Europe: The Land of Love
SPAIN | Sunday, 26 August 2007 | Views [1300]
After traveling for so many months in countries that culturally shun
and prohibit public displays of affection, we are conditioned not to
hold hands in public, and are accustomed to seeing absolutely no
display of affection or emotion between people. In fact, other than
NZ, AUstralia, and Kao San Road in bangkok, people in all the other
places we've traveled are ultra conservative, as local customs,
behaviors are strictly driven by religion, government and cultural
norms. In fact, Darrin and I have not been able to hold hands walking
in public - well, we did once on a beach in Vietnam and got some very
nasty glares. So Europe is a refreshing change (for the most part).
Young and old, we see couples embracing in the airports, bus and
train stations, streets, restaurants and shops. Greetings for men,
women and children, to, between and amongst each other are a kiss on
either side of the cheek. There are those who do take it a bit too far
for our comfort level - like mauling each other half naked on the
beach, but it's a wonderful thing to see - the open expression of
friendship, love, and emotion all around us after so many months of
seeing it suppressed in other countries. Summer in Europe - love is in
the air. Europe is truly a romantic region.
Tags: Culture
