One of the best trip reports I've had the pleasure of reading in a long time. Thank you.

"When you travel from the United States to another country, regardless of what you are wearing, you represent the country you have come from. If you misbehave or act poorly outside of your home country, you diminish the reputation of your country. So, act accordingly and you will return to your country as proud citizens.”

Great advice! I also attended a private school back east in the 1970s and we were admonished similarly for trips off campus, be they for sports or culture. Indeed, my grandfather took this view re. self/family for any of us kids simply leaving the house.