What do you do to blend in?

elAdi - I think that sounds about right. But just to throw a monkey wrench into this ... I have to mention a friend of – middle aged, American, loud, abrasive. He wears short sorts with mid-calf white socks, tucked in t-shirts, and tennis shoes, broad-brimmed straw hats. Occasionally goes around in one of those triangular SEA-style rice-picker hats. He’ll also smear sun screen on his face without rubbing it in, leaving white milky streaks. He’d stand out in a crowd at home.

At the same time, he’s a great bargainer, great conversationalist, and a great traveler. Some of my craziest cross-cultural moments have come while traveling with him. He just knows how to get into “situations.” Everywhere I’ve been with him, people love him because he’s so weird. They let down their guard and open up.

If you can pull that off, go for it. I can’t, so I try to be a bit more low-key.

Who knew jv and Joe Ehrlich were so close?


Joe's not around Joe's not around

I can understand wanting to blend in, when I go for walks in the village I'm usually followed by children shouting Mzungu! Which can be annoying especially if I'm in a bad mood. But there is no possible way a white girl like me is going to blend into a small village in Uganda. Just gotta deal with it.

quote:

Who knew jv and Joe Ehrlich were so close?

Actually, I was talking about skobb.

One of things you can do is avoid wearing t-shirts and baseball hats with places and teams on. Also looking like a sqeeky clean backpacker complete with white socks, mid-boots and Jansport daypack will immediately single you out.

In Europe going to a local bar is a good way to meet locals and blend in. In Asia you can ride the bus.

Once you are in a place you will get an idea of the local style, both for dress and conduct.