Quote:
Originally Posted by nono1973
"Not to bring another country's mongering expectation to Batam" (or to any other country) becos most time,things wont work out if there's a lack of understanding on the country's culture.
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This is so true. One of the most important things that one should learn before any trip (for whatever purpose).
Sadly, it is also the most common mistake. Interestingly, not only on the East side of the world.
More than once, I read desolating posts by some American guys in a forum about our hobby in Colombia, where the common request is, more or less: "I am an experienced monger in Rio, Soshua, Thailand, etc. I will go to Medellin for my first time. Where can I find this, this and this?". All tourists of this type are invariably disappointed, and might even get into trouble (South America can be dangerous, contrary to the peaceful Asian countries)
Understanding the local ground must be the first step. And, never expect here what you are used to find there.