Experiential Blog #7

As we wrap our final days abroad I have taken a notice to the different attitudes/characteristic behaviors of many of the people across Europe. First thing I notice was how polite people are in England. On the way back from Manchester, this one gentlemen looked up the train we needed to get back to Grantham then proceeded to stand with my friends and I until we physically got on the train. If it was someone for the US I could never image someone, sacrificing their time, waiting for a complete stranger and making sure they get on the correct train. Another think I notice is how on time people across the world are on time. The tubes in almost all the cities are very accurate in the approach time. While the public transportation in Columbus and Cincinnati are almost never on time. It might have to do with the lack of punctuality we as Americans have as a whole. We could joke that its always nice to be punctual, but over here its implied. Before this trip I didn't know what to except, I was going to try my best not to stand out as a person from the States but to my surprise I stick out like a sore thumb everyday of the week. I came on this trip with an open mind and I feel like I am leaving with a better understanding of the different atmosphere of different countries. In London and Vienna it would be better to be more quiet during the day and night but while in Prague you can be as loud as you want. Another thing I learned would to make sure I speak a little bit of the language or at least a few phrases so I don't always have to play charades with the non-English speaking locals. The main thing I learned is to always be respectful of culture the city I travel to and always be mindful of my surroundings.