As you may have heard, there is a gasoline strike in Mexico. And based on some media reports, it has gotten quite dodgy in places. Yesterday, after ten wonderful days at our place in Playa de Estero, Baja Norte, my wife (Tammy) and I headed home to Lake Arrowhead, SoCal.
On our journey North, we found gas readily available in Ensenada, but all the stations and petrol terminals were closed the rest of the way up to Otay border crossing. The strikers we encountered were respectful, reasonable and peaceful.
Upon hearing of my plan to return to Baja this Friday, a friend asked me to share the “rules” I follow when traveling in third world countries. I don’t really have any “rules” per se. Here is what’s worked for me for over 60 years; that, and probably some luck. 🙂
Respect the culture and the people you’re visiting, remember you’re a guest, leave entitlement at home, listen more than speak, show admiration, gratitude and humility to your hosts, smile and greet people with kindness, no matter the situation remain calm and act with confidence and assurance, always move slowly and with purpose, be aware of your surroundings, think before you speak, and most importantly, smile. Actually, those “rules” have worked to keep me safe everywhere in the world, including here at home.
Remember, if nothing goes wrong, its not an adventure.
Great advices! Smiling usually works for me, or making contact with peoples kids (smiling, waving, playing etc.) As a single woman there’s places that I don’t go to, and places I have visited in the past, but will not return to. I’ve never had anything really bad happened to me while traveling.
Always greeting and showing genuine attention to children is a pass through some really difficult situations. I was once detained in the old East Germany where my interaction with some of the guards’ families helped move me on my way…… Oh, and sharing a bottle of Black and White. That’s another story. 🙂
I’d love to hear that story one day!
You may inspire me to write it.
I hope so!
Rules to live by, not just travel.
I have a feeling that with you, Sue, I’m preaching to the choir. 🙂
Reblogged this on INSPIRATION with an ATTITUDE and commented:
Brilliant! and GREAT advice!! Thanks, Ken!
Back at you Dawn. Warm regards and keep blogging … I love your words.