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 world travels have formed her life, and the way we are able to all grow to be smarter vacationers. This is her story….

The one place I ever went in my childhood was Greece. My dad and mom had been immigrants, and the primary cause they despatched us again to the “motherland,” as my brother and I referred to as it, was little one care. From the time I used to be 3 years outdated, my grandmother would watch me. I bear in mind sitting on the aircraft quietly and seeing her carry 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 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 in 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 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 respect the issues you have got at residence, however you additionally respect the simplicity of village life.

As I acquired 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 acquired homesick, I may hop on a 45-minute aircraft 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. After I got here again to the U.S., I wished extra. These had 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 in regards to the folks 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 aim was to show us in regards to 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 big 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 once 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 — actually discovered from my travels. I later additionally discovered 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 international governments.

I used to be one among 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 present was exactly that I didn’t look the half.

After I traveled, I at all times felt protected — secret service brokers are a part of the federal authorities. Airways beloved having us on, too, as a result of we supplied an additional stage of security. 

Generally, we’d journey with former presidents and First Girls. I really 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 most important factor we needed to do was mix in so no person seen her (or us), so we wearing a means that did not draw consideration to ourselves. That was in all probability one cause I acquired assigned to Barbara — we had been shut in age, so we regarded extra like mates.

We went to clinics the place kids had 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 info we had been sharing. We made sound selections, and we had protected journeys. That is what folks can take away: You’ll be able to journey and have a good time — simply be proactive.

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

After we did fly business, one of many coolest issues was getting to take a seat within the soar seat within the cockpit with the pilot and co-pilot. It’s for safety. You’ll be able to relay messages sooner and radio for assist. In the event that they want further muscle functionality, you are there.

Each time I acquired 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 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 atmosphere. It is to not be unfavorable — it’s simply what we’d name a situational report.

Once you undergo TSA, there are indicators that talk out in opposition to violence. However the TSA is there to verify everybody stays protected and typically that will get misplaced. I perceive it’s annoying, nevertheless it’s not the TSA’s fault. Once you go via, saying “thanks” can go a great distance. 

Bringing that power onto a flight is useful, too. I’ve discovered most individuals are type and can allow you to. This summer time, I traveled with my 2-year-old toddler. We acquired on the aircraft and had been doing all the things to maintain her quiet and calm. The folks round us had been so gracious. An airline steward took her for a stroll, and one other passenger in a bulkhead who had further 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 hazards that exist on the earth, it is balanced by different individuals who need to assist.

Journey is so necessary as a result of it helps you join with the world. It makes you extra open and accepting of others. You respect the place you come from, however you additionally respect different locations. You be taught humility, and that your means shouldn’t be the one means. Touring is a good way to unite folks.

Edited by Rachel Chang