We had differing opinions as to what this month's Traveling Brown Girls Blog Carnival topic was about. So we are approaching this two ways. Rhonda will identify 5 ways to immerse yourself in your own community. Sharee will identify 5 ways to immerse yourself in another country as a local.
Rhonda
1) Attend an international festival in your community. The 18th Annual Columbia International Festival will be held April 13 & 14, 2013.
2) Take a foreign language at the local community college. Spanish and French are commonly offered.
3) Enjoy the night life at a local dance club that plays variety of music. The Salsa Cabana in Columbia, SC is open on Fridays and Saturdays with a DJ that mixes salsa, merengue, bachata, and reggaeton.
4) Identify restaurants that have authentic international food. In Columbia, SC, the most authentic Italian restaurant is Villa Tronco.
5) Take an international foods cooking class. The McCutchin House on the campus of the University of SC offers various international cuisine cooking classes for the general public.
Sharee
1) Learn the essential language used by the locals. "Hello", "Good-bye", "Excuse me", "Thank You", "Please", "Where is bathroom?", "How much does this costs?", and "Do you speak English?" are common phrases to learn. You can purchase a beginner's guide at your local AAA.
2) Take the public transportation.
3) Eat where the locals frequent. Often these restaurants will not have an English menu if in non-English speaking country.
4) Make friends with a local.
5) Stay in an apartment and not a hotel. VRBO is an excellent resource.
Just because we're twins, doesn't mean we always think alike!! So how would you interpret the title of this topic?
Funny, in other countries I have no qualms about public transportation. Here, I hate it. Guess I need to get over that.
ReplyDeleteI can't say I hate the public transportation here, but it's not prevalent to use when you have a car. It's more commonly used by persons with no transportation, and the city often wants to cut funding. Sad, bc those people that really need it to get to work. But if they can market to more than locals and appeal to tourists, that'll be ideal.
DeletePublic transportation can be an adventure depending on where you are, but still such a great option for connecting with locals. Great tips!
ReplyDeleteI've never tried public transportation in my area, but will consider it if they go to the outskirts of the city. It moves within the center where it's more expensive to live, and people are moving further and further away or inexpensive housing and more space.
DeleteHa! I enjoyed responses to both interpretations. I need to increase the amount of time I spend out enjoying the wonderful diversity of activities in Washington, DC. I haven't taken advantage of all the city has to offer! Also, I want to take a foreign language and practice the basic language of a place I visit. I plan to try it in the future. At the least, I'll make a local laugh. LOL!
ReplyDeleteI have not been to our city's International Festival since 2003 or 2004. Sad I know. I only went b/c one of my Spanish tutors had a booth. I did go to a Christian Christmas social today for staff and students. One student I met wants to learn Italian, German, and French. He never thought about going to School in a foreign country just to learn the language. He wants to learn before going. I told him I didn't know Italian when I went to Italy and I don't know Mandarin for when I go to China in couple weeks. I'll be getting a Mandarin CD today from a friend..A crash course in a two week period of time..LOL!
DeleteThanks for enjoying the readings of both interpretations.
Rhonda W.
Yes, I'm sure we had plenty of locals laughing when we were in Italy a few weeks ago. Especially when I whipped out my handy guide book of common phrases and words in Italian.
DeleteSharee
Stephanie aka Shelby here....Totally agree with the learning key phrases in the language...such as "I forgot something" or my personal favorite...I have a disease...lol.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks for the VRBO tip. Will definitely check it out.
LOL! Hi Stephanie. Prego (Your welcome).. Yesterday I learned about this site as well (Go with OH for apartment renting in Europe) http://www.gowithoh.com/
DeleteRhonda W
I'm all about festivals and events back home and on the road. I've met so many people and learned so much that way. Great tips!
ReplyDeleteThanks! Though I admit, I was more into my local festival when I first moved here. Now that I've been here more than a decade, I enjoy visiting festivals on the road!!
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