We're staying at the Apartotel Christina in San Jose - this is one of places where business people go for extended stays and where families stay to save money because it has a kitchen. Ya know what that means? That means we're staying someplace where locals actually stay. It also means people watching is immensely satisfying.
We've been here a week now and Americans are going in and out as their dental work is done -- or they're being shipped off by their plastic surgeons to other "recovery resorts". We've met people from Florida, North Carolina and Texas - there are and have been others but we really never spoke. I am amazed, no flummoxed, no flabbergasted by some of the behaviors I've seen - and a bit ashamed to admit to being an American.
Like the lady who walked up as we were checking in -- she bullied her way in front of me, interrupted the conversation to ask where is Fox News on the television, I need it and you have to have it. Seriously lady - first, just who in the heck do you think you are? You can't wait your turn? Next, WHY do they have to have Fox News? Is there some kind of new international law I'm not aware of? Do you know what I wanted to say to you? I wanted to tell you to take your lazy ass back to your room - sit on the bed with the remote and find the blasted thing yourself -- let's face it - it ain't rocket science and there aren't that many channels. Instead, I smiled and kept my mouth shut - score one for manners.
Let's face it -- too many of us (me included) don't have command of more than one language. I fully intend to remedy that because I've met people here that I would have loved to have had conversations with, but more on that later. I'm talking now about those Americans who, when faced with someone who does not speak english (remember, we're in a spanish speaking country) displays some disdain and then goes on to repeat their comment/question in english but in a LOUDER voice. Okay people - let's get this straight once and for all - it's fairly funny when you see it done in the movies or on a sitcom but the simple truth is this -- yelling at someone is NOT, under any circumstance, going make them understand what you're trying to say. It just makes you look like an idiot - a loud, illmannered, illbred, ignorant idiot. Pick up a Spanish/English dictionary and/or phrase book and then READ IT, USE IT. I guarantee, 110%, that the people here will look more kindly upon you and will try to help you in any way they can.
The breakfast buffet and common courtesy. I wonder, almost daily, if some of these people left their manners and common sense at Customs when they entered the country. You're in another country, with a different culture and different dining habits and customs. If you can't bring yourself to embrace it and try something new, take your scrambled eggs and white toast to a table, sit down and eat them without insulting the culinary customs. Walking up to a chafing dish, screwing your face into a scowl and saying "eewww, ques es?" to the staff while pointing at one of the dishes is just plain rude. Certainly, wanting to know what you're shoving into your pie hole is perfectly natural and normal - but asking in such a way that is offensive - especially when you can clearly identify white rice and black beans - merely puts you in that "Ugly American" category. While I'm still on the breakfast buffet rant -- take a look around you while you're eating -- do you see the locals at surrounding tables. Do you notice what they do when they're done with their plates? They pick them up, scrape them off and put the plates at the end of the table. Why? because there is no waitress service at this little buffet - just one woman who is responsible for keeping the table clean, chafing dishes stocked, tables wiped down and undoubtedly a million other things we are not aware of. Hey, you have to walk right past that table to leave, so why not show some common courtesy and respect the local customs - pick up after yourself (oh wait, didn't our Mother's try and teach us that as we were growing up?) after all, this is free, gratis - on the house -- you don't get a bill and you don't leave a tip - so do what you'd do at a friends house - pick up your plate and clear your place.
I'm going to give you a clue, a hint, a tip --- take it and use it. Learn some basic words - just a few that will ease your way and show your hosts that you have at least a modicum of respect for them and their country.
Lo siento means "I'm sorry" -- example: Lo siento, I'm just a big bumbling idiot who should not have just knocked that handfull of towels out of your hands because I was too busy texting.
Con Permiso means "with your permission" -- example: Con Permiso, may I get past you to go down the stairs works much better than just shoving someone aside.
Gracias means "thank you" -- example: Gracias for taking such good care of me.
Con Mucho Gusto means "I'm very pleased" or "it is my pleasure" -- example: You finally picked up after yourself and the lovely woman behind the counter says "Gracias" - your response is "con mucho gusto" because, after all, you should be very pleased with yourself for being nice and polite.
There, I'm going to stop now because I realize that I could sit here and rant for hours on end. To any American traveling to any country -- bring your manners with you - not your everyday manners - bring the ones you save for Sundays or first meetings with the in-laws -- the big, bright shiny ones you pull out when you're trying to show someone how nice you are. Bring your very best manners because whether you realize it or not -- what you do and how you do it when you travel does have an impact on us all.
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