I watch so many gringos walk right past Mexicans on the street or in a tienda… and not say a word. It’s almost as if they don’t even see them, but maybe it’s simply a language barrier. ?? One of my simple pleasures is to “smile and say something first”. Buenas tardes to someone passing on the sidewalk. Buen día to an older man or woman sitting on their stoop or a chair out by the sidewalk. Buena noche as I pass the gate guard at the marina. It’s obvious most of them don’t expect it, and I always get a smile and a similar greeting. It’s just fun to elicit that smile and return greeting… when others simply walk past, barely acknowledging these warm and friendly people. I get a smile and even a little bit of a happy surprised look from them. And that’s when I really wish my Spanish was a lot better. Because there’s so much more there. I can feel it. And will get there!
You absolutely will get there with your Spanish, Rich! The fact that you're the one that initiates the greeting is very admirable and like you say, it can really light up people's day. I bet people really appreciate it especially because they might be used to non-Spanish speakers keeping to themselves. You inspire me to greet more people!
I found myself greeting much more in Guanajuato than here and I think that in general, people were just a little bit warmer there. People are nice in San Miguel de Allende but it takes a little extra effort to get them to open up, I've found. So lately, I've realized that I don't say it enough because others don't either. That's not a good excuse. I think tonight, I will make it my goal to say "Buenas tardes" or "Buenas noches" to at least 5 people :D
You might be surprised if you "smile and say something first". ;-) My impression of SMA was more gringo/Euro influence than GTO. I do remember a fun conversation with a young Spanish speaking waitress there. She did her best to speak English to me, and I did the same in Spanish. We both giggled a lot... while I ate my breakfast.
Beautifully written reminder to be more present in our fleeting human connections, too. I find it fascinating how we all pick up very different details from the same scenery, how we are all wired differently, and how we tend to tune out or suppress our craving for said human connection, also present in these little exchanges with strangers: we can gain a lot from mere chit-chat, we just forgot, how rewarding it is. Also, thank you for the shout-out!
So true! We can all witness the same surroundings and yet have such a different experience based on our past experiences, filters, assumptions and current mood. Thanks for inspiring me to reflect more on my surroundings and observations of the experience I'm immersed in at any given moment - you really did! ❤️
Fabulous !! People watching is so enriching and entertaining :) I love making friends with people in long queues, but on a bench in plaza, sooo much better... Thank you for sharing that experience - I for one will take the time more often to stop and watch the world go round !
It is fun to make friends on a bench haha! I admire you for making friends while standing in line. Come to think of it, that is how we've met some of the people in our RVing community - standing in line for the bathroom at national parks mostly haha.
I watch so many gringos walk right past Mexicans on the street or in a tienda… and not say a word. It’s almost as if they don’t even see them, but maybe it’s simply a language barrier. ?? One of my simple pleasures is to “smile and say something first”. Buenas tardes to someone passing on the sidewalk. Buen día to an older man or woman sitting on their stoop or a chair out by the sidewalk. Buena noche as I pass the gate guard at the marina. It’s obvious most of them don’t expect it, and I always get a smile and a similar greeting. It’s just fun to elicit that smile and return greeting… when others simply walk past, barely acknowledging these warm and friendly people. I get a smile and even a little bit of a happy surprised look from them. And that’s when I really wish my Spanish was a lot better. Because there’s so much more there. I can feel it. And will get there!
You absolutely will get there with your Spanish, Rich! The fact that you're the one that initiates the greeting is very admirable and like you say, it can really light up people's day. I bet people really appreciate it especially because they might be used to non-Spanish speakers keeping to themselves. You inspire me to greet more people!
I found myself greeting much more in Guanajuato than here and I think that in general, people were just a little bit warmer there. People are nice in San Miguel de Allende but it takes a little extra effort to get them to open up, I've found. So lately, I've realized that I don't say it enough because others don't either. That's not a good excuse. I think tonight, I will make it my goal to say "Buenas tardes" or "Buenas noches" to at least 5 people :D
You might be surprised if you "smile and say something first". ;-) My impression of SMA was more gringo/Euro influence than GTO. I do remember a fun conversation with a young Spanish speaking waitress there. She did her best to speak English to me, and I did the same in Spanish. We both giggled a lot... while I ate my breakfast.
That's a great memory haha. For sure, a lot more foreigners here than in GTO. I will say something first - challenge accepted!
Beautifully written reminder to be more present in our fleeting human connections, too. I find it fascinating how we all pick up very different details from the same scenery, how we are all wired differently, and how we tend to tune out or suppress our craving for said human connection, also present in these little exchanges with strangers: we can gain a lot from mere chit-chat, we just forgot, how rewarding it is. Also, thank you for the shout-out!
So true! We can all witness the same surroundings and yet have such a different experience based on our past experiences, filters, assumptions and current mood. Thanks for inspiring me to reflect more on my surroundings and observations of the experience I'm immersed in at any given moment - you really did! ❤️
Fabulous !! People watching is so enriching and entertaining :) I love making friends with people in long queues, but on a bench in plaza, sooo much better... Thank you for sharing that experience - I for one will take the time more often to stop and watch the world go round !
It is fun to make friends on a bench haha! I admire you for making friends while standing in line. Come to think of it, that is how we've met some of the people in our RVing community - standing in line for the bathroom at national parks mostly haha.
Love the pic of Lolis in the back pack!!!
Thank you! She's the best little travel buddy! 🥰