Those we met
Apr 27th, 2018 | 03:43 PM
#23
Joined: Feb 2018
Posts: 41
Likes: 0
Thank you, Coquelicot
There are two separate issues.
A. Many Americans are not informed about their own country, let alone foreign countries.
B. Right now, the US is the big dog and many people read about us.
We try to know the larger current issues of a country we visit, as well as some history, literature, art, and some basics of their language. This small amount of knowledge often take people aback. For example, I just re-read Candide.
We used to be defensive about other countries knowing more about the US, then we they. But there approximately 200 countries and it is impossible to know each. And if someone gets rude about it, I ask them who is the Prime Minister of Finland or what is the leading export of Chile. Not my preferred method of creating good will.
There are two separate issues.
A. Many Americans are not informed about their own country, let alone foreign countries.
B. Right now, the US is the big dog and many people read about us.
We try to know the larger current issues of a country we visit, as well as some history, literature, art, and some basics of their language. This small amount of knowledge often take people aback. For example, I just re-read Candide.
We used to be defensive about other countries knowing more about the US, then we they. But there approximately 200 countries and it is impossible to know each. And if someone gets rude about it, I ask them who is the Prime Minister of Finland or what is the leading export of Chile. Not my preferred method of creating good will.
Apr 28th, 2018 | 12:59 PM
#30
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 57,091
Likes: 5
My own experience is that people will tell you their life stories if you give them half a chance, anywhere in the world.>>
Exactly, Nikki. You only have to look interested and you get the lot, warts and all. Sometimes you get more than you've bargained for, of course.
Great thread, IMD, thanks.
Exactly, Nikki. You only have to look interested and you get the lot, warts and all. Sometimes you get more than you've bargained for, of course.
Great thread, IMD, thanks.
Apr 30th, 2018 | 01:06 PM
#34
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 966
Likes: 0
<<Last few weeks in Spain and France, I wore a tee-shirt that reads in about 10 languages, "Sorry about our President.">>
LOL, thanks for the tee-shirt info. I just ordered mine!
We've made numerous friends by striking up conversations with locals and other travelers throughout the years, most of whom we continue to see. That's one of the the best parts of traveling.
LOL, thanks for the tee-shirt info. I just ordered mine!
We've made numerous friends by striking up conversations with locals and other travelers throughout the years, most of whom we continue to see. That's one of the the best parts of traveling.
Last edited by russ_in_LA; Apr 30th, 2018 at 01:07 PM. Reason: mistake
Apr 30th, 2018 | 01:11 PM
#35
Original Poster
Joined: Aug 2013
Posts: 6,476
Likes: 0
Thank you Russ in LA.
Sometimes you don't make friends by striking up conversations but learn a little about a country. In Spain we often speak with cab drivers and get their personal take but are careful not to interpolate beyond the one person.
Sometimes you don't make friends by striking up conversations but learn a little about a country. In Spain we often speak with cab drivers and get their personal take but are careful not to interpolate beyond the one person.
Apr 30th, 2018 | 01:58 PM
#36
Joined: Feb 2006
Posts: 57,091
Likes: 5
Loved everyone's stories. I love chatting people up when I travel and it seems most people are quite ready to have a nice talk. It's one of the real pleasures I get from a trip, whether here in the US or abroad.>>
me too, crefloors. Perhaps that's why I like Fodors - it's the on-line equivalent of chatting to people you meet while you're travelling. Some you get on with, some not so much, and a few become friends for life.
me too, crefloors. Perhaps that's why I like Fodors - it's the on-line equivalent of chatting to people you meet while you're travelling. Some you get on with, some not so much, and a few become friends for life.
Apr 30th, 2018 | 02:06 PM
#37
Joined: Mar 2003
Posts: 966
Likes: 0
On our last trip our London cab driver informed us that we were his last fare forever, as he was quitting due to competition from Uber. Not a happy conversation, but at the end of the ride he put on some music, threw opened the doors and jumped out, and we all did a little dance on the sidewalk.
