Americans

After 3000 miles or so on the road, several stays with friends of friends we had never before met, countless interactions with fellow tourists, service people, and even most drivers, I am pleased to have a new stereotype to apply to people who live in America.

First, to touch on some of the previous ones -- Californians are haughty and in a hurry; Idahoans are stubborn and independent to a fault; people from Wyoming are cowboys; South Dakotans are flat like the terrain; Minnesotans are stoic and sure by golly wish they weren't, oh to just guffaw for once, donchaknow . . . etc.

Throw in images formed from television and general ignorance about Easterners: fast talkers, abrupt, agressive. I could see that -- but then there is Eddie down at the front desk here in Jersey. Yeah, talks kinda fast, says "be right widcha" right on cue, has a lot of energy, but underneath the style is basically a nice guy who looks you in the eye and really wants to be of help.

Today we head into New York City. Here's what I expect to find: folks with their own charming cultural style who are, at heart, basically good people with a bent to friendliness. I'll let you know if that's mistaken but again having just motored nearly from sea to shining sea I'm feeling confident in the character of the average American.

So, maybe the next time you hear something negative like "people are saying" or "The American people want . . ." or news that makes you wonder if it's OK to be proud to be one . . . open hearts abound in this country. Makes one proud.