There are certain rules a traveller must follow. Be careful, respect other cultures and respect those you live with in every place you travel. These really should be a given for every sensible and respectful traveller. But there are other rules travellers should be aware of wherever they go and whatever they do – and these rules are known as the Ten Commandments for travellers.
If common sense prevails then most travellers will enjoy a safe trip and suffer little disturbance. But there are certain rules that travellers can easily forget or dismiss simply because it is not natural for them to do so. Yes, travelling can be stressful, but it is also costly and therefore should be enjoyed no matter what the outcome. It is often the case that new experiences are the most memorable and enjoyable.
When I was travelling I was touched by the hand of God – at least he told me he was God, but he smelled of tobacco and linseed oil so now I’m not sure. Actually I feel somewhat ashamed – but that’s another story. The important thing for now is what he told me.
What “God” told me was the Ten Commandments every traveller must abide by and it is these Ten Commandments that I want to share with you today. Maybe another time I will share with you the “other story,” – when I am ready. But first The Ten Commandments:
I. Thou shalt take twice the amount of money and half the number of robes.
II. Thou shalt show respect to your fellow man and learn some polite phrases spokest in every country ye visit. Please and Thank You are gracious words people speaketh the world over. He that showeth respect to others deserves to be treated with honour.
III. Thou shalt conduct yourself with honour to your home nation and not appeared as if an Ass.
IV. Thou shalt take care of your passport and carry a photocopy to identify yourself when asked. A man with no passport is no more than a humble servant with no identity.
V. Thou shalt not covert thou neighbours peace with unnecessary noise during the hours of darkness and day. Respect thou brothers and sisters at all times
VI. Thou shalt not worry for a muddled head maketh no sense. He that worrieth is not prepared to go forth into the unknown and learneth the ways of cultures unbeknownst to him and should therefore be deemed a sinner by all who travelleth with him.
VII. What happens on thy travels, stays with you on thy travels.
VIII. Thou must be prepared as others do in the strange lands you visiteth.
IX. Fear not all locals as most greet you with good offers and intentions, but thou shouldst be aware of local currency and cost as he who steereth the taxi is prone to charging thrice the fare.
X. Be prepared to maketh thy bed wherever thou layeth. Think of thy fellow man less fortunate and accept the conditions of his land. For a traveller his bed be just for one night, for a man of poverty his bed is for a lifetime.
Conclusion
Finally the 11th and unwritten commandment, adhere to these Ten Commandments and you will be safe and well on your travels. And if anybody smelling of tobacco and linseed oil says he is God, don´t accept the drink!
