Learning from Strangers

While our flights were less than ideal, they were certainly worth it.  In fact, the travel was part of the fun for me.  On many of my flights I had no neighboring passengers, but when I had the opportunity, I tried my best to make conversation.  Some had no intention of socializing, but with some it was easy.  This seemed to be the case in many situations, though. 

In the end, I was able to learn a lot from the people I met on flights, in restaurants, and even in bars.  Just like the U.S., everyone has their own opinion of their government's flaws and strengths, as well as prejudices for certain people and other governments.  It was much easier to understand some of the current events by talking with the people who they affect rather than reading about them in books or in the news.  The animosity between the Greeks and Turks was surprising to me personally, although it probably shouldn’t be.  It made me realize how naive I was to think that my generation is above that sort of prejudice.

In the end, I was able to learn a lot from the people I met on flights, in restaurants, and even in bars.