Former U.S. Secret Service Agent Evy Poumpouras on How Touring the World Modified Her

For Journey + Leisure’s column Touring As, we’re speaking to vacationers about what it’s wish to discover the world via 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 e-book referred to as “Turning 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 dad and mom have been immigrants, and the primary purpose they despatched us again to the “motherland,” as my brother and I referred to as it, was baby 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 elevate our stuff off the bags 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’d go to my mom’s village — Argyroupoli — which I don’t assume 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 aspect in your ft — 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 while you develop up like that, it is simply one other residence. I noticed two distinctive worlds, and with out realizing it, it made me extra adaptable. You recognize the issues you’ve gotten at residence, however you additionally recognize the simplicity of village life.

As I obtained older, I felt like I wanted to see extra of the world. My first examine overseas was in Italy. My mindset was that Greece is subsequent to Italy, so if I obtained homesick, I may hop on a 45-minute airplane trip to see my household.

I did six months there on the American College of Rome. It was an incredible expertise and gave me publicity to the world. Once I got here again to the U.S., I needed extra. These have been costly journeys, so I’d 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 discovered concerning the folks of Chiapas, and commerce (NAFTA had simply kicked in) and the way it impacted the nation. The trainer I traveled with to Mexico was Dr. Linda Longmire. Her purpose was to show us concerning the world, however not via a textbook. I used to be learning political science and worldwide relations, so I went together with her on one other program referred to as the European Odyssey. 

We flew to Paris and rented two enormous vans for the category and mapped a visit throughout Europe and northern Africa. Alongside the way in which, I discovered Italian and Spanish, however these experiences additionally made me unafraid about touring.

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 discovered from my travels. I later additionally discovered Arabic by myself. This was uncommon on the time, and it helped me get recruited as a result of the place usually offers with world leaders and international governments.

I used to be considered one of few feminine brokers, however I didn’t thoughts. I may sit there and say, “Oh, they do not assume I belong or look the half.” However my present was exactly that I didn’t look the half.

Once I traveled, I all the time felt protected — secret service brokers are a part of the federal authorities. Airways cherished having us on, too, as a result of we supplied an additional degree of security. 

Typically, we might journey with former presidents and First Women. I truly did have President George W. Bush’s, daughter, Barbara Pierce Bush, for a while. We might take business 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 method that did not draw consideration to ourselves. That was in all probability one purpose I obtained assigned to Barbara — we have been shut in age, so we seemed 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 all the time labored with the native police, however we needed to watch what info we have been sharing. We made sound choices, and we had protected journeys. That is what folks can take away: You may journey and have a good time — simply be proactive.

Whenever you’re with a sitting president on Air Drive One, that’s an entire different recreation. Technically, no matter airplane the president flies on turns into Air Drive One.

After we did fly business, 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 may relay messages sooner and radio for assist. In the event that they want additional muscle functionality, you are there.

Each time I obtained on a flight, I did an evaluation: The place are the doorways? Is the individual sitting subsequent to me able to dealing with any scenario? Are they in a position to open the door if there’s an emergency? Who would I’m going to for power? Little issues like that — simply being conscious of the atmosphere. It is to not be detrimental — it’s simply what we might name a situational report.

Whenever you undergo TSA, there are indicators that talk out in opposition to violence. However the TSA is there to ensure everybody stays protected and generally that will get misplaced. I perceive it’s annoying, but it surely’s not the TSA’s fault. Whenever you move via, saying “thanks” can go a good distance. 

Bringing that power onto a flight is useful, too. I’ve discovered most individuals are sort and can assist you to. This summer season, I traveled with my 2-year-old toddler. We obtained on the airplane and have been doing every part to maintain her quiet and calm. The folks 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 need 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 recognize the place you come from, however you additionally recognize different locations. You study humility, and that your method isn’t the one method. Touring is an effective way to unite folks.

Edited by Rachel Chang