Burmese Curry / photo by jackol

Photo: David Hagerman

Does eating a searing red curry with a piece of buttery naan make you feel like a different person from one who normally eats, say, a baguette of Serrano ham and heirloom tomatoes?

Does eating pickled vegetables on a daily basis start to get to you, make you feel a little differently about life after awhile?

Does standing in the narrow corridor of a Japanese yakitori bar, smelling grilled chicken and onion, watching smoke billow around a bandannaed man flipping the skewers, temporarily give you a new identity?

Like traveling, food can pull the rug – subtly or blatantly – out from under a given identity.

The transformative effects of food might not be as immediately obvious as those of a new cultural environment, but they’re just as significant.

Which is why I bring you my top five Asian food blogs.

Why Asia? Because the continent is fortunate to have some extremely talented and experienced cooks and writers dedicating their lives to exploring its cuisine.

These bloggers will help you navigate the overwhelming realm of Asian food. They’ll flesh out the context for you and guide you through the culinary metamorphasis that takes place in travel.

And they’ll make you so. freaking. hungry.

1. Yasuko San’s Home Cooking

Photo: I Love Egg

Poco is a Japanese woman blogging about her mother’s cooking. The aim of her site is to preserve knowledge of and respect for traditional Japanese cooking. She quotes her grandfather :

“You eat local cuisine and you’ll not get sick.”

The site is a food diary of what her mother cooks every day—literally, almost every day—as well as an extensive catalogue of Japanese ingredients and recipes. This is one of the best resources I’ve found on Japanese food and cooking.

I think Poco sums it up simply and sweetly in an essay entitled The Natural Style:

I never forget that our body is made up of foods.

2. Appetite For China

I cannot tell you how many times in Beijing I’d spend the morning devouring Appetite For China and the afternoon scouring the city for roujiamo (a kebab-like sandwich of pulled pork) or the perfect dan dan mian(spicy Sichuan noodles).

Diana Kuan grew up partly in Puerto Rico, where her family operated a Latin-Chinese “fusion” restaurant (before fusion became the most overhyped food concept of the century) and partly in suburban Boston, where the family ran a “Polynesian-style take-out and Cantonese bakery.”

Combine that family background with French culinary training, a stint as a pastry chef, years spent as a food writer covering everything from chocolate to Ethiopian food, and a move to Beijing, and you have one helluva perspective on food.

Appetite For China runs the spectrum from the traditional (mapo tofu) to the innovative (absinthe cranberry frappe).

And you can’t beat Diana’s 100 Chinese Foods To Try Before You Die if you’re moving or traveling to China.

3. Eating Asia

Photo: David Hagerman

Writer Robyn Eckhardt and photographer David Hagerman have been living in Asia for over thirteen years, and are currently based in Kuala Lumpur.

Their blog is equal parts travel, people, and food, and can’t be missed if you’re traveling to Malaysia.

The photos and the stories behind them invoke fields, valleys, smoky alleyways and street-side noodle stands where you’ve never been but can somehow feel and taste.

The writing is suburb and direct – as much about recipes as it is about local ingredients, people, and stories.

Even though I’ll be leaving Japan soon and don’t have another Asia trip planned, I visit this blog because I want to be there in the dumpling steam, sitting at a tiny plastic table beside a ramshackle stand, with the taste of scallions and meat and sharp vinegar in my mouth at 7 a.m.

4. Rambling Spoon

Karen Coates is the Asia correspondent for “Gourmet” and author of “Cambodia Now: Life in the Wake of War,” among other books. She and her husband have spent more than a decade living in, traveling through, and writing about Asia.

Rambling Spoon is as much about Asian politics, history, nature, and social life as it is about food. Coates writes:

Food is life (and death). It is history and politics and science and nature. It is everything, and it is not a subject to be taken lightly. After all, food is everything we are.

Photo: Jerry Redfern

I would argue, food is also essential to traveling, and it is part of the transformation that takes place in traveling.

What we put in our bodies links us to people and landscape.

And those links are evident in the stories, recipes and photos that come together on Rambling Spoon.

5. Sticky Rice

The bio on this site leaves an air of mystery about the authors:

“Eating, drinking, sitting, watching -these are the things we love about Hanoi. On this site we will attempt to eat our way through Vietnam’s northern capital and pass on the results.”

Despite the dearth of personal info, the writing has a distinct voice. It manages to be snarky, insightful, slightly pretentious and down home all at once.

It makes for great reading and stokes a desire to go to Vietnam that I didn’t know I had.

Photo: avlxyz

For anyone traveling to Hanoi, and Vietnam in general, this is the one blog that should not be missed, and for those of you for whom food blogs are porn, Sticky Rice is particularly drool-worthy.

Sticky Rice teleports you to the green banana stand, to the cluttered café, to the pho joint that haunts your dreams.

Again, these five blogs are the ones I find exceptional in the way they capture places through food. There are, of course, many more great Asian food blogs.

Consider food blogs as travel guides that give you another angle through which to experience culture. With these blogs as your guide, you can learn how to literally swallow up and digest a place.

Community Connection

For more about the connection between food and place, check out this author’s article about Tasting Place, or peruse Essential Cookbooks for the Culinary Traveler. You also might want to know how to eat a new language before you embark on your culinary adventure.

For up-to-date Southeast Asian restaurant reviews and trip planning information, check out TravelFish.

Photo by Alicepopkorn Feature photo by Turkairo

The crusading journalist Nicholas Kristof has long been an advocate of educational travel programs for high-school and college students. In 2006 he called for universities to offer college credit for gap year programs and independent travel.

Visionary, right? But the proposal went nowhere.

His latest column starts out on familiar ground, with Kristof criticizing American universities for their narrow approach to the study of pressing global issues:

One of the great failures of American universities is that they are far too parochial, rarely exposing students to worlds beyond our borders.

But then he gets to the sticking point….

FEAR FEAR FEAR

According to Kristof, a big part of why American students hesitate to travel is fear for their safety, so he wraps his argument for educational travel in 15 rather ridiculous travel safety tips.

Tip # 14. If terrorists finger you, break out singing “O Canada”!

Seriously?

Well, maybe if you’re a habitual visitor to Sudan, Iraq, North Korea and the Congo, it makes sense to “lift the sheet to look for bloodstains on the mattress”.

But Kristof knows as well as anyone that international travel is a safe and deeply educational experience.

His safety tips are an attention grabber, a desperate attempt at building viral buzz. The real message comes in the last tip:

Tip # 15: Don’t be so cautious that you miss the magic of escaping your comfort zone and mingling with local people and staying in their homes. The risks are minimal compared with the wonders of spending time in a small village. So take a gap year, or volunteer in a village or a slum.

And even if everything goes wrong and you are robbed and catch malaria, shrug it off — those are precisely the kinds of authentic interactions with local cultures that, in retrospect, enrich a journey and life itself.

Why is educational travel important?

Check out my essay Youth Travel Programs Are Vital To Our Security.

To read Nicholas Kristof’s complete column, check out Cum Laude In Evading Bandits.

For an organization that offers the finest student travel programs in the developing world, check out Where There Be Dragons.

Photo by foundphotoslj_____Feature photo by AussieGall

Most of us can admit to having had a crush, at least once in our lives, on a teacher or coach.

Maybe it was Miss Evans, the 22-year-old first grade teacher with bubble gum breath, shiny red toenails and an endless stash of Hershey’s kisses. Or Mr. Singleton, the cute writing professor who canceled Wednesday classes for happy hour and laughed at all your jokes.

Teacher crushes are perfectly natural, and usually harmless, but they can be tricky to deal with when you’re the object of affection—especially for English teachers abroad.

ESL teachers are often the target of student crushes. Here’s why:

• Language teachers, in general, tend to inspire a more friendly or intimate learning environment than those covering other academic subjects.

This sense of intimacy can increase exponentially between students and teachers from different countries, and especially in the tutorial setting of one-on-one instruction.

• For students who’ve had little or no contact with teachers from other countries or cultures, English class offers a unique opportunity. A natural dose of curiosity has the tendency to deepen into a crush.

Photo by tonythemisfit

Western teachers, in general, also tend to have a more open and relaxed attitude towards their students than native teachers.

• Physical communication plays a large role in language classes. Both parties rely on communicating physically – through body language, exaggerated gestures and silly mimes, which often result in giggles and relaxed social barriers.

If you begin to notice the telltale signs of amorous intrigue consider trying one of the following tactics.

The following tips offer basic and practical tactics for defusing teacher/student crushes or avoiding them altogether.

1. Try a different position

What are your student’s cultural expectations for how close, or far apart, you sit during lessons?

Sitting side by side might strike you as the most practical arrangement for one-on-one instruction but it’s sometimes best to sit across from each other at the table, where it’s less likely you’ll brush hands or knock knees while reaching for the dictionary.

2. Don’t sink with the Titanic

Discussing movies, TV shows and celebrities are a great way to get your student talking, but romantic themes are best avoided.

This includes thinking carefully before analyzing Rose’s relationship in Titanic or naming your favorite character from Sex and the City.

Looks like Leo? Photo by bdfsb

As much as your student might make you feel like you’re a celebrity yourself, it’s definitely time to sink the Titanic when your student starts insisting you’re more handsome than Leonardo DiCaprio.

3. Avoid the Language of Love

English corners, or “free talk,” can be a great way to ensure student participation, but they can also, if not properly guided, lead to embarrassing comments or awkward confessions.

If the conversation runs astray, bust out a grammar lesson. Grammar is seldom sexy, unless you’re conjugating suggestive verbs, which have no place in the classroom anyway.

4. Location, Location, Location

Where are you meeting for lessons?

The cozy coffee shop you’ve chosen for its good music and comfy couches might seem like a perfect venue for an English lesson, but a student who associates cafes with Hollywood love scenes might view the setting differently.

Chinese McDonalds photo by sly06

Likewise, you might not associate McDonald’s with romance, but your small-town Chinese student might mistake your appointment as a McDate.

5. Watch Your Mouth

Admit it: it’s good fun to say swear words, slang and potty talk in another language.

Students of all ages delight in learning the colloquialisms of “insiders.”

There’s a certain high and sense of empowerment in cursing out a Beijing taxi driver in Mandarin, even if you can’t direct him back to your hostel.

Yet it’s best to filter what types of phrases you choose to share with your students. Teaching a bunch of 5-year-old’s to say “fart” might seem innocuous, yet you’re removing an important layer of student to teacher respect when you enter the realm of the silly or profane.

The same goes for teaching older students words like flirt, date or even French kiss. You never know when your student will decide it’s time to practice.

Of course other common approaches include canceling a few one-on-one lessons, bringing along a friend or making it clear to your student that you’re married, in a relationship or committed to someone back home.

If all else fails, suggest another teacher for your student.

Sometimes that extra cash just isn’t worth it.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION!

If you’re thinking about teaching English abroad, then you’ve come to the right place. Check out these useful articles:

How To Get A Job Teaching In Japan

Is The JET Program Right For You?

Teaching English In China

10 Online Resources For Finding A Job In Asia

Tokyo photo by oimax———-Feature photo by skyseeker

This post is dedicated to Sarah Menkedick, who is currently learning Japanese in Nagoya, Japan.

Some of these Japanese phrases are practical. Some of them are funny. All 10 will greatly enhance your trip to Japan.

All of the phrases are pretty informal, especially the one about crapping your pants.

Note that I spell the phrases phonetically in the bold text, but spell them with the most common romanization of the Japanese characters when explaining a point.

Confused already? Don’t worry about it.

Keitai girl by scion02

1. “Yo-ro-sh-ku o-neh-gai-shi-mus.”

This phrase is absolute magic. Say “yoroshiku” to any Japanese person in any situation and they will help you with anything and everything you need. It’s impossible to translate literally, but means something to the effect of “please do your best and treat me well”.

If you memorize nothing else before going to Japan, remember “yoroshiku” and you’re totally set. “Onegaishimasu” is a common word that means something similar to “please”.

2. “Yosh. Gahn-bah-di-mus.”

This phrase means something like, “OK, I’m going for it,” or “I’ll do my best”. A Japanese would say “Ganbarimasu” before taking a test, or leaving the house for a job interview.

Japanese people will crack up if you say it before walking outside, eating noodles or using a vending machine. Try saying it before using useful phrase # 8.

3. “Ara! Onara suru tsu-mori datta keh-do, un-chi ga de-chatta.”

The literal translation of this useful phrase is “Oops! I meant to fart but poop came out”.

Saying this useful phrase never gets old, especially in public places, especially on a first date and most especially if it’s clearly one of only 10 Japanese phrases that you’ve memorized.

When in Southeast Asia, I especially enjoy muttering in Japanese about crapping my pants while walking past Japanese tourists. The reactions are priceless.

4. “Mo da-meh. Yoh-para-chatta. Go-men.”

At some point during your stay, Japanese people will probably try to make you drink past your limit. That’s when this phrase comes in handy. It means something like, “No more, I’m already drunk, sorry.”

Photo by Jenny Webber

5. “Ko-ko wa do-ko? Wa-ta-shi wa da-reh?” Na-ni mo wah-kah-nai.”

Where is this? Who am I? I don’t understand anything.

This is what you say after failing to use useful phrase # 4 in time.

6. “Ee-show ni kah-rah-o-keh ni ee-koh ka?”

Shall we go to karaoke together? This is a good line to use if trying to pick someone up from the bar. Think of karaoke as a transition point between the bar and the love hotel.

Note – please don’t pronounce karaoke with lots of EEE sounds. It should sound like “kah-rah-o-keh” not “carry-oh-key”.

7. “Hon-toe ni oh-ee-shee des yo!”

Use this one when eating. It means something like, “For real, it’s delicious!”

Hontou ni means “for real” or “really” or “I’m not kidding.” Japanese people are always telling sweet little white lies, so dropping a “hontou ni” from time to time is very much appreciated.

8. “Ah-nah-tah wa ha-ruh no ee-chee ban no sah-ku-rah yo-ree u-tsu-ku-shee.”

This classic Japanese pick-up line means “You’re more beautiful than the first cherry blossom of spring.”

Destinations

Community Connection to Japan

9. “Ni-hon dai-skee”.

Japan is the best. I love Japan. When in doubt, just smile, nod and repeat.

10. “Koh-nah ni kee-ray na to-ko-ro wa hah-jee-meh-teh mee-tah!”

Japanese people love it when you gush about their country. This phrase means, “I’ve never seen a place so beautiful before”.

Bust it out at famous attractions and you’ll meet with instant approval.

Want To Live In Japan?

Check out: How To Get A Job Teaching In Japan

Do You Speak Any Japanese?

Help us all out by sharing a useful phrase in the comments section below.

Photo by dongi727

I would like to think that I am a care-free traveler but the truth is, I’m a born planner constantly nursing the ulcers associated with my impending transport. Here are some tips that come from the bevy of research I’ve recently undertaken during my current Eurail trip.

Eurail Offices

These offices can be particularly helpful and are often located right in the train station. The employees are much more used to the ticks of each particular pass. You’re less likely to get a shoulder-shrug here than at the ticket counter, where Claudio cares more about his next smoke break than your silly pantomimes.

Reservations

Most often you can pop into a station and grab the next train. Keep in mind, though, that you can also make reservations in advance (with a fee). I plan to book my next leg after I arrive at each station, just to get it out of the way. Also, remember that some trains (high speed, overnight) always require a reservation.

Photo by wahpapwa

Know Your Station Names

Both The French and people from Long Island seem to get off on confusing passengers by pronouncing nothing as it appears on paper.

With this in mind, know the name of your station stop and how to say it many different ways. Also, keep in mind that there may even be multiple stops in one town, so knowing the exact name is very important.

Know Where Your Ticket Is

Eurail makes it quite easy to find out when your ticket will arrive, even giving you a tracking number after it is mailed. Make sure to treat it like gold, since they no longer offer Pass Security (insurance). Be sure to ask your travel insurance provider if they will reimburse you for a lost pass. A lost pass is exactly that – lost.

Price Breaks On The Eurostar

Passholders are entitled to a price break on Eurostar (London to Paris) trains. I called the main Eurostar number and booked a ticket that ended up being about 30 pounds less than the rack rate. Beware: you must pick up your Eurostar ticket at the station and your pass must be valid when you do so.

Photo by Blakeman_Hodges

Discounts

Check for the country-by-country discounts that come along with your pass. You’ll be able to shave 20-50% off ferry prices, as well as discounts at various museums. There are also more random hookups, like the current offer of 10% off Meininger Hostels in Austria and Germany.

Lounges

Many major rail stations have lounges, sometimes available for those holding a 1st class pass. This can make those long connection times much more bearable.

Research Your Pass

It may be worthwhile to buy two select passes, especially if you only plan to hit a couple of countries. Choosing combinations used to be torture but Eurail’s site now makes it quite a bit easier. Certain types of passes do not work in some countries – be sure to check carefully.

No Do-Overs

Be very careful when marking your current travel day on the pass – if you make a mistake then you’ll lose that travel day and have to enter the correct date in the next box. You’ll completely lose that day of travel. I know. Total bummout.

Timetable and Maps

A pass will come with hard copies, which can be incredibly handy on-the-go. You can also access both of these online. This site is fantastic for eyeballing train times, as well.

Community Connection

With so many people coming and going on trains this summer, we would love hear your tips & tricks in the comments!

Also, for a recent and hilarious narrative on traveling through France via Eurail, check out Whilst Traveling Via Eurail.

For a podcast on traveling via Eurail, with specific tips on saving money, check out Craig Martin’s Podcast for Top 10 Tips for Eurail Passes.

Student by foundphotoslj. Feature photo by Okko Pokko

There’s the guy who’s really interested in grammar and can’t stop asking you why the present perfect form of run is irregular.

He pores over his book every night and could present a thesis on the use of adverbs of frequency, but if he actually needs to bust out a comprehensible sentence in casual conversation, he’s floored.

There are the two or three middle-aged workers who’ve randomly decided they should learn English, gotten really pumped about it during the first week, and then promptly grown bored.

Now they recite new vocabulary words as if they were heavy rocks dropping with a thud.

There are the keen university students who want it, need it, soak it up with the desperation of a man trying every trick he knows to get the woman he wants.

They grapple with the language, play with it, try to please it and alter it a bit to suit their needs. They could use more practice, but they’ve got skillz in place for the moment when they actually meet a foreigner.

And then there are the rare students who soak up language like the proverbial sponge, who will always have a four-year old’s capacity for absorbing new vocabulary and grammatical structures.

There are, of course, many more types of language learners.

Which one are you?

Seoul by TylerDurden1. Feature photo by Stinkie Pinkie

Make that liberal arts degree finally work for you! Come join the best and brightest of a generation and teach English in South Korea!

All you need is a college degree, a passport from a first-world English speaking country, the willingness to adapt to a foreign culture.. and a pulse.

Pusan monks by Ryuugakusei

In this time of economic uncertainty, teaching English as a second language abroad has suddenly become an attractive career option, or at least something to do while waiting for a dream job to materialize.

And what better place to teach ESL than South Korea – “The Land of the Morning Calm” – which is one of Asia’s strongest economies?

Koreans are crazy about learning English. They recognize that it’s the only way to economically move their country forward. And they’re willing to pay top dollar – or won – to learn.

The salaries, along with the relatively low cost of living, make Korea one of the most attractive options for teaching in Asia.

But before learning to like kimchi and jumping on that next plane to Seoul, take a look at the three main types of teaching jobs that are available to foreigners over here:

Teaching by Kai Hendry

1. Hakwons

Hakwon is the Korean word for “academy.”

You can’t throw a soju bottle without hitting a language hakwon in this country, and it’s likely the first place you’ll end up teaching.

English Hakwons mainly cater to kindergartners and elementary kids, though there are also some for adults.

The hours can be long and the erratic changes in curriculum maddening, but they’ll pay for your round trip airfare to and from your country, provide you with an apartment, and give you a contract completion bonus equal to one-month’s pay.

It’s not uncommon for someone to sock away between $10,000 and $20,000 (USD) after a one-year stint at a hakwon – perfect for paying off your student loans or financing a backpacking trip around the world.

Just know this: Hakwon’s are businesses first and educational institutes second.

The academy directors will always have their eyes on the bottom line. Start losing too many students or garnering complaints from the notoriously fickle mothers, and it could mean the end of your job.

Also, like Korean barbecue restaurants, the quality of these academies varies immensely.

Some hagwons have modern facilities and provide you with a nice, new apartment, while others are dilapidated, lacking heat and/or air conditioning.

The apartment provided by bad schools is invariably as small and nasty as the school itself.

Beware of sketchy hagwon directors!

The majority of teachers have a decent experience working in hagwons, but there are some greedy, psychotic, and downright evil directors operating on the peninsula.

Horror stories abound of teachers being paid late or not being paid at all, having to live in roach-infested hovels, being cheated out of bonuses or airfare – generally being shat upon and jerked around.

Just know that in this case Korean law IS on your side, but the best thing to do is to check out your school before you sign the contract. Talk to other teachers and read any feedback you can find on the net.

2. Public Schools

In recent years there has been a big push to place native speakers in the Korean public school system, mainly through what’s called EPIK (English Program in Korea).

Public school gigs are definitely a step up from hagwons. The hours are better, the pay’s decent, and you are usually guaranteed at least two weeks paid vacation per year, though this often translates into much more.

EPIK also gives you a housing allowance and end-of-contract bonus. There is the opportunity (or requirement, often) to work “camps” over the schools’ winter and summer vacation periods.

These are intensive English courses, for which you are paid extra, of course. It’s a good way to pad your salary.

Korean market by Giladr

Beware of boredom!

Many public schools require you to come into the office all day during their vacation periods, whether you have classes or not.

Consider this paid time to hone your writing skills or delve deeper into the raging hell mouth that is facebook.

3. Universities and Colleges

These are the holy grails of Korean ESL gigs, and also the most difficult to get.

Generally, universities want at least three solid years of English teaching experience, or both a masters degree and experience.

Jobs are often landed through reference: like the rest of the world, it’s not necessarily what you know, it’s who you know.

Universities generally like new hires to be ushered in by someone they already trust.

Why all the fuss?

University jobs usually require about 12 hours of classes each week, and provide you with at least 2 months of paid vacation a year, the dream job of a habitual traveler.

Some schools give you 3 or 4 months of vacation time. There are also plenty of opportunities to pick up extra classes which, of course, translate into more money.

Beware of complacency!

Aside from the fact that some universities don’t give you an end-of-contract bonus, you’ll find yourself so spoiled by the job conditions that the thought of returning home and actually having to work for a living might make you want to remove your own eyes with a spoon.

4. Privates

Many teachers earn a lot of extra money teaching private lessons to Koreans in their homes or by moonlighting at other schools.

Know that this practice is strictly illegal. In Korea, you are only allowed to work at the school that sponsors your visa.

If caught, you will be fined and possibly deported, though this doesn’t stop many teachers from dipping into this huge well of cash.

The best way to find any of the jobs described above is to contact a recruiter.

Good luck, and as the Koreans say: Fighting!

Teaching ESL Job Resources In South Korea

<>
ESL Recruiters List

Dave’s ESL Cafe

Pusan Web

COMMUNITY CONNECTION!

If you’re interested in teaching English in Asia, here are some Matador articles to check out:

How To Get A Job Teaching In Japan

Is The JET Program Right For You?

Teaching English In China

10 Online Resources For Finding A Job In Asia

Tibet photo by reurinkjan.

Whitewashed temple walls embellished with vibrant artwork taper off into red dust.

prayer flags in the Himalaya

The land beyond the temple falls sharply into green grasslands speckled with herds of horses, goats and cows, until the plains reach the river that cuts this valley in two.

The wind is unyielding. It can be pleasant when mixed with rays of the sun.

Snow mountains peak out from behind the clouds.

Where am I?

I have been living in monasteries and nunneries.

Life in these places is deceptively simple, and the idea that devout souls lead a magical existence is quickly thrown to the wind that whips around robes and rubs cheeks rosy.

Monks ride away from evening prayer on their motorbikes; nuns chatter away on their cellphones.

Himalayan Studies Semester

Where am I?

The days seem to continue on forever, and yet time does not drag.

I am kept constantly busy and only realize the slow quality of time when I have a moment to stop, sit, and reflect.

The sun rises earlier and sets later in the mountains. My mornings begin with the sounds of young nuns rising early to practice their chants.

In the city, my evenings end with strolls down the dusty tree-lined streets that have been decked out with lights. It feels almost like Christmas, and so I sing carols.

Another Side Of China

I am surrounded by people who look vastly different from the Chinese I have met thus far. I am in an area that is primarily inhabited by Tibetan and Hui (muslim) minorities.

Traditional garb is the norm. Men’s hair is longer and of a different texture. Women’s clothing is more functional rather than stylish.

Himalayan art

A nun who lives alone on top of a mountain welcomed me into her home and stuffed me full of seeds and peanuts.

A monk, fascinated with technology, earned the nickname “modern old man” among his friends.

A hostess in my favorite restaurant played with my hair and marveled at watches and jewelry.

A man who has studied Tangka (traditional Buddhist artwork) for 28 years happily led me around his studio.

Where am I?

I am content. I love waking up every morning, excited to be here and anticipating what the day has in store.

The mountainous air has a cleansing quality and I feel calm. Although speaking in a foreign tongue is challenging and constant travel is tiring, I wouldn’t have it any other way.

Where am I?

I’m still trying to figure it out but, wherever I am, I feel incredibly lucky to be here.

Dragons group in a Tibetan monastery.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION!

The author recently completed a semester abroad in China with Where There Be Dragons.

Are you interested in youth travel programs? Check out these Matador articles.

9 Questions To Ask Before Choosing An Educational Travel Program

Why Travel As A Teenager Is The Best Education

Youth Travel Programs Are Vital To Our Security

I might not be editing BNT these days, and I’m not getting naked for the video this time around, but Ian and Christine are turning out fantastic articles, so if you haven’t subscribed to BNT yet, be sure to help them reach the goal!

Help BNT hit 4000 subscribers!

After all, it’s not every day you get to see a man as pale as Ian run naked down a beach…..

http://www.bravenewtraveler.com/subscribe/

Photo: Bredgar. Feature photo: foundphotoslj

“And so you need to put your three daily activities in order, and then tell your partner about them, and then cover them up, and have your partner remember what you said. OK?”

Three or four students — the ones who’ll fight their way through conversations in English until they get to the point of fluency — will nod.

Some students will tentatively look at their friends for encouragement.

A handful of others will stare up at me with traumatized expressions as if I’ve just sung an obscure Italian opera.

Florence by Deva.

This is when I can identify the natural language learners in my class.

They’re the ones who aren’t obsessed with hearing every word I say, with breaking down the grammar and analyzing it, or with trying to have a crystal clear native speaker’s appreciation for the exact meaning of a sentence.

They’re listening for gist—they want to get to the baseline meaning of what I say and follow it intuitively.

They know they’re blindfolded and feeling around in the dark, so they use their intuition and all the bits of language and memory they have to make their best guess.

The single most important skill any language learner can have is the ability to induce and intuit meaning, especially when one doesn’t understand every word—or even most words—a native speaker is saying.

Can you get far enough outside of your own cultural and linguistic box to divine what someone is trying to say?

Perhaps this is the most full-on plunge you can make into a foreign culture: giving yourself up to the language and letting yourself be carried along by it, even when you’re not sure, even when you don’t fully understand, even when you’re totally out of your element.

You’ve got to be confident enough to make a solid attempt at understanding and acting on that understanding, and yet you’ve got to be humble and perceptive enough to pick up on the speaker’s intentions.

Photo: Ed Yourdon

And most of all, you have to give up the need to make sense of every element of language.

You have to get to some deeper level of connection and communication, based on intuition, based on those skills you have when you’re an infant and you’ve got to figure out how to get milk and love.

Use whatever you’ve got – random vocab, frantic miming, raised eyebrows – to make communication happen. And be willing to accept the fact that you won’t know everything, and that you may be partially clueless for awhile.

After all, the struggle to grasp bits and pieces here and there until you can begin to make sense of the foreign world around you, is at the core of every travel experience.

Embrace the confusion!

Like so many things in travel, it makes the most banal moments — sending a postcard, ordering a beer — into grand tales of success and failure.

Please share your language learning tips and stories below!