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| Ho Chi Minh Night Market, October 2014 |
The more places I've set my foot on, the more I realize how small this world actually is. A world where we are all the same yet unique in culture, way of life, and everything else in between. That is why there is no surprise that the common denominator that we, travelers, ought to practice is the word Respect.
When in a foreign land, you don't need to earn respect from the locals; you give respect to them. In the first place, you are in their land. Yet it sometimes sucks that travelers try to impose their presence on foreign territory that is just disrespectful for locals.
While I can be guilty as charged on most occasions of disrespect outside my home country, I put this as a reminder for myself that to appreciate where I am is to show naivety as a traveler much like anyone else reading this.
Now that I consider myself a mindful traveler, it is as important to talk about what NOT to do as what to do when travelling. Apparently, other travelers just don't get the memo.
Always remember that every nation on earth as its own set of customs, practices and expectations.
When you decide to go for it and travel, take the time to learn first some of the most important practices in the country you are about to visit.
We all have that "To-Do" lists for every place we go, but let's not forget the "Not-To-Do" list.
- NOT - TO - DO: Wearing inappropriate clothing in temples and churches. People may probably not want to judge you with what you wear when in a foreign land, but if you enter places of worship for people of all religions, make sure you are property clothed. This means no shorts above the knee or sleeveless shirts for men and covered knees and shirts for women. Pants may have to be worn in most places. Don't just expect to take a photo of the holy place with that outfit; you might as well cover up. For temples, you shoes must be removed unless advised to just put them on. Inappropriate clothing in public places can also be subject to criticism and humiliation, so make sure you are on an outfit that deserves to be respected not just a tourist, but also a rational human being.
- NOT - TO - DO: Joking around or offending a local in any way possible unless you know them. I often fall to the trap of making fun at the wrong time and to the wrong person, and even at the wrong place, but I always make sure that I don't cross the line in the fun I'm trying to express. Jokes about grammar, pronunciation, culture, the color of the skin, religion or politics is seriously a no-no. You are bound to be chained in an endless debate with people around you when offended, so if possible, keep those words to yourself and choose wisely. (This Not-To-Do also coincides with not showing respect and appreciation in foreign territory, like complaining a lot for something you know is just the way it is or for no reason at all, getting silly in parts that require proper decorum and assuming that you get treated like a VIP on another land when you are supposed to blend in.)
- NOT - TO - DO: Persistent bargaining with a market vendor. Negotiating to get a good deal out from what you want to buy is okay, but turning it to a fun game of "can I get x number of y for z dollars lower than your offer" is absolutely unnecessary. Remember that the lives of these market sellers are dependent on the business they are dealing with, and compromising their livelihood to your advantage may not be the wisest thing to do while shopping abroad.
- NOT - TO - DO: Not going out for local food. Sounds like a double negative, but if there are 2 negatives that make a right, that is to experience the joys of traveling. Forget the pasta, McDonald's, the breakfast from home or steaks, go for local food! Thai cuisines, noodle soups and exotic dishes with a variety of insects are a way to expand your stomach's comfort zone and enjoy the thrill of finding exciting and delicious to eat. Remember, you're not at home!
- NOT - TO - DO: Not smiling. The universal gesture for greeting and connecting with people from all walks of life, never failing to smile will make a local's day especially when meeting and dealing with them. Even with verbal communication issues, the smile is always the same in every language, so where it with you. Don't also fail to notice that most locals smile a lot, and when they give you one, don't forget to return the favor! It doesn't matter how bad your travel day has been, but a smile can go a long way from depression to satisfaction.
- NOT - TO - DO: Bringing your way of life to the place you are right now. There will eventually be differences in the way of living between you and the locals. And while taking your culture there may sound comfortable to yo\, it doesn't mean it's that easy for other people to just adapt it. Learn to compromise and be fascinated by their culture. You are in their country, anyway, and you are just a speck among the population of people in that area.
- NOT - TO - DO: Trying to get something for free. Seriously, you are not some traveler who expects the 5-star treatment in every place you go. Expect to be labeled as greedy when you do this disrespectful act. Of course, it's okay if they offer, but never ask to get it free.
- NOT - TO - DO: Judging. We happen to be all the same, yet everyone has their own story to tell, and they have walked through paths of life different from yours. You don't know what they have been through on that day. Avoid stereotyping and public criticisms as much as possible.
In one sentence, along your journey around the world, "do to others what you would have them do to you" (Matthew 7:12).
Labels: Ho Chi Minh City, list, night market, not to do, travel, traveler, Vietnam, wanderer