When people approach us in places we seek out for peace and quiet, or in places where we are intentionally alone, we should stop being nice and simply say, "I really just want to sit here undisturbed. Thank you."

I don't remember where they were from, possibly Costa Rica, but I wouldn't swear to it. Anyway, we got into a conversation and the husband started right off about how horrible 45 was. He wouldn't even speak his name (nor do I do; that's why I use initials); he said you know who I'm talking about, don't you? I sure did. When I mentioned I was from Michigan, he remarked about how intelligent and attractive our governor is and asked me some questions about Gretchen Whitmer. The wife was pretty quiet, didn't add much to the political discussion but she told me about their family, etc. I think they'd been married around 60 years or so.

One of the (many) things I like about cruises is that you get to meet all different kinds of people from all over the world.

Happy cruising, Randomthought!

A lovely man in the museum gift shop in Corfu told me that "they" Greeks, love the US and the people but not the current administration. So happy that they can separate
I love Greece

Greek people are just the nicest and friendliest people, aren't they? It seemed to me that they really like Americans. I felt very welcome there.

I was on a tour that my aunt and uncle were also on; three days in Athens and seven days in Rome. On the first day, we went to the Parthenon and as I was walking up to it, I saw all these different tour groups from all over the world speaking in their languages and I was overcome with emotion. I felt like I was a citizen of the world at that moment. When we got home and I was explaining how I felt about that, my uncle (rightwing nutcase) laughed right in my face, like I had said the dumbest thing he ever heard anyone say in his life.

Aussies.

No matter the culture or the age. People are almost always more open and communicative when they are not worried about being in/out of a particular group. Just like finding random best friends on an airplane.

But when you can sense that the other is just itching for an argument, let them talk to the hand (or rear end.)