Goodness / Gracious

I believe in causality. And paying for the consequences of one's actions.

I know it's a bit odd, to begin thus. But bear with me:

In Hong Kong International Airport a few days ago, I witnessed a waitress engaging a Japanese couple and their infant son at one of the many tim sum places therein. She played with the child and spent a good deal of time carrying him, while his parents enjoyed their meal. Despite the language barrier, her behaviour and the child's expression told me that they were both enjoying each other's attention. The couple, for their part, were relieved that their son was in good hands, and genuinely impressed by, and appreciative of, the waitress' efforts.

About 15 minutes into the episode, the manager of the restuarant appeared. And like his staff, he too spent some time speaking to the parents. Indeed, he was able to reassure them that their child was in good hands, in their own language. When called away to another table of Japanese tourists, he happily described the dishes that they were considering, telling them what went into which, and how the food was prepared, all in fluent nihongo.

Here in the City, we've been taught from our childhood that efficiency equals productivity, and that time is not meant to be 'wasted'.

How would a local manager view the antics of the waitress above, I wondered. And how would he have reacted? While I cannot predict the details, I am certain that it would not have been the same as that in Hong Kong. Good service here means quick, efficient and with a minimum of fuss. Too bad if the customer enjoys being fussed over.

Good versus Gracious.

The latter shall never begin to raise its head here, unless the definition of the first is changed.

Shall I be around to see it?

Do I really care?

No. I am a product of 'good' upbringing after all.

: )