I have been fortunate enough to travel around the world. I have been to Peru, Ecuador, Galapagos, Spain, Italy, France, Germany, Croatia, Switzerland, South Africa, Egypt, Morocco, Greece, Costa Rica, and Canada to name a few. I love being able to travel to different countries and experience different cultures. I think it is important to be exposed to people and places that are different from what you know.

That being said, being a tourist can sometimes be superficial. At each and every one of the places listed above, I was simply a tourist. My presence was always known. The inhabitants of these foreign lands always referred to my family as the “Americans.” It never mattered that we now reside in London- we were still Americans.

I moved to London six years ago, and it was from this experience that I truly learned what it means to be American and how that is different from being British- or any other ethnicity. I have learned that every place comes with its own customs and practices and its own identity. In London for example, I started going to tea and taking the tube, walking to Regents Park and eating mash and peas at the pub. I have learned that sometimes wanting to observe something new and different can be considered rude and uncomfortable. In London, people do wear fancy hats, and just because that’s different does not mean I get to gawk and stare. I have learned that taking pictures for your scrapbook is not always appreciated by those you are photographing: do not take pictures with the Queen’s guards- they are on duty and that is disrespectful. Through the years my family has learned how to live in London and not just be a “tourist.”   Sometimes I even get stopped for directions! Even so, my mom still wants to take pictures of Buckingham Palace. Why? Because my family is still American, even if we do live in London.

And so, as Americans, I think it is important to travel and learn about new cultures, but it is equally important to remain respectful. So instead of trying to sneakily take the picture of the women weaving in Peru when told not to, try to just appreciate the experience. Try to remember where you are and that you are a guest in the foreign place. Try not to be that “obnoxious American.” In the end, the experience will become more meaningful and less superficial.