A chatterer's guide to easing anxiety

Name: Jane Liu (49712038)
Reaction Article#9
Date: 12/05/2008
From: International Herald Tribune

A chatterer's guide to easing anxiety
(http://www.iht.com/articles/2008/11/27/travel/25flier.php)

My Reactions:
I think maybe it is an interesting way to talk to a stranger who sat around you. When the author traveled around, he met many kinds of people. To make his journeys more interesting, he always tries to make a conversation to who sits next to him. By so doing, he can acquaint with more people and know more different stories from others’ lives. Also, almost everyone made a conversation with the author, one became happier or felt more relaxed. So, the author can both make others and himself happier.

In western society, maybe these situations won’t be thought weird. However, in our eastern society, it may be thought strange to talk to a stranger at random. Maybe some people will think you are weird or you just want to sell them some products they are not willing to buy. I think most western people are passionate so you can just make a friendly conversation with them, but in Taiwan, I think it will be harder to find a stranger who really wants to talk to you friendly.

The differences may differ from areas. For example, people live in southern Taiwan are more passionate than those who live in northern Taiwan, and people live in southern Taiwan most are friendly. When you ask them for directions, they will tell you kindly. However, in northern Taiwan, some people will not be willing to tell you anything, even not to talk to you.

After I read this article, I realized the differences from country to country. If I have the chance to travel around, I must try to talk to people sit next to me just as the author always does.(300 words)