Dont Be The Ugly American Overseas!!!!

7 Signs You're An Ugly American-- By Caroline Morse with additons by me, Karla Scott

‎Here is a great list (published October 2012) of indicators you are the UGLY AMERICAN while travelling abroad.  I read this novel a few years ago and realized these attitudes frustrated me so, they motivated me to launch my intercultural consulting business: Global Ways.

 

What would you add to the authors list?  See my 3 additions at the end.

Bad news, fellow Americans. The rest of the world thinks were terrible travelers. It's so bad, in fact, that the term "Ugly American" has become shorthand for any tourist that sticks out or misbehaves abroad. (Don't blame us, we didn't coin the phrase.) Read on to see if you fit the stereotype.

Attire

White sneakers, a fanny pack, a baseball hat ... and a Canadian-flag patch sewn onto your backpack. This uniform can make a tourist stand out--and not in a good way. Wear what's comfortable, but do make an effort to blend in with what the locals wear, especially when it comes to covering up in more modest countries. We've also seen many Americans utilize the Canadian flag to pretend they're not from the US while traveling. Don't be ashamed of our country -- be an example of what's good about it. Let your behavior and attitude leave a positive impression when you travel instead of pretending to be from somewhere else.

English Only

We're not saying that you have to be fluent in a country's native language in order to visit it--but you should at least make an effort to learn key phrases and words. Knowing how to say things like "Hello" and "Do you speak English?" in the local language can go a long way. American tourists are notorious for just repeating English questions louder when a nonspeaker doesn't understand, so don't do that. Try to use hand gestures, phrasebooks, or even apps to get your point across instead.

Complaining About Portions

To the rest of the world, it's not just Texas where everything's bigger -- it's America. It doesn't help the stereotype when Americans complain about small portion sizes while dining out abroad. Think of smaller portions as a way to sample more dishes or to reevaluate your own eating choices.

Demanding to Know the Price in Dollars

It's fine to do the math in your head or on a calculator, but don't ask a merchant how much their wares are in "real money." Get a rough idea of the conversion rate before you leave and do the mental math instead, or download a currency-converter app for your smartphone. You'll be shopping like a local in no time.

Excessive Patriotism

We can't even count the number of times we've heard a fellow American tourist brag about "how America does it." It's great to discuss cultural differences, but if you're pointing out customs that you think are flawed or not as good as "how we do it here" then you're missing out on the whole idea of travel.

Trying to Recreate America Abroad

You're traveling for a reason--to experience new things! So don't automatically seek out the nearest Starbucks when you're overseas. Sample the local restaurants as well as the cool fast-food chains that we don't have here. Remember that amenities we take for granted (like air-conditioning or Western-style toilets) aren't available everywhere, so be prepared to adjust to a new standard of living temporarily.

Overpacking

Americans have a reputation for being "oversized" abroad, but your luggage doesn't have to be. Overpacking can be a clear indication of an American tourist, so don't struggle up the stairs of your European hotel with a huge suitcase if you don't have to. Downsize to a backpack or small suitcase--if you run out of clothing, you can always go shopping while you're on vacation, and then you'll really look like you belong. Or, do laundry at a Laundromat near your hotel--it's the perfect chance to mingle with locals.

My additions: Make the unfamiliar familiar by learning about the culture in advance.  To enhance your experience overseas, I recommend:

 

Do your homework

Be insatiably curious.  Go to your local bookstore and use the internet to research the other culture’s history, geography, key symbols, tourist attractions, national dishes, popular sports, non verbal communication rules, leaders and celebrity culture.  Study the local map including the mass transit or metro map and the area surrounding your hotel.  You will feel more comfortable exploring and communicating when you have gone the extra mile to learn something about your new culture.  The best part is that by taking an interest in the other culture, your actions will convey genuine respect.  Your efforts will be appreciated by most (if not all) whom you meet.  It will set you apart from many Americans who don’t bother to learn something about the other culture.  Remember, people all over the world know U.S. popular culture, government, history and many even speak English.  Isn’t it reasonable for us to make the effort to meet them at least half way?

 

For a crash course in local customs and etiquette, I recommend the easy-to-read Culture Shock series.  They are compact guides (250 pages) that provide a comprehensive and accurate portrayal of culture in more than 35 countries, with practical tips on how to be effective there.  They are well-researched, authentic, and entertaining.  You can order Culture Shock online from all leading book sellers.  

 Read a novel and watch films set in that country

Actually, a novel about a young American living in Paris is what inspired me to study in France my junior year of college.  I highly recommend you indulge in literature that teaches history as well as some contemporary culture. 

For example, before traveling to Viet Nam recently, I read The Quiet American, by Graham Greene, and later I rented the film. While near the Chinese border in northern Viet Nam, I read The Good Earth by Pearl Buck. It’s an intriguing tale of the struggles and prosperity of a rice Farmer living in China during the pre-revolutionary period.  As we rode through the rice fields of Viet Nam, I felt I was a part of the farmer’s world.  Touring around Saigon, I saw all the landmarks that were featured in The Quiet American. 

In short, the literature and films set in that country enhanced my total travel experience.

Learn a few commonly used words and phrases

Rest assured you do not need to enroll in a 3-month immersion class.  Most of the world accommodates English speaking tourists.  In fact, it is the second most spoken language, behind Mandarin, in the world.   Your experience can be greatly enhanced by showing basic respect.  You can accomplish this by learning some common courtesy expressions such as hello; goodbye; thank you; and please and one of my favorites: “Where are the toilets?”  “How much is that ________?” also comes in very handy when bargaining.

You will be amazed by how instantly connected you feel when upon arrival, someone says hello in their language and you can respond in the same language or when they say thank you, you can reply appropriately.

I strongly urge you to refrain from bursting into a conversation leading with English words.  Instead (or what is more respectful is to) always first ask “Do you speak English?”

You can listen to a basic language tape daily before you go that provides language basics including numbers,  useful questions, shopping terms, hotel/taxi/ and airport expressions, and dining phrases.  

 

5 Tips On How to Feel Comfortable, Confident and Carefree Your First Time Overseas

5 Tips On How to Feel Comfortable, Confident and Carefree Your First Time Overseas By Karla Scott, MBA


 Are you intimidated by the notion of traveling overseas on business?
 Do you dream of taking a crash course on how to be effective in your new destination?
 Are you worried you may make mistakes in this unfamiliar culture?

Relax! You are not alone! Here are steps you can take that can help make you feel competent and confident in your first overseas venture.

1. Do your homework
If you choose to do business in another culture, you must accept its protocol, norms, and ways of doing business. Be insatiably curious. Go to your local bookstore and use the internet to research the other culture’s history, geography, key symbols, tourist attractions, national dishes, popular sports, non verbal communication rules, leaders and celebrity culture. Study the local map including the mass transit or metro map and the area surrounding your hotel. You will feel more comfortable exploring and communicating when you have gone the extra mile to learn something about your new culture. The best part is that by taking an interest in the other culture, your actions will convey genuine respect. Your efforts will be appreciated by most (if not all) whom you meet. It will set you apart from many Americans who don’t bother to learn something about the other culture. Remember, people all over the world know U.S. popular culture, government, history and many even speak English. Isn’t it reasonable for us to make the effort to meet them at least half way?

For a crash course in local customs and etiquette, I recommend the easy-to-read Culture Shock series. They are compact guides (250 pages) that provide a comprehensive and accurate portrayal of culture in more than 35 countries, with practical tips on how to be effective there. They are well-researched, authentic, and entertaining. You can order Culture Shock online from all leading book sellers.

2. Learn a few commonly used words and phrases
Rest assured you do not need to enroll in a 3-month immersion class. Most of the world accommodates English speaking guests. In fact, it is the second most spoken language, behind Mandarin, in the world. Your experience can be greatly enhanced by showing basic respect. You can accomplish this by learning some common courtesy expressions such as hello; goodbye; thank you; and please and one of my favorites: “Where are the toilets?” “How much is that ________?” also comes in very handy when bargaining.

You will be amazed by how instantly connected you feel when upon arrival, someone says hello in their language and you can respond in the same language or when they say thank you, you can reply appropriately.

I strongly urge you to refrain from bursting into a conversation leading with English words. Instead (or what is more respectful is to) always first ask “Do you speak English?”

You can listen to a basic language tape daily before you go that provides language basics including numbers, useful questions, shopping terms, hotel/taxi/ and airport expressions, and dining phrases.

3. Prepare for time zone change realities and make travel as easy as possible
Go a day early, if possible, to help your body and mind adjust to time zone differences. Going a day early can also help you to get your bearing on the new destination. Your first day there, don’t go to sleep until 10PM no matter what. That way, you can wake up with the locals and it will help you function effectively, more quickly. While you sleep, always turn the clock around so you won’t see the time that could distract your sleep pattern. It’s best not to know the time while you are attempting to sleep.

Here are a few helpful hints:
□ Sleep on the flight if at all possible.
□ Wear eye shades to notify flight attendants you prefer not to be bothered.
□ Wear a noise reduction headset to tune out noises and engine roars.
□ During the flight, eat light, drink lots of water to stay hydrated, and minimize alcohol consumption.
□ Bring a bean-filled travel pillow (they really do help!).
□ For longer flights (8 hours+), prepare to walk around periodically in order to allow your blood to circulate properly. It is not uncommon for people over 50 to suffer from fatal blood clots during long overseas trips, because the victims failed around during the flight.
□ Pack a couple of bagels or oatmeal bars in your carry on in order to fill in “food gaps”.
□ Pack a toiletry kit so you may freshen up on board prior to landing.
□ Pack one wash cloth for each hotel (wash cloths are not common everywhere).

If possible, strive to negotiate to sit in the business class section where it is quieter. The seats are roomier and they recline substantially. However, if you must fly coach, book early enough to select a comfortable window or aisle seat. You do not want to be trapped in a middle seat in coach for 8-15 hours! Be sure your carry-on bags are wheeled because you will walk long distances inside international airports. Also, they are often long flight delays in some parts of the world. Don't carry on anything you are now willing to cart around for unlimited periods of time.

Finally, wear a round-the-neck pouch that contains your passport, travel itinerary, ID, business credit card, small bills (US and other currency) and a pen. This way you won’t need to go digging thru bags at numerous security checkpoints. Once, I observed a woman miss her connecting flight because she could not produce her travel documents in a timely manner. You will be forever grateful if you wear one of these pouches on a lanyard available at most luggage stores for $20 or less.


4. Upon arrival, sink into the rhythm and flavor of the culture
After you check in, you can choose to either explore the area around your hotel, or to take a taxi to a busy section of town. Here are suggestions on what to do there:
 Sit at a café at a busy intersection and people watch to see the written and unwritten rules (you have already read about), in action.
 Go to a market or grocery store—you can learn a lot about people by watching how they connect with their food.
 Visit a park; sit and watch the show.
 Dine where locals dine; match their behavior.
 If you are daring, take public transportation. Be sure you’ve studied the maps in advance and have exact change or a ticket before you board. Find out from your hotel’s concierge the best mode of returning to your hotel. [Beware of trying this in countries where signage is in a script different from Roman such as Chinese/Japanese characters, Arabic, Persian, Ethiopian, Russian (Cyrillic), India (Brahmi), or Greek.] I have taken public transportation alone in many parts of the world because I learn to recognize the destination words. In Tokyo, I was thankful to be accompanied by a Japanese person during my subway ride: I don’t read Japanese characters! I would probably still be trapped in the Tokyo subway system had I ventured to do this on my own.
 Watch popular television shows in your hotel room while you are getting dressed. This gives you a feel for local values, humor, aesthetics, nonverbal communication rules, and popular marketing campaigns.
 Memorize exchange rate(s). Know basic currency conversions in denominations of 1, 5, 20, 50 etc. For example, prepare to recognize what 20 Euros or 2500 Yen means on the menu.
 Avoid renting a car when traveling abroad alone. The rules of the road are significantly different, and you probably will not be able to read road signs. By American standards, traffic overseas is at best, chaotic.

Always carry a few essential tools while traveling around:
□ something with the name of your hotel written in local script (take hotel pen, matches, or pad) to show taxi driver how to return you to your hotel.
□ a roll of toilet paper—just in case! Often, you will not find toilet paper (especially the soft version we know and love)
□ camera
□ guidebook containing useful words and phrases
□ notepad for journaling

5. Let your host play host--don’t rush into business.
If you are being hosted, let your hosts set the tone and pace. Allow them to welcome you and guide you around. If possible, accept all invitations. Show appreciation and respect for their culture by allowing them to take pride in showing you their world. Keep an open mind. Leave judgmental thinking at home and practice the platinum rule: Do unto others as they would have you do unto them.

Make the unfamiliar familiar by learning about the culture in advance of your trip.
The best part is that by taking an interest in the other culture, your actions will convey genuine respect. Your efforts will be appreciated by most (if not all) whom you meet. It will set you apart from many Americans who don’t bother to learn something about the other culture. Remember, people all over the world know U.S. popular culture, government, history and many even speak English. Isn’t it reasonable for us to make the effort to meet them at least half way?


Helpful Resources

For a crash course in local customs and etiquette, I recommend the easy-to-read Culture Shock series. They are compact guides (250 pages) that provide a comprehensive and accurate portrayal of culture in more than 35 countries, with practical tips on how to be effective there. They are well-researched, authentic, and entertaining. You can order Culture Shock online from all leading book sellers.

Other helpful sources are:
CIA World Factbook Sheets. The US government provides profiles of countries and territories around the world. Information on geography, people, government, transportation, economy, communications, and more. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/

Culture Grams Cultural reports for more than 200 countries each include 25 categories such as land and climate, history, personal appearance, greetings, gestures, family, diet, arts, holidays, economy, education, religion, health, a country map, and events and trends.

Each individual Culture Gram four-page report (there are 201) is available individually for download for $4 per report.
http://www.culturegrams.com/products/individual.htm

Consular Information Sheet The US State Department’s Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management (ACS) administers the Consular Information Program, which informs the public of conditions abroad that may affect their safety and security. Country Specific Information, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings are vital parts of this program. http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html#F
Executive Planet™ provides valuable tips on business etiquette, customs and protocol for doing business in more than 50 countries. http://www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=Main_Page
Lonely Planet Destination Guides. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/

Fearless First Time Overseas

5 Tips On How to Feel Comfortable, Confident and Carefree Overseas
By Karla Scott, MBA


§ Are you intimidated by the notion of traveling overseas on business?
§ Do you dream of taking a crash course on how to be effective in your new destination?
§ Are you worried you may make mistakes in this unfamiliar culture?

Relax! You are not alone! Here are steps you can take that can help make you feel competent and confident in your first overseas venture.

1. Do your homework
If you choose to do business in another culture, you must accept its protocol, norms, and ways of doing business. Be insatiably curious. Go to your local bookstore and use the internet to research the other culture’s history, geography, key symbols, tourist attractions, national dishes, popular sports, non verbal communication rules, leaders and celebrity culture. Study the local map including the mass transit or metro map and the area surrounding your hotel. You will feel more comfortable exploring and communicating when you have gone the extra mile to learn something about your new culture. The best part is that by taking an interest in the other culture, your actions will convey genuine respect. Your efforts will be appreciated by most (if not all) whom you meet. It will set you apart from many Americans who don’t bother to learn something about the other culture. Remember, people all over the world know U.S. popular culture, government, history and many even speak English. Isn’t it reasonable for us to make the effort to meet them at least half way?

For a crash course in local customs and etiquette, I recommend the easy-to-read Culture Shock series. They are compact guides (250 pages) that provide a comprehensive and accurate portrayal of culture in more than 35 countries, with practical tips on how to be effective there. They are well-researched, authentic, and entertaining. You can order Culture Shock online from all leading book sellers.

2. Learn a few commonly used words and phrases
Rest assured you do not need to enroll in a 3-month immersion class. Most of the world accommodates English speaking guests. In fact, it is the second most spoken language, behind Mandarin, in the world. Your experience can be greatly enhanced by showing basic respect. You can accomplish this by learning some common courtesy expressions such as hello; goodbye; thank you; and please and one of my favorites: “Where are the toilets?” “How much is that ________?” also comes in very handy when bargaining.

You will be amazed by how instantly connected you feel when upon arrival, someone says hello in their language and you can respond in the same language or when they say thank you, you can reply appropriately.

I strongly urge you to refrain from bursting into a conversation leading with English words. Instead (or what is more respectful is to) always first ask “Do you speak English?”

You can listen to a basic language tape daily before you go that provides language basics including numbers, useful questions, shopping terms, hotel/taxi/ and airport expressions, and dining phrases.

3. Prepare for time zone change realities and make travel as easy as possible
Go a day early, if possible, to help your body and mind adjust to time zone differences. Going a day early can also help you to get your bearing on the new destination. Your first day there, don’t go to sleep until 10PM no matter what. That way, you can wake up with the locals and it will help you function effectively, more quickly. While you sleep, always turn the clock around so you won’t see the time that could distract your sleep pattern. It’s best not to know the time while you are attempting to sleep.

Here are a few helpful hints:
□ Sleep on the flight if at all possible.
□ Wear eye shades to notify flight attendants you prefer not to be bothered.
□ Wear a noise reduction headset to tune out noises and engine roars.
□ During the flight, eat light, drink lots of water to stay hydrated, and minimize alcohol consumption.
□ Bring a bean-filled travel pillow (they really do help!).
□ For longer flights, prepare to walk around periodically in order to allow your blood to circulate properly. It is not uncommon for people over 50 to suffer from fatal blood clots during long overseas trips, because the victims failed around during the flight.
□ Pack a couple of bagels in your carry on in order to fill in “food gaps”.
□ Pack a toiletry kit so you may freshen up on board prior to landing.
□ Pack one wash cloth for each hotel (wash cloths are not common everywhere).

If possible, strive to negotiate to sit in the business class section where it is quieter. The seats are roomier and they recline substantially. However, if you must fly coach, book early enough to select a comfortable window or aisle seat. You do not want to be trapped in a middle seat in coach for 8-15 hours! Be sure your carry-on bags are wheeled because you will walk long distances inside international airports. Also, they are often long flight delays in some parts of the world. Don't carry on anything you are now willing to cart around for unlimited periods of time.

Finally, wear a round-the-neck pouch that contains your passport, travel itinerary, ID, business credit card, small bills (US and other currency) and a pen. This way you won’t need to go digging thru bags at numerous security checkpoints. Once, I observed a woman miss her connecting flight because she could not produce her travel documents in a timely manner. You will be forever grateful if you wear one of these pouches on a lanyard available at most luggage stores for $20 or less.


4. Upon arrival, sink into the rhythm and flavor of the culture
After you check in, you can choose to either explore the area around your hotel, or to take a taxi to a busy section of town. Here are suggestions on what to do there:
Sit at a café at a busy intersection and people watch to see the written and unwritten rules (you have already read about), in action.
Go to a market or grocery store—you can learn a lot about people by watching how they connect with their food.
Visit a park; sit and watch the show.
Dine where locals dine; match their behavior.
If you are daring, take public transportation. Be sure you’ve studied the maps in advance and have exact change or a ticket before you board. Find out from your hotel’s concierge the best mode of returning to your hotel. [Beware of trying this in countries where signage is in a script different from Roman such as Chinese/Japanese characters, Arabic, Persian, Ethiopian, Russian (Cyrillic), India (Brahmi), or Greek.] I have taken public transportation alone in many parts of the world because I learn to recognize the destination words. In Tokyo, I was thankful to be accompanied by a Japanese person during my subway ride: I don’t read Japanese characters! I would probably still be trapped in the Tokyo subway system had I ventured to do this on my own.
Watch popular television shows in your hotel room while you are getting dressed. This gives you a feel for local values, humor, aesthetics, nonverbal communication rules, and popular marketing campaigns.
Avoid renting a car when traveling abroad alone. The rules of the road are significantly different, and you probably will not be able to read road signs. By American standards, traffic overseas is at best, chaotic.

Always carry a few essential tools while traveling around:
□ something with the name of your hotel written in local script (take hotel pen, matches, or pad) to show taxi driver how to return you to your hotel.
□ a roll of toilet paper—just in case! Often, you will not find toilet paper (especially the soft version we know and love)
□ camera
□ guidebook containing useful words and phrases
□ notepad for journaling

5. Let your host play host don’t rush into business.
If you are being hosted, let your hosts set the tone and pace. Allow them to welcome you and guide you around. If possible, accept all invitations. Show appreciation and respect for their culture by allowing them to take pride in showing you their world. Keep an open mind. Leave judgmental thinking at home and practice the platinum rule: Do unto others as they would have you do unto them.

_______________________________________

Make the unfamiliar familiar by learning about the culture in advance of your trip.
The best part is that by taking an interest in the other culture, your actions will convey genuine respect. Your efforts will be appreciated by most (if not all) whom you meet. It will set you apart from many Americans who don’t bother to learn something about the other culture. Remember, people all over the world know U.S. popular culture, government, history and many even speak English. Isn’t it reasonable for us to make the effort to meet them at least half way?


Helpful Resources

For a crash course in local customs and etiquette, I recommend the easy-to-read Culture Shock series. They are compact guides (250 pages) that provide a comprehensive and accurate portrayal of culture in more than 35 countries, with practical tips on how to be effective there. They are well-researched, authentic, and entertaining. You can order Culture Shock online from all leading book sellers.

Other helpful sources are:

CIA World Factbook Sheets. The US government provides profiles of countries and territories around the world. Information on geography, people, government, transportation, economy, communications, and more. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/

Culture Grams Cultural reports for more than 200 countries each include 25 categories such as land and climate, history, personal appearance, greetings, gestures, family, diet, arts, holidays, economy, education, religion, health, a country map, and events and trends.

Each individual Culture Gram four-page report (there are 201) is available individually for download for $4 per report.
http://www.culturegrams.com/products/individual.htm

Consular Information Sheet The US State Department’s Office of American Citizens Services and Crisis Management (ACS) administers the Consular Information Program, which informs the public of conditions abroad that may affect their safety and security. Country Specific Information, Travel Alerts, and Travel Warnings are vital parts of this program. http://travel.state.gov/travel/cis_pa_tw/cis/cis_1765.html#F

Executive Planet™ provides valuable tips on business etiquette, customs and protocol for doing business in more than 50 countries. http://www.executiveplanet.com/index.php?title=Main_Page

Lonely Planet Destination Guides. http://www.lonelyplanet.com/

A Guide to Culture in the Classroom Questionnaireby Muriel Saville-Troike National Clearinghouse for Bilingual Education, 1978.
You might find this set of questions created by Saville-Troike, helpful in exploring your new culture’s personality. It can be found at: http://www.ncela.gwu.edu/pubs/classics/culture/questions.htm

Know thy host culture is the first step to increases your chances for experiencing a successful and harmonious encounter in your new business venture.

American Profiled in Israel Airport Because of His Name

Here is an interesting article about an Ameican who was profiled in Israel's international airport because of his name. He was forced to dance to prove he was not a terrorist threat--despite the fact that he traveled with his famous professional dance troupe.

American performer: Israeli security made me dance

By JOSEF FEDERMAN, Associated Press WriterTue Sep 9, 3:28 PM ET

A performer with the famed Alvin Ailey dance troupe on Tuesday said he was twice forced to perform steps for Israeli airport security officers to prove his identity before he was permitted to enter the country.

Abdur-Rahim Jackson, an eight-year veteran of the dance ensemble, said he was singled out by Israel's renowned airport security because he has a Muslim name. He called the experience embarrassing and said at one point, one of the officers even suggested he change his name.

"To be greeted like this because of my name, it took me back a little bit," said Jackson, who is black.

Israel is the first stop on a six-nation tour celebrating the New York-based dance company's 50th anniversary. Earlier this year, Congress passed a resolution calling the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater a "vital American cultural ambassador to the world."
Jackson said he was pulled aside from other members of the troupe when they arrived at Israel's international airport on Sunday night. He said he was taken to a holding room, where he was asked about the origins of his name. When he explained he was part of the dance group, he was asked to perform.

"I stood up. I asked what type of dance?" he explained. "He said, "Just do anything.' I just moved around."

Minutes later, he said a female officer put him through a similar interrogation and asked him to dance again.

"The only time I'm really expected to dance is when I'm performing," he said.
Jackson said he received his name because his father was a convert to Islam. Jackson said he was not raised a Muslim, does not consider himself religious and is engaged to a Jewish woman in the troupe who has relatives in Israel.

Jackson said he did not plan to press the matter further, saying the numerous apologies he has received from American dignitaries and his Israeli hosts is "enough for me." The Israel Ports Authority said it had no comment because it did not receive a formal complaint.
The incident was reported in Israel's largest newspaper and on an Israeli television news and interview program. "The security guards should be sent home or (the airport) will become a mental asylum," said Motti Kirshenbaum, a veteran commentator and host of the Channel 10 TV program.

Israel is constantly on the alert for attack because of the Israel-Palestinian conflict and extremist Islamic rejection of the Jewish state's existence. Security is strict at all entry points and inside the country.

Israel is famous for the effectiveness of its airport security. But a key element in its security checks is ethnic profiling. The practice has been criticized by Israeli human rights campaigners as racist because it singles out Arabs for tougher treatment.

Such profiling is illegal in the United States, but Jackson said that the only place he has had the similarly humiliating experience of being forced to dance in the past was at a U.S. airport when he returned from a vacation in the Dominican Republic. He did not say when or where that took place.

Jackson said that since the Israeli airport incident, the reception in Israel has been "amazing."
"We're only here to bring positive light to our lives and the people here," he said, calling the group's multicultural appeal "an amazing bind you can't touch, you can only experience."

Sikh Temple in Delhi

On a cloudy Sunday, I have watched several episodes of Andrew Zimmerman Bizarre Foods. Andrew is a chef and writer who travels the world sampling foods indigenous to different cultures. He exposes us to varied ingredients, preparations, dining customs and foods we'd (sometimes) never think of consuming. Today, I have watched him explore cities I know such as Hani and Delhi and countries I have yet to explore such as Malaysia (Durian fruit) and Iceland (putrified shark).

He visited the famous Sikh Temple in Delhi to show us the large communal kitchen staffed by volunteers, that feeds 4000 people, twice a day. Importantly, everyone is welcome to dine inside this Sikh temple.

Here is my journal entry from a visit to that temple in Delhi in September 2007.

Our first stop was to a Sikh temple. Before entering the temple, we were required to remove both shoes and socks and to cover our heads. They gave us all orange bandannas to cover our heads.

As usual, we encountered a beautiful mosaic of colorful people at this phenomenal temple. We were there on Sunday, one of the most popular days for a visit, and it is also a popular family gathering. People from all faiths are welcome to enter the Sikh temple and worship the Sikh Holy Scripture. Every person, irrespective of caste, creed, gender, culture or nationality is welcome here. Sikhism is also known for its community kitchen. It is designed to provide food to all devotees, pilgrims, and visitors and is a symbol of equality, fraternity, and brotherhood. People of all walks of life share the same food sitting together in one row. The community kitchen is staffed entirely by volunteers, who prepare and serve the food. It was so beautiful to witness this bustling activity.

So what is Sikhism?

It is a branch of Hinduism, and one of the world's newer religions. that was founded in 1469 in northern India. It is strictly monotheistic believing in one supreme God. The religion consists of practical living, in rendering service to humanity and engendering tolerance and brotherly love toward all. They believe in are earning an honest living in leading a normal life Sikhism does not accept the idea of pessimism. It advocates optimism and hope.

The five symbols of Sikhism are as follows:

1. uncut hair and an untrimmed beard hair covered by a turban

2.a sword

3. a comb,

4. a steel bracelet

5. and undergarment.
All Sikhs (men) can be identified by these five symbols with them at all times.

The temple was spectacular, with gold domes and a large iridescent blue wading pool surrounded by worshipers.

Again, we formed a prayer circle and Father Leo led us in prayer, amidst a river of onlookers. It was a beautiful experience.

Spanish Team Boldly Offends China

Spanish basketball team poses for offensive picture

By Chris Chase

Spain's Olympic basketball team posed for an advertisement prior to the Games which appears to show all its players slanting their eyes, a move that could offend its Olympic hosts in Beijing. The ads, for a Spanish courier company, appeared in the Spanish-language newspaper La Marca.

As the uproar over the picture has grown today, more information about the advertising shot has come to light. The ad was sponsored by a Spanish courier company, Seur. Spain's team, ironically, also is sponsored by Li-Ning Footwear, a Chinese company founded by Li Ning, the final torchbearer who was hoisted along the top of Beijing National Stadium during the Olympic Opening Ceremony finale.
The Spanish-language paper El Mundo has a piece debating whether the ad was racist that basically calls out the British press for trying to smear Spain's good name. But they miss the point. Whether the picture was made in good fun is irrelevant. It was a ridiculous idea that was bound to upset a lot of people.
It's baffling that nobody involved in the picture -- from the photographers to the players -- even seemed to consider that this ad would be looked at negatively. Did it not occur to somebody that it might not be a good idea to mock a large portion of the continent before the world's largest athletic competition that, by the way, happens to take place on that continent. Were they not aware of an invention called "the Internet" that allows pictures taken in Spain to be transmitted all over the world for the eyes of everyone?
And now that the inevitable controversy has hit, they're still defending themselves when a simple, "the ad was in poor taste, we apologize" would have sufficed. This story would be slowing down if the Spanish Basketball team had apologized immediately. Now it's just picking up steam.
The Organization of Chinese-Americans has released multiple statements condemning the picture. George Wu, deputy director of the group, said, "it is unfortunate that this type of imagery would rear its head during something that is supposed to be a time of world unity." Response in Beijing has been muted so far.
Madrid is thought to be one of the frontrunners to land the 2016 Summer Games (the site will be announced next year). Could this controversy hurt Spain's chances of landing another Olympics?
Interestingly, the Spanish basketball team took on China tonight, winning 85-75 in overtime. No word on whether Pau Gasol was on the receiving end of any elbows from Yao Ming. The Chinese crowd did have a message for the Spaniards though, booing vigorously during the game.

China Letter #2

E-mail Letter #2 from Fall 2006


-----Original Message-----
From: kjscott@bellsouth.net [mailto:kjscott@bellsouth.net]
Sent: Monday, October 23, 2006 8:09 PM
To: kjscott@bellsouth.net
Subject: China-Beijing Letter #2

Hello Friends

My first day in China exceeded my expectations!

My flight to Beijing was smooth and I was seated next to a young Chinese man who works for the UN in NYC. We discussed life in China and the US. Upon arrival, I joined the rest of the group from Let’s Travel China (the tour company). Ethel, 75 year old great grandmother from Maine, a young Orlando couple on their honeymoon, Steve from Washington, and Marshall and Nancy with their ten year old grandson, Steele.

We will meet two others today.

Yesterday, we began our exploration of Beijing: toured Tiananmen square, the world largest public square where on Oct 1 1949, one million Chinese gathered holding their red books praising Mao Tse-dung; the massive Forbidden City, home to emperors from 1451-1926, that was closed to the public for 500 years. It is an impressive structure boasting 9999 rooms. Nine is the imperial number that means everlasting. Everything is yellow and red there. The royal colors. After lunch, we visited the majestic Temple of Heaven complex. There we visited temples and observed Chinese dancing, singing, playing games, and practicing Tai Chi. In all, we walked 5-6 hours yesterday.

Our brand new, modern five-star hotel is a great comfort at the end of a long day of active learning.

Today, we will visit the Great Wall, Ming Tombs, and see a performance of the Peking Opera and feast on Peking Duck.

There are 12 million on bicycles, 80% of the men smoke, and they don’t bow or remove shoes here.

Thanks for letting me share!

Love,

Karla

PS please forgive the typos.

Diplomacy During the 2008 Olympics

Despite the deep-seated historical tension between China and Japan, reporters remark often about how gracious and hospitable the Chinese are toward a nation that brutalized them during WWII. A Japanese man just won the gold in a swimming competition and received the honor and deference he earned as an athlete. It is beautiful thing to watch.

China Letter #1

E-mail Letter #1 from Fall 2006

-----Original Message-----From: Karla [mailto:kjscott@bellsouth.net] Sent: Saturday, October 21, 2006 6:30 AMTo: KJScott@BellSouth.netSubject: China Letter #1-en route to JFK

Hello Friends Saturday, October 21, 2006

This is my first in a series of e-mails I will be sending from China. I will take you with me on my journey.

I will go to China for two weeks, beginning with a direct flight from JFK to Beijing on Saturday, October 21(I am now en route to JFK). I will visit Beijing, Xian, Chengdu, Suzhou, Shanghai, and take a Yangtze River Cruise. Some trip highlights are a visit to the Great Wall, a Beijing (Peking) duck feast, and a visit with the giant pandas at the Panda Research Center. I will stay in four-star and five-star hotels, so I will likely have Internet access in the hotels’ business centers-- just as I did in Vietnam and Thailand last fall.

I am so looking forward to visiting this fascinating culture, where 1/5 of the world lives; were the highest level of foreign investment is made; where manufacturing of everything from clothing, to consumer electronics, to pharmaceuticals, to furniture, to cars, to factory machinery, to jumbo jets, to designer knockoffs, dominates; and were the first Beijing Olympics will be hosted in 2008.

My greatest challenge has been to pack one piece of luggage. I succeeded! I also have one wheeled carry-on bag, with toiletries neatly packed in a quart-sized Ziploc bag. I traveled to Charlotte for work early this week and found they are serious about the one quart Ziploc bag.

If ever I need anything while there, I know I can find it, because practically everything is made in China, n’est-ce pas!

You'll hear from me next from The Middle Kingdom. We will be 13 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time. When I arrive in Beijing at 6:00 p.m., it will be 5:00 a.m. East Coast time. The weather forecasts 60’s and sunny.

Warmly,

Karla Scott
SpeakerTrainerConsultant
globalwaysUSA.com

Lessons From the Olympics Opening Ceremony

Lessons from 2008 Olympics Opening Ceremony

When I traveled to China two years ago, I got a glimpse of the unique new national stadium, which was already known as the “birds nest”. I had no idea that just months later, one of the most fantastic spectacles in the history of the world would take place there. During the opening ceremony of the 2008 Olympics, China shouted to the world that it is a formidable world power boldly to be reckoned with.

The ceremony began at 8 p.m. on the eighth day of the eighth month of 2008 - auspicious in a country where eight is the luckiest number.

China

Inside the arena, housing an audience of 91,000 attendees, 11,000 athletes, and heads of state from 204 nations, China took center stage on the world stage displaying its artistic, architectural, engineering, and human capital prowess. Before our very eyes, we watched 2,008 (yes 2008 was woven throughout) drummers beat out a pulsating rhythm with their hands and thousands of thai chi masters moving intricately as one. Later, a huge, translucent globe emerged from the stadium floor, and acrobats floated magically around it to the accompaniment of the games' theme song, "One World, One Dream." A tribute to China's invention of movable type morphed into a vast sea of undulating cubic shapes, simulating a giant computer keyboard—and had me spellbound!

It ended sensationally, when China's first Olympic superstar, former triple gymnastics gold medalist Li Ning, was hoisted by wires to the top of the stadium, circled the circumference as though he were spacewalking and then touched the torch to a thin pipe, setting off a spiral of flame to ignite the mammoth, scroll-shaped cauldron overlooking Beijing. What was most impressive was the precision with which thousands of performers perfectly delivered synchronized movements without missing a beat to the live audience and more than 4 billion TV viewers worldwide.

This year, the traditional parade of nations had a twist. The nations marched not in the traditional alphabetical order but in a sequence based on the number of strokes it takes to write their names in Chinese. The exceptions were Greece, birthplace of the Olympics, which was given its traditional place at the start, and the Chinese team, which lined up last. The climax of the parade was the entry of the 639-strong Chinese team. Its flag-bearer was basketball idol Yao Ming, accompanied by 9-year-old schoolboy Lin Hao, a survivor of May's devastating earthquake in Sichuan province. A chanting, flag-waving crowd gave a thunderous welcome, and erupted again a few moments later when President Hu Jintao declared the games open.

The World

The headlines of many articles about the Olympics claim the Olympics is always about politics. I say the Olympics tell the story about the state of the world. As the Olympic parade unfolded, I was transfixed as I watched the procession of athletes from 204 countries. All here for this event that represents the pinnacle of their career.

Some of my observations follow:

--Although North Korea and South Korea marched as a united front during the last two Olympics Parades, this year they did not march together; they were separated by several countries Although the two countries held meetings to discuss the possibility of sending a united team to the 2008 Olympics, the proposal failed, due to disagreements between the two NOCs on the proportion of athletes from the two countries within the team.

--Taiwan marched as China Taipei. They marched right behind China.

--Israel received lots of cheers. Palestine received lots of cheers.

--The group from Afghanistan was all male. There are reports that the only female athlete on their team is missing in action. She disappeared while the athletes were training in Scandinavia. She received numerous death threats for having the audacity to compete. It is believed that she defected.

--More (and some new) countries marched for the first time: Serbia, Montenegro, Tuvalu (a Polynesian island nation located in the Pacific Ocean midway between Hawaii and Australia), Kosovo, and The Marshall Islands.

--On July 24, 2008, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) banned Iraq from competing in the 2008 Olympic Summer Games due to "political interference by the government in sports." On July 29, the IOC reversed its decision and decided to allow the nation to compete after a pledge by Iraq to ensure "the independence of its national Olympics panel" by instituting fair elections before the end of November. Until then, Iraq's Olympic Organisation will be run by "an interim committee proposed by its national sports federations and approved by the IOC."

--Brunei was disqualified because they failed to register either of their athletes

--Paraguay is the only country that has two different sides to its national flag

--Racial inequality against people of color is alive and well. Although more than half of Brazil is Black (half the slave trade went to Brazil) and it has world's second-largest Black population, behind Nigeria's, the large Brazilian contingency looked White. It always amazes me that often when Brazil showcases their people in the media, it is usually the White citizens that are featured. Brazil’s initiatives to make progress in realizing racial equality is slow and anemic. I also noticed there was a large block of Cubans. The entire front line, forming a semi-circle around the athletes, were older (50s and 60s), white males. They seemed to be hiding the fact that most of their Olympic athletes are Black while (scholars report that) 60-70% of Cubans are Black or mixed with Black (1/2 Black).

--Some nations actively recruit professional athletes to become citizens in their countries so they can win medals. For them. Bahrain, for example, pays athletes handsomely to move there and represent them.

Despite the fact that it was extremely hot and humid inside the stadium, the athletes and hosts kept moving, and they sported heavy, multi-layered traditional attire/costumes.

As I watched the 2008 Olympics opening ceremony, I was proud of China and proud to be a citizen of the world. I kept thinking of the event slogan: One world, one dream,

I realize I don't think I will make a good sports fan, because I will be rooting for everyone!