As I sat with 200 other world travelers by the lily pond in front of the west gates of Angkor Wat, I let the year slide by me. The sun was due to rise at 6:30am.
There was a quiet chatter, until a tour group from PRC China stomped their way to the front of the pond, regardless of who had already set up their cameras. They pointed, waved, and generally paid no attention to their surroundings.
I gently tapped one on her shoulder, "could you please sit down and talk lower?"
I got a look that went through me to the next person behind me. She generally could care less.
After someone else told her group to quiet down and to sit, they finally got the message.
Back to finding bliss at the sunrise. As I watched the sunrise over the far right tower, I looked back at this year. As many twists and turns as other years, but there was something determined about those twists and turns. Decisions were made that benefited the whole, not the individual; choices made that were hard but laid foundation for the years to come. I was ready to see the new year with hope and the knowledge that I was prepared for what was to come because of the choices I made this year.
As the Chinese took their photos and left, I wondered how that small moment encapsulated their take on the world. It left me cold. But I was comforted in the fact that the people around them stood up and made them aware of their ill manners and they took note and made changes to fit in.
There is hope in the world when we stand together to benefit the whole rather than the individual wish to hog space at Angkor Wat at sunrise.
A happy new year to all, and all the blessings for a year that will bring hope and peace.
Image: Ophelia Chong / Angkor Wat Sunrise Dec. 29th
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Sounds like some people need to find some inner happiness and let things go. That's what the New Year is all about!
I too have been in situations in China where people have been rude. Once, I was standing in line at an airport when a man cut into the line in front of me. Indignant, I tapped him on the shoulder and told him (in Mandarin) he needed to move to the back of the line. Maybe, it was my foreign accent that made him take heed but the lady who stood behind me delightfully told me I was 'very brave'.
However, what I would like to say is that we do have to be careful how we view these situations. I have been in parts of China where people were warm and polite and helpful. I have been at international conferences where the condescending attitudes of one or two colleagues toward local participants left me feeling embarrassed because I identified with them. I wondered how the locals viewed Americans and wanted to tell them, "No, not all Americans are that way."
I'd like to believe that rudeness/politeness cuts across cultures. And I like your message - that rudeness should not be tolerated, and that there is hope for peace in this very diverse world of ours. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and the inspiring picture of the Angkor Wat at sunrise. I echo your wishes: May the new year bring peace and hope.
Dear May,
You are right that to paint one group with a broad brush is harming the ones that are not like the others. Americans can be just as annoying too. I believe that as an individual we are here to represent humankind, not a specific culture, race, ethnic group, but as a whole. Thank you so much for visiting and commenting, I appreciate your words and find strength and knowledge in what you have to say. :O) ophelia