For Journey + Leisure’s column Touring As, we’re speaking to vacationers about what it’s wish to discover the world by their distinctive views. We talked to Evy Poumpouras, a former U.S. Secret Service agent, who has protected presidents Barack Obama, Invoice Clinton, and each George W. Bush and George H.W. Bush. She additionally acquired a United States Secret Service Valor Award as a 9/11 first responder, authored a guide known as “Changing into Bulletproof,” and co-hosted Bravo’s Spy Video games. Poumpouras mentioned how her international travels have formed her life, and the way we are able to all turn into smarter vacationers. Here is her story….
The one place I ever went in my childhood was Greece. My mother and father have been immigrants, and the principle cause they despatched us again to the “motherland,” as my brother and I known as it, was little one care. From the time I used to be 3 years previous, my grandmother would watch me. I keep in mind sitting on the airplane quietly and seeing her carry our stuff off the luggage declare belt.
I used to be born in Harlem and grew up in Washington Heights and later in public housing in Queens. In Greece, I might go to my mom’s village — Argyroupoli — which I don’t suppose was even on a map.
We had chickens, a donkey, and a swing that was hung with a rope on a tree. The restroom — a gap within the floor with two bricks on the facet to your toes — was related to the hen coop within the again. Even taking a shower was a manufacturing. We needed to boil water and use a plastic basin.
However whenever you develop up like that, it is simply one other house. I noticed two distinctive worlds, and with out realizing it, it made me extra adaptable. You admire the issues you’ve gotten at house, however you additionally admire the simplicity of village life.
As I received older, I felt like I wanted to see extra of the world. My first research overseas was in Italy. My mindset was that Greece is subsequent to Italy, so if I received homesick, I may hop on a 45-minute airplane experience to see my household.
I did six months there on the American College of Rome. It was a tremendous expertise and gave me publicity to the world. Once I got here again to the U.S., I wished extra. These have been costly journeys, so I might come again, work three part-time jobs in a single semester, after which do my subsequent journey.
Subsequent, I did a semester in Mexico. We realized in regards to the individuals of Chiapas, and commerce (NAFTA had simply kicked in) and the way it impacted the nation. The teacher I traveled with to Mexico was Dr. Linda Longmire. Her purpose was to show us in regards to the world, however not by a textbook. I used to be finding out political science and worldwide relations, so I went together with her on one other program known as the European Odyssey.
We flew to Paris and rented two big vans for the category and mapped a visit throughout Europe and northern Africa. Alongside the way in which, I realized Italian and Spanish, however these experiences additionally made me unafraid about touring.
Courtesy of Evy Poumpouras
This helped me after I joined the U.S. Secret Service. By the point I went into the service, I spoke 5 languages — Greek, Italian, Spanish, French, and English — really realized from my travels. I later additionally realized Arabic alone. This was uncommon on the time, and it helped me get recruited as a result of the place usually offers with world leaders and overseas governments.
I used to be one in all few feminine brokers, however I didn’t thoughts. I may sit there and say, “Oh, they do not suppose I belong or look the half.” However my reward was exactly that I didn’t look the half.
Once I traveled, I at all times felt secure — secret service brokers are a part of the federal authorities. Airways beloved having us on, too, as a result of we offered an additional stage of security.
Typically, we might journey with former presidents and First Women. I really did have President George W. Bush’s, daughter, Barbara Pierce Bush, for a while. We’d take industrial flights to Africa, the place she did humanitarian work for AIDS. The largest factor we needed to do was mix in so no one seen her (or us), so we wearing a approach that did not draw consideration to ourselves. That was most likely one cause I received assigned to Barbara — we have been shut in age, so we regarded extra like pals.
We went to clinics the place kids have been coping with the illness. It was humbling to be there. We additionally went to locations the place we needed to be cautious. We at all times labored with the native police, however we needed to watch what data we have been sharing. We made sound selections, and we had secure journeys. That is what individuals can take away: You possibly can journey and have a good time — simply be proactive.
Once you’re with a sitting president on Air Pressure One, that’s a complete different recreation. Technically, no matter airplane the president flies on turns into Air Pressure One.
After we did fly industrial, one of many coolest issues was getting to sit down within the leap seat within the cockpit with the pilot and co-pilot. It’s for safety. You possibly can relay messages quicker and radio for assist. In the event that they want additional muscle functionality, you are there.
Courtesy of Evy Poumpouras
Each time I received on a flight, I did an evaluation: The place are the doorways? Is the particular person sitting subsequent to me able to dealing with any state of affairs? Are they capable of open the door if there’s an emergency? Who would I am going to for power? Little issues like that — simply being conscious of the surroundings. It is to not be damaging — it’s simply what we might name a situational report.
Once you undergo TSA, there are indicators that talk out towards violence. However the TSA is there to ensure everybody stays secure and generally that will get misplaced. I perceive it’s annoying, however it’s not the TSA’s fault. Once you go by, saying “thanks” can go a great distance.
Bringing that vitality onto a flight is useful, too. I’ve discovered most individuals are variety and can show you how to. This summer season, I traveled with my 2-year-old toddler. We received on the airplane and have been doing every part to maintain her quiet and calm. The individuals round us have been so gracious. An airline steward took her for a stroll, and one other passenger in a bulkhead who had additional room took her for a bit.
We regularly lose sight of individuals being real and good. So, regardless of me having that consciousness of the risks that exist on the earth, it is balanced by different individuals who wish to assist.
Journey is so vital as a result of it helps you join with the world. It makes you extra open and accepting of others. You admire the place you come from, however you additionally admire different locations. You study humility, and that your approach just isn’t the one approach. Touring is an effective way to unite individuals.
Edited by Rachel Chang