| In May, I went on a dream vacation: a week each in Florence,
Paris, and London. Yes, it was truly grand, everything anyone could want. As you
might imagine, before leaving, I was bubbling over, sharing my happy plans with
anyone who would listen.
My news elicited a peculiar, but almost universal response. Most people made
jokes about the French being rude. I was surprised, having been to France
before, although never to Paris, and hoped there would be no trouble. Honestly,
I was buffaloed as why anyone would want to tell me something negative, when I
was obviously so glad.
Well, I arrived in Paris, and the courteous friendliness was delightful.
Everywhere I went, the Parisians were helpful and kind, going out of their way
for a stranger who did not even speak their language. I know better than to
think that a foreigner who doesn't speak English would have had such a congenial
experience in an American city.
This was not the first time I had experienced the phenomenon of people who
aren't very aware of a situation saying something negative in order to sound
knowing, puffing themselves up at the expense of others. These folks often
describe themselves as having a dry sense of humor, which translates that they
are able to say something sarcastic or even sardonic about most things.
I never thought they were amusing, or desirable as company. The world has many
more good things than bad, and it is much more pleasant to be with those who can
share a smile.
Yes, I know that there are also deplorable happenings, and it behooves us to do
what we can to change them. Give charity, do volunteer work, help whenever you
can: but don't pretend that kvetching ever accomplished a thing.
Too often, when people say that we must deal with the real world, they mean only
the ugly part. Reality is that G-d's creation is full of love between people,
wondrous landscapes, joyous music. The bad is shocking, because there is less of
it.
The news about Paris is that it is a lovely city, filled with material
treasures, and those of the spirit. Of course, there are some not so nice things
there, as anywhere. However, when I went the flowers were blooming, and sunlight
glistened on the Seine. I saw a puppet show in Ste. Germaine, listened to a jazz
concert under the trees, and went to a museum filled with nothing but pretty
dolls.
Everyone was good to me. I am so thankful that my nay saying acquaintances were
wrong.
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