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JPM · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Posts: 69 Location: Krakow

Hi all

An outrageously wide question, but one that means a lot to me: who are the friendliest, warmest, kindest people on the planet?

Of course, all answers will be generalisations but informed ones, seeing as you probably all have first-hand experience of the country you're talking about ... For example, I've lived in Poland for four years and am now finding the people getting me down a bit. I'm thinking about relocating and the behaviour of the everyday people (my neighbours, shop workers, etc) is really important to me.

All answers to a slightly goofy topic gratefully received. Very Happy

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

JPM · Joined: 05 Sep 2005 Posts: 69 Location: Krakow

Thanks. Sure, there are definitely cultural differences that a foreigner may never get used to (for example, nearly getting cleaned up every other time I set foot on a clearly-marked street crossing!)

But I really want to know who on this forum loves living in a country where, for example, people smile (not grimace) at strangers; where shopworkers are kind and pleasant; where standards of public behaviour are high; etc. What are the social stereotypes and do the people live up to them?

Again, generalisations and simplifications, but it'll help me get an idea. Thanks.

johnslat · Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2009 3:44 pm Post subject:

Dear JPM,
In a word - Indonesians.

Regards,
John

P.S. Expect to hear from khmerhit (Cambodia - try it and see) soon.

Never Ceased To Be Amazed · Posted: Mon Aug 17, 2009 4:15 pm Post subject:

Munchkins...er...in a word...

NCTBA

ntropy · Joined: 11 Oct 2003 Posts: 671 Location: ghurba

Libya (Tripoli)...No REALLY!!!!

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

csfek · Joined: 09 Aug 2006 Posts: 41 Location: USA

I found Turkish people to be incredibly hospitable and friendly.

ESL Hobo · Joined: 23 Oct 2008 Posts: 262

Indonesia and Indonesians.
Be careful which city you choose though.
In general the Island of Java has a reputation for politeness as it is part of their culture, although you will still encounter things that amaze you or drive you nuts on a daily basis, depending on your personality.

Jarkarta is great for someone who loves being in the thick of the nightlife and is acustomed to living in a huge hot city.

Bandung was my favorite. Up in the mountains, cooler, people smiling all day long. Mellow lifestyle.

Surabaya, nice, hotter than Bandung, close to bali.

Also the great thing about Indonesia is the language is easy to learn because they use roman letters. After 6 months of daily study you will be able to be fairly independent and people really warm up to you when you speak Indonesian to them.
Thailand is great but it's more difficult to break the language barrier.

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

JZer · Joined: 16 Jan 2005 Posts: 3898 Location: Pittsburgh

father Mackenzie · Joined: 10 Oct 2008 Posts: 105 Location: Jakarta Barat

I can only comment on Indonesia really, having lived in Jakarta since 2007. After working and teaching in both school and business in my opinion most Indonesians are friendly, welcoming, accepting and increadibly curious about western people (bule) and their habits, culture and lifestyles.
I cant remember having a cross word with anyone really except the bus drivers and mini bus drivers that seem to have no road manners at all.

I would also say that I found the people in north Thailand, mainly Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai almost as friendly and accepting and the driving is better!!!

ESL Hobo · Joined: 23 Oct 2008 Posts: 262

If I were single, my next stop would be chiang mai, thailand. Wink

basiltherat · Joined: 04 Oct 2003 Posts: 952

How do we define friendly and kind ? Isn't this open to a wide range of interpretations ?

Anyway, Indonesians, eh ? Well, let's see what people have to say when the next bout of riots, ethnic killing, policies of racial/religious-profiling, and religious intolerance appears on the news. There is just no excuse for this kind of behaviour; poverty or not.

Being knowledgeable of their language also helps to get a pretty clear picture of the Indonesian psyche. Trust me, Indonesians are not always what they make themselves out to be. If I was given a dollar every time Indonesians have claimed themselves to be 'very friendly' (and of course, we all agree because they tell us this so often Rolling Eyes

), I could have retired several years ago.

Personally, I feel they are no friendlier than people of any other country I have spent time in (Kazakhstan, Syria, Malaysia, Libya and a couple more) .... in fact, I'd even go as far as to say they are actually less friendly.

best
Basil

johnslat · Posted: Tue Aug 18, 2009 5:23 pm Post subject:

Dear basiltherat,
Everyone, of course, is entitled to his/her own opinion/impression - you to yours and others of us to ours.
Sorry you had such a bad time there, but you might want to consider that
your impressions might be just that - yours - and they don't invalidate the impressions of others.
Regards,
John