Yesterday was Art's birthday, so today we decided to go to town and have an early dinner. It's so hot right now that it was great to get into our air conditioned truck and just do something! I have to say that the observation I'm about to make has been bothering me for quite some time. We headed for one of our favorite places, Ko Ox Han Ah (Known to all of us as Hannah's). There was a large group of young folks there who appeared to be either American or Canadian. Altho' we were all there for some time and they all had to pass us as they left, not a one made eye contact or offered a smile.
I realize that we're both much older than most of the folks that we meet, so probably aren't on many folks' radar, but as we see Belizeans, we exchange smiles and usually some form of hello. Over and over I find that when walking near U. S. tourists of almost any age, they look past or thru us and walk on. I don't want anything from any of them, but this lack of friendliness and courtesy makes me sad. I would love to be of help if needed, but feel that as "old" folks we're totally disregarded.
I know I keep repeating this, but if we do sell here, I will truly miss the courtesy, kindness and genuine smiles of Belizeans. So many want to be like Americans, but I pray that our lack of courtesy doesn't rub off on them.
Blessings,
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3 comments:
I don't think it's so much being old folks - they're just conditioned to not make eye contact or otherwise acknowledge any stranger.
I run into the same thing every morning when I walk my dogs. I make it a point to say 'good morning' to each and every person I pass on the walk. In 99% of the cases, the only people who ignore me completely are Gringo tourists.
A sad state of affairs for sure.
'Good Morning,' and Cheers,
Dave
what Dave and Diane Rider said is true--Americans are conditioned not to make eye contact with anyone. Well, pretty much that is true everywhere in the US, but not so much in the South--here people are more apt to say "how you doin'" or "You doin' alright" to a total stranger.
I experienced the same thing while travelling there a few years ago. I found it wasn't just the americans, it was the westerners from all over. Found them to be very rude. I don't think it's conditioning, i think in the west we've really lost the ability to connect with ourselves and with other people.
I too miss the genuine Belizeans smiles and greetings. Such a warm and gentle people!
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