How to Make Friends in Foreign Places

Me in B's Barca jersey after the 2011 UEFA Cup win

Step 1: Identify the popular local sports team.
Step 2: Purchase a jersey from said local sports team.
Step 3: Wear new jersey around town.

B is a huge soccer fan, so the one thing he wanted to do during our trip to Spain was get an authentic Barcelona jersey. He wasn't ever planning on wearing it while we were there, but the night he did, he made plenty of new Spanish friends.

Our very last night in Barcelona was also the night of the UEFA Cup championship game. As you may or may not know, soccer (football) is probably the most popular sport in Europe, but especially in Spain. That year (2011) Barcelona was playing Manchester United for the Cup.

Appropriately, B wore his new jersey to watch the game.

The reaction in the bar after a Barca goal.

Before the game even started and we were just walking around town, B got a couple cheers and cat calls. And he fit right in with all the other Barca fans as we watched the bar from the finest Irish Pub in town (they were offering a free glass of champagne for every Barca goal and spoke English, don't judge).

But after the game...boy you would not believe how popular B was! As we made the long walk back to our hotel, dozens of people called out to him from their mopeds and cars. They couldn't have been yelling at everyone wearing a jersey, because EVERYONE was wearing a jersey. Maybe it was because he is so tall that he stood out. Or maybe they just knew he was American and wanted to let him know that they appreciated the support.

Who knows! But he was the most popular American in Barcelona that night.

Since that trip, B has worn the jersey plenty of times. And even when hes just traveling here in the States, he makes new friends (although, he did almost get in a fight with a Man U fan in New Orleans because of the jersey).


So there you have it. Three easy steps to make some new friends when traveling abroad.

Linking up for Google Friend Conect, Just Beacause Tuesday, Bloglovin Linkup, and Travel Tuesdays,

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Honeymoon Plan D

This weekend, B and I had a very serious talk. There was some bickering. Some name calling. A few F-bombs exchanged.

What were we discussing?

Where to go on our honeymoon.

Basically, B wants to go everywhere. South Africa, Brazil, France, Italy, Turkey, Greece, Argentina, Hawaii, Bora Bora, Aruba, the Caribbean.

Normally, he is the rational one in the relationship so I get to be the frivolous one. But now I am forced to be the rational one, which does not suit me well.

We are getting married in October and taking our honeymoon over Thanksgiving week because I don't have a ton of vacation time like he does. But taking a honeymoon so late in the year means that our options are limited. And needless to say, funds are limited as well. So basically we need to find some place we both want to go to, we can afford to go to, doesn't take forever to travel to, and where the weather will be decent.

Do you know how many places that eliminates? A LOT!

We have narrowed it down to 3 options. We are going to keep an eye out for deals and if plan A doesn't work out, then we will fall back on B, and so on. Here are our options:

Plan A: Argentina

Los Andes, Mendoza, Argentina

Neither B and I have been to South America, so that is a huge plus. Our time frame actually works in our favor for Argentina because it will be their Spring, almost Summer. Also, if we can find a great deal on airfare, then the trip could be very reasonable. Argentina offers a lot of great travel options like beaches and wineries, plus we could explore their cultural and historical sites.

Plan B: Tuscany

Tuscany, Italy

The weather may not be balmy and it may not be a great place to just sit on the beach and relax, but we could probably find a pretty good deal on airfare if we keep an eye out. I have been to Rome and surrounding areas a couple times, but would love to go back. It is a huge con for B though. He would rather go somewhere I haven't been. But I think B would love to explore the area and all the history that comes with it, and honestly I would love to see it through his eyes.

Plan C: Hawaii

Maui, Hawaii

A lot of pros for honeymooning in Hawaii. Same currency, cell phone service works, great weather, relaxing beaches, affordable airfare. The list goes on. B has family friends that own a condo out there, so we could even try to get them to gift that to us for our wedding, which would cut back on some major costs. But both B and I have been there before and I think we would would like to see some place new.

I guess we really can't go wrong with any of those. Plan D, if all else fails, is to just go to the beaches of South Carolina or Florida and live it up BIG.

Did you have this kind of trouble picking out a vacation spot?

Linking up with Travel Tuesdays, Google Friend Conect, Just Beacause Tuesday

My Tips for Traveling Abroad

A friend of mine is taking her first European vacation this summer and had recently asked me for some advice on what to expect, what to pack, what to wear, etc.

The Sagrada Familia - Barcelona,Spain

I have been lucky enough to have done quite a bit of traveling in my lifetime, so, while I am no expert, I definitely thought she could benefit from some of my experiences. 

Here were some of my tips:

1. Learn the language.

No, you will probably not be able to become fluent in French before your trip to Paris, but I guarantee that the locals will at least appreciate the effort if you give their language a shot. Learn some key words and phrases, like "Hello", "Goodbye", "Thank you", "Excuse me", "Where is this?" (use when you need to point something out on a map), "How much does this cost?", you get the idea. In some big cities, a lot of people will speak English so you will be able to communicate, but at least try it in their language first. They will realize your French is terrible and save you the embarrassment and speak in English.

Eifle Tower - Paris, France

2. Limit what you keep in your pockets or purse.

I bet your hotel will have a safe in it, so that is a pretty safe place to keep your passport and other important items, including extra cash, credit cards, memory cards, etc. Pick-pocketing is prevalent in any big city (foreign or otherwise) so be mindful of what you keep on you at all times. You do not need your passport just walking around the city, but you will definitely need it when you want to go home, so don't chance it by carrying it around with you. Basically all I carried around with me was a map, camera, and cash. I did not use credit cards at all (depending on what credit card you use, you will probably have certain fees), but I did use my bank card to withdraw money from an affiliated bank.

Buckingham Palace - London, England

3. Bring a watch.

Unless you want to pay extra for foreign roaming service, you probably won't be using your cell phone. And since most people use their cell phone to tell time, bring a watch. Enough said. 

Monserrat - Barcelona, Spain

4. Understand and embrace the culture.

Most of my traveling abroad has been in big groups, and inevitably there are people in those groups who compare everything to how it is done in the States. Guess what. You are in a foreign country, things will not be familiar or "normal" to you. And that is what this adventure is all about! So if you go to Spain and order a tortilla, don't get all huffy and puffy when they bring you what looks like an omelet. Tortillas are not the same in Spain as they are in Mexico, and thus the U.S. Also, things like service in a restaurant, hours of business, or social interaction between the sexes or classes will probably be different than what you are used to. But that is okay. Embrace the culture that you are in. Try new things. And don't complain (especially aloud around locals) about "We would never do this/eat this/see this/etc in the U.S"

Neuschwanstein Castle - Bavaria, Germany

4. Use public transportation

Public transportation is the cheapest and easiest way to get around a new city, so don't be afraid of it. Yes, you will probably have to be extra cautious about where you put your wallet (answer, not in your back pocket). Definitely study a map of where the stops are before you even step foot in the subway station or on the bus. Pulling out a map or loudly discussing how lost your are is like standing under a bright blinking sign that screams "TOURIST". Figure out where you want to go, which line you need to take, and which stop to get off. If you do happen to get lost, ask a nice looking local for help. I guarantee they will be willing to help you. Just remember rule #1.

Gelato - Florence, Italy

5. Don't eat at McDonalds

This isn't really a rule, but I am pleading with you...DON'T EAT AT MCDONALDS! Or any American fast food chain, for that matter. Why would you travel thousands of miles to eat the same food you eat in the U.S.? It doesn't make sense. And I bet the food in the country where you are visiting is wonderful. Even if you "don't like Italian food". What you really don't like is the Americanized version of Italian food. So when you are in Italy, try their food. I bet you will like it. Because it can be overwhelming to figure out where to eat, do your research before you go. Pick out a few restaurants in the city that you want to try before you even leave the States. But also keep an open mind to suggestions from the locals. They really know whats up.

I think those are enough tips for now. I am sure I will have more later.

What are your tips for traveling abroad?

Linking up with Travel Tuesday and Just Because Tuesday