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 by means of 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 obtained a United States Secret Service Valor Award as a 9/11 first responder, authored a e book known 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 principle cause they despatched us again to the “motherland,” as my brother and I known as it, was baby care. From the time I used to be 3 years outdated, my grandmother would watch me. I bear in mind sitting on the airplane quietly and seeing her elevate 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’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 aspect to your toes — was linked to the rooster coop within the again. Even taking a shower was a manufacturing. We needed to boil water and use a plastic basin.

However once 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 have got 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 journey 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 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 objective was to show us in regards to the world, however not by means of a textbook. I used to be learning 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 enormous vans for the category and mapped a visit throughout Europe and northern Africa. Alongside the best way, 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 typically 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 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 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 most important factor we needed to do was mix in so no person observed her (or us), so we wearing a approach that did not draw consideration to ourselves. That was in all probability one cause I received assigned to Barbara — we had been shut in age, so we regarded extra like pals.

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 choices, and we had protected 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 Power One, that’s an entire different recreation. Technically, no matter airplane the president flies on turns into Air Power One.

After we did fly industrial, one of many coolest issues was getting to sit down within the bounce 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.

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 scenario? Are they in a position to 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 adverse — it’s simply what we might 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, but it surely’s not the TSA’s fault. Once you go by means of, saying “thanks” can go a great distance. 

Bringing that vitality onto a flight is useful, too. I’ve discovered most individuals are form and can assist you. This summer time, I traveled with my 2-year-old toddler. We received on the airplane and had been doing every part to maintain her quiet and calm. The individuals round us had 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 frequently 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 essential 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 a good way to unite individuals.

Edited by Rachel Chang