IMPRESSION 2: Polite
IMPRESSION 2: POLITE - "showing regard for others in manners, speech, behavior"
Not sure if it because we are 4 hours from the big smoke of London, but I was struck how polite everyone is here. With a population of over 60 million on an island not much bigger than the size of Tasmania I suppose it is a matter of survival.
I swear that the English are taught to apologize shortly after they are born - “Sorry mummy for putting you though 26 hours of hell in labour, I do consider it unfortunate and will not do it again”.
Even driving, as you arrive at the intersection with a wall of cars it only takes a minute before someone slows to a crawl and gives you a flash (with their lights that is) to say – ‘no problem sir please feel free to come in’. Most of the time in Sydney you would have to wait until peak hour finished before somone would let you in. Travelling along the narrow lanes there is the constant wave of the hand, raise of the finger, or if you are really local a knowing nod, as people pull over to allow you to pass.
But despite the politeness, they are also very distant to begin with. Don't expect a long conversation with someone you have just met. Conversations are short. 'Nice weather today' is the national introduction and greeting but you cant move off this topic until you have met the individual a further 25 times.
More to come........
Not sure if it because we are 4 hours from the big smoke of London, but I was struck how polite everyone is here. With a population of over 60 million on an island not much bigger than the size of Tasmania I suppose it is a matter of survival.
I swear that the English are taught to apologize shortly after they are born - “Sorry mummy for putting you though 26 hours of hell in labour, I do consider it unfortunate and will not do it again”.
Even driving, as you arrive at the intersection with a wall of cars it only takes a minute before someone slows to a crawl and gives you a flash (with their lights that is) to say – ‘no problem sir please feel free to come in’. Most of the time in Sydney you would have to wait until peak hour finished before somone would let you in. Travelling along the narrow lanes there is the constant wave of the hand, raise of the finger, or if you are really local a knowing nod, as people pull over to allow you to pass.
But despite the politeness, they are also very distant to begin with. Don't expect a long conversation with someone you have just met. Conversations are short. 'Nice weather today' is the national introduction and greeting but you cant move off this topic until you have met the individual a further 25 times.
More to come........
4 comments:
Fantastic photos again James. What treasures you and the kids will have to look back on.
It is called living in the country when you get the nod, hand wave, etc. Told you it is a great place to see.
Hi Jimbo,
Have you tried any other words like "struth" or "dickon" or "howsitgoin".
Great photos - can't wait to see AAALLLL of them when you come home!!
Have you had a chance to do a spot of trout fly fishing in some of those pretty streams - I think there is a dress code though - cap, tie, tweed jacket and of course some good old wellies.
lots of love
Sis
XXXXXXXXXXX
Glad you are enjoying the photos. Re the fishing I have not had a go yet but have the tweed jacket, hat and wellies so ready to go. Just need to loose the kids again!
Hi kidies, Hi Kath, hi James- a man of many talents, you have a great ablity to express yourself James, always a very enjoyable read. A little worried a Tweed jacket all ready! Reflecting on Stings song- be careful James, you don't want to come back home as "an Englishman in Parramatta"
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