Originating from New Jersey, Sophia Hamade has ventured to Lebanon many times to visit family, and has acquired new cultural acceptance along the way. Because there are no direct flights to Lebanon, other pit stops were necessary. Many family trips were had in France, the Swiss Alps, and Egypt.
Sophia’s childhood experience in the Lebanon opened her eyes to looking beyond her culture, to one where people dress, interact, and live differently. However, in this difference she has found warmth, and a new depth of her knowledge of the World. Experiencing a culture not commonly flocked with American travelers, she has learned that individuals care about individuals not where they are from, and that being different is “cool”.
Outside of Lebanon, Sophia has felt awe in front of the Egyptian pyramids, been underwhelmed in France, and tackled her fears by going to the top of the Swiss Alps. The next travel plan is to study abroad in Spain, but she sets her sights on her dream of Australia.
Sophia’s travel tip is to research where you are going! You need to check what is acceptable to wear, how to act and be respectful. Attempting to learn the language and trying a couple phrases will take you a long way and is appreciated by the people who live there.