Cant agree more. I have had similar experiences and I think it definitely is one of the most effective ways to break artificial boundaries. Will share just one - My first visit out of India was in 1999 and it was to China. Since, I was part of a government delegation, we were escorted throughout by 2 locals who also served as translators. One of them was very reserved initially. After a few days we sat together on a bus journey from Beijing to Nanjing, started talking about families and then a magic word came up "Mother-in-law". There was no stopping her.
There is so much to experience & learn from Travel that cant be better described than what you'd written. My first three trips abroad were to Japan in my early twenties, all on work for trainings. I actually learnt a lot on adhering to manners & discipline there at all times, while here it was only when necessary or demanded. I also dropped my annoying habit of talking in between while others were speaking, contrary to butting in louder to be heard here. On a visit to an elderly Japanese colleague's home, they requested me & my friend to cook Indian curry. We were startled as they were eager, but completely unprepared. We managed Roasted Pappad (Lijjat) & brew Tea from the Darjeeling Orange Pekoe leaves that we had brought for them from India.
Cant agree more. I have had similar experiences and I think it definitely is one of the most effective ways to break artificial boundaries. Will share just one - My first visit out of India was in 1999 and it was to China. Since, I was part of a government delegation, we were escorted throughout by 2 locals who also served as translators. One of them was very reserved initially. After a few days we sat together on a bus journey from Beijing to Nanjing, started talking about families and then a magic word came up "Mother-in-law". There was no stopping her.
Love this anecdote!
There is so much to experience & learn from Travel that cant be better described than what you'd written. My first three trips abroad were to Japan in my early twenties, all on work for trainings. I actually learnt a lot on adhering to manners & discipline there at all times, while here it was only when necessary or demanded. I also dropped my annoying habit of talking in between while others were speaking, contrary to butting in louder to be heard here. On a visit to an elderly Japanese colleague's home, they requested me & my friend to cook Indian curry. We were startled as they were eager, but completely unprepared. We managed Roasted Pappad (Lijjat) & brew Tea from the Darjeeling Orange Pekoe leaves that we had brought for them from India.