Travel is also… Awkward and uncomfortable.

There are times when traveling throws you so far out of your comfort zone that it can become uncomfortable. I have experienced this most keenly as it relates to language barriers.

If you visit a country that first speaks the native language and English second or not at all, you will run directly into this issue and it can feel like a brick wall. My best piece of advice is to utilize the incredible technology at your disposal and allow your phone to help you communicate. Translation apps can now help you converse in real time and being understood will instantly make your life easier.

I would love to be able to wear a headpiece of some sort that translates on the fly for me and allows me to speak and be understood, but so far, I haven’t seen it. The attempts I have seen at this kind of technology are incredible but they remain on the fringe and are thus incredibly expensive.

Just know that you aren’t alone in these moments. It is an awkward stumbling block we all have to run across to see how we navigate it. It’s a teachable moment that will remind you to stay curious and willing to learn new things in the interest of understanding people from other places.

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