The thread on friendly/unfriendly got me thinking. If you were visiting my country and I saw you in a pub, or looking at a sight, what would you like me to do to be friendly? Smile? Engage you in conversation? <BR>Offer unsolicited help? <BR> <BR>Or would you think me a sad being.. no friend need to talk to strangers.. as some of the less charitable of this parish have accused me in the past? <BR> <BR>I have made many friends here; and I learn a bit more about the cultural differences which make our experiences so rich every day. So how do I, an ordinary citizen, help make the visit of the average tourist richer, without seeming like a total prat?

I'm one who would love to have you approach me if you saw me in a pub, or struggling with a map, etc. One of my greatest joys in traveling is meeting people of other countries. <BR> <BR>Once, while sitting in a pub somewhere in the U.K., I was looking at a map, trying to figure out the best driving route to Stonehenge. An elderly couple heard my conversation with a companion and offered the following: "Why on earth do you want to go to Stonehenge? It's just a pile of rocks!" What followed was a lively and interesting conversation, which we loved and still talk about. <BR> <BR>Sheila, I hope we meet someday!

Sheila, <BR>A smile would be wonderful! <BR>And even a "hello, where are you all from" <BR>would not be unwelcome from me. <BR>But them again, I love to meet new people, and never mind striking up conversation. <BR>Where I live (Vermont), we get alot of "leaf peepers" and it is always fun to chat with them, and maybe recommend a favorite place. <BR>So, if i ever end up where you are, <BR>Please do smile at me! <BR>nancy

Sheila-- this is such a refreshing post after some of the rubbish that was posted last week (E&J controversy). <BR> <BR>One of the joys of travel, to me, is when somebody offers a friendly remark, or volunteers a helpful hint or shares whatever experience comes to their mind. A smile is certainly the icing on the cake. <BR> <BR>A naturally shy person, I go completely out of character when on travel as I go out of my way to start conversations with strangers, some of which have made for cherished memories.

Sheila, I agree with the other posters. I often meet people when I'm travelling - it seems everyone is so much friendlier when you're away. Of course, I don't think that's true - maybe I'm just more open to people being friendly!

Hmmm good question. My perspective is twofold. First, Americans are outgoing with strangers (we start conversations in the line at the grocery store), so we'll pretty much talk to anybody and would love it if a local started up a conversation or offered to help with directions. We'll chatter on for hours, so no need to worry about holding up the conversation. Warning: You may learn more than you want to know about our grandchildren or why one state has better apples than all the others. <BR> <BR>Second, women have concerns that men don't. We are wary when first approached by a man; many times what started out as a casual conversation can turn unpleasant if he has ulterior motives. That doesn't mean that men shouldn't start up conversations, but they should be aware we'll probably be a bit reticent at first until we get a 'feel' for what's going on. Time and place can make a difference, too. A conversation in a restaurant at lunchtime is one thing; a conversation in a bar near booty call time is another. As for women approaching women, unless you're brandishing a weapon, we'll be glad for conversation. We might even ask you for your haggis recipe.

I like it when I stop someone on the street to ask directions and, instead of hurrying off, they give me their full attention. In my travels, the Dutch win the prize for this.