As a trip to the travel + lezer column, we are talking to travelers to detect the world through their unique approaches. We talked EV PumperusA former US secret service agent, who has protected both President Barack Obama, Bill Clinton and George W. Bush and George HW Bush. He also received the United States Secret Service Velor Award as a 9/11 First Responder, which had a book “” called “” “Bulletproof“And co-genre Bravo Detective gamePoumpouras discussed how his global journey has shaped her life, and how can we all become smarter travelers. Here is his story….
I had only one place in childhood GreeceMy parents were immigrants, and the main reason they sent us back to the “motherland”, as my brother and I called it, the child was careful. When I was 3 years old, my grandmother used to see me. I remember she was sitting quietly on the plane and saw her lifting her belongings from the belt.
I was born in Harlem and grew up in Washington Heights and later in public housing in Queens. In Greece, I will go to my mother’s village – Argirupoli – which I don’t think was on a map.
We had chickens, a donkey and a swing that hung with a rope on a tree. Toilet – A hole in the ground with two bricks for your legs – was attached to the chicken coop in the back. Even bathing was a production. We had to boil water and use a plastic basin.
But when you are older, it is just another house. I saw the two unique world, and without realizing it, it adapted me more. You appreciate the things that are at your home, but you also appreciate the simplicity of the life of the village.
As I grew up, I felt as if I needed to see more of the world. My first study abroad was in Italy. My mentality was that Greece is next to Italy, so if I found Homik, I could expect a 45 -minute aircraft ride to see my family.
I spent six months at the American University of Rome. It was a wonderful experience and gave me the risk to the world. When I returned to America, I wanted more. These were expensive trips, so I will come back, work as three part -time jobs in a semester, and then travel my next.
Next, I did a semester in Mexico. We learned about people ChiapassAnd trade (NAFTA only kicked) and how did it affect the country. The instructor with which I traveled to Mexico, Dr. Linda was Longgier. His goal was to teach us about the world, but not through the textbook. I was studying political science and international relations, so I went to another program called European Odissi with him.
We flew to Paris and rented two huge vans for class and mapped a trip throughout Europe and North Africa. The way I learned Italian and Spanish, but these experiences also made me useless about traveling.
Courtesy of EV Paumpuras
This helped me when I joined the US Secret Service. By the time I went to service, I spoke five languages ​​- Greek, Italian, Spanish, French and English – really learned from my journey. I later learned Arabic on my own. This was rare at that time, and this helped me to be recruited because the situation often relates to world leaders and foreign governments.
I was one of some female agents, but I had no objection. I could sit there and say, “Oh, they don’t think I am related or look at the part.” But my gift was fine that I do not see the part.
When I traveled, I always felt safe – Secret service agents are part of the federal government. Airlines also liked us, as we provided additional level protection.
Sometimes, we will travel together former President And the first women. I really had President George W Bush, daughter, Barbara Pierce Bush, for some time. We will take commercial flights to Africa, where he did humanitarian work for AIDS. The biggest thing we had to do was that no one paid attention to him (or we), so we dressed in this way that does not pay attention to ourselves. It was probably a reason that I was assigned to Barbara – we were close to age, so we looked like friends.
We went to the clinic where the children were dealing with the disease. It was humble to be there. We also went to places where we had to be careful. We always worked with the local police, but we had to see what information we are sharing. We took sound decisions, and we had safe trips. These people can take away: You can travel and be a great time – just be active.
When you are with a sitting chairman on the Air Force One, this is a complete game. Technically, the Air Force that whatever aircraft is flying.
When we took a commercial flight, one of the best things was being held to sit on the jump seat in the cockpit with a pilot and co-pilot. This is for safety. You can make messages fast and radio relay for help. If they require additional muscle capacity, you are there.
Courtesy of EV Paumpuras
Every time I flying, I made an assessment: where are the doors? Is the person sitting next to me who is able to handle any situation? Are they able to open the door if there is an emergency? Who will I go for strength? Such small things – just know about the environment. This is not negative – this is the only one we will call a status.
When you pass through TSA, there are signs that speak against violence. But TSA Is it to ensure that everyone is safe and sometimes lost. I think it is annoying, but it is not the fault of TSA. When you pass, saying that “thanks” can lead a long way.
It is also helpful to bring that energy on a flight. I have found that most people are kind and will help you. In this summer, I traveled with my 2 -year -old child. We climbed on the plane and were doing everything to keep it calm and calm. People around us were so kind. An airline Steward took her to walk, and another passenger in a bulkhed, who had an additional room, took her a little bit.
We often lose people the sight of being real and good. Therefore, despite being aware of the dangers in the world, it is balanced by other people who want to help.
The journey is very important because it helps you join the world. This makes you more open and accepts others. You appreciate where you come from, but you also appreciate other places. You learn humility, and that your way is not the only way. Traveling is a great way to unite people.
Edited by Rachel Chang
