No, I'm just Asian
Travelers are often rushed, irritated easily, and down-right rude. Traveling is such an important part of society, and brings millions of people together each year. If you have traveled in the past, then you probably already know that it isn’t easy to sit next to someone on a 25 hour plane ride. It isn’t always easy to be smashed against a smoker on a train. It isn’t even fun to cram into a subway with hot sweaty people in the middle of summer. However, you can learn a lot from these people.
During my travels I have come across tons of different folks from around the world. Any kind of person you can think of, I have probably seen. That’s the beauty of traveling though, because without that peculiar diversity – travels would be quite dull. I have learned so much about life from traveling, and accepting other people.
It’s hard not to judge someone when you see them doing something “stupid”, like using their baby stroller as a beer holder on New Years Eve in Las Vegas. I think most people can agree that the above isn’t the best judgment on the parents part (true story by the way), but it doesn’t give anyone else the right to look down on them. Perhaps they had no other options. If you can’t tolerate people in public, you probably shouldn’t travel. Same goes for simply putting up with drunks, smokers, and other people that try to ruin a nice evening out. I know several individuals that would have screamed at all of the people doing undesirable things.
If you are racist, you also shouldn’t travel. If you are intolerant of someone elses race then traveling will not be enjoyable. It is rude and unacceptable to go out to another country, then talk down to the locals. Business owners will kick you out if you display any sort of rudeness to the other tourists. Sadly I have come across many people during my travels that were completely rude to me because of my race. This kind of attitude has come from other travelers as well as locals from the cities I have visited.
Acceptance and appreciation of unique individuals is the best part of traveling. While initially things seem different or even strange, you must learn to love those things. While visiting China you will certainly notice some customs that are much different from your own. However, these are people just like you and deserve your respect. Take the opportunity to ask questions and learn about each other. Accepting someone else for who they are certainly makes traveling more enjoyable.
When you travel do you make an attempt to get to know the locals? Do you enjoy seeing many different types of people around the world?
