A Couple of Colombian Quirks

If you  want to be treated right in Colombia, grab a cane or wheelchair.

People will jump up, open doors, pull out chairs and anything else to help you if you are disabled in some way.

I was sitting at a sidewalk cafe, bundled up in a long sleeve shirt and light jacket because it is chilly at 8500 feet in the tropics. This was a packed little cafe with small round tables and 3 light chairs around the table.

Up rolls an old lady in an electric chair.

The waiter and 2 patrons start to clear a path for her to get her to a table, through the dense forest of chairs.  Then they help her damn dog down off the electric chair and hook the leash to the table for her.

It doesn't stop with the disabled.

Three young teenage girls arrive on in-line roller skates.  Completely out of control, banging into seated patrons, chairs and tables.

Same thing.  The waiter rushes over to help.

Being teenage girls, they are up, down, up, down, up, down.  Each time the process is repeated.

With my US ways, I'm miffed!  Damn it!  Sit down!  And stay put!

I ordered a salad and no drink.  Kind of unusual.  The waiter doesn't say anything, not that I could understand his Spanish anyway.

I finish my salad, ask for the bill, pay with a credit card.

Only then does the waiter ask about not ordering a drink.  Not to chide me or sell something extra.

He was concerned that I was having a problem and wanted to help.

The Land of Courtesy!  Very charming.

We sophisticated, have-the-best-of-everything US citizens should pay close attention.

It really is a great way to relate and live.