Tourists, what a breed

Part of the fun of going to any amusement park is people watching. Now I don’t like generalities or stereotypes, but I think many of you who have engaged in the sport of people watching will agree with many of these. Please don't take these personally, there are many many who do not fit these molds, these are just observations from the day.

First the Japenese. They love taking pictures of everything, from the fun designs on the garbage cans to the carvings on the floor. It is a wonder what they were able to do before digital cameras and wonder how many rolls of film they must have developed. For the girls under 25 no matter how much they are going to be walking through theme parks and in rough terrain, they insist of wearing high heals of at least 3-4 inches. How they are able to stay on their feet for a 15 hour day in them never ceases to amaze. The umbrellas the older woman bring with have the most intricate and delicate designs. They are even more noticeable when they smack you in the head as they fail to look where they are going so busy staring at the characters running around. Very sweet and always willing to help take a picture of you upon request.

Then you latinos. An incredibly family oriented group who brings out their entire family on their trips. They don’t leave the kids with a babysitter and go off on their own. They definitely have their own fashion and the ladies of all ages deck themselves out with makeup regardless of the temperature or what they plan on doing. They always look their finest and never appear to have a hair out of place or ever caught off guard, even when juggling a couple of kids, drinks, strollers and backpacks.

Then you have the British. The British and definitely a fun loving breed with a love of beer, a pub and a good time. They only get slightly miffed when asked for the 20^th time in a day if they are Australian, but quickly regain their humor when people start trying to list the cities they actually have heard of besides London (does everything have shire in the name?). They tend to be a little loud, especially with their love of the brew, but their good nature attitude is addicting even if they think football is a sport to be played only with their feet.

Finally we come to the finest of what our country has to offer, the southern and middle folk from the country, sometimes some might be referred to as rednecks.Disclaimer: This is a very small group of people and does not reflect the majority of great people in this country at all! Now I know this is free country and all but wearing t-shirts that say, “ I can be a cowboy if you ride me for 8 seconds” or better yet “Save a virgin, sleep with me instead” at Disneyworld is I think shows a little lack of respect. Now it is a bit warm here in the late summer and sure many of us are warm, and taking off your shirt is probably marginal in terms of acceptable standards (when not wet from Splash Mountain), but then wading in a fountain up to your knees to cool off right when the guard is trying to pull kids out, probably crosses the line. The like to smoke anywhere in the park where their fixen’ is a needed, regardless of who is around. Alas sometimes even to me the rides can be just a little cheesy, but that doesn’t mean you ridicule it loudly to all the kids in the room, especially when you swear. Sometimes you just want to duck your hear and go what is this country coming to.

The parks however were a ton of fun, partly because they were so empty. Actually when I first went in on Saturday it was a little eerie how quiet it was. There was never more than a 5 minute wait for any and all rides, many times you could ask to stay on for another ride and they would acquiesce. When I told one of my friends that I was going to the park they inquired if I was going by myself. When I said yes, they said that was kinda weird. You know what, I don’t think so. Granted going to any theme park with others is much more fun that by yourself, but why should I let a little thing like company stop me from enjoying something fun. Watching a kid in a wheelchair who probably spends a good deal of time getting stared at and pointed at by others their entire life, get special attention from every costumed character and then seeing their smile just makes it all worth it. The thing I only found out now, is during the parade they will actually go to the kid on either side of the one in the wheelchair to ensure he or she does not feel like they are being singled out. Sure the entire place is make believe, a fake false utopia paid for at a steep price, but you know what, that’s ok. I don’t mind suspending reality for a little while and believing that people can actually be nice to each other for a little while. A place where strangers can be courteous and sometimes even helpful to each other especially when juggling kids, food, drinks and strollers. I don’t mind an idea of a place where people feel both equal and welcome. I think that is a noble idea and I don’t mind the fakeness of it.

Today was the first day of my conference and it was not forgotten by anyone that at this meeting of the national association of state telecom directors that it was 9-11 the 4 year anniversary. A small moment of silence was held as they recounted how much their and all of our jobs have changed since that day forever immortalized. Then the director from New Orleans stood up and although a true southern strong man, amidst tears and with a cracked voice recounted some of the devastation they have gone through and the unbelievable outpouring of equipment, personnel, supplies from every other state present. This is what will always save our country, it is the way we all stick together when faced with adversity or a catastrophe. On a lighter note there is at least one representative from every state, being just a little reminiscent of a very off Ms. America pageant with each state listed on their badge.

May everyone have a good week and remember if you can help out the red cross they are going to need help for months to come. Remember that there are now shelters with people in every state save Hawaii and Alaska at this time, you might even be able to help in your own hometown.