Adventures of Americans Abroad

We Visited Several Countries Last Month. What Did We Find?

Our First International Trip During This Administration

And so our latest international adventure we mentioned a few weeks ago has concluded. Six countries (Canada, Denmark, Sweden, Norway, Scotland, and Iceland) over a couple of weeks, and I promised to share with you what it was like being an American abroad these days, and to let you know how a few travel technology items worked out.

Facing The Politics

As noted earlier, we were a bit apprehensive about travelling just now – likely not the best time to be an American travelling almost anywhere. But we wanted to engage where we good and see how things played out. As you can imagine, it can be a bit of a stretch to engage others on political and social issues in what is often a tourism setting, but we wanted to give it a try.

I have to say that pretty much uniformly, people we could engage were more than sympathetic with what Americans are dealing with just now. We especially sought out Canadians, as many were on the same cruise as were we. Pretty much universally people communicated that they did not blame Americans or America generally for the Trump regime, that they were sympathetic to us, and wished us well in dealing with it all.

A number of foreigners certainly were concerned about economic, security, and social issues stirred up by Trump and company; many seemed somewhere between disgusted and bemused by what it happening (like many US citizens)  but most seemed to think the rest of the world would get by all this one way or the other. Bottom line: People were more gracious than one might have expected.

A bit funny – Canadians indicated that they had experienced similar conversations with Americans everywhere they met them, seeking to assure our Canadian friends that we valued them as friends and neighbors. They often said to us they did not think all this was “our fault.” We thanked them but let them know we think it is our responsibility and many, many of us are working to make it right.

Other Observations

It really was striking to spend time in other developed countries and see how their different choices have worked out so well in their societies. Everywhere we went, people were proud of their very well-developed alternative energy policies and actual results. The idea that global warming is fake or that continuing to burn carbon was universally viewed as stupid.

Similarly, pretty well everyone seemed content to pay more taxes to ensure all their citizens had medical care, did not risk bankruptcy to pay medical bills, where not bossed around by insurance companies, and were assured education up to college/trade school.

They saw this as wise social investments, not as bills to pay. In short, they seem to have generally decided that taking care of each other in so many ways made for a better country for everyone.

We reminded ourselves that Americans actually pay more per capita in medical costs than any of these people do, with poorer results. So much of our money goes to insurance companies, not medical care, and people here mount up huge debts to go to college. Basically no other developed country looks at medical care or education (or gun control, and more) as we still due. Me thinks we are slow learners.

This is not to say that everything was just great in these countries. Everyone seemed worried about high cost housing, challenges for young people to get a start, worries in rural areas about all the youth leaving, and not everyone loves everything about their own governments. But on balance, they  seemed happier, more confident in the future and each other, and more settled into a sense of national community than are Americans today.

Travel Technology

We downloaded an app to help manage jet lag but actually found the problem did not occur on this trip, so cannot say if such apps help or not. But they seem a useful idea for those who really suffer from jet lag.

We also bought a pair of simultaneous translation ear buds. The first pair we bought had a contract we did not like about using our information, but the second set seemed fine. We did not use them much, as English remains the world’s second language, but where we did use them, they worked pretty well. Helps to have a link by phone data or Wi-Fi to use such items. The pair we had are not quite 100% smooth and easy to use, but pretty darn close. Likely a good thing to have on such trips.

We also had a couple of apps that let you hold your camera up to a sign or billboard and it instantly translates them, also allowing one to photograph the sign in either English or the native language. Pretty neat stuff. This really helped break into the local culture in a useful way.

Our ship utilized Starlink satellite Wi-Fi. Hated doing business with Elon Musk but had to admit the system is pretty darn good. By far the best communications links we have ever had on ships, including making Wi-Fi phone calls that were just like calls from home.

The Importance of Travel 

This trip reminded us of a few values that international travel grants to those who venture abroad. One, spending time away from home for an extended period allows one to clear your thinking a bit. A different setting is useful in that way. Two, Americans tend to live in isolation, our country being so large and with few direct neighbors. It is really, really valuable to spend some time and make some engagements to see how others think and analyze.

One unfortunate observation is that international airport travel is a zoo these days, both here and abroad. Coming home, it was amazing to see how long security, customs, and immigration checks take. Add a couple of hours to what you thought would be enough time.

On the plus side, we were struck by how courteous, patient, and helpful a whole range of travel industry employees were in dealing with delays, weather, grumpy travelers, et all. We always made it a point to thank them for what they were doing and how they interfaced with us all. They seemed shocked to receive complements.

Now to start planning the next big trip….

Bill Clontz – At Loch Ness (still looking for Nessie)

 

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