.

[Eagle_Eye]

How awesome. I love your travel stories, esp. about Germany.

That stereotype doesn't surprise me; it's pretty much what I've heard too. Only adding in the word "obnoxious" as well. When we go there someday I vow to not be like that.

I love your travel stories

That is what most Americans miss is the history/stories of events and reasons for Fests

Just respect the customs and courtesies of the country you are in and you will be fine. BTW the fastest way to piss a European off is "Do you speak English) no matter how bad your language skills try to converse in their language. They will respect you and most likely will respond in English if they speak it.

Possibly the only exception to the above would be France. But it has been so long since I was there they may have changed.

[redfish]

Did you buy some?

no, not a user

[ThatOwlWoman]

That is what most Americans miss is the history/stories of events and reasons for Fests

Just respect the customs and courtesies of the country you are in and you will be fine. BTW the fastest way to piss a European off is "Do you speak English) no matter how bad your language skills try to converse in their language. They will respect you and most likely will respond in English if they speak it.

Possibly the only exception to the above would be France. But it has been so long since I was there they may have changed.

It's possible that they have. When my middle daughter and husband went to Paris and Switzerland a few years ago, ppl cautioned her not to try to use her (American-taught) French or she'd be scorned. She did anyways, and said ppl were just delighted that she did. It was just like you said.

[Cypress]

I love sharks. They are a very misunderstood species. You have to respect them, but most of the time, they aren’t interested in humans.

My favorite are tiger sharks, and I also like the little leopard sharks we have on the Pacific coast.

[Jarod]

People who travel are exposed to different cultures and experiences especially traveling outside of the U.S.

Post your travel and experiences and how it changed your outlook

I went to the Soviet union, Leningrad and Moscow in 1986. Haven’t been there was eye-opening, but to watch it fall apart in the years after was amazing

[Jade Dragon]

Killer Restaurants and where they are.

Regina, SK https://bushwakker.com/

Chicago, IL https://www.sienatavern.com/

Flagstaff, AZ https://www.salsabravaflagstaff.com/

[ThatOwlWoman]

No, they are friendly sharks, nurse. They nudge up against you, but wouldn’t bite. They were there for the food the guide fed them. The water was so clear, it was a great day, ceviche and rum punch, too.

https://caribbeanlifestyle.com/insta...rks-in-belize/

What a wonderful experience. I would love to do that someday! I've got a pic of my oldest son and family petting tame (I think!) dolphins in Belize. They are the four on the right, where the dolphin is.

[ThatOwlWoman]

I went to the Soviet union, Leningrad and Moscow in 1986. Haven’t been there was eye-opening, but to watch it fall apart in the years after was amazing

Did you get a chance to see the Hermitage? That's on my bucket list.

[Phantasmal]

What a wonderful experience. I would love to do that someday! I've got a pic of my oldest son and family petting tame (I think!) dolphins in Belize. They are the four on the right, where the dolphin is.

Beautiful family.

[ThatOwlWoman]

Killer Restaurants and where they are.

Regina, SK https://bushwakker.com/

Chicago, IL https://www.sienatavern.com/

Flagstaff, AZ https://www.salsabravaflagstaff.com/

Nice, but wow, that Chicago one is super pricy. Did you guys eat there?