When you travel the Globe, or are what they call an Expat (means someone living abroad), you might run into some things that trouble you.

After a while of being in a different country you might either glorify the people there or condemn them.
Meaning, they are all soooo friendly or they are all sooo greedy.
Never forget that things seldom are what they seem.
Thanks to globalization most people in most countries are now like the ones you left at home.
No better, no worse.

Only because some drive big cars, doesn’t mean that all the people in that country (or the person that drives the car) are rich. Nor is everyone poor because some live in shags.
Only because someone backstabs you or tries to rip you off, doesn’t mean they will all do it - or vice versa.

What is different is the cultural background. That is something you should watch out for.
A smile isn’t always a sign of friendliness. Some take it as a signal to hit on you big time, some take friendliness as a weakness.
In other places it’s just what it usually is, a sign of being friendly.

A handshake isn’t always welcome. On the contrary, it is often frowned upon. In many places women won’t shake your hand and might even take it as an offense.

Read a bit about the places you will go to.
Stay open minded during your time there.
Don’t forget that not everything is golden nor is it all pitch dark.
Read between the lines & be sensible.
Treat people with respect and you usually get some back.

If not.
Well, then you might consider to move on to the next, hopefully friendlier place.

Take care fellow travelers and stay safe!

Feedback and Input on these thoughts are welcome, as usual

I thought we actually already had reached that point.
I mean, look at our world. Almost every country seems to be involved in one way or another in a war zone on this planet.

But that doesn’t seem to be enough.
The sleeping giant called Russia that so many countries tried to befriend over the last few decades finally wakes up again.
I was a bit suspicious the whole time and I wasn’t the only one I guess.

The other giant, the US tried to spook us with warning on nuclear threat from Iran.
Guess what. We have a nuclear threat on our door step right now. And not whenever someone finishes something. It is there.
Not that Russia officially has threatened anyone, but come on.
How far will this go?

War is over - which way to go? by
NicoleB Photography

I usually don’t like the so called Meme(s), but this one struck a chord and ShoSho tagged me with it.
I was going to have it done beginning of the week, but you all know how busy I am .

* Do your closest friends have any nicknames for you?
What friends? Just kidding. The only one I know of, is Nic, but I guess that’s not a real Nickname

* What is the greatest achievement of your life so far?
Finally settled with the Love of my Life and got married. (In other words having a relationship that lasts longer than two years… )

*Where would you live if anywhere was possible?
The country doesn’t matter, but it would have to be close to a forest, mountains and ocean, preferably an old house with a big garden

Read more »