Where in the World?

Day 2 in Paris (Sept. 26th, 2006) was a whirlwind day. We covered a lot of ground and had our patience tested many times, but only because of never being in the city. The people we met on our journey were quite lovely, very friendly and quite helpful. Which brings me to a point I’d like to discuss.

As friends and acquaintances I know found out that I was going to Paris, I heard one story after another about how rude the Parisians could be. Only one person out of many said anything different than that negative story. So, I was presented with an excellent opportunity to believe what others were telling me or create my own story. So, as we traveled the city, not speaking very much French nor speaking it well, we met one wonderful person after another. It was the exact opposite of all the stories I had been told. From the warmness of the cafe owner near Gare de Lyon to the old lady who didn’t speak a bit of English and helped us get on the right bus to where we wanted to go. And the list goes on with people that showed a wealth of generosity, wit, humor, helping hands and a welcoming air about them.

So, this entire adventure made me think of an old parable. Unfortunately I can’t remember where I heard it.

At the top of a high mountain pass a traveler comes across an old man sitting on the side of the road. You can see down in the valley the lights of a village. The traveler asks the old man, do you know what that town is like down there? The old man says, “Tell me about the village you came from.” The traveler tells a very negative story about how the town is riddled with crime, how the people are all depressed and how a dark cloud seems to hang over the village.” The old man tells the traveler that the village in the valley down below is much the same, so he better find another town to visit.

A little while later, another traveler stops near the old man. He asks, “What is that village like down in the valley?” Again the old man says, “Tell me about the village you came from.” This traveler tells a story of a town of very happy people, where everyone helps each other, the children sing and play in the streets, and there is very little crime.”

The old man says, “You’ll find much the same in the village down below. Enjoy your stay.”

I like this story because it is a great example of how your attitude dictates and creates your experience. I feel that is what I had to do to overcome the negative stories I heard before my trip. By being open and believing that I would have a great time and meet wonderful people, the experience I had was quite different.

Have a great day.