While I haven't been in here long, weirdly enough I find myself forgetting that I'm not a true Scottish(wo)man. The spirit that radiates from the locals here is absolutely contagious. I have not meant friendlier people in my entire life.
For example, as me and my friends wandered aimlessly around the city hoping to find our way without the use of cell phones (I don't have a data plan here so without WiFi my iPhone is practically obsolete), we were clearly and utterly clueless regarding our proximity to our campus (blame it on our generation's reliance on technology). Without asking, a Scottish woman stopped to help us (probably based on the confused looks on our faces). While this gesture seems small, I found myself perplexed. This woman was visiting Edinburgh herself from Glasgow so she did not know the area well. Instead of telling us that she had no idea how to get back to the university, she ran (literally sprinted) up to a bus parked at the bus stop and asked the bus driver if he would take us there, even offering to pay for our ticket. When he told her that it would be faster for us to walk, she went into her hotel and asked the concierge which route would be quickest.
Her dedication to helping us was absolutely awe inspiring. I cannot remember the last time a stranger was so gracious without asking for anything in return (especially in Washington, DC, where everyone seems to always be in such a rush and/or weary to tourists). It got me thinking about the last time I did something like that for an absolute stranger, and, sadly enough, I couldn't think of anything.
I am absolutely and utterly inspired by the Scottish attitude. Every day I walk past a homeless person, a local is engaging them in a conversation, trying to get to know them instead of just walking by without so much as a glance in their direction. These actions seem small, but they are so meaningful.
I hope that I will take this attitude home with me to America because I think it is much needed. Small acts of kindness really are contagious and should be spread.
Do something good for someone today!
Cheers. xx
For example, as me and my friends wandered aimlessly around the city hoping to find our way without the use of cell phones (I don't have a data plan here so without WiFi my iPhone is practically obsolete), we were clearly and utterly clueless regarding our proximity to our campus (blame it on our generation's reliance on technology). Without asking, a Scottish woman stopped to help us (probably based on the confused looks on our faces). While this gesture seems small, I found myself perplexed. This woman was visiting Edinburgh herself from Glasgow so she did not know the area well. Instead of telling us that she had no idea how to get back to the university, she ran (literally sprinted) up to a bus parked at the bus stop and asked the bus driver if he would take us there, even offering to pay for our ticket. When he told her that it would be faster for us to walk, she went into her hotel and asked the concierge which route would be quickest.
Her dedication to helping us was absolutely awe inspiring. I cannot remember the last time a stranger was so gracious without asking for anything in return (especially in Washington, DC, where everyone seems to always be in such a rush and/or weary to tourists). It got me thinking about the last time I did something like that for an absolute stranger, and, sadly enough, I couldn't think of anything.
I am absolutely and utterly inspired by the Scottish attitude. Every day I walk past a homeless person, a local is engaging them in a conversation, trying to get to know them instead of just walking by without so much as a glance in their direction. These actions seem small, but they are so meaningful.
I hope that I will take this attitude home with me to America because I think it is much needed. Small acts of kindness really are contagious and should be spread.
Do something good for someone today!
Cheers. xx