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 prefer 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 ebook 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 develop into 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 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 From the time I used to be 3 years outdated, my grandmother would watch me. I bear in mind sitting on the aircraft 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 might 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 facet to your toes — was related 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 if 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 at house, however you additionally admire 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 might hop on a 45-minute aircraft journey 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 had 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 trainer 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 along 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 realized 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 realized from my travels. I later additionally realized 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 one among few feminine brokers, however I didn’t thoughts. I might 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 at all times felt secure — secret service brokers are a part of the federal authorities. Airways cherished having us on, too, as a result of we offered an additional degree of security. 

Typically, we might journey with former presidents and First Girls. I truly 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 one seen her (or us), so we wearing a means that did not draw consideration to ourselves. That was in all probability one purpose I acquired assigned to Barbara — we had been shut in age, so we seemed 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 data we had been sharing. We made sound choices, and we had secure journeys. That is what individuals can take away: You possibly can journey and have a good time — simply be proactive.

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

Once we did fly industrial, one of many coolest issues was getting to take a seat within the bounce seat within the cockpit with the pilot and co-pilot. It’s for safety. You possibly can relay messages sooner and radio for assist. In the event that they want additional 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 state of affairs? 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 setting. It is to not be destructive — it’s simply what we might name a situational report.

While you undergo TSA, there are indicators that talk out in opposition to violence. However the TSA is there to verify everybody stays secure and generally that will get misplaced. I perceive it’s annoying, however it’s not the TSA’s fault. While 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 form and can enable you to. This summer season, I traveled with my 2-year-old toddler. We acquired on the aircraft and had been doing all the pieces 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 planet, 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 admire the place you come from, however you additionally admire different locations. You study humility, and that your means will not be the one means. Touring is a good way to unite individuals.

Edited by Rachel Chang