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Best foreign experiences that I could have just done at home…but why?

So I know going abroad is about new discoveries and maximizing your experiences. So why do abroad what you can easily do at home?

Actually I’ve got no good answer for you.

Now that we’ve gotten that out of the way, let’s begin, shall we?

Visiting a McDonalds

There is just nothing that signals comfort, reliability, and home like the expectation of a clean bathroom in the middle of China. And any McDonalds worldwide gives that to you.

Bliss.

Plus I find any foreign McDonalds kicks the butt over any local one over here. Honeydew milkshakes in HK?! What the?? Why isn’t that offered here?!!!!!

Buying a Cosmo

Ok so I admit I occasionally buy Cosmo magazine. I read it for the articles!

Seriously though, back to the comfort idea. It’s nice when abroad to see some English. It really is. Even better when it’s total drivel and chalk full of the latest drama that you never would have given a hoot about back home anyway.

Going to the grocery store

Those who know me well know that I’m fixated with food. Somewhere along the way it probably occupies 80% of my subconscious mind and 99% of the conscious one. So there’s nothing like going to a new country and bee-lining for their grocery store. I love looking to see the local interpretations of “western” food. I love looking at cool new packaging and wondering what’s inside. I LOVE buying foreign candy. Omg.

Taking a taxi

So usually when I’m taking a taxi at home, it’s not a good thing. I’ve lost my ride, the car’s been stolen, I’m late and I’ve got to get somewhere. Stat.

It’s just not been the same experience abroad. Some of the most entertaining conversations I’ve had, and the best insight I’ve witnessed of a city have been by driving around (stuck in traffic or no), listening to the cabbie talk about whatever he (usually he) feels like. Wow the stories that you get if you ever get a driver in Vegas. Your ears will blush.

Going for a walk

Since I moved from Montreal to Mountain View, I’ve sadly done very little walking. Almost anything involves hopping into a car. But the vast majority of travel spots abroad don’t end up with you + rental car. So what do you do? You walk!

There’s something pretty nice, relaxing, and eye opening about strolling down some random street, taking in the noise and activity at YOUR pace.

Word of advice: don’t be like me. DON’T break in a new pair of shoes on your first walk abroad. You might want to build street cred and all, but pick something a little less painful than blisters and a bloody foot. No magic wand makes it go away, and you know what? That sucks.

Getting lost

Usually, if you’re on home turf and you get lost, you’re pissed off. It means you’ll probably run late for something. Whatever the case, it’s annoying.

Abroad — make it an adventure! Think about it. You’re paying to be where you are. Would you rather know you paid to be pissed, or for the random discoveries that happen when you find yourself stumbling around in a new country in some obscure corner peering at signs written in some unrecognizable language?

C’mon.

You know you want to love it. All of it. =)