While in Ireland we were dining in a five star restaurant with our 10 year old daughter. A very proper British gentleman who was seated next to us came over and complimented us on our daughter's manners. It's nice to have your parenting validated!

As an American traveling in Italy with my husband after the 911 incident, while we were shopping in Sorrento at a corner market a young Englishman came up to me and asked if I was from America. Indicating that I was, he proceeded to offer his personal regrets and that of his country for the tragedy that had occurred in New York and Washington DC. He had done this while holding my hands with both of his and the emotion in his voice could not be mistaken. The gesture was a pure demonstration of love for your fellow man.

Topping for KINDNESS

As an American growing up, my friends and I used to drool over foreign accents, specifically Australian (remember Robert from General Hospital in the early '80s and INXS?), English (regular and cockney), Irish, French, Scottish, etc., etc., and we would wonder if outsiders thought an American accent was cool. We decided, nah, it sounds too harsh, too unschooled.<BR><BR>But, I got the loveliest shock of my life last March while standing in line at the KFC at Gatwick Airport (they served sandwiches with fish & chicken together on it-weird). The gentleman next to me (I think he was a pilot) turned to me and said "You have a WONDERFUL American accent!". Needless to say, I was thrilled now that our question was answered!! I thought it was the kindest thing.<BR><BR>Two other "kindest things" spring to mind: the English couple, who were obviously on a date, in the Tower Bridge area who WALKED, not pointed, me to my destination (Let me see if I can help you) and the lovely French gentleman on the RER who helped me get to the other side of the platform (he could barely speak any English) as I was going in the wrong direction. Extremely kind people!! : )<BR><BR>Next?

"You have a beautiful and intelligent face" and "I'll bet your students love you"...plus a few other things (from an Israeli in Jerusalem, whose face was definitely beautiful)<BR>This is one of those naughty anonymous posts because I'm embarrassed, but it really made my day!

While staying at a great Irish country house, the estate shepard paid me a wonderful compliment. He had just pulled into the stable yard, and let his sheepdogs out of the car. The dogs ran over to me, and stayed for several minutes while I played with them. The shepard commented that I must have a way with dogs, as his dogs didn't usually take to strangers....made my day, and I got a 'puppy fix'!