Another interesting difference from my German experience is an outwardly focus on the positive. In Germany there is an unofficial saying "Keine Kritik ist Lob genug." ("No criticism is enough praise.").
Another thing that I noticed with some, was the need to save face. Even though a lot of my colleagues seemed very confident, brave and open at first glance, I slowly began to register that it was oftentimes outward pretense.
With some colleagues, I learned that they wanted (or needed) instructions to a level of detail that surprised me.
Another thing that startled me was the perceived difference in attitude towards work. I had heard about the New York hustle and "Live to Work" mentality and was excepting to find colleagues who were driven and passionate about their job.
I also found it very unusual, that people would not make eye contact or greet one another walking by or when they ran into each other in the kitchen.
Having lived in what feels the capital of the world for about 1 year and 4 months now, it feels right to look back and record some of my experiences (especially in this turbulent year 2020). Let me start with the (for me) biggest change: Working in New York City.
I manage to incorporate that mentality into my life on a lot of occasions. This happy-go-lucky attitude takes a lot of pressure out of life and travel for me and gives me confidence that everything will turn out alright someway. So, fake it 'til you make it!
It was such a simple thing to say, but he said it with such confidence and certainty, that it filled me with a sense of calm and awe at the same time. And it has stuck with me ever since.
My dad ingrained in me that there are a couple of bare essentials: Passport, banking card and (nowadays) your smartphone. If need be, you can figure out anything else along the way.
Whenever you plan a trip, one question might pop up sooner or later: Who (if anyone) do I take with me?
Whether at home or while abroad, we have all run into tourists that stuck out like a soar thumb and made us cringe at their behavior or inappropriate attire. Here are a couple of thoughts on how to be a good traveler (and not an obnoxious tourist).
Wandering Explorer Travel 