Strangers

When thinking about cultural differences one seldom thinks about how one interacts with people you don't know.  I now remember how surprised I was in my first weeks in Boston when everyone said "hi" when I was out walking, and commented on how cute my "puppy" (a full grown border collie) was. I got used to it quickly and learnt that hi was the standard response to seeing anyone when out walking.

It was last summer only when my friend from London was visiting that I fully learned how American I had become.  We were shopping in Concord, MA and suddenly she came out of a store stating, "I just had a real American experience!"  She proceeded to explain how a stranger asked her if the cutting board she was eying in the store would be the right size for a particular kitchen function... My friend did manage a "yes, sure" before scurrying away.  

She later explained that she had often thought about being on an underground train and seeing an unattended package, and realizing that it would be way too embarrassing to say something, so she would choose to just sit there silently, and hope she didn't get blown up... Really truly!

I think the American way of greeting everyone, and casually chatting is a good change!