A Citizen of the World Replies

Chembra Peak, Western Ghats, Kalpetta, India

I think of myself as a citizen of the World. As a citizen of the World, I am saddened when anyone disparages folks from other countries or cultures. This kind of hateful speech is far worse when the person dispensing cultural slander is a so-called leader of the free world. To use derogatory terms when speaking of other nations, other peoples, or other cultures, is to speak from ignorance and fear. This, then, is my response to words spoken out of ignorance and fear.

I am an incredibly lucky human being. Over the course of my life, particularly the last fifteen years, I have traveled about the world. My motto has become: "Wherever, whenever." During these wanderings, I have trod the soil of more than thirty countries on four continents and the odd sub-continent. The planet has become my playground, an enormous sandbox, with all of the folks in the world for playmates. Some of the places to which I have traveled would be considered incredibly poor, at least when measured by the ruler of 'First-World' standards. Yet everywhere I go, I am treated with generosity and kindness. The lesson that is reinforced for me, journey after journey, is that the human beings on this planet share a great deal more commonality than they do differences.

I meet all sorts of folks whilst traveling. The people I meet hold all manner of beliefs, customs, and favorite local cuisines. These are peoples of all races. Despite the superficial differences, however, what I have discovered is that human beings all over the world want the same basic things. Folks want food to eat, clean water to drink, a decent place to live, a safe place for their family, and a better life for their kids. What I learn, time and again, is that there are far more similarities between people than differences.

Shopping, Mekong Delta, Vietnam

As I wander about, I begin to learn more about other people and more about myself. For instance, folks all over the world love to laugh. They like to sit around and tell jokes, pull pranks, and have a good belly laugh. Sometimes you might find yourself to be the subject of a joke, which, given the differences in language and culture, can be a tricky thing. My experience has been that if I cut loose with my own big laugh, we all end up falling about the place and having a rollicking good time. Therein lies another universal human trait: we all love folks who can laugh at themselves.

Shopping, aquatic style, Mekong Delta, Vietnam

Another seemingly universal trait amongst human beings is taking pride in what we do. Folks are pleased when someone expresses an interest in their livelihood,  their profession, or their work. Time and again I have been invited into workshops, stalls, and garages, simply because I expressed an interest in what folks were doing and how they got it done.

Proud Butcher Stall Proprietor, Southern India.

Across the globe, folks like to splash in the water.

Human beings love to play games. And what greater fun than to invite the goofy foreigner to join them in whatever the game de jour might be? I have been invited to join in pickup games of cricket, füssball, sepak takraw (Thai foot badminton), and even Old-Lady aerobics on the public promenade in Cambodia. Go ahead, join in the game. As long as one remembers the rule about being able to laugh at oneself, all will be well. Play well with others, and they will play well with you.

Gecko, Zadar, Croatia

Sometimes there might be critters who live in close proximity with humans. Get used to it, it'll be okay. Besides, they eat the pesky bugs. 

Village Wedding Party, Isaan, Thailand

Folks around this big green globe of ours love to party. Any excuse for a party is probably excuse enough. Folks really love it when a foreigner abandons reticence and joins the fun. Eating, drinking, and dancing are things all human beings can identify with. I have been lucky enough to take part in Independence Day in Panama City, Carnival in Cartagena, 500th Anniversary celebrations in Quito, and village parties in Thailand. Join in, dance, get sweaty, revel with your fellow human beings. Laugh like a maniac when you get squirted with water, colored with crazy dyes, or find yourself dancing with a seventy year-old granny in a bustier on the streets of Panama City. It's all part of the grand pageant, and the sidelines are for voyeurs.

 

People Love to Dance and They Love to Help  

Whether you are a Pooh, a Piglet, or a Christopher Robin, don't forget to shake your booty like there is no tomorrow. And do not be surprised when help comes in unexpected ways. When I stupidly ran out of fuel in the jungle of northern Thailand, it was poor villagers who helped me, not only refusing any money in return, but making sure that I had a cold drink as well. When no one could find my bag in in India, it was a young Hindu kid who searched it out, despite the officials saying it was not there.

Everybody Loves Grub

Folks love to eat, and folks are proud of their local cuisine. Half of the fun of travel is treating your taste buds to exotic new flavors. Take the plunge, belly up to the counter or plant yourself on the rickety plastic chair at the street stand, and dig in. You might not like everything, but the local people will certainly like it that you tried everything.

Indian Shaman Woman, Cuenca, Ecuador

I have found it very important to remember that just because something is not of your culture, this does not mean that it is without value. I received a thorough tune-up from an Indian Shaman in Ecuador. She beat me with a bouquet of flowers and herbs, rubbed an egg all over me, sprayed me with a milky-white fermented drink (sprayed out of her mouth!) and rubbed charcoal on my forehead. Crazy right? I admit that it was. I am also here to tell you is that afterwards I felt great, all tingly and alive. Varied experiences broaden my mind, allowing me to incorporate new and different ideas and customs. Thus my world becomes both larger and more familiar.

Inca Highlands, Ecuador - or - People Love Photo-Ops with the Goofy Foreigner

In conclusion, my experiences across our shared globe have been those of commonality with our fellow travelers. The human beings who share this amazing planet also share the same hopes, dreams, and basic needs. I would ask you, dear reader, to try the following experiment. The next time you hear someone spouting hateful garbage about other countries, cultures, or peoples, ask them if they have a valid passport. 

Thanks for reading! Travel often, travel well, and play nice with others.

The Reverend Squeaky-Eye

Marco Etheridge

Vienna, Austria

January 2018

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