I was intrigued today to see a long list of responses to a question that International Living asked on their Facebook page. “What’s the first thing you would like to do when you arrive in the new country you plan to live in?” they asked.
Some responses were totally practical. “Go to the rest room” tickled me the most. Other practical answers talked about resting after jet lag, eating, having a beer or other beverage, or eating. One person said he’d exchange his currency. The most pragmatic of all said, “get off the airplane.”
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Quite a few people mentioned walking around, exploring, looking around the neighborhood. One person — and I wonder where she’s been living — talked about “driving around to explore.”
Two people mentioned finding a church — more specifically the “right” church. Makes me wonder how realistic they are about their new country if they expect to find the same assortment of churches they’re used to in their home country. I don’t think the rest of the world has America’s tolerance for evangelism. . .
There were a number of votes for hitting the beach, with side references to nude beaches and skinny dipping.
One reader said she’d pinch herself to make sure she’s not dreaming. Another said she’d adopt a dog because it’s a great conversation starter with new neighbors.
Several creative folks weighed in — writing and painting were mentioned.
High on the list were items like “find a farmers’ market,” go grocery shopping, and find where the locals hang out.
In short, an interesting question with lots of interesting answers.
I think I’m with the “find an outdoor cafe and watch the people” group — after I visit the rest room, that is.
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So — what will you do first? Click the Comment link or enter a reply below if you’re reading this on the website.
I remember first time in Tokyo, in 1990, we were escorted from the airport to our hotel room and left alone. So the first thing we did was to find something to eat. We were not able to understand the menus in Japanese so we went to a KFC (something we never do in France)!!!. the next thing we did that day was to take the subway to the company’s office to make sure we would be able to arrive on time at work the next day. We were really overwhelmed by the noise, the crowd, the japanese characters and the huge train stations like Shinjuku and Shibuya.
I can really relate! I remember how overwhelmed I felt visiting Greece and not being able to read anything in their alphabet — even though I had tried to learn it before I left!