Hi, all,<BR><BR>One of the things I try to achieve when traveling is to get a feel for life as locals lead it. So, while the tourist sights are important, I especially enjoy and relish the situations where I get to interact with locals, learn about local life and/or participate in local traditions. Assuming this is also a goal of yours, what suggestions/experiences do all of you have for making this happen when you travel? <BR><BR>Thanks.<BR><BR>John H

In cities I prefer to rent a flat instead of staying in hotels. Instead of rubbing shoulders only with other travelers, I spend time in the local green grocer, pub, cafe, pastry shop etc. After a few days you really feel like a "local" and the shop keepers know you by name.<BR><BR>For the same reason, in the countryside I often rent cottages or villas in small villages. The experience is even better than in the big cities since you get to know everybody and often are invited to join locals for dinner or walks or community fetes and fairs. <BR><BR>Some of my best friends are people I met while staying in their village.

I have had very nice experiances renting a room with a local family at times.

Avoid Royston Vasey, England.

And if you do go to Royston Vasey, avoid the Local Shop (its for local people). The butchers is well worth a bodyswerve too.<BR><BR>The cabbies are very friendly though.

John: <BR><BR>First thing and mt important:<BR>Try to speak the language. It helps a lot. When in a cafe, go the bar rather than sit on the terrace. Helps as well. Go to the same places like cafes, bakeries, small neighbourhood shops and restaurants. After some days, you will be welcomed friendly with a "Comment allez-vous aujourd'hui?" or "come sta oggi?"<BR>Sit on a bench in a park and start a conversation with the person(s) sitting next to you.<BR>Avoid touristy spots and spend more time in authentic parts of the city.

Are you local? Royston Vasey is a fictional village from BBC TV's League of Gentlemen and not to be confused with Royston in Hertfordshire. The actual village used to portray Royston Vasey is High Peak in Derbyshire. Royston Vasey is also the real name of comedian Chubby Brown. To complicate matters, Chubby Brown plays the mayor of Royston Vasey in the series. Royston in Hertfordshire has no connection with Royston Vasey, the League of Gentlemen or Roy Chubby Brown (as far as we're aware!). So that's that cleared up then.... back to some real places. <BR><BR>