Montessorri has self-correcting exercises with personal learnings without the the stigma of fear, shame, etc. In school so many years ago, perfection was the standard. Perfect quizzes, perfect behavior etc. At home it was a milder form of perfection softened by the love of our mom. In my childhood everyday was an adventure sometimes magical with my best friend, a neighbor. When not in my neighbor’s house or gardens I would be with my siblings playing group games that required number of members to be played. Definitely we were learning how to live harmoniously.
In Singapore in the 90s I was introduced to the Asian type of toilet without toilet bowls. I remember just staring at the porcelain hole on the ground. For one moment I entertained the idea that I had entered the men’s room by mistake. But I saw another woman as I entered.
It was so laborious, squatting and taking utmost care not to wet my capri pants. Nobody warned me about this.
In Sydney at McDonald”s near the Circular Quay, I witnessed how an attendant told a customer: “This is a store, not a hotel. We don’t have a men’s room.” I don’t remember the term he used for toilet or comfort room. But I was surprised at the classification of McDonald’s as a store.
Christmas and New Year in Sydney both fall in summer months. But I remember wearing a cardigan as we packed ourselves near the Opera House on New Year’s Eve waiting for the fireworks to greet the New Year. BYOB. I learned that this is the acronym for bring your own bottle.
At the Victoria Building in Sydney is the famous rest room. A white woman frantically turned the top of the knobless faucet only to be surprised when the water gushed forth. I was proud of myself; our daughter oriented me to such an ingenious facility, a self automated faucet.
In Hongkong I was embarrassed when I laugh at the sign in Tropical Hut “Take Away”. It i the British fothe American “Take out”.
In Indonesia, when my husband was a lecturer, I committed a faux pax. I raised my fist to cheer for women empowerment. Luckily our host, the mayor, chose not to pay attention.
When I travel, I thank God for the resources that allowed me to travel but I assume a humble attitude because you can never know what or who you will encounter. I believe everybody does his/her best according to his/her level of consciousness.
“Everyone has a lens through which (he views) the world. Religions, philosophies, therapies, authors, speakers, gurus, and candlestick makers all perceive the world through a particular mind-set.” Joe Vitale
