A few weeks ago, when I arrived in Hanoi after 35 hours of traveling, I ate a snack and then slept for more than 12 hours. It was glorious. Once up and out, after figuring out the lay of the land, the first significant adventure was performing in an improv show with The Rotten Grapes – an improv troupe comprised of international players that were all strangers to me. However, despite suffering from jet lag and traveler’s stomach, and, being surrounded with a room full of new faces, the vibe in the room was strangely familiar. Starting off a big adventure halfway around the world with an improv event grounded me, and, helped me embrace the improv mindset moving forward. In doing so, I was reminded that I was a visitor in a culture different than my own and that a spirit of discovery would guide my journey, helping me to avoid being an a** hole. Unfortunately, not everyone starts off a travel experience with an improv event. In those cases, this five-step guide is a great reminder of how we can avoid the “a** hole” trap.
Me with The Rotten Grapes improv troupe
1. Put on Your Pants
It is hot in Cambodia – very hot. And, there are temples in Cambodia – lots of temples. Imagine visiting Angkor Wat — a Cambodian temple complex that is the largest religious monument in the world – and being very, very hot. Now think about wearing a tank top, short shorts or even worse – see through pants with a thong on underneath (yes, I actually saw this last one). If you do, you might be stopped and asked to purchase a scarf or a skirt because although you may be a tourist/backpacker/atheist/whatever, many others are visiting the temples for religious purposes. Bottom line? Just because Lonely Planet rated Angkor Wat as the world’s number one site, it was not created to be a tourist attraction.
Improv wisdom: It’s not about you – it’s about the community.
2. Say “See Ya!” to Selfie Sticks
Wearing my pants in Angkor Wat
Of course we take selfies to document our adventures. And, maybe we can do so without the sticks? One memory that is etched in my brain is the day I saw someone take a selfie – with a selfie stick – inside Ho Chi Minh City’s War Remnants Museum with photos of people affected by agent orange in the background. No, no, no! Many parts of Southeast Asia are crowded. Many parts of Southeast Asia are poor. And, some parts of Southeast Asia have had very difficult histories due to war and ethnic cleansing and don’t need your selfie stick waving around showing disrespect. Instead show kindness and compassion.
Improv wisdom: Play while you travel – to the top of your intelligence.
3. Practice Being Pizza Free
Sometimes when you’ve been on the road for a while, you just want something that tastes like home. I get it! I craved cheese really bad about ten days into this trip. However, if you aren’t traveling for an extended period of time, why not try to embrace the local flavors for a more authentic experience? One evening, our group ended up in a tourist trap (think the Southeast Asia version of TGIF) on Pub Street in Siem Reap (bad). My husband ordered a pizza (really bad). Then the pizza turned out to be so horrible it was replaced with a second pizza – equally as horrible (really, really bad). Cambodia isn’t known for pizza. Save it for when you get home – it will taste even better then. Use the time in Southeast Asia to learn to use chopsticks while none of your friends are watching!
Improv wisdom: The scene begins when the first unusual thing happens – step away from your ordinary when dining.
Chula Fashion House (The one on the right came home with me.)
4. Let Go of European Experiences (and the Western World in General)
On the last day of the adventure, our group spent time in a social enterprise in Hanoi that married Spanish clothing design with fair wages for locals – 75% of whom have a physical disability. Chula Fashion House is nothing short of a-ma-zing because the designs are art and the business model is a win-win for everyone involved. However, it’s what led us there that falls under “a** hole” alert. Some of our group was disappointed that many of the shops in Hanoi weren’t like European shops. Since Hanoi (and every place else we visited) was in Asia, it never occurred to me to make the comparison. After all, when in Rome … It can sometimes be hard to use rest rooms, (non-existent) sidewalks and (also non-existent) crosswalks in Southeast Asia. And, you don’t want the Epcot version of Southeast Asia, do you? Embrace the differences – it will make you appreciate what you have when you get home.
Improv wisdom: Let go – use the mindset of discovery as your guide.
What kind shopping in Cambodia can look like.
5. Creep Away from the Crocodiles
While touring the Mekong River, we had the opportunity to see a crocodile “farm.” (It was more like a pen filled with crocs.) Why farm you ask? Because all of the crocodiles that used to live in the river have been turned into lunch or brief cases. Don’t be the jerk that has to acquire the statement souvenir with the wrong statement. Buying products like this – yes, you will see stores filled with crocodile merchandise – keeps the practice of crocodile “farming” going. Instead use your shopping power to do good while you explore local creations. Buy fair trade items. Buy from social enterprises. Buy recycled products. Stay away from items that abuse people, animals or the environment just so you have a good story to tell. Try telling a good story by doing good.
Improv wisdom: Give gifts – give better gifts by making people look brilliant through your gift giving.
UPCOMING IMPROV ADVENTURES (No passport required.):
Street Improv at First Friday Artwalk
Friday, March 3rd
6 – 9 p.m.
Aviles Street in St. Augustine
Imagine showing up at your favorite community event and being able to jump into an improv game – or two … or even three! That’s Street Improv! No theatre needed. We play games with each other and the public and spread the joy and magic of improv as we do.
Improv Playground at Limelight Theatre
Sunday, March 5th
6:30 – 8:30 p.m.
11 Old Mission Ave.
$5 at the door
community improv showcase + community improv games
Do you like to watch improv? Do you like to play improv games? We have BOTH opportunities for you! In the first half of the Playground, you’ll enjoy a showcase featuring some of our community’s improv players, then, we’ll lead improv games for everyone. Watch. Play. Watch AND play. It’s up to you!
Improvapalooza – a BIG improv comedy show at Corazon Cinema & Cafe
Saturday, March 25th
Doors at 7:00 p.m. & Show 7:30 p.m.
36 Granada Street in St. Augustine
$8 advance/$10 at the door
The Adventure Project has been in St. Augustine for ONE whole year now! What better way to celebrate than by hosting one BIG improv comedy show?
Please visit The Adventure Project’s calendar for more details.
