Don’t you just love a warm welcome?!
We were so delighted by our whole arrival experience in Manila, Philippines last week. We flew up from Singapore where we’d spent a few nights, one of the highlights being the Unity In Diversity Concert – a SG50 celebration (Singapore’s 50th Birthday). We have been immersed in such a fantastic mix of so many cultures and constantly inspired with thoughts to share. For now, here’s a quick one filmed in the taxi from Manila Airport to our Hotel – about talking to strangers and discovering what happens when you ask a simple question. In this case I think it was “What’s the best way into town?”
When you’re in a new country (or any new environment), you mightn’t know anything about it. So you simply ask somebody. Ask a local. When we came out of the airport we weren’t alone, because Lyndon had struck up a conversation with the man next to him on the flight, and asked a couple of questions about getting into the city. And so, we got the best advice, and this man actually took us right through, waited for us to get money out of the ATM and then took us to the taxi rank and he said, “Not the yellow ones, they’re expensive.
Get the white ones, they’re good.” A few minutes earlier, when we first came out, we saw the hotel that we’re staying at holding up a sign and I thought, “Oh, they’re here for me!” (they weren’t) I just thought that would be the best option but it turns out it’s three times the price of the white taxi. So, we wouldn’t know this if we didn’t have a new friend telling us the best way to go.
So, here’s a reminder to talk to strangers, to always ask a local. If you’re not sure about something, then just ask somebody. People are often so willing to help. It’s really lovely to see that not only can they help us and they answer the questions but they’re so delighted to be able to do so.
So, that was our arrival in Manila, where we spent two days with friends of friends who connected with us on facebook. One of them booked me to speak there in September, so we thought it would be great to pop up there and meet him while we were in the neighbourhood. Such a worthwhile and wonderful experience, especially to share it with my dear husband of 21 years.
Connections are an essential and potentially beautiful part of each day. Smile, ask for help or offer help, and see how the smiles grow! Remember what it’s like to be new somewhere, and look out for people to offer support to. Whether you’re the local or the traveller, you can make a difference.
Cheering you on,
Kerrie
PS. More news and insights from Asia soon – and more opportunities for you to Connect With Confidence wherever you are! We’re updating our free resources and products pages at the moment, so pop back again soon :) And there are often updates and conversations on DO Talk To Strangers facebook group! See you there!
Kerrie Phipps
