Since I just got back from Morocco, which is a pretty exotic, but some may call it a third world country, I would like to express some of my thoughts on Americans traveling abroad and their attitude on world traveling.

I see people booking travels that are popular with Americans such as Hawaii, various Mexican resorts like Cancun, the Caribbean, various European capitals such as London and Paris. But that is the extent of their travel experience. Some people are afraid to go out of these zones because it is unfamiliar to them. It is fine to go to non-English speaking countries and less developed countries. Traveling is not about comfort. It is about learning and experiencing.

The following are some of the beef I have with some American travelers.

Oh, this place is dirty.

Chien says: Most places other than Japan and Western Europe is going to be dirtier than the U.S. because they have lots of people and no resources. So get over it. If those people can live like that and survive, I am sure you will be all right since you are there for only few days.

They don’t have sit down toilets.

Chien says: So what? Learn to squat down and do it the third world way. It is actually cleaner because you are not touching any part of the toilet.

Eating inside Western hotels and ordering Western food.

Chien says: Food is such an important part of traveling so why would you try to eat the same type of food you are eating at home. You should be trying out the local food and maybe you can know more than just burgers, fries and steaks.

Staying at Western brand hotels

Chien says: Why would you over pay for a cookie cutter hotel with no soul just so you can get hotel points or be familiar with the check in process. You should try to stay at small family owned inns and talk to the owners about the place you are visiting.

Being impatient with the servers at the restaurant.

Chien says: Except in Asia, everywhere else is slower service than in the U.S. You just have to slow down and realize you are not in America any more.

Being preoccupied about finding alcohol in Islamic countries.

Chien says: A great number of Americans are addicted to alcohol in my opinion. They get so uncomfortable in Islamic countries where alcohol is not readily available. I actually think it’s better not to drink. You will be sober and remember more of your trip. Traveling is not about drinking in bars and laying out on the beach. It should be more of a cultural experience.

I can’t find any Starbucks. I am dying for a cup of Starbucks.

Chien says: That’s great. I hate seeing Starbucks and McDonalds’ signs in other countries. Is that the best we have to offer the world? No wonder people think Americans don’t have any culture.

I am tired of hearing some people saying they are so excited that a P.F. Chang’s China Bistro is opening in their neighborhood. Despite it’s name, P.F. Chang’s is not Chinese food. It is American food. I could not find anything that P.F. Chang’s serves in China except for the rice. Even the rice was too dry and hard for people who know what’s up with Chinese food. Plus their entrees are about twice the cost compare to some of the best real Chinese food places in L.A. Some people say they like the ambience at P.F. Chang’s. Oh you mean the same ambience as The Cheese Cake Factory, Chilies, Macaroni Grill, El Toritos and Apple Bee’s? These look alike manufactured ambience with no soul?

Now I am not singling out P.F. Chang’s. All these corporate owned “Mexican” restaurants where the food is not spicy and the salsa has no punch is a big joke. What I am really mad about is some of these people keep trying to dumb down America. Americans as a whole are very unsophisticated about food. The last thing we need is restaurateurs trying to pass fake food for the real thing.

Stop trying to please people who can’t handle the real thing. Those people can go eat your all American hot dogs and cheeseburger with super size fries and a jumbo size soda just like the way they depicted in Carl’s Jr. commercials.

We have so many great food from around the world. It’s time that we start learning to appreciate some of these food so next time you travel outside of the U.S. you will not appear so uncultured.

My blog is up. I will have interesting write ups on events and people here. I will also talk about trends in business networking. I will keep you in the loop. Go to www.chiensworld.com to learn more.

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