The Sustainable Mama

I have just returned from a wonderful few days in Prague. I went with my Mum to make some lasting memories with her and explore a city we had both not been to before together. 

Overall, we had a really amazing time away. The hospitality was great. Everyone was welcoming and friendly. I think that being super friendly and saying thank you, as well as tipping every time we bought food and drink really helped.

Being kind, smiling and showing gratitude is a sustainable way to get by everywhere, but I think it is important to respect other cultures and know that not everyone is outwardly open and friendly.

On our way home, I encountered a man serving me at a cafe at the airport, he got very aggressive when I asked for our coffees to be put in real cups, not paper ones, as we were customers seated at the cafe. It really caught me by surprise. I was used to everyone being kind. I realised I did not tip him, could that have been it? Or was he just having a bad day? 

It can be hard in situations like that  not to react back. I just walked away and ignored his antagonisitic vibe. Another man at security in Gatwick ushered me through telling me that we hadn't got all day...I was waiting for the nod to walk through as you can also get told off for going through too fast. Sometimes you can't please everyone, but you can keep being kind. 

I was reminded of this when I picked up my bags, almost home after a full day of travelling, from the sign above the conveyor belt (photo to the right). Kindness can be one of the most sustainable things we can give in our lives. If everyone was a little bit more kind, I am certain the world would be a happier place.