Chuntian Academy International

Our members have traveled to some "Travel Advisory" countries. So, for them as well as anyone interested, here are some suggestions if your a westerner.
If your from European origin, like it or not many countries may think your American. Because of the War on Terror and the heated fighting in Iraq and Afganistan, Americans aren't very well liked by many people. We have compiled some very useful tips for the would be traveler to problem areas.

Below are some To-the-Point, Real World safety tips.

Rule
#1. Don't go to a WAR ZONE.

#2. If you must go to a country on America's travel advisory list,Know a few tips:

*U.S. Government's travel advisory countries as of 10/20/2006:(for Americans)

Algeria, Israel, IRAQ, Congo, Nigeria, Sri lanka, Kenya, Yemen, IRAN, Sudan, Uzebekistan, Lebanon, Syria, Chad, Phillipines, East Timor, Haiti, Brundi, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Eritra, Somolia, Nepal, Central African Rebublic, Pakistan, Bosnia-Nerzegovina, Liberia, Cote d'lovore, Columbia, Indonesia, Zimbabwe.
Also remember they're many "special" sections of most middle and large European, Russian, Chinese, Mexican, South and Central American and American cities,etc..

POINT #1.

HOW TO SURVIVE BEING AMERICAN

-If you're white and you travel to other countries, whether your from America or not, or like it or not, in most cases you will taken as American.

To Survive.
1.Dress conservatively, stay away from obvious American brands and logos and don't wear signs of wealth (gold watches, jewelry, expensive cameras, etc.).

2.Learn to use the local language even only to just say "thank you" and "excuse me,"yes and no" and I love your beautiful country" will get you along way.

3.Contact your local embassy to find out the dos and do nots.

4.Simple things like sunglasses, air-conditioned cars and lack of language skills can create barriers and misunderstanding.

5.Say hello, smile, be polite and helpful.

6. Don't talk about yourself or be a braggart. Be a student of their country ask about them and their country and ways, be friendly and respectful.

HOW TO SURVIVE FUNDAMENTALIST PLACES

1. Muslims are more conservative in rural areas. Muslims understand that Christians have different customs and won't lop your head off the first time you make a faux pas by passing the falafel with your left hand.

2.Be very careful in the area of sexual conduct,behavior at religious sites.Sexually provocative clothes,obscene gestures,defiling the Koran, theft or insulting the prophet or women will get you in trouble.

3.Do not proselytize, preach or conduct religious functions without permission of the local government. Do not wear religious symbols or use expressions that use the name of Christ, Allah, God or other religious entities.

4.Feel free to admit that you are a Christian,but express your interest in learning more about the Koran and the Islamic way of life. Being a "student of all religions" is a good cop-out for the philosophically challenged.

5.If you are Jewish and traveling in a fundamental Islamic,your life may be at risk by identifying yourself as Jewish or discussing an opposing point of view. Also understand there are strong feelings between Shia and Sunni Muslim sects.

6. Do not squeeze hands when shaking,you may touch your chest after shaking hand in the traditional Muslim greeting.The left hand is considered unclean because rural Muslims wash their nether regions with that hand. Muslims also squat to urinate and find the western habit of standing with legs akimbo and penis pointing, far too theatrical for their taste.

7.Dress cleanly and conservatively, remove shoes when entering mosques and temples. Do not point the sole of your feet at your guest. Use your right hand to eat. Expect to be kissed on both cheeks by men.

8.Ask permission to take pictures,do not sneak photos. Don't blow your nose in public. Don't eat while walking around. Don't admire objects in your host home, they will feel obligated to give them to you. Do not give undue attention to women. The list goes on, but just don't be paranoid, just respectful.