Happy 2009!2009.01.01

I am writing from Maldives, where I have been staying since late last year ? one place said to be at risk of disappearing due to climate change. Actually I was here a couple of years ago, staying in the same hotel, and at this stage I can't see any differences though. This particular W Hotel would have to be among the top three beach resorts I have been to yet. I have been reading manga to my heart's content from morning to night in an over-water cottage here. To spend such a long time doing nothing like this is something I certainly hadn't done in the last 10 years. It gives me a chance to think about all kinds of things, and one thing I have come up with is a bit of a goal for 2009.

Greet people properly

This seems so basic, and like it could be taken for granted, but actually these days it's something a lot of people aren't managing to do. Staying in a lot of hotels, I find that this sets the biggest distinction between one and another ? just how well everyone, from the doorman to the cleaning lady, manage their greetings. In this W Hotel, every staff member I pass says hello, and in the restaurants and bars they will sometimes have a simple chat with you. You may think, "Who cares about such a small thing", but it does make a surprisingly big difference.

One thing I have been thinking about lately is such greetings and conversations with strangers, and how much enjoyment and pleasure they can bring. Of course this doesn't apply to all cases, but as long as both parties respect each other, these chats and greetings are more often than not positive experiences. I don't know if it's because Japanese people are generally shy, but we tend to have a culture that doesn't automatically accept talking to strangers. In contrast people from other countries will often greet people when they share an elevator, and even strike a conversation.

Staying in this hotel, I have had numerous conversations with people I don't know, and with some of them have even gotten to know each other and exchanged contact details. I think that the greatest pleasure in life comes from meeting new people, and the connections made through this. Even staying in a wonderful hotel, surrounded by the magnificent ocean and views, the most memorable part of the stay will most likely end up being these interactions with people. And what creates opportunities for these interactions and friendships is a simple word or two to greet people. That's why I have decided to spend this year with that phrase, "greet people", implanted firmly in my mind. I believe that big differences in life tend to stem from basic things. In particular, in our society today where interactions and relationships between people seem to be fading and deteriorating, I am hoping that putting a little effort into communicating through greetings will make a difference to the situation.

Anyway, let's make it a great year this year!!

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