Understand by observing the environment, infrastructure, culture and lives of people by being there.

You have to live with the people. Only this way you can understand the great values they have. Values that don't exist where you live. Want an example? In Egypt, and I am sure in many other African and Arab countries, people have a culture of interfering when they see a fight. They will react instantly, holding the fighting parties physically back, maybe three of them each party, and say things to calm them down. Then they'll let go of the two contestants and make them shake hands. And it is over and done with. This goes for sudden physical fights in the street. Fights within a family or between two families are a wh*** different story.

If you get one or more stories of things you witnessed that are good, great, interesting, new, astonishing, awe-inspiring etc, tell everybody back home about it when you get home. In Europe you can decrease the xenophobia this way and in North America the ignorance about other countries and cultures.

It is vital to do this, even if you are only person doing this, because the word will spread and the image of the 'foreigner" will change to a more realistic view of people e.g. in Africa.

Make people at home alert. Tell them how Africans work. They sing and do work together in a real team, according to the rhythm of their singing. Telling a story like that, you'll get the attention of your listeners in the "first world" for sure.

I have a lot more stories to tell and I have been practicing this story telling in order to change judgmental ideas to knowledge. They will never read it in the paper, since the media go for sensations and bad news. Some people might carry the story and tell somebody else about it. Mouth to mouth propaganda does not only work in advertising but also in creating awareness of other cultures as equal. It helps decrease the hostility in a society in a rich country and it creates respect for "underdeveloped" countries where there was only a faint idea before, mixed with some vague beliefs of the poor savage. This old idea of the times of colonialism was the bases for exploitation. And exploitation needs to be ended for good.

Haiti is an example for this. They have huge debts since they bought their freedom from the French colonizers. If you get enough people to understand that, sign a petition and hand it to their Member of Parliament, for example, this will be the first step to create a decision where a majority of the population - and eventually the World Bank - will decide that this is inhumane and that these debts need to be waived.

Another advantage of learning and observing is that we learn how to live a simpler way. Do I really need a big car or is it enough to get a car that fulfills its purpose? Do I need to buy toxic toilet cleaners if pouring boiling water into it every now and then helps clean the pipes as well? Do I need a dryer if hanging up the laundry does not cost anything at all? Do I need to get the special deli meat and nothing else and why would I be upset at the deli counter if they don't have it if I can be happy with any deli meat and actually appreciate that I can buy food at all?

The infrastructure and the environment are certainly not so ideal there as you think they are where you live. Think twice. If you live in a big city, why don't you already have clean air, since cars can run on water? Do you need a McDonald's outlet on every corner if cooking is a lot better for you?

You have power, warm water, heating or air conditioning 24/7. Ever thought of being grateful and contented? It would boost your mood if you did. In other places, power goes out, warm water isn't there always, or water has to be carried over long distances.

And think about health care and social services. If you are disabled, you do not have to sit in the street all day, begging for money to buy food. If you need a doctor, you can go see one even if you have no money or not much.

Understanding and transporting stories and thoughts and observations back home will create the basis for a more balanced world. And it teaches you lots.

And if you haven't been at a party or a wedding or another social activity, you just haven't stayed long enough! Hospitality in many countries is so huge and incredible that you learn soon not to ask for anything because you will get it double and three times and you'll be expected to eat or drink it!!

And, don't be a tourist. Be part of the people. Try to talk to them, understand what their life is like, what their fears and hopes are, what matters most to them. But be careful with discussing religion or politics or with walking around in shorts or mini skirts. It might not be appropriate and cause tension or embarrassment. Inform and educate yourself before you ever go to a country, e.g. in Africa.

Have an open mind and wait for surprises! There will be a couple waiting for you.