I love the picture that you paint with your words and your camera certainly picked up the beauty of Greece. Isn't it funny that in each case it was an elder that showed you kindness and hospitality? I am not sure that the younger generation can be all at fault, but a product of their environment and how they were brought up. I'd like to think that with careful teachings and manners instilled, that my children which show people the respect that they deserve. Not only the respect but the kindness.
I have to believe that you were attached to a point that you will go on to show many the same brand of hospitality and kindness. I like to be able to be free to show it as I have been shown many times in my life the same kind of kindnesses and hospitalities. The very first time as an adult, I was driving through Poland and picked up hitchhikers as there were fewer cars than there are now. Many people walked everywhere and it wasn't because they enjoyed it, but it was more of a necessity. I picked up a hitchhiker after a day of working and even though neither one of us understood each other's language, we did well with gestures. In the end, I dropped him off at his home which was 45 minutes away. I cannot imagine him walking all that way, nor did I know that it was that far. Anyway, he brought out a homemade sausage that his wife gave him for lunch and he saved it and honored me with it for my gesture. It was, as you say a necessary thing to take it, otherwise an insult would have been made. I loved hearing your story and I love the fact that if enough people are touched by the thoughts of this, that they too will go out and share their heart. Thank you thank you thank you.
A most beautiful post.
Upped and steemed
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Thank you so much @dswigle. In Greece, hospitality is deeply rooted. But there is already a small change in the younger generation. In Germany, the younger generation is more influenced by selfishness. When raising my daughter, I have always made sure that she shows respect for others. And she shows it, as far as I can tell. Hospitality is not as big here as in the south of Europe. But that is certainly in the history of our nation. However, the refugee crisis has shown that most of the population is willing to accept those who need help and to welcome them. I think the pictures went around the world in 2015 when Syrian refugees arrived in Germany after Hungary refused to accept them. A total of 890,000 refugees were registered this fall. In this special case, hospitality was also shown in Germany.
I actually remember that, and everyone on earth should. I think that Germans, in general, are not as demonstrative in this nature (my father is German) but that their respect is shown in a different manner. One that really counted for so much, in the case of the Syrian refugees.
I agree that hospitality in the south is much more open and demonstrated, but, I have no illusions. I can honestly say that I feel loved most places I go to and my heart becomes attached to their ways.
Thank you for the always awesome response.
I have to thank you for engagement.