I’m sure Americans for African Adoptions, Inc. is a perfectly well-intentioned organization. But their “20 ‘tips’ if you do decide to travel to a Third world country” are laughably paranoid.
A few of my faves:
1. Do not travel on dirt roads in a country that has ever had skirmishes or wars, regardless of how long ago. Mines can be activated years after being put in place. Mines are not in paved roads.
Um. Okay…
3. When the Middle East is heating up stay away from known Muslim areas, including shopping areas. If you don’t know were they are, find out! You are probably Christian or Jewish, or perceived to be – you will not be welcome.
???
4. Be alert for soldiers with AK-47’s. If the AK is on their back you can relax. If the AK is in the soldier’s hands be alert. If the clip has been inserted quietly in the weapon move away; always staying alert.
!!!!
10. Do not advertize that you are an American. That means do NOT flash money, do not advertise your loyalty to America, do not wear flag pins, flag sweaters, red, white & blue scarves, etc. Not everyone in the world likes Americans. Yes, we are proud to be an American but not everyone views us as a friend, to some people American is the enemy.
???
14. At ALL airports mentally count your luggage and count again and count again. Count your bags while you are gathering everything together at the airport. Count them when someone is helping you. Count them, as they are loaded in a taxi. Count them when someone is helping to unload the taxi and count your bags again when they are carried to your room.
Wow.
(Link via TMN.)
2 replies on “Tips for Traveling in the Third World”
Heh. Good one, Mike.
Newley: I gather if you follow rule #14 to the letter while traveling in Translavania, it’s apt to cause a deep sinister laugh, lightening, and a loud clap of thunder. “One, one suitcase, HA HA HA. Two, two suitcases, HA, HA, HA…”