The Land of a Million Scowls

I have heard Thailand referred to as “The Land of  a Million Smiles”, and as one who has travelled there I would say this is a relatively  accurate description (based on my own unbiased observation).

During my travels in Italy, Spain and Portugal,  my observation has been that it is “The Land of a Million Scowls”, the people I have seen in restaurants, walking down the street or parked on the beach have facial expressions that appear downright  miserable – it looks like the entire population has just downed a large mouthful of unsweetened lemon juice.

I am not sure if the scowl is purely cultural, a fashion statement, or even a reflection that life here really sucks!

I have found that smiling at people in southern Europe results with looks of indignation or discombobulation.  I am try not to be judgemental I am only making an observation and interpreting through the lens of my background and experience. When it comes down to it everybody has the right to flex their facial muscles anyway they desire.

Maybe I am a relatively rich tourist who is out of touch with the every day reality of life in southern Europe, or maybe I am misinterepting the facial expressions of so many people who live here.

It has been my experience that the outward happiness of a countries people is inversely proportional to the wealth of that nation. Nepal one of the poorest nations on earth has some of the friendliest, most outgoing people I have ever met. Europe and North America, some of the richest regions on the planet “appear” to have the some of the most miserable people on the planet.

Keep Smiling!

I am sure it is as complicated as the human animal itself (or as convoluted as this shop window sign in Tarifa, Spain).

As my friend Sam always says – Keep smiling! You never know you just might make someones day!