kungfuhippie
Member
Oh yeah I forgot
When I went to Ecuador;
I had to get a passport
a medical exam
letters from local law enforcement
pay a load of money (like $500 a year) for my visa.
then I learned the language, I could speak ok before I got off the plane, and fluently (better than US army translators by 6 weeks)
why?
Because I refused to speak english, even with other americans. By trying to assimilate I learned the culture and the language (I didn't celebrate 4th of july in public, that would be rude) I didn't debate Ecuador policy (wasn't my place) even when they elected Lucio Gutierrez a communist bastard that was later throw from office (buddies with castro too)
I ate what the people ate, even stuff most American would have back up. While I was there I assimilated, learned their national history, their important holidays, regional culture.
Basically, I gave a damn.
I Love America, I love the freedoms we have. But I kept that to myself while in another country because I needed to respect their cultures, languages, and borders. Now I just want people to respect mine.
"when in Rome..."
When I went to Ecuador;
I had to get a passport
a medical exam
letters from local law enforcement
pay a load of money (like $500 a year) for my visa.
then I learned the language, I could speak ok before I got off the plane, and fluently (better than US army translators by 6 weeks)
why?
Because I refused to speak english, even with other americans. By trying to assimilate I learned the culture and the language (I didn't celebrate 4th of july in public, that would be rude) I didn't debate Ecuador policy (wasn't my place) even when they elected Lucio Gutierrez a communist bastard that was later throw from office (buddies with castro too)
I ate what the people ate, even stuff most American would have back up. While I was there I assimilated, learned their national history, their important holidays, regional culture.
Basically, I gave a damn.
I Love America, I love the freedoms we have. But I kept that to myself while in another country because I needed to respect their cultures, languages, and borders. Now I just want people to respect mine.
"when in Rome..."
Last edited: