No Grabbing Things With Your Feet

                  While I was in Hat Yai, Thailand, me and my husband Harry Styles  visited the HatYai Ice Dome. It was really cold, like Antarctica a and my hands were growing numb. When I was walking over to the ice slide, I dropped my colorful mittens on the floor. I was really lazy to pick them so I tried picking them up with my feet. The locals gasped at me and looked at me shamefully as if I had done something wrong. Then I remembered that in Thailand, you weren't supposed to grab things with your feet since they thought it was the less sacred body part. After I realized my mistake, I smiled and bowed slightly and ran out of there as fast as I could with my husband Harry. It was a embarrassing day that I will never forget!

MALAYSIA

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 6, 2012

In the city standing next to the Patronas twin towers, I looked up and saw the gleaming sparkles of beautiful glass construction combined to make some of the most articulate buildings I have ever seen. Looking up at the big giant sky that looked as if it could swallow me whole in one bite, I told myself that this is the closest thing to heaven on earth that we have to admire. Feeling the need to go into the city of Kuala Lumpur for lunch before it got to late, I did something that I regret. As I went into the city, a line of cars that looked like dominos stacked next to each other began to flud the streets. I then knew that I was not going to make it for lunch time. As the traffic began to flow through freely like a stream, I grabbed dinner on the way back to the place I was staying at for the night. After having the vietnamese food for dinner, the taste could not leave my tongue and it was like a long lasting peace of a good experience in Malaysia. The next morning when I woke up before it was time to catch my plane back to San Diego, CA, Knew i had one last thing to do to complete this wonderful trip. I decided that I needed a souvenir. On my way to the airport, I stopped at the Petronas twin towers and went down to the lobby. When I got there I saw the perfect thing that struck a sparkle in my eye. A minature version of the towers that had a shiny brand new plack on it that said Malaysia. After all, ever want to go to Malaysia Kuala Lumpur is a great destination to explore the beauty of what Malaysia has to offer. Otherwise you can waste time thinking of low level things to do in Malaysia.

I Swear I'm Not Disrespectful!

At a friend's house in the Philippines, I stood there knocking on the wooden door that stood there before me. It was the first time visiting someone from the Philippines and I was excited because I've heard that they loved guests. I started to hear the quick shuffling of footsteps as they approached the front door to let me in. As soon as they opened the door, we immediately exchanged bright smiles and friendly handshakes. As I stepped into their fresh smelling house, the expressions on their once happy faces changed to angry glares at me. I was baffled as I tried ignoring them and looking off behind them at old furniture. I could smell the cooking of rice and other delicious foods that seemed to be coming from the kitchen down the hallway. I began hearing them speaking in Tagalog rapidly and discreetly while flashing dirty looks at me. I looked down awkwardly to find shoes lined up besides the door. That's when it hit me. I quickly apologized several times and took off my shoes and lined them up against the others. I felt completely horrible and as if I was completely disrespecful. After the incident, they were very forgiving and they acted as if it never happened. Thank God! I still got to indulge in the amazing food that they set out for us. I was entirely full afterwards! Next time I go to someone's home in the Philippines, I will make sure to be respectful and take off my dirty shoes before I go in!

NO PICTURES FOR CAMBODIAN TEMPLE

  When I arrived to Cambodia for a vacation I wanted to go to worship temple but I wasn't sure or which one though. when I got to my hotel I pulled out my lap top and Googled the best temple in Phmon Penh. The best temple I found was the  chong-srok temple when i read the review it said that it is the best temple to see but when i kept on reading it said NO PICTURES TO BE TAKEN.when i went to the temple I  bought my ticket and brought my camera to take pictures of the temple. but as stupid as i was i took pictures like it said not too on the sign. i took pictures of the most exotic temple ever. the temple is filled with the secret rich monks and in stoned people in walls and a shrine to praise in. when i took pictures untill the camera was full and cant take anymore i went back to the hotel and downloaded them into my laptop and about to put them in my blog, but right thwn and there i heard a knock at the front door and there stood the cambodian police i didnt know why they were there. until they took my camera and and arrested me then they told me that i cant take pictures of the temple because it is against the law.

The Stupid Thing I Did While Visiting Hong Kong

The Stupid Thing I Did While Visiting Hong Kong 

While Visiting Hong Kong I was exploring the beauty of the amazing peak, located on the tallest island in all of Hong Kong! While peering out of the tall telescopes at the beautiful scenery, I attempted to make conversation with a local. So I said ,"Nei ho ma?" or how are you in chinese. They replied very well and smiled kindly. The women very nicely complimented me on my chinese and how well my accent was for the short time I had been speaking the difficult language. Well this was a horrible thing because the next stupid thing I did was accept the compliment. She looked at me full of shame. She stopped talking immiedately and all I could hear was the music from the nearby concert and other tourists with their large families snap shoting themselves next to beautiful landscapes. I could tell through her disappointed expression that I had made a mistake and was ashamed. People around also heard me and wouldn't look my direction. I feel that i should have learned more about the amazing culture before making this foolish mistake. 

Beijing's Bad Luck Fruit

It was a clear and beautiful day when I was on my trip in the wonderful but smoggy city of Beijing, China. I remember I was taking Forbidden City Tour with my friend Abigail, with our tour guide, Chi-khan. She was slim and tiny but so friendly. I felt a giant when I stand next to her. The Forbidden City is a magnificent place, located at the middle of this busy city. The streets were filled with this large Chinese humanity. After the tour, Chi-khan invited Abigail and me to go to her diminutive household. It was cocktail hour, Abigail and I were ready to go to Chi-khan's House. Suddenly, I remembered from no where, we had to give Chi-khan a gift, for letting us go to her house. That is a rule for visiting Chinese homes. I remember reading it from a website when I learned the Chinese culture. Abigail reminded me that Chinese like fruits or books. So, we rushed into the nearest store and bought a humongous basket filled with fruit and tea. But, I didn't remembered one thing... Pears supposedly bring bad luck to Chinese's homes. When we arrive at Chi-khan's, she welcomed us like home. She had made the special and extravagant plate, Roast Duck, the specialty of Beijing. She friendly accept the gift, and Abigail and I passed thru the kitchen when suddenly we heard a loud scream. I came shuffling into the living room, when I saw all the fruit smashed into the ground. Chi-khan was turning red as a tomato. No, more like blasting fire. She was a furious cat, really frustrated, and she looked mean at me. And then, she started to speak grossly in Chinese.  I felt embarrassed as I touch all the crumbled products on the disgustingly floor. Chi-khan's father, told me to not worry. It was just a bad luck thing that Chinese believe.  Later that afternoon, Chi-khan was a little more composed and we had dinner. I taste the extraordinary and unique dish. It was the best dish I ever ate in my life, but I still can smell the sense of fruit. Chi-khan explained to us that bringing pears to a Chinese home was disrespectful and unlucky. But she understand because we are Americans. Abigail told me that this Chinese rule was so different and weird, we aren't likely to happen this to us, because our culture accepts any kind of gifts at any time.

No Hugs in Taiwan

I arrived in Taiwan on a beautiful summer day and was ready to tour the gorgeous country, finally under my feet.  Although I was advised by my spectacular tour guide to rest that day, and the adventure would begin on the day to follow.  The next morning I woke up bright and early and got ready for my first day out on the town with my husband.  We made our way down stairs and maneuvered through the bustling crowds in the small lobby.  We were specifically told to meet our tour guide for the day directly out front of our hotel at 8 AM sharp, and we were right on time. As I passed the tall brass doors leading to the front of the hotel I spotted her just behind the large potted plant on the wide sidewalk. She held a large white sign with our last name on it, in English, of course. The next move I made was a bad one as it set the tone for the rest of the day and but a damper on my whole trip.  I saw this petite adorable lady, walked briskly up to her, and introduced myself as any other girl would do I leaned in for a hug, and that is when the catastrophe began.  Just as I did she screamed, hollered, and cried for help.  In seconds I was surrounded by security guards who were all ready to take me down in just an instant.  I backed off and turn red as a tomato with embarrassment.  Even after reading all the Taiwan etiquette books nothing prepared me to leave my old traditions behind me and never hug a person at first meeting.  After all in America hugging is considered a generous, loving, and kind way to show your affection but not in Taiwan!  Don't make the same mistake as me and feel like the idiot who hugs strangers in the hugging forbidden country!

my trip to bangkok

Do not pass anything with your left hand, and never point with one finger. hi my name is jose guerra i recently went to Bangkok i visited the wat pho temple. when i went to the temple the candles essence was like a pine tree back home. there was so many locals at the temple including tourists like me. the temple floors were clean as a crystal clear vision tv that you could see another world looking back at you. i accidently gave a local a bottle of water with my left hand and i pointed with one finger at the magnificent architecture of the buddha statue. i felt so embarrassed thinking i'm such an idiot. the local surprisingly did not get mad at me nor did he get disappointed at me. he politely thanked me like a king, i felt so shocked with his reaction that i felt more relaxed. i kept on thinking i broke one of their etiquette rules,why didn't i get a different reaction from the local. then it came to me like a lightning bolt he only acted polite because i didn't know any better. our manners are very similar in San diego and Bangkok i was only a mexican in a alien planet not knowing better. afterwards i felt like i was suffocating in space thinking about my guilt. the next time you go to Bangkok please kindly do not pass anything with your left hand,or point with one finger. if you wanted someone to know exactly what you were looking at you would point with one finger like a little child getting to excited you would do that here in San diego but never in Bangkok.   

American Etiquette, Dubai Disrespect

Dubai is a country at the forefront of advanced architecture and technology, but still manages to show hints of thousand year old Muslim lifestyle is important to the day to day proceedings of it's people. I, as a lucky visitor to this diverse nation, got to experience the dominate skyline, astounding architecture, and geographic alterations first hand. But to truly experience the full, rich culture of Dubai, I had to go past the obvious beauty of the city that glistened like a gem, and experience the culture contained within. To do this, I took a tour of the grand Jumeirah Mosque, the only mosque non-Muslims are allowed to visit. And it was at this time it happened. My wonderful trip shattered, like glass hitting the floor. As an American, I attempted to greet our female guide with a friendly gesture, the way I was accustomed to. As I extended my hand to her, I watched her face change, it was as if she had bitten into a sour apple. Startled, I froze, then retracted my hand, but the damage had already been done, for now the attention of the entire mosque was upon me. The glares towards me ranged from disgust, to anger, to sympathy. Not only did I feel deep sorrow for my mistake, but I disrespected their cultural code in the pinnacle of their religion. In my eyes I was trying to extend a friendly gesture, in theirs I was committing a act of sheer disrespect. And so, I retired to my luxurious hotel, as not to create further distress with my American etiquette, or as it was seen, Dubai disrespect.

Shaking Hands in Singapore

On my vacation to Singapore, when i was at the beautiful Gardens By The Bay. I met a man and we were talking about the beautiful rare plants. He was telling me really cool information like there they have more than a quarter of a million plants there, and that you can see an amazing peaceful view of the Marina Bay. Then i had to go back to the hotel because it was getting late and i said goodbye and shook his hand because it was my last day there and my flight was the next day. when i was shaking his hand i was trying to look him in the eye but he was looking down. So i was thinking what was he doing? Then he looked up and saw me looking at him and not down. But he didn't get mad at me because i think he knew i was a tourist visiting there, and i didn't know better. Then he told me that "next time i come to Singapore, look at the floor because it is disrespectful if you try to look them in the eye Know i know that next time im in Singapore to not look in someone in the eye and basically bow my head at the ground.

While  in  Hong  Kong , for  the  first  time  I  decided  to  try  out  this  new  restaurant  I  heard  all  about called  Amber. As  I  entered  the  amazing  restaurant  that  was  hanging  with  crystal  chandlers  dangling from  the  ceiling , we  started  with  our  courses  one  being  the  magnificent  salad  that  was  delivered to  our  table  served  with  fresh  bright  starerry's, big  juicy  blue  berry's  and  a  mouth  tingling  dressing. Just  as  we  were  getting our  second  course  I  looked  into  the  servers  forest  green  eyes  to  order  my  food  and  he  nearly  dropped  his  platter.After  we  made  eye  contact  he looked  away  with  in  less than  5 seconds. I  kept  on  wondering  what  I  done  wrong  to  cause  a  reaction  that  big. I  finally  realized what  it was  I  had  looked  him  in  the eye at a dinner function. In  the  Chinese  culture  at  a   family  function  you  are  not  supposed  to  look  at  the  person  in   the  eye  only  under  eye  level. My  face  slowly  but  surely  started  to  become  red  as a  tomato. Just  as  the  waiter  got  silent , so  did  the  rest  of  the  restaurant. I  felt  the  ice  cold  air  fly  through  the  air. The  vibe  I  had  gotten  was  as  blank  as  the  night  sky  with  no  stars. Next  time  I  go  to  Hong   Kong  I  will  make  sure  i  never  look  someone  directly  in  the  eye  at  a  family  function.

Bow Don't Shake at the Shanghai Museum

Waking up at the hotel, I was really looking forward to my day at the Shanghai Museum.  I had booked a guide to pick me up and as I ate my typical, Chinese breakfast of steamy, sticky rice and fish and fragrant, green tea I wondered what my guide would be like.  I hoped he wouldn't be some boring, old guy with just a lot of dull museum facts, but someone my age that I could have a good laugh with.  I need not have worried, the smiling, young dude who picked me up on his little scooter and and whisked me off to the museum could not have been nicer.  When we got to the large, round museum that looks like an old, Chinese cooking pot, we saw dozens of tourists and their guides parking their scooters or jumping out of taxis for an informative day of sightseeing.  As we went through the doors we passed giant, stone lions with expressions so fierce I almost expected them to reach out and tear me to pieces!  Inside the main lobby I saw open floors with signs pointing to many hallways going this way and that like "Ceramics," "Paintings," and "Sculptures" with that echoey sound that you only hear in massive buildings.  My guide and I had a great day!  His English was really good and he pointed out cool facts like how China was the first country to invent ice-cream and that's why there are so many ice-cream shops in China.  We had such a good day and I was still chattering away as weaved in and out of rush hour traffic on his speedy scooter.                  
My guide pulled in front of my hotel and here is where I made my fatal mistake.  Instead of bowing down and thanking my host for the wonderful day, I excitedly thrust out my hand.  He looked at me like I was offering him a dead fish or something and the look of disgust on his face was like he was smelling a three week old dead fish!  Lucky for me the Chinese are so polite that my guide quickly composted himself, bowed deeply, turned and walked away.  I felt like I just wrecked our whole day!

Bali Humiliation

On my third day in Bali, Indonesia, I found myself in a very..uncomfortable situation. We had gone to visit the Tanah lot temple, found on a beautiful beach, although crowded luxurious and calming. My sister and I decided we should do something prior to the rip-roaring spectacular night show we had heard so much about. But, we had a little of a mishap.. As we walked along the white soft sand listening to the crashing waves. I sat down and crossed my legs at my ankle, just as i usually did in the comfort of my own home. But, everybody seemed to give me this look of.. embarrassment? Astonishment? At the moment i was unsure but I quickly realized as to what it was I called our friend, Valerie who had come along with us. She gave me this look of mortification, not for herself but for me, she quickly grabbed my arm. She quickly explained that the look they had given me was embarrassment towards me, suddenly a sickness rolled through my body in utter humiliation. In Bali it is rude to cross your legs at the ankle, yet it is okay in order to cross them at the knee. Also, you should not wave at someone but, call them over with your thumb. I will never! commit the same error again and I will make sure to remind anyone else who may go in order to avoid my same mistake.

My exciting trip to South Korea (:

At the Demilitarized zone DMZ in South Korea, I was taking a tour on this campus. When I arrived there was a lady guard. So when I seen her I put my hand up to her asking for a handshake like any normal person would do in America. In South Korea it is disrespectful for a women to shake hands with a man. All the other guards looked at me like I said something about there mother. Thats how mad and dissapointed they were because I tried to shake a womens hand. I could tell by there tone of voice that they were saying insulting things about me in there language. I should have waved to the lady instead. I felt angry that all the other guards got mad at me because they act like I was suppose to know there special ways of greeting each other. This all happened in the front gates of the DMZ. The DMZ is the border between South and North Korea. I heard the guards boots and the rocks on the ground rubbing together every time one of the guards took a step. I smelt the scent of the pine trees on the side of the DMZ. I fell the rocks on the ground poking the bottom of my new creative recreations. I tasted the smell of the pine trees. I could smell the anger the guards had toward me for trying to shake a womens hand. I felt the blood shot eyes of the guards staring at me.

Welcome to our travel blog page!

Pompeii, Italy (Photo courtesy of Mrs. Rand)

Humanities students may post their travel blog assignments to this webpage for credit rather than printing it on paper.  

Students may post by logging-in as Mrs. Rand, using the login information provided in class.  Click on "New Post" to begin and be sure to include your name with your post!

Blogging etiquette requires you to follow all school rules regarding technology.  Since I am sharing a login ID, please respect the other posts and do not tamper with them or the site. Thank you.

FYI- On a blog, the most recent post is listed at the top, so this post will move down the page and into the archives as new posts are published.

Travel Blog Assignment

Assignment:
You are a travel writer blogging for nationalgeographic.com.  Imagine you are on the trip you planned to your Asia country and you come in contact with a specific rule of etiquette.  Make up a scenario that involves this rule of etiquette and explain how you or the people around you responded to it.

You must do the following:

1. Describe the rule very clearly and explain how you or other foreigners on your trip responded  (appropriately, inappropriately, embarrassingly, funnily, whatever…). 
2. Write in the first person, and use past tense.  You may use contractions
3. Describe the landscape or building where the scenario takes place.  Use show-not-telling writing (appeal to one or more of the five senses…remember how the writer of the article we read appealed to the sense of hearing?).  Use your notes from Geography.
4. Pay attention to the connotation of the words you choose. 
5. Make an observation about how this rule of etiquette is different or similar to a tradition or rule of etiquette in our culture.
6. This is not a short story.  It is merely an observation that includes description.  It should sound like the one we modeled in class.
7. Honors:  you must use two similes.  College prep, you may use similes if you like, but it is not a requirement.
8. College Prep must write 150-200.  Honors must write 250-300 words.