Travel is...
Observing.
Wordsmith and radio quiz show host Clifton Fadiman said "when you travel, remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable. It is designed to make its own people comfortable." And we, as travelers, have to observe and honor local customs.
In preparation for the recent travel professionals' convention I attended in Guadalajara, delegates were told something of the customs of socialization in Mexico. We were told to be hands-on in greeting men and women alike.
As I sat in the Guadalajara and Mexico City airports on my way home I watched Mexican men greet one another. (Alright, I had three hours between planes,) but the same procedure played itself out time and time again. One man extends his right hand in a familiar handshake and then - and here's the difference - with the other pats the other man twice on the back. There's nothing sexual in the display, but it looks great and creates a show of good will that could probably be put to great use in the boardrooms and offices of the U.S.
I am always pleased when I see my sons greet one another in a similar fashion. It speaks of familial affection and that precious good will.
There's always something positive to be learned from the travel experience - if we just take the time to observe.
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