German Tourists Detained for Changing in Public in Brazilian Airport

Travel Blog  •  Rob Verger  •  02.03.09 | 4:30 PM ET

The AP reports that two German tourists were detained in Brazil after allegedly changing their clothes in public in Salvador’s international airport. According to the AP: “Police inspector Maritta Souza said the 66-year-old man from Koenigsberg and his 64-year-old friend from Bad Bevensen said they thought it ‘was normal’ to change clothes like that in Brazil, especially in a beach city like Salvador.” The article also quotes a witness: “I went there and asked if they would like to see other people taking their clothes off in front of his wife or in front of kids,” Paulo Goes told Globo TV. “They just laughed.” (Via Today in the Sky)

The article notes, “They said that they were late for their flight and needed to change into new clothes because one of them got wet during a boat trip and the other felt sick and vomited during the same trip earlier in the day.”

Come on, folks. I can understand being late for a flight and wanting to fly in dry clothes, but still: How about a little common sense and respect? Brazil, by the way, is more conservative than stereotypes of that country suggest. While bikinis might be normal on the beach, there is no nudity—not on the beach, the street, or in an airport lobby.

Tags: Air Travel, Airports, Airworld, Tres Loco, South America, Brazil, News and Briefs

Rob Verger

Rob Verger is a frequent contributor to World Hum and the site's former air travel blogger. His articles and photographs have appeared in the Boston Globe and other publications, and he's a former undergraduate writing instructor at Columbia University. If you like, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or follow him on Twitter.


2 Comments for German Tourists Detained for Changing in Public in Brazilian Airport

long island girl 02.04.09 | 12:09 PM ET

Whatever the reason these German Tourists have, what they did is very improper. We all know that there are proper rooms or places to change our clothes. And if you are well-educated, you can still think of the embarrassment you get for being detained for changing in public.

Eva Holland 02.04.09 | 12:11 PM ET

Sigh. This is vintage Ugly Tourist stuff. If there were kids around, they’re lucky they’re not facing serious charges.

Commenting is not available in this weblog entry.