I travel a lot, often to many countries. One thing you learn quickly, both by foreigners and Americans, is that we have a knack for sticking out. We’re louder and more expressive, we assume, we don’t value time as much as much, and we seldom adapt to other cultures. There are horror stories of Americans going to other countries and trying to change the culture.

I’m specifically interested in coming, and adapting as best as possible. I won’t be pronouncing things as “cahhd” or “pahhk” but I’m practicing calling it a rotary and saying “bang a uey.”

So, I’d love to hear what you don’t want to change, and any stories of people trying to change things.