We spend an awful lot of time in this country talking about people not being able to get along, dividing us into different areas of the country geographically and politically in ways that divide us.  I have always said that stereotypes have some basis in truth, hence the reason they’re a stereotype, but when it comes to Californians being too cool to be kind, this is simply not the case.

Our flight into LA went smoothly and our shuttle driver was right where she said she would be at the right time, so we got on the road right away to Newport Beach.  However, as we got on the freeway, the rush hour in combination with an accident turned what should have been a 45 minute ride into a 2 hour ride instead.  We were the only ones on the shuttle except for one other lady about our age who was dropped off in her neighborhood somewhere between Huntington Beach and Newport Beach.  The driver, got out and stretched her legs and invited us to sit closer to the front so we could talk.  The lady we dropped off went into her house and very shortly after her garage door opened and a few seconds later she walked out with three bottles of sparkling water for us and the driver.  A very simple kindness, but one that was greatly appreciated after a 3 hour flight and a 2 hour drive.

The place where we are staying is a little roof top apartment a couple of blocks from the beach.  You could tell care had been taken to make sure things were clean and that there were little amenities like maps, playing cards, clean white linens and comfy beds.  However, it’s things like the little first aid kit that came in handy when I burned my finger this morning.  Small kindnesses greatly appreciated.

Dinner last night and breakfast this morning were wonderful, not just because of the great food but because of the kind personal service by the wait staff.  Last night I asked for a Diet Coke and as I began to drink it I noticed the glass was broken.  When I called it to the servers attention, he was beyond apologetic, which was not needed – accidents happen.  But then the manager came by, apologized again and then surprised us by taking our wine and beer off of our tab.  Not necessary at all, but so very kind.  All with smiles, asking us our names and having conversations rather than just treating us like another butt in the seat.  When we were asked where we were from, I was expecting the usual response – “Oh” – but instead we got an enthusiastic “Far out!”.  Whether he meant it or not, the effort was appreciated and we got a stereotypical California “far out” out of the conversation to boot.

I get this is tourist season and that being nice is part of the deal, but everyone from the drivers on the trolley to the lady at the store who helped me try on hats have been so kind.  Everyone is smiling, except for that one woman last night.

She was a stunner, with both Doug and I doing a double take as she walked by.  Tall, long legged, tan, with the perfect hair and her fashionable bikini and beach cover up, she was hard to miss.  Absolutely beautiful.  Then we passed her again later while she was on her phone with someone.  Someone she was not happy with.  It’s amazing how ugly someone can become, no matter how physically beautiful they are, when F-bombs are aimed at someone on the phone and exploding every other word at the top of her lungs.  It just amplified the beautiful kindnesses we’ve been experiencing so far on this trip.

And maybe it’s just where we are, but in this sea of cultures and nationalities I’ve seen so far, I’ve only experienced smiles and courtesy between them.  As I travel, this is the way I prefer to see my country, in the small kindnesses we bring to each other and not the hate we see in the media on a daily basis.  So from the midwesterner, thank you to the left coast for your little kindnesses as we relax in your beautiful sunshine.