Opposition or Adaptation?

Anonymous During our pre-trip meetings, one question that most everyone in our class had was regarding social customs and behavior that we should be aware of. While we are visiting a foreign country, how should we behave to blend in and adapt? Weather from travel books, brochures, friends or the internet, travelers get this type of advice all the time. But, while we may try our best to adapt, we will never blend in as locals. There is a bigger picture that must be answered here. Even if by changing our mannerisms and behavior we could blend in, should we disregard our culture and predispositions (the things that help define us) merely because we are in a new place? At least for me, part of the attraction of foreign travel stems from the opportunity for self evaluation and change. However, this should not be an abandonment of identity.

During travel across boarders, those that adapt the best to the new society the best are most likely able to cope with whatever challenges accompany the travel. One of the problems of adapting too much while traveling is that, while it may make things easier, many of us are not content with mere ease and survival. However, this adherence to our own identity should not jepordize the opportunity for any valuable experience. Thus, a balance must be met between adaption and individual identity.

Komboloi (there is a ` over the third o but I just don't know how to do that on this Blogger, just so it's right) are Greek worry beads that are similar to prayr bead in Catholic and Turkish traditions but are not associated with any religious significance. They are much more for relaxation or boredom (stress management if you want to word it that way). Many men here use them and I find the process and gentle noise enjoyable. My brother brought me back a set from his semester in Athens. Normally you can see me playing with keys or pencil/pen in my hand so using the Komboloi was a quick pick up. A couple days ago, I bought a set here (for some reason I didn't bring my amber/onyx set on this trip). This custom is not so much something that I see myself adopting for my life as something that i