Phill Michael's 5 Quick Tips On Connecting With Culture
Ang Dawa Sherpa and Phill Michael at the SherpaSchool.ORG, Nepal in May 2009
Making The Best Of Your Trip!
When Phill Michael travels, he TRAVELS! Interestingly enough, there is more to traveling than buying plane tickets. To truly travel is to connect with the people, which is then connecting with the culture. Food, customs, language, and personality are all key elements to the uniqueness of the culture. Don't forget that opening your eyes is opening your mind.
Returning from his recent trip to Nepal, Phill Michael shared with me these 5 quick tips to connecting with the culture.
1. Look People In The Eyes
Eye contact is essential when trying to connect with the culture on your journey. It is a sign of respect and also it implies a true interest and honesty. We all know the saying, "Looking into a person eyes is like looking into their soul". This saying is ever so true while trying to connect with any culture. When you are looking directly into someone's eyes, you will always remember that you are talking to another human being.
Ang Dawa Sherpa (right) connects with some relatives in remote Nepal in April, 2009
2. Learn The Language
Language is the essence of verbal communication. Spoken word is what brings us together and the reason we are such unique beings. So make sure you remember to brush up on some native tongue before traveling to a foreign country. A native will appreciate your effort and you will create a much deeper connection with the culture. It is also important for your safety to learn a few of the terms. Remember that not everyone in the world speaks English. It is vital to know how to ask for help, food, or directions, especially if you aren't with a travel guide.
Phill Michael (top) and Ang Dawa Sherpa get local knowledge about Bhaktapur, Nepal in March, 2009
3. Learn Their History
When traveling to any country you should always read up on its history. To truly be able to connect with the culture, you will need to know where that culture has been. Understand that people from all over the world are coming from unique traditions and perspectives. They may not share the same political or social views that you are accustomed to. Studying up on these differences will prepare you for a deeper appreciation of your experiences, and less "culture shock". Take note of local holidays or traditions for great opportunities to connect with the culture in a unique setting.
Marita and Phill conversing with a Sherpa Lumberjack in remote Nepal in May, 2009
4. Talk To People From All Walks Of Life
In order to broaden your perspective, it is necessary to humble yourself and treat everyone as an equal. Always remember to maximize any safe opportunity to connect with an individual. "To trust is to love," Phill Michael has said. It is not always easy to trust someone you have never met, especially when you are surrounded in a culture you may not understand yet. However, don't let a little bit of difference scare you away from having fun. Enjoy speaking with the locals and learning about where they live and what they do. Different kinds of people will recommend and expose you to different parts of the culture. Take note in what the locals say, for they will teach you their customs. Good places to eat, where you should sleep, where to have fun, how to stay save. Some may even invite you to stay with them! Never underestimate your smile.
Phill Michael and Ang Dawa Sherpa with future attendees of SherpaSchool.org in May, 2009
5. Get Immersed. Get Involved. Get Dirty
Go out and get involved! Don't just sit around in a resort area waiting for people to sell you over-priced liquor. Get off the beaten track, talk with everybody, and create your own unique experience. This is the only true way to connect with the culture and experience the best part of traveling.
Get out there and create a connection with the culture across the world or down your block.
Until the future.
Steve
Steve Siglin
Social Networking
SecretSpot.NET
PhillMichael.COM
Posted by Phill Michael at 8/19/2009 9:45 PM 
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Categories: SecretSpot.TV, SatellitePhoneStore.com, Satellite Phone Store, SecretSpotAlaska, SkypeVidCon, Sherpa, Nepal, Alberta, Surefire, Kathmandu, Podcast, Oakley, Everest, SecretSpotEverest.com, HumanEdgeTech.com, SecretSpot.NET, SecretSpotAfrica, Kilimanjaro, secretspot7summits.com, Phill Michael, Seven Summits, SherpaSchool.ORG, Frick, Email, Medtronic, phillmichael.com, Video Conferencing, SecretSpotStore, BGAN
Tags: SecretSpot.TV SatellitePhoneStore.com Satellite Phone Store SecretSpotAlaska SkypeVidCon secretspot7summits.com Nepal Alberta Surefire Kathmandu Podcast Oakley Everest SecretSpotEverest.com HumanEdgeTech.com SecretSpot.NET SecretSpotAfrica Kilimanjaro BGAN Phill Michael Seven Summits SherpaSchool.ORG Frick Email Medtronic Sherpa phillmichael.com Video Conferencing SecretSpotStore
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