Cambios

The same applies to all Turks and Arabs and other Middle Eastern nations may be up to Pakistan. In Chile they are often all labeled “Turcos” no matter from where they are exactly. If you are affected you may try to explain from which country you are exactly but don't get frustrated if these differences are irrelevant in a mountain hut in the Andes. Just enjoy that you are first seen as person that came from a distant place without being instantly classified by your nationality.

Only Israelis get distinct out of this Middle Eastern group of the "Turcos" because Israelis travel this region in large numbers. They are normally referred to as “Israelitas” and hardly ever as “Jews”. When travelling Chile and Argentina I did not observe any anti-Semitism but occasional some annoyance with young Israelis. They travel after a long and tough military service and try to get as far as possible with the least amount of money necessary. They tend to break the rules more often (as many youngsters of this age tend to do), they often bargain for the lowest price (what is not common in this part of the world and sometimes perceived offensive) and they often travel in groups of their own without seeking much interaction with others. If you are an Israeli hiker on the GPT than please don't bargain for a discount if the asking price is reasonable. Take it or leave it, in particular if you are in an remote place along the route and a settler offers you some food or accommodation. I experienced these locals on the trail as generous and reasonable and haggling would be in most cases rude. Be a good ambassador of your nation and be generous where you are treated with generosity.