3 ways to experience a new place through the locals

I dislike feeling ‘at home’ when I am abroad.

This quote if not already, then should be the national slogan of travel journalists worldwide. It is a well established fact that the best way to experience a new city, explore a new culture and learn about new societies is through the locals.

You all must have visited the Seoul tower in Seoul and Ho Chi Minh city in Cambodia, but have you heard about Apgujeong’dong, Rodeo Street in Seoul, the ultimate shopping paradise for the Korean fashionistas, or about Khalas fish market in Cambodia, a must-see for their phenomenal range of fishes, fresh from the sea. Surely, you must have heard about the beautiful colors of Rajasthan, India and the Buddhist monasteries of Bhutan. But, did you ever consider going into one of those earthly blue-colored kuccha houses in Jodhpur, Rajasthan and actually experiencing the life of the extremely hospitable and warm Rajasthani folks. Did you know that Bhutanese people have been found to be amongst the happiest people on earth, and that other than the monks, there are different kinds of Bhutanese tribes, each with their own intriguing story of descent and heritage? So, after taking all the efforts to organize a trip to a new city, would you just like to stick to touring the already commercialized, thickly tourist populated been-there-done-that areas, or would like to gain something much more substantial and meaningful out of your travel? If you fall into the latter category, then folks, there is only one way to extract the most invigorating experience out of your travels, and that is the ‘local’ way. And to get started, here are some pointers to help you.

1. Eat with the locals: So, you dared to wander into an authentic French brassiere and don’t speak French. You suddenly realize that everything on the menu is totally Greek to you. You reflex action: Call the waiter, and order a soda and a regular hamburger. This is just the beginning of the downward spiral of your quest to experience French cuisine. So, how about after repeatedly trying to make the Non-English speaking waiter your food order, you look around and try to identify some helpful faces. Then, go upto them and introduce yourself, say that you are new here and initiate a conversation. In due course, ask them to suggest some traditional delicacies that they think you must taste. In worst case scenario, if you don’t find any helpful people, just go up to the restaurant manager and ask him to suggest some delicacies to you, and trust me, you will be helped! After all, what restaurants won’t like a customer to spread good word about them?
2. Shop with the locals: So, you have hit the streets of Mumbai, one of the fashion capitals of the world. But, where exactly are the best spots for shopping! A good idea would be to catch hold of some fashionable passerby’s, and ask them where they shopped! Chances are that you will be directed to some of those less commercialized shopping streets like Linking Street or Connaught Place shopping market, yet untouched by the tourists and known mostly by the locals. And knowing the Indian people, you might actually be forced to come along on a shopping spree trip by those locals you asked for help. One word, go along with them! After that one evening of clothe buying, haggling and experiencing true blood Mumbai fashion, you would actually come out more satisfied with your experience than expected.
3. Travel with the locals: Not literally of course! But yes, you would be surprised to find how hospitable some folks can be. Once on a trip to Egypt, me and my family were stranded outside one of the poshest malls in Cairo and were desperately trying to hail a taxi. Each taxi which would stop would quote an exorbitant amount of money and we grew frustrated. Best solution, we asked a scarf clad Arab woman to help us hail a taxi which won’t loot us. In that duration of few minutes when she tried to find us a taxi, we struck up a conversation with her and before we knew it, we had exchanged email addresses and phone numbers, and found ourselves invited to her house on our next visit to Cairo! It is unimaginable, but fortunately, such exchanges do occur, and they occur more frequently when you are outgoing and willing to go that extra mile of communicating with the locals.