Thoughts of a traveler
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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 have posted a part two to this, if someone cares to read.
Looking forward to maybe some Input
The further you travel, the bigger the differences.
I have been 'on the road' ever since I left the Netherlands back in '88.
The differences between Holland and Germany weren't too big; the same can be said for Liechtenstein where I lived for some years.
When I crossed the big pond to move to Puerto Rico I found myself in a different culture.
Keeping an open mind and behaving like good guest should kept me out of trouble 
What I always tried to do was (and still is) putting my points of view somewhere in the back of my head.
Keeping an open mind is a good thing.
I'm not so good in keeping my point to myself all the time though.
I've run into various situation where my temper got me 
Oh well
NicoleB wrote:I've run into various situation where my temper got me
Oh well
Been there, done that. 
I guess I mellowed quite a bit while growing up. Not that I want to say that I'm completely grown up yet but I think I'm getting there..
I know what you mean.
But often I still can't keep my mouth shut,
like, stupid questions, stupid answers.
(Kuwait) I only say "trash at the beach" and me collecting it during the dog walk. Man after asking me what I'm doing (dooooh) "this has always been like that, that's normal everywhere".
I stayed nice, but I think he got my point.
Grrr....
Or people in Korea that drive around and have a bunch of dogs in the back and ask me if mine's for sale. Go f*** yourself! Grmbl.....
See, you got me going again
On a sidenote though.
I've lived side by side with dog"farmers" and even had some sort of a friendly relationship going.
I just didn't like the way they killed the dogs. And some other points. But I never tried to get my point over there.
Just don't ask me, if you can EAT MY dog
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