Blended reality

Ok, as I promised, I will talk a little about the importance of blending in and meet the locals when you travel and why you should try traditional food.

First, I have to say that I am pro responsible travel – because being socially and culturally aware when you travel around the world, and being able to understand how you affect the places you visit,  it’s pure common sense – something that we all should embrace.

Push your own boundaries of comfort, go out there, discover the immense diversity and beauty that exists in the world. Live it. Feel it. Don’t judge it.

And am I talking as a traveler, not a tourist (it’s a matter of preferences).

 

A traveler is the one who involves themselves in the places they visit, instead of a tourist that only scratches the surface. Traveling, for my point of view, is the cure for hate, all those stereotypes and ignorance – things that are holding this world to become a better place.

So, why blend in wherever you travel and meet the locals?

One of the things is that this will show that you have some cultural understanding and respect for that place and its people. If you are traveling to a total different country, culture or continent, then try to learn a few words in that language – you’ll connect better with the locals and they will appreciate your effort. Also, depending on the country and its customs, dress respectfully and google a bit about their traditions – like things that may be offensive to them. Think about, while you may have grown up in a dreamy homogenous society with “normal” customs, a simple trip to the other side of the world will show you a completely different way of life and behavioral expectations.

By choosing to live like a local, to blend in rather that just being a tourist, will offer you a super different life perspective. And you’ll suddenly stop being on the outside, trying to look in, but you’ll be right there, with them. And by doing this doesn’t mean you are abandoning your identity. It means that you are becoming a world citizen.

Take time and talk to the locals, you’ll find the best stories. Especially from the older ones. They will be happy to remeber the good old times and share those memories with you.

But, gotta say it, the best part about cultural immersion is discovering that despite our differences, we are inherently the same – we all have dreams and hopes.

We all smile and cry. Happiness and suffering have no language, gender or beliefs.

They are a universal feeling that makes us connect.

 

Then, is the fun part, the one when you are mistaken for a local and people ask you for tips and directions. Love it. Or when you meet a famous singer, like I did, and you start playing chess in an ordinary shop in Tel Aviv.

Those are the memories you wanna take with you.

Another thing about blending in, is to shop localy – when it comes to eating, sleeping and buying souvenirs, choosing where you spend your money can have a huge impact on the local community. By shopping locally you are not only creating a more authentic travel experience for yourself, but you are also helping someone create a better life for themselves, instead of sending your money  into the pockets of shareholders and business directors. Experiencing the local culture is an important part of traveling and that’s why we travel, to live different experiences, right?

Last but not least, blending in will also help you not to be mugged, hahaha.

Now, why you should try traditional food?

Why would you fly thousands of kilometers to end up eating in a McDonalds that you can find anywhere in the world?

Supporting the local community is quite important, not only for them but for you too.

Eating familiar foods and only visiting the main attractions isn’t going to give show you the real place you traveled and you’ll leave knowing nothing about it. Local food means history, childhood memories, unique flavors that will connect you with the place. With the people. Because, trust me, food brings people together and it’s amazing what you can tell about a culture just trying their food.

I’m not surprised when people say that ,,the kitchen is a place where you can travel to any country without having to ever leave your house”. So, try the local food, my friends, take ideas with you for when you get home.

By buying local food you are helping smaller, traditional farms to survive and will bring authenticity to your travel.

Also, if you wanna eat out, try to find  non touristy restaurants, where you can eat like a local – cheap and tasty.

You also have the option to buy from street vendors  – probably not the healthiest option, haha, but you’ll be surprised how many unbelievable meals you can find for a few € or $.

Resuming: our actions can have a massive impact on the world while we travel. Make sure it is a positive one, because nature doesn’t need us. We need nature.