Unfriendly Foreigners in Foreign Countries Are Fascinating Creatures

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Greetings,

This is a rare “thoughts” update on something that really annoys me. It’s the important matter of unfriendly foreigners in foreign countries and how they fascinate me, really.

I am perplexed at how some people can be so introverted, unsure of themselves or just cold that they don’t even give a head nod to other foreigners when we represent less than 0.002% of the population. Just because we’re both from far away lands doesn’t mean we should have lengthy conversations or become BFF’s or any other BS like that… I’m just saying if you are off the “tourist trails” and you run into someone else who looks like they are from your country, why not send a smile, a nod, a gesture of “good day and best regards”.

I’ve found in Asia, the local people are all incredibly friendly. Everywhere you go, if you make eye contact 9/10 times they will send a smile, a head nod or another friendly gesture that they notice you. Not only is it friendly, it’s the polite thing to do. Send some good energy into the universe and get it back somewhere else. It’s elementary, dear Watson.  So many times I’ve run into people when I haven’t seen anyone else who probably has the same mother tongue as myself and they are just cold, like the countries they come from. They should go back to their cubicles and choke on some coffee while coughing with a  common cold.

Stop having a boring life you introverted ingrates, seriously. If they aren’t willing to extend pleasantries even through non verbal communication, I can only imagine how hopelessly  boring and uneventful their trip must be, let alone their life. Not only boring but incredibly isolating. Today I was at this mall and this isn’t a very touristy part of the world compared to the rest of Asia that I have visited. I saw this couple and they saw me, I sent them a nod AND a smile and they looked away like I was some kind of crook, criminal or crazy.  I was thinking, really? I have only seen maybe 5 people that I could openly converse with and NO ONE in this mall and you’re not even acknowledging my presence? I think that’ s as cold as my climate back home. We all know how I feel about that place this time of year.

So seriously, if you’re traveling, lighten up a bit and send a smile. If you just keep your head down and refuse pleasantries, don’t expect good things to come your way. When I see someone who looks like they speak fluent English, I am usually into having a chat. I’m like a retired guy hanging out at the local coffee shop, I have nothing but time, “top of the morning”.

I met some cool Australians today and ended up having dinner with them. The conversation was fun and informative and it all started with a simple head nod. I also ran into a couple in their late 50′s from England and the gent gave me a wave and a smile, I said “What’s up” they sat down next to me and said they were going to Bali. I filled them in on travel arrangements and even walked them to a local tour place as it was the best deal I’d found anywhere. I found the place through a head nod with a local guy who turns out to ship furniture overseas to Toronto, Ontario.

I’m curious how totally boring a trip must be if the only thing someone consults with is a guide book. How lame and it’s truly a shame as they are missing out on what I find the most fascinating thing about traveling; making new friends and learning / growing in the process. Sights are cool but I travel to meet people, learn, grow and expand my comfort zone…  Not hide in it’s confines like a tiny rabbit, scared of the world, peering at it from its hole.

Tips hat,