EP 4: How an Immersive Lifestyle Changes You Forever
Have you ever thought about truly immersing yourself in another culture? In this episode of No Borders No Filter podcast, host Debra sits down with Spanish professor and avid traveler, Luann Williams, to dive into her six-month experience living in Chile.
From adapting to daily life without American comforts like hot water and her beloved Texan food to navigating the complexities of cultural immersion, Luann shares the ups and downs of living hands-on in a new country. Debra asks engaging questions that challenge listeners to think about the value of “getting your hands dirty” and fully experiencing life hands-on and unplugged. They also explore the unique benefits of the Gen-X generation and how they approach immersive lifestyle choices.
This episode is perfect for anyone thinking of moving abroad, backpack travel or for those curious about what it really takes to step outside your comfort zone and embrace a new culture. Tune in for an honest, thought-provoking conversation about the real impact and benefits of exploring another culture, for any budget.
Key Takeaways:
0:20 Introduction and Guest Background
4:22 First Impressions of Immersive Travel
7:21 Challenges and Rewards of Immersive Life
11:34 Luanne's Experience in Chile
18:23 Memorable Experiences in Chile
22:43 Cultural Differences and Lessons Learned
36:50 Impact of Immersive Experiences on Personal Growth
39:23 Final Thoughts and Advice
Follow Debra on Social Media:
Visit Debra’s multimedia website at www.dmeryl.net
Transcript
No Borders, No Filter
Episode 4
How an Immersive Lifestyle Changes You Forever
Luann: It's easy to be sheltered in a way. People should make that effort to get out of that bubble. Challenge themselves, be brave.
Debra: Hello, and welcome to No Borders, No Filter podcast, an uncensored, deeper perspective of expat life and travel as a solo Gen X from New York. I'm your host, Deborah, the Experient Explorer.
In today's episode with my guest, Luann Williams, we will be discussing immersive travel, life experiences. and the benefits of hands on exploration in cultures outside of American borders.
Let me introduce my guest. Luann Williams was born and raised in the Bible Belt town of Lubbock in West Texas. As a child growing up in the 80s, she was fortunate not to be distracted by social media and constant screens. Although MTV did turn her into an avid fan of hard rock music. Yeah.Today she lives in a small town outside of Austin, Texas with her wife and four animals.
She works as a Spanish professor at Texas State University. She discovered her passion for Spanish language and various cultures in the 8th grade. Since then, she has continued to pursue the interest and is currently applying for a PhD program to further her studies in Spanish culture and languages.
Before we get into the interview, for context, let's briefly review what is immersive travel in cultures? what does that mean? unlike tourism or sightseeing, immersive culture travel offers a range of benefits including deeper cultural understanding, personal growth and getting to know local people, appreciation for their food, their cuisine, customs, history.
And supporting local businesses, like at local markets. And also in the preservation of supporting, their, environment and local customs. All right. Luann, welcome to No Borders, No Filter. It is so great to see you. and just for reference, I want to let people know that I met Luann when I was living in Austin, Texas.
I am a nomadic person and therefore I also was nomadic in the U. S. And Texas was, I believe, the last stop before I went abroad. All right. Welcome, Luann. Hi, how are you doing?
Luann: Hey, Debra. I'm doing pretty well. How are you?
Debra: I'm doing okay. we are both doing our first interview on a podcast. this is really exciting to do this. Journey with you. thank you so much
Luann: trying to think. The last time we saw each other was, has it been a decade
Debra: Yeah,
Luann: Wow.
Debra: it's just about, and I'll tell you why I know that, because, I left right after the elections of 2016, when Trump was elected and I re, I, I renewed my passport at that time.
So we're in my ninth year.
Luann: I remember that time well. I might have been a bit envious that you left.
Debra: I was one of those people that said, Oh, I'm going to go to Canada. Or I'm leaving the country, but never did, but I acted on my word. I mean, I was it, done. All right, so I'm going to ask you, we're going to talk about three different topics.
first topic we're going to talk about. is the personal view about immersion, immersive life, or immersive travel and your perspective of that with your experiences. my first question to you, Luan, is what are your first thoughts or what are your first words?
What comes to mind when you think of the word immersive or immersive life, immersive travel?
Luann: Yeah, the first thing I think is, wow, it would be fascinating to find myself, you know, in another place within a whole different culture unlike my own. part of that to me is very exciting and thrilling. And then the next thing I think is, that would take a lot of courage. I believe it does take a lot of courage for somebody to leave and go immerse yourself in another culture or another country for an extended period of time. but for me, I think the fascination outweighs the fear. since a young age, I kind of always had this curiosity about other people, about the world.
And so, when I finally had the opportunity to, live in another place and experience another culture, some of my expectations weren't, met but overall I'm glad I did it.
Debra: So before we go, a little further, why don't we just, why don't you just tell them which countries that you did immerse into?
Luann: Yes, so I, uh, went to Chile, in South America, and, I was there for about half a year.
Debra: Okay. Thank you for sharing that. . , I'm just curious, um, are you an all in, all out type of , personality, like when you do something you are all in, or kind of in between, like when you immerse yourself in your, your life, on a day to day, , with your work, or with your relationship, or with your dogs,
what kind of personality are you? Are you an immersive personality, you think?
Luann: Uh, yes, absolutely, I am an all in, 100 percent kind of person. I've always been that way. I think that it's It's maybe has its pros and cons, but, yes, you know, when I, for example, you know, when I decided I wanted to go abroad, I knew that I would find a way to make it happen, there was no question about it, when I commit to doing something, I'm all in and I take the steps that are needed to accomplish whatever it may be.
and that. Even goes over into my love of music. Am a very big fan of music. I love rock music, hard rock, but I love all music in general.
Debra: I definitely know that you're into, music. . ,when you say that there are pros and cons of immersive life, you already kind of suggested, sometimes it's not so great. Can you share an example of when is it a con?
Luann: Yeah, leaving your comfort zone, I mean, you're leaving a lot behind, you're giving up a lot. my personal experience, there were certain things that I missed, like, food. I missed my favorite foods. Missing friends and family. that was a big one for me. Um,and then just the luxuries that we have here in the United States that maybe other countries don't have. I missed a lot of those luxuries. for example, hot water, Where I lived in Chile, we did have hot water, but it was limited when you took a shower, you had to turn on a gas tank and the gas was what heated up the water.
And so if the gas was running very low, Then you probably couldn't take a shower very long, or you just take a cold shower. stuff like that.
Debra: that is definitely true. The, creature comforts. I definitely identify with that. my last question on topic one, regarding just in general immersive life, or the word immersion. you think because of technology today, or our convenient lifestyle?
That, we are too superficial and need to engage in more immersive conversations, friendships, travel. You think that's important?
Luann: yes, I think it's very important. especially at this point in history, what the world needs is we need to be more connected. people need to focus more on connecting with one another, but there's a lot of division in the world, I definitely recommend travel to, to anyone experiencing another culture to anyone. it's life changing. It, it changes one's perspective on the world, changes your perspective dramatically on life. And so. You know, I do understand, though, that there's some people that just don't desire, to go outside their box and experience another culture. I wouldn't say they're necessarily superficial, but I would say they're definitely missing out,
Debra: definitely agree with you with that. it's like for me, as someone who lives an immersive life full time, Younot everyone is living that way. And as I'm living in a normal average routine life right now. You know, most people are in their day to day and either don't have time or don't have interest in an immersive, conversation or have room for a new deep relationship.
been really challenging for me, uh,because I want my whole life to be immersive. so yeah, I,really would love it if the world could slow down a little and Get deeper into something more than just our basic needs.
Luann: I couldn't agree more. it's very important that people try to understand one another. if we had more of that in this world, perhaps we wouldn't have all the problems that we have. In order to learn to understand other people, you have to make some kind of effort, to connect with them, to learn about them, something to break that barrier, to get outside that box that sometimes people live in it's an invaluable experience without a doubt.
Debra: we kind of have a basic understanding of, immersive and the need for it. now we're going to go into topic number two, which is leaving the U. S. and going to Chile. Which I'm really, to be honest with you, I am so jealous and Iwait to hear about this because I've lived in Peru, and, you know, I, I really appreciate, uh, American cultures, people are super friendly, warm, as an artist, everything is so vibrant and so much color, you know, compared to the United States where everything's like beige and draggy to me, and in other countries they mute color to keep things I don't know, calm or, you know, just no one feeling out of sorts or, you know, offended Chile, uh,Peru, Bolivia, you know, Bolivia, I went to, I haven't been to Brazil yet in Argentina, but we know these countries offer such vibrance in their life.
And so, you know, for me as Peru as being the first place I really did live. I'm really though excited to hear more about South American culture, such as Chile. my first question to you was, was Chile your first, experience traveling slash living outside of the U S? Uh, um,
Luann: my first experience traveling outside of the U. S., but definitely my first one living outside. I had gone to, I believe it's called Tijuana, Mexico, which is, a border, sister city with San Diego. That was when I was in eighth grade or something. So I, I always consider my experience in Chile is my real first experience out in another country and another culture.
Debra: why did you choose Chile? Why Chile? What attracted you there? I mean, again, you, you lived so close to Mexico and other Central American places. You know, cultures that speak Spanish, for example, so I made you choose Chile.
Luann: Well, I was always fascinated with South America and all the different cultures within South America. when I, graduated with my bachelor's degree, I knew that I wanted to leave the U. S. and go live somewhere in South America, some Spanish speaking culture. to do that, I found an opportunity to be an English teacher. this opportunity was based in Chile. Like a government sponsored program, and this program enabled me to go to Chile, placed me with a host family, and where I was teaching at a local school. yeah, I want to go to all the countries in South America eventually. You know, I'd love to it's, uh, that's my goal. Um, but ultimately though, my, my main goal for wanting to go anywhere in Spanish speaking culture was to improve my language skills, because I knew that I wanted to continue working on my Spanish and getting better at it because I knew one day it would ultimately be kind of like my ticket to. Whatever career I chose because I love Spanish and
Debra: And as far as, choosing Chile and being actually really, really south of the equator, you must have experienced adifferent weather conditions and time differences with your family and other things that were an initial shock or, you know, things that you didn't necessarily know what's going to be like for you.
so can you share, again, you shared about six months you were there. So did you have that cultural shock experience, while you were there? And if you did, how long did it take for you to feel used to the local customs or used to the times difference or weather conditions and so on?
Luann: I mean as far as culture shock So my experience was I originally flew in to Santiago Chile the capital where I attended like a week long training You know teaching English and then from there I went to my my placement where the program had placed me to live and I had no idea where That would be going into this Uh, it turns out it was in a small town called Caldera, on the Pacific coast. Uh, it's located in the Atacama region of Chile, within the Atacama desert. It's one of the driest regions in the world. It only rains like one time a year there. and it's a coastal town. Fishing is very much, part of its economy. yeah, so it was a small town, about 13, 000 people, where I was coming from Austin, Texas.
You know, a big city. So that was probably the first thing living in a small town. just like the architecture, everything was just so different. Like all of a sudden I didn't see, fast food restaurants and, you know, nothing there was familiar, of course, except for the language.
luckily my host family, was welcoming and. took me in, um, for a while. I, I had some issues down the road with somebody in the host family, but, um, and I will say another thing that was sort of a culture shock that I was unaware of was, there's a lot of stray dogs in South America and in Chile.
And so when I first got there, I would start seeing dogs on the street and I would think, Oh, okay, they're just, you know, maybe they got away and I would give them some food, give them some water. And then I started to think, Oh, I'm going to help them all until I realized, Oh, these dogs, they live on the streets.
And so that really took, some getting used to, because I saw some dogs that were in really bad shape. That part was tough for me, but they're a completely different culture. Their priorities are, Different than ours here in the U S they may not have the resources that we have to protect animals
So that was a big shock for me.
Debra: a.interesting. I experienced the dog issues as well because I did travel and live shortly in Costa Rica as well as I said Peru and, there was those, issues as well and in the Philippines right now, it's also an issue and as you said, they do have different priorities and,and different cultures have, they place different values on certain animals as well as what I've learned. You know, if I, I lived when I was in Malaysia, because of their religious views, I mean, cows were a different value, or,these animals that you think are of value aren't of value so you're right, you know, every culture has their differences. And if we're going to be living in that culture, we have to accept, or adapt to it because we don't have a right to tell these people otherwise, right?
Because we, we're a guest.
Luann: Yeah. I am a big animal lover. I have dogs, I have a cat. And so I won't lie. It was difficult for me. I saw some animals that, were in very bad shape and I almost wanted to cry, but it just was one of those things throughout my experience, I came to realize that this place is different, you know, I'm not in the United States.
if I could save all these dogs, I would, obviously I can't, but you know, I came to the conclusion that, one culture isn't better than the other. We're just different. We have different priorities.
Debra: can you share, um, like a little bit more about your, uh, An immersive favorite experience, you talked about immersing in the culture by living with a home family, which is, great way to get to know a culture is to live in someone's home and get to know how people live on a day to day basis. But can you share one more likefavorite thing you experienced? or you, observed that really got you immersed into the Chilean culture.
Luann: so I will say probably my most memorable experience during my stay there was, our winter break because there, you know, winter is happening in June, July, and August while summer is happening here. during my winter break, I took a trip up north to a little town called Taltal, spelled T A L T A L. Um, and I also went to another town called San Pedro de Atacama. San Pedro de Atacama is a town in the Atacama Desert, and it's actually a world like tourist attraction. , and so I went there because I'd read about it and that it was a really cool place to visit. within that visit, I was by myself, but I met, I met people from France, Canada, Japan, Netherlands. I met a Bolivian family that were there actually having a wedding for one of their family members. That experience was just amazing. it was this really cute little town in the desert. I remember one night I was going to meet, I'd gone on an excursion that afternoon and I met a couple of people and they said, Hey, let's go have dinner tonight. So I went to dinner with them. Um, and then on my way back, I'm just kind of walking downtown and I could hear people like, you know, yell, not yelling, but like kind of chanting and talking loudly. I thought, what's this all about? And so I go open the door and walk in and it's a, it's a Pentecostal church service that was going on. I just kind of sat down in the back and just observed those people were very, very animated. and I think they even like, you know, welcomed me there. it was just a really neat experience, Connecting with people that I otherwise would never have the opportunity to. and then my other favorite experience was. Coming upon this Bolivian wedding on the street where my Airbnb was, where I was staying, or rather my hostel. I'm walking down the street, and I opened a door, and there's a bunch of people eating and dancing, and so I just kind of step in. They're like, ah, come on in, come on in, and you know, eat, drink, and so they welcomed me in, and I just started hanging out with them, and you know, really neat.
And then they invited me later on to like the, I guess it was like a party, an after party they were having. I remember I went and it was in this little building. There was no roof. I don't know if this was someone's house or what, but you know, these people were just having such a great time.
Debra: They were dancing, drinking wine. There was music. you know, I remember they gave me this little ribbon, this little thing to remember them by, you know, so that was, that was so cool. Yeah, I agree. I mentioned in a previous, episode of mine about what home is like to me. And it's these once in a lifetime moments where strangers welcome you, welcome you into home, welcome you for food.
they don't know you, you a foreigner, you don't look like them, they don't, they don't know anything about you, and yet you are immediately welcomed like family. It is the best feeling in the world,
Luann: Absolutely. You know, it's like you, realize why you're there. Okay. I'm the minority here. And then you feel so fortunate that, you know, they're treating you so, so well, like they are glad you're there. They, you know, they want to introduce you to their family. They want to feed you. They want to show you around, you know, they want to make you feel welcome. Yeah.
Debra: And that's what I've been, you know, talking about a lot was because people ask me, did you choose to go here or there, or return to a place? And it's because I feel welcomed. I want to feel welcomed where I live. I mean, there's for one thing a travel experience that if I don't feel welcomed, that's okay.
You know, like, because it's an experience. But if I want to live somewhere now, feeling welcomed is definitely a big part of my choice.
Luann:
Debra: Yeah. oh, there's definitely one more question I have to ask you now that you've shared this amazing experience. Is, What Chilean customs would you think would benefit the American culture?
What would you want to take from Chile and bring it back to either your local community or more nationwide? What do you think we could benefit, learn from as an American?
Luann: Yeah. one thing I really noticed and that I really liked was, when you meet someone new, for example, you walk into a room and somebody introduces you to their friend, in Chile. And I think in a lot of Latin American countries, when you meet someone, it's a lot more intimate.
It's a lot more personal, right? It's customary there to, go up to the person, and you kiss each other on both cheeks. It's not, you know, shake hands, and then go back your own ways. it's more personal. I feel like people are maybe a little more genuine? I know you can't say that all across the board, but that was my experience.
I mean, every time I met someone new, it was like, they come to meet you, you have their full attention, they're not looking around, like, nice to meet you, come
in and do the whole kisses on the and you chat for a little bit, and it felt like a real human connection, so to speak.
Debra: Yeah. It's the human connection. that's something that, again, that I have shared about is I'm all about individualist, uh, life, which is definitely American in general context. Of course, there's cultures that have more community, feel to it, maybe smaller towns, but we're, you know, we, we live more in populated areas, but.
Um, I need that human, that organic, that analog, that X connection, because that's what I really miss more than anything, if I could go back 30 years, it's because of this. And living and traveling in countries that are still developing or not as technologically advanced. is such a pleasure, so I hear you, absolutely.
Luann: Right.
Debra: Okay, so, um, we're gonna get into topic number three which is a littlecombination of the, again, talking about being immersive, um, it's also going to be about American culture, and a little bit about Gen X, a little bit of all these three. Because immersive living, we did as children. you know, I was a child that, like many Gen X, we, played on the streets.
We played with our friends. we had to call people on the phone, not text, and hear a voice. and we would have great conversations. We might've seen each other all day and still like.have whatever this half an hour, hour conversation on the phone at night after dinner very little of our lives was, behind the screen, I did have ColecoVision. I did start learning, about those games, of course, Pac Man and stuff like that, but we lived an immersive, you know, our all the way into our early adulthood. We live an immersive, lifestyle. and in my podcast, in my outro, I say to people to go out and get your hands dirty. that is part of being an immersive life.
It's not getting afraid to get dirty. My question to you is, did you have a similar experience? Like, you feel healthier with this immersive childhood? And part B of that question is, why do you think it is important for both kids and adults to go out and get a little dirty in their life?
Luann: Yeah. So, as a child, I feel very fortunate that I grew up in the 80s. I was born in 79. I think you said you were born in 74.
Debra: 1973.
Luann: Oh, 73. Okay, even
better. you got all the great music. yeah. So, I would be outside all day, on my bike.
I climbed trees. I did everything. I skateboarded. We had a field down the street that we would go and catch toads and put them in shoeboxes and bring them home. drink from the water hose, run around barefoot. And so I feel like my generation was kind of at the tail end of all that. right before technology started becoming more prevalent and kind of taking over more. So, yeah, I guess, you know, those experiences as a child, gave me a lot of courage that I may not have otherwise had if I was born, say, in like 2000 or something. as far as why it's important or why people should consider, like, like you say, getting their hands dirty, I think that it's important to try to break out of one's bubble, try to meet, befriend, form friendships with other people that you may otherwise think, oh, I have nothing in common with them. When in reality, I think we have a lot more in common than we realize. with my experience in Chile and other experiences that I've had, I think that at the core, people in general, we're really not much different. We all basically have the same needs. we are just surrounded by, our own countries, our own cultures, our own communities. Everything we're told from childhood. it's easy to be sheltered in a way. people should make that effort to get out of that bubble, challenge themselves, be brave,
Debra: Yeah. that is definitely true, and I, of course, not just in America. I find that In most places that we do gravitate to what is comfortable and safe. but I have also, mentioned to people that when we were children, we were very curious, and we would be much more open to talking to a new friend at aschool or, just be more open to have that happen.
I, I believe that technology has also created too much fear to get to know each other and that the bubble, we are creating even a tighter bubble because of all these things that we're seeing. But as someone that is living, you know, an expat nomadic life, I can attest that the world is really not as Let's say scary or dangerous as people, we're seeing it in the news.
It's just that we are going macro into certain things and therefore when you see that macro and often it becomes like a reality that the world is just completely unsafe.
Luann: right. We kind of, I think people kind of create this reality in their mind based on what they see on TV, what they hear. And it's simply not true. it's easy to kind of hide behind a computer screen or. text or email rather than just talk to someone face to face. but I think so much is lost in that. Kind of goes back to that human connection thing.
Debra: As someone that has, had that hands on experience of going to a culture, knowing nobody until you got there, basically, and then making these lifelong friends and memories, what suggestions, maybe, if you can give A couple of simple steps that you would suggest to help people get out of their comfort zone, as you said, get out of their bubble.
What would be like, AOne or two simple things that are really great, but maybe people don't realize would help them be more immersive.
Luann: it could be something as simple as reading a book. go read a book about a culture. even if it's fiction. Something that is set in another country or some culture that may interest you, that you're curious about, watch a documentary, watch a movie. make an effort to start talking to people that you otherwise wouldn't because you have these preconceived notions of, oh, they're nothing like me. maybe try to break out of that. be brave and you'd be surprised.
people like when you talk to them.
Debra: where would be a place where people could meet someone different than themselves, that they feel safe doing? You know what I'm saying? Like, maybe they don't want to go into a completely different culture than themselves.
They might feel a little overwhelmed. So, what could be a place within maybe their neighborhood or in their city area that might be a good place to put themselves in a social situation that might lead to a new friend?
Luann: Yeah, maybe going to like a grocery store or store tailored to one specific culture, you know, maybe go in that store and just look around and, um, could be something like that. It could be, you know, get online and see if there's anything happening in your community, any types of events. that you can maybe attend, cultural events. if you go to school, you know, there's probably students of many cultures there, see if you can maybe join them for something. you definitely have to make an effort though. You have to seek it out if you really want it.
Debra: I agree. I'm just saying, those are great examples because the, you know, a lot of times people are like, yeah, I want to do something, but I really don't know how to get started. So thank you for sharing those ideas. I think those are really great ideas.
Luann: Well, and I, just thought of one that I
Debra: okay.
Luann: Go to a restaurant, a different kind of restaurant, of a different culture,
Debra: Yes. One where the servers and the cooks are from that culture.
Luann: Yes,
where they may not even speak your language, right? Uh, for example, you know, maybe an Ethiopian restaurant, an Indian restaurant, a Mexican restaurant. there's all kinds.
Debra: I was thinking like you said, supermarkets and looking around at their food. I find that so fascinating when I go to another culture isto just walk around and see what their products are. And you're like, What is this? You know, like, in a curious way, like, what is this? And it's like, it's so interesting, the different ways people, you know, product things and way they mix things.
But also, , for me, what I also love is the live markets and going to, you know, fresh produce and, you know, people, you know, you're, you're, you're face to face with them. I just love that experience so much.
Luann: Yeah, I
mean, that's that's a great idea, Go out to the markets, like you said, Anywhere where you can just start interacting and mingling with people and, you'll start to realize, Hey, these people are much different than me. They might be kind of different kind of food, but
Debra: They're still eating food.
Luann: yeah, they're very
Debra: I mean,
our commonalities are much more than our differences. I mean, , we, we have to do the same things every day. It's just how we do things or how we speak a language is what's different. But, you know, we all need to work. We all need to make money. We all need to eat. We all need friends, you know?
So
Luann: Our basic needs are all the same. I'm sure you probably know this better than anyone. You've lived in so many places. you've experienced this and I bet you have lots of great stories and I look forward
to hearing more of your stories on your podcast episodes in the future.
Debra: definitely, I mean, I would definitely share, like, I think it's really important what you touched upon that I should, uh, soon talk about is.How much we have in common with each other and how much we should look at our Fellow human as someone we have more in common with than what we don't have in common with
Luann: Yeah. And you know, in the current climate here in my country, the US, that's just something that I keep going back to there's so much division, especially if you watch the news. I mean, that stuff will drive you nuts. Um, you know, I really try to always remember, these people may be saying this and that, but if we were to really sit down and have a conversation with one another, we might not be so different, you know?
Debra: yeah, I agree. I agree and then it's really hard for me to also See it possible because we are at such polar, you know, visions of what America should be right now. we are more polarized than we've ever been as a country, ever in history, as a fact. so my last, like, I guess my last question to you, cause time is flying by, is so many problems right now in America that are in the news and it's affecting the world actually, you know, we have to keep in mind that America is, , one of the most powerful countries in the world and we influence it in many ways.
And obviously, businesses and economies are dependent on ours in a most general context way. And that's why a lot of people around the world do keep. Their nose in the news and try to learn what's going on because it might be affecting them including our neighbors right now in Canada With the tariffs on ourImports and exports that are going to greatly affect both countries right nowSo, you know our current government is doing things that are reallyNot bringing people together and not helping, the people that need it the most the most vulnerable, So I was just wondering if you could just share in your opinion,based on your experiences though, opinion based on experiences is always what I'm looking for, is if there was something that we could change,
our president, for example, regarding the immersion of things. you believe that if our leaders were more immersed in, uh,day to day life, that it would help improve their choices?
Luann: I think it's possible, I mean, they already do, travel all over the world, right? They meet with world leaders all over
Debra: , yeah, they're meeting world leaders, but , like, they're not immersed in the local people, really, like, they don't see the day to day life, what's happening to Americans, you know, day to day. They might go for a moment to check in, but they don't really have the local experience.
Luann: Yeah, absolutely. I think that if they were to experience this kind of cultural immersion that we're talking about for an extended period of time, I think it would be inevitable that they would start to, adapt and feel like they've become accustomed to living where they live. And yeah, for sure.
I think that cultural immersion is, life changing, no doubt.
Debra: how has your travels and living in Chile, made you either a better human in some way or able to implement it into your work environment that helps improve your overall, work environments and so on.
Luann: So, you know, my experience, I'd say first and foremost, it's, it's definitely giving me, given me a deeper understanding of humanity in general. it definitely helped me become a better communicator because I was in a lot of situations where, you know, I had to communicate in the Spanish language, uh, to be able to make things happen. Youyou have to learn to be patient. you have to learn that some people maybe don't respond the same way that other people would. You know, you have to, sometimes you may not want to use a certain tone of voice, as far as, how it's helped me with my career, I teach full time and so I have all kinds of students and so. You know, they all they can be very different, you know, and I kind of just have to learn to be on a level with each student rather than trying to, pull them up to my level or, you know, obviously, I don't want to pull them down, but I kind of have to learn how to get on their level and communicate with them in a way that helps them and that they can understand.
So they're able to.
Debra: So would you say that you're more compassionate or empathetic because of your experiences with the Chilean culture?
Luann: Yes, for sure. Yes.
Debra: Because, you know, for me, I think that in order to be more empathetic and compassionate to others, is to walk in their shoes, so to speak. And I believe that immersive travel or, again, living in other cultures, or again, as you say, even doing these local experiences in your neighborhood, can help you have a better understanding, a better truth about others, and have a little bit more compassion for them, instead of just pointing, why are you acting this way?
It helps you understand what's going on and be like, Oh, I understand.
Luann: And I don't find that it's that hard, to try to understand someone else and what they might be going through. sometimes, as a teacher, I feel like maybe I care too much. I want to see people happy. I want to see people succeed. but, you know, I also have to understand that There's only so much I can do, and then they have to do the rest, when it comes to making these connections with people and you help one another in some way, it's like, we can feel like there's something greater than us, you know, that's at work, and that's when you really get that feeling of like, okay, wow, there's so much more to life than just,our daily routines and going to work and, going to school, etc, etc.
There's, there's so much more.
Debra: Yes. I, and I totally like, like, I got chills just listening to that because to me, when I'm traveling or living in another culture, it could be the simple, like.Um, transportation difference and that I'm likemore immersed in the local culture here because they have this really, unique transport here called the Jeepney, which looks like in the front like a normal Jeep, American Jeep, but it's like, it's, it's like a size of like a bus almost and you can fit like 20, 21 people in it and it takes you all around the local city, but you are literally sitting next to a complete stranger
being immersed in their routine and it's just a beautiful experience. I think that's really what it comes down to is that the routine can be truly beautiful. And what you shared made me feel like you had a really beautiful local experience.
Luann: Yes.
Debra: so much for sharing.
Luann: Yeah, you're welcome. And thank you for allowing me to share. I, I love talking to strangers. You were just saying about writing next to a stranger, like my spouse, you know, she's, she's not as, outspoken as I am. So when we go somewhere in public, for example, I start talking to someone, she'll say, oh, okay, here we go again.
I love sparking up conversations with anyone, you know.
Debra: I didn't realize actually you were that outgoing. To be honest, I actually didn't know because I I see yourself, I see yourself as a social introvert like me in a way, but that's, I mean, I think that's really great and perhaps your experiences abroad have given you a little bit more confidence in doing that, but more so it's great that you can share that with your, um, your wife and, and maybe allow her to get a little bit more outside of her comfort zone a little bit, which is.
That's what partners do, I think. Don't you agree?
Luann: Yes, it happens from time to time. I've told her I respect that maybe she not, she may not want to, you know, always go out with me or she may not want to stay and talk for hours, you know, and I have to respect that, but I know that's who I am. I'm probably going to be doing that for the rest of my life. I need that. I need that interaction with people.
Debra: Yeah. I don't know, it's kind of like giving some spice to life. know?
Luann: Yes. Variety. It's a spice.
Debra: All right. All right. So I'm going to wrap up by saying, um, if you want to get in touch with Luan and, learn, more about, uh,Spanish culture, her travels to Chile, or again, just being a person from the United States that would like to learn a little bit more on getting that passport and getting out there.
Luan is open to speaking with you, on Facebook. I will put her link to her Facebook in the description, but her Facebook page name is Luan. Elise,
L U A N N E L I S E. Thank you for tuning in to No Borders No Filter. please. Please continue to listen, like, follow, and subscribe on all social media. And if you feel that someone could use a little wake up call, please, share this with your friends or family.
Alright, until next time, go out and get your hands dirty. Bye bye.