Say something nice about another country or culture (to rent, hotel)

[elcoyoteloco]

In my twenties I took a three month road trip from California to Colorado, pretty much wandering aimlessly. I was between jobs, so I decided to take some time to really explore the desert southwest. Three times I ran into minor trouble (car broke down, etc.) in small towns.

Contrary to what I came to expect from movies, each time the local people not only didn't rip me off, but went out of their way to make sure I was well taken care of before sending me on my way.

The grace and simple human kindness of strangers never ceases to amaze me, especially when it comes from people who have radically different or opposing worldviews from my own.

[elcoyoteloco]

Originally Posted by Kiss Kiss Bang Bang

I like Swedish people. I've been in Sweden 3 times and never regreted it. There were also some Swedes in my university - really nice people.

Australians and Kiwis are nice too.

Totally agree. In fact, my ex-fiance is Swedish. Unlike every other girl I ever broke up with, we're still good friends.

And yeah, all the Aussies I knew when I was in Asia were way cool, very laid-back guys. Never met any New Zealanders, but I'm sure you're right. It's hard to be a jerk when you live in paradise, after all.


Thanks everyone, these are great posts. Keep 'em coming!

[elnina]

In small towns people are usually kinder than in big ones, where people are a little more afraid of strangers that can mug them.

[Johnbiggs]

The Danish seem like a very nice, even tempered bunch.

[Thomas R.]

Originally Posted by elnina

In small towns people are usually kinder than in big ones, where people are a little more afraid of strangers that can mug them.

I imagine there's also "compassion fatigue." So many people want help and it just becomes exhausting being surrounded by that. Particularly as a certain percent of people, be they strangers or poor or whatever, are hucksters. Even in my little town the local priest tried to help this family of poor strangers and they basically cleaned him out taking his computer, etc.

[formercalifornian]

Originally Posted by elcoyoteloco

Mexicans are by far the hardest working people I've ever known, and I've always had a wonderful time when visiting there (and I'm not talking about just going to some beach resort.)

Agreed. My spouse and I were just talking about this the other day.

Originally Posted by elcoyoteloco

Despite the popular myths about them, Californians are exceedingly friendly, industrious and just plain nice. Also, bad customer service is extremely rare. In fact, I can't think of a time I ever had less than stellar customer service in California.
[/indent]Your turn

Thank you.

Here's another one along the lines of your comment about Persian women. I have had the same experience with Filipino families. Just extraordinarily gracious people!

[SacalaitWhisperer]

Years ago I stayed in the Carribean for the summers.

The locals were wonderful. The Ugly American tourists, not so much.

[elcoyoteloco]

@formercalifornian: Just to avoid any confusion, I was referring to Persians in general, not just the women.

[lolagranola]

I just came home from Ethiopia & was totally blown away by the people.

Again & again the people we met were kind, gentle, honest, & generous. They have so much pride in their history & emporers.

[formercalifornian]

Originally Posted by elcoyoteloco

@formercalifornian: Just to avoid any confusion, I was referring to Persians in general, not just the women.

Thanks for clarifying. Not exactly sure why I attached a gender to your statement.