When I travel to another country, I endeavor  to learn it’s culture and experience as much of it as I possibly can.  I want to know what is most important to them, what makes them smile.

If the country has a culture of kindness, I will make the effort to return to them the warmth and respect that they have generously shown to me.  I am humbled.

If they have a culture of suspicion or disdain, I am anonymous, invisible and looking for the exit.  I expect nothing and offer the same.

I have been to both.  I prefer the first.