By Ryan J. Snyder
This specific plan is the RJS
3-Pronged Strategy for visiting foreign countries:
The Background:
I took a business trip to Europe and planned so I could maximize
my time in France. I left Germany on a flight to France at about
10pm. Total number of people on the plane? Seven. We landed at
Charles de Gaulle in what seemed like the middle of the runway,
then boarded a shuttle. After picking up my luggage, I realized
there was no customs or passport clearance. I just walked right
out to the street.
Smile Frequently:
Unfortunately, there was a mix-up with my scheduled ride, so I
had to brave a taxi in a foreign land with a foreign language
late at night. At least I had a map. My taxi driver was Asian
and knew no English. I asked the cost and it sounded like he said
'seventeen' €. That seemed a reasonable price. But later
I noticed the taxi meter was moving faster than the national debt
meter. Then I realized the driver had said 'seventy', not 'seventeen'.
Big difference. During the ride, I also found out they did not
accept credit cards. So, I had to visit a MAC in the middle of
nowhere hoping my card could withdraw Euros okay. My trip was
not starting out well. It seemed that France was determined to
give me a hard time. But in this moment, I smiled to myself knowing
things would work out just fine. For all the hassle, the taxi
ride turned out to be the safest I was ever on. Previously, I
considered "sane taxi" to be an oxymoron. When I finally
arrived at the hotel, the clerk said "The breakfast buffet
is open from 6am to 9:30am". I replied, "I'll be here
at 9:29". And I was.
Tip Well:
I usually tip 20% for average service. Even when it is markedly
atrocious, I still leave 15%. I assume the person was just having
a bad day. When I tip like this in Europe, I can tell by the reactions
that it is quite uncharacteristic. But I am representing America
and know we are the most generous nation on Earth. So I am determined
to prove that.
Blend in:
I had the good fortune of a dual experience - time to explore
alone and time with locals. The first day I spent by myself. Needless
to say, this can be quite daunting. My original plan was so laughingly
ambitious that I won't even mention it. I did manage to accomplish
Notre-Dame and the Eiffel Tower. In fact, I actually walked along
the Seine from one to the other taking pictures the whole way.
Whatever structures merely looked important, I photographed. I
could identify the buildings and monuments later.
On that and subsequent nights, I spent the
time with colleagues from our French office. There is no substitute
for cruising with locals. They don't bother with touristy matters.
However, if your goal is to enjoy yourself and truly experience
the culture, the best way is with locals. Even though beholding
history is an awesome affair, experiences are not judged solely
on the number of tourist attractions you visit.
One of the most amusing things was my pessimistic
expectation to "blend in" like Marcus Brody from Indiana
Jones. Meaning…I thought I would stick out like a sore thumb.
But judging by the number of people who approached me asking questions
in French, apparently this was not the case. But I'm guessing
that my pronunciation of "No Français" is quite
adequate.
Crazy Bouchon:
France had tried even harder this time to defeat me. Unfortunately,
I ate something that left me feeling ill. Of all the things I
hate in this world, one that ranks near the very top is an upset
stomach. This would dampen the rest of my trip like nothing else
could. But I was determined to trudge on.
Walking the gardens of Versailles Palace in
pouring rain, climbing Montmartre, eating in a "restaurant"
that is really just someone's house, thinking that this city is
now the craziest driving ever, seeing the prominent prostitute
areas - all indelible memories.
Side Observations (including the Classic
Parisian Rudeness):
I was told (by people who would know) that if I needed help
in France, ask younger folks. This did indeed turn out to be good
advice. Younger women were especially helpful. Their English was
usually decent - far from perfect, but they get an A for effort
(especially considering I am in their country). From waitresses
to cashiers, most were genuinely pleasant and helpful. One hotel
clerk even followed up to ensure her earlier directions actually
helped me to reach the destination. But my favorite was the taxi
driver I had when leaving France. He points to me and says "No
Français". He points to himself and says "No
English". Then, he simply shrugs his shoulders and laughs.
I laughed too. Now this guy has the right attitude.
Speaking of shrugging shoulders...say we take
a survey to find the country with the most 'liberated' women in
the world. I'm quite sure that France would be among the top choices.
But there is still one thing I cannot figure out: What women actually
want unisex restrooms? Is this considered the next phase of natural
progression in the evolution of gender equality? Ladies, if you
can tolerate the sounds and smells permeating a men's restroom,
then hey, more power to you. Despite that cultural disagreement,
mark me down as a fan of kissing to greet members of the opposite
sex. Someone should start this trend in America.
Still Blending in and the Curious Paradoxical
Conclusion:
One moment in particular was very perplexing. On Montmartre, my
friends pointed out some Americans. In prior episodes, there had
been an immediate bond when I met Americans in a foreign country.
But this time was strikingly different and I still can't explain
why. Perhaps it was the comfort level of the people I was with.
Perhaps it is because I think Americans who vacation in France
are high-class, stylish, artsy, sophisticated and polished - none
of those adjectives describe me. So I can't explain the paradox
of feeling comfortable where I should be so obviously out of place.
Maybe my 3-pronged strategy works?!
France & I may meet again someday.
I would rather be immersed in a foreign culture than take a vacation
of familiarity or just lay on a beach. The adventure and intrigue
of different cultures is all part of the excitement. I love exploring
and learning a new country, seeing the landmarks and history.
But I will also say this…No matter where else I go in my
lifetime, it will never be home. Every time that I have journeyed
abroad, I have re-realized one thing: the United States of America
is the greatest country in the history of mankind. Funny how it
can take traveling thousands of miles to foreign lands to truly
understand and appreciate that.
