How Much Is That In REAL Money?

Here comes another pet peeve of mine. Maybe I should change the name of this blog to Kimberly's Pet Peeves..lol.

This post is dedicated to those Americans who behave themselves when overseas and represent Americans well. Unfortunately, there are a lot of Americans who don't. Too many behave in the most arrogant manner, as if everyone should bow down to them and do their bidding simply because they come from the good ole U.S. of A. I've heard grumpy men ask, "How much is that in real money?" Meaning, "How much is that in U.S. dollars?" Well, if someone from another country came over here and asked how much something was in Euros, would you know? And wouldn't you be annoyed?

Some Americans expect everyone overseas to speak perfect English and get annoyed if they don't. Unless one is visiting a country where English is the native language, this is an unrealistic assumption. It's also a bit rude to just go up to someone in a non-English speaking country and start asking questions in English. Better to preface it with, "Excuse me, do you speak English?" And even better if one can ask it in their native tongue.

Others get annoyed when things aren't exactly the way they are in America. We are very spoiled here, with our modern plumbing, central heating and air conditioning, free refills, all-you-can-eat buffets, etc. If one wants everything to be just like it is in America, then my advice is to stay in America. :)

I would love to have a job where I got to interview all passport applicants to deem if they are worthy of being allowed out of the country. I think I would take perverse pleasure in stamping DENIED on their application.

Trust me, I'm no perfect traveller, either. I've had plenty of meltdowns overseas (but I usually limit them to complaining to my travel companion--who these days is usually my long-suffering husband, David). I recall one particular situation of which I am not proud. Back in the 'late 90s when we were living in Korea, we took a ferry to a small island. Our boat was met by a bunch of older Korean ladies, all extolling the virtues of their accommodations. One lady in particular stood out to us, seemed very nice. We allowed her to lead us to her guesthouse. Once there, we weren't impressed by the cleanliness of it, but my husband thought it would be rude to refuse her at that point. So despite my protestations, we paid for our room. I proceeded to have a hissy fit (inside the room, and they didn't speak English, so even if they overheard me, they wouldn't know what I was having a fit about). David finally had enough of me (understandably) and went out and spent the evening eating and drinking with the proprietor and her family. He quite enjoyed himself. I, on the other hand, childishly spent the evening sulking in our room. By morning I grudgingly stopped acting like a spoiled brat.

One thing I've learned is that Australians are some of the best travellers out there. They roll with the punches, keep a laid back attitude, and don't get all whiny when the only toilet available is a hole in the ground. I have much to learn from them--although I don't mind the hole-in-the-ground toilets anymore. :D