Human Traits

Often while traveling I find myself contemplating human traits. For example – courtesy, kindness, humor, and rudeness – to mention a few. Without realizing it I begin comparing these observations made outside the United States with characteristics I find at home, particularly among occupations similar, both here and over there. Examples might be waiters, vehicle drivers, tour guides, and other professionals.

Sometimes while doing this I become philosophic and attempt to assign certain traits to specific nationalities. For example, “Do we in California drive more aggressively than the Germans do on the autobahn?”

I need to be careful here, especially when national customs and traditions are involved. I may feel offended but have only stumbled upon a local custom. While again, I may have affronted another by one of our own national traditions.

If I haven’t lost you so far in my story, let me go on by being specific about some of the experiences that fit my introduction.

MACEDONIA
Our temporary “permanent” address while here was a hotel in Skopje. One day we traveled several hundred kilometers to a tourist site. While there I lost my passport at a restaurant but didn’t miss it till a day later when we were back in Skopje. I hunted and searched all over, then out of desperation my friend called the restaurant and was relieved when they told him they had found it. The employee took it to their local bus station, and gave it to a driver who was on his way to Skopje. We waited for him at the bus stop, and he returned it to me. Characteristics – honesty, courtesy, thoughtfulness, and effort above and beyond what was necessary. I will defend the Macedonian people whenever I can.

FRANCE
We rented a car and drove to a city which was new to us.We needed help in laying out our visit, finding where things were, and how to get there. French is an unfamiliar language for us, so we made a visit to the local tourist bureau. “Here’s a book. Don’t ask me. Look in the book,” was her response, while her fingers were tapping, and her eyes were rolling in disgust. One more question was answered with, “‘Didn’t you hear me?” Nasty treatment, sour response. This created a lasting image I will not soon forget. There was no courtesy, no joy, only contempt.

CHINA
Once again a new city – this time alone, not with a tour. A local businessman recognizing our confusion offered help. He took a map and placed eight numbers on it depicting items of interest that had been added in recent years. Then he took eight business cards, numbered them, and wrote instructions on the back in Mandarin, and the name of our hotel on the front. Very helpful, and he demonstrated pride in his city and kindness to tourists. I was grateful and pleased.

ECUADOR
While touring the Galapagos Islands by boat along with a group which included a diverse mix of people, we were greeted by an insolent tour guide. One couple was inquisitive, questioning, and somewhat persistent for more details.They continued to ask questions. The guide responded, “You ask too many stupid questions. I will not answer any more of them. So be quiet.” Prejudice, discourtesy, rudeness – all nasty traits were demonstrated here. It was his business, and he should have been more respectful.

BRUNEI
We were on a tour, and it was very hot. Ladies were dressed comfortably in shorts and loose-fitting blouses, as we approached the major mosque in the city of Bandar Seri Begawan. All of us wore regular street shoes, and we were politely asked to remove them. Ladies were given abayas, and asked to cover their heads with available scarves. We Americans could have easily offended local customs. We were asked graciously in a respectful way, and we complied in graceful fashion. Proud of both of our positions. We were asked with courtesy, and we responded with courtesy. An all-around win.

GERMANY
While driving ourselves in a remote area, we became completely lost. After a number of “rechtes und linkes” out of desperation we stopped at a gas station looking for help in finding our hotel. A customer saw the problem. With a laugh he said “going near there, so follow me. I will take you there.” The courtesy and kindness were much appreciated. It was done in good spirit and with thoughtfulness. I wonder if we would have done the same for him in the Bay Area. What do you think?

I hope these examples emphasize my point. We go about life leaving a trail of impressions. I hope my trail is a polite and courteous one.