I make a point of living in countries, not simply touring them. In order to check in about whether or not I am simply a tourist, I’ve created a checklist of experiences that indicate just that. Use this checklist to confirm you are living in a country, or to confirm you are simply travelling there. Or just for a laugh.
__ Pay bills __ Buy underwear __ Legal recognition (i.e. passport, ID card, visa, alien registration) __ Study or work __ Become sick enough to visit the doctor __ Navigate a new health care system with at least marginal success __ Travel hours using public transportation __ Decorate a place to live __ Learn a language (or at least new slang) __ Make friends of the nationality where one is living __ Read a newspaper __ Send a package or letter __ Get a haircut __ Remain at the least three months __ Learn a new recipe __ Offend someone gravely __ Learn to apologize in a new language __ Get a phone __ Lose weight AND gain weight __ Experience at least two seasons __ Become a regular in at least two businesses __ Welcome a visitor from back home __ Stop carrying a camera everywhere at all times __ Adopt a new habit (espresso with grappa in the morning, wearing a scarf constantly, social smoking, the like…) __ Get asked for directions by a local (x2 points for awesomeness!) This list is updated regularly as I move around the world and gain new experiences. Up to date as of July 2013.
Reverse Retrograde 