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When Did Common Curtesy Become Uncommon?

Finding a native among all the foreign faces here gives me the same pleasure that finding Pav Bhaji on Mt. Titlis in Switzerland did. No no that would be overdoing it. That was something else! But the sentiment is close enough. Although it is one that is not mutual, apparently. 

Here when you come across someone (not necessarily anyone you know) at work or in the apartment building for instance, the custom is to greet. I think its civil and follow it. By habit I tend to smile at anyone who makes eye contact and so it is no surprise that I smile when I come across a fellow countryman. But sadly most often I end up looking like a donkey baring all its teeth and don't even get a friendly nod in return. 

When this happens I first look at what I am wearing - am I shabby? and then consciously touch my hair. I agree I am no head turner but do I have to be just to be acknowledged as a compatriot? If it’s not the appearance is it my religion? Political views? Or can they by any means divine my bank balance? (Too less or too much?) That said I am guessing they don't have plans to adopt me. 

We as a people are very hospitable and never hesitate to put the needs of others before ours but why does this change with a change in geography?And this treatment is exclusively meted out to compatriots ( a special offer??) not the natives. Once in Salzburg at a restaurant the waiter (a landsmans) wasn't happy with our order and made it point to display his derision. But you should have seen the look on his face the moment the owner ( a friend) served us the dessert we hadn't ordered and refused to accept money for the meal we had eaten. Karma calling? To be very honest I felt avenged. Why! We were perfectly good to him!!

The skill and intelligence of our people has put our country on the map and we find ourselves  all over the world. Then why this attitude? Shouldn't we look out for each other especially when we are away from home? 

But I am not bowing out that easily. I vow to keep trying to get that smile in return and also fervently pray on the side that I don’t look like a nitwit all the time.  

image: google.com
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Location: Vienna, Austria

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