In last week's newsletter, I told you of my recent trip south of the border and how friendly and welcoming I found the local residents. As my friends and I browsed, sunned and ate our way through our vacation, we encountered individuals who were genuine hosts of their country. They were helpful with the language difference, shared food recipes, and in one particular shop, provided very interesting information about the handmade ceramics. It was in this shop that we saw firsthand some fellow country-men (women) behaving badly. Fresh off a cruise ship, three young women came in to browse. As the shop owner stepped forward to answer their questions in a professional manner, they continually interrupted him in mid-sentence to laugh at each others' antics, attempted to bargain at ridiculous, insulting prices, and made no attempt to recognize nor appreciate the value of the wares on display. When they finally walked out empty handed, the silence they left behind spoke volumes. My friends and I looked at each other, then at the friendly, welcoming shopkeeper. "I apologize" I said. "Digame" he replied. (Tell me.) We shared a conversation about behavior, expectations, cultures, thoughtlessness, and respect. I was impressed with his tolerance; perhaps, being in a tourist area, he was used to this. I still found it unacceptable. | 
