Kilted... In a Chinese eatery.

[davedove]

Well, I've always considered myself a sort of sophisticated hick, but I think that falls into the category of being open to others. I cherish my down home roots, but like to dip my toes into other cultures as well.

I'm certainly not an expert, but I can manage with chopsticks.

[McMurdo]

I would have to agree with you on all of that Dread,
well said sir, well said. Thanks for your insight.

[macgreggor]

Dread,

I usually just sit back and watch but....I am honored to be considered a part of this sophisticated rabble.

(How's THAT for an oxymoron?)

Greg (macG)

[Dirk Skene]

For some reason I pictured Greenville as a bit more metropolitan than some of the experiences you have related. I get a little, but not as much hassle as do you. And I live in a large hick town

[LoftGuy]

Dread,

Well said, indeed, couldn't agree more.

Bob

[Riverkilt]

Great story,

Next visit, walk in with your own set of chopsticks tucked into one of those outside pockets in the UK Workman's cargo pockets.

Ron

[Dreadbelly]

I don't have a UK.

I do plan on getting my own good chopsticks. I have my eye on some steel folding stix that unscrew in half and fit in to a travel case. I could stick them in my sporran.

Call me weird, but eating with chopsticks feels more natural than a fork.

[Kid Cossack]

I think, for a lot of us, it's been a conscious investigation of Scottish history and culture that has sensitized us to other cultures. Many of us have Scots blood in our veins (not that it's a requirement, mind you!) but do not reside in Scotland; we are of the diaspora. Culturally, we are more distinctively American or Canadian, perhaps, than Scottish. Maybe, like with learning languages, once you study a foriegn (or different) culture, it's easier to pick up on the mores of still other cultures.

Or maybe I'm just babbling, and we're simply cool guys.

Either way works for me!

[cessna152towser]

knuckleheads shouted insults and obcenities out their car window

They are the biggest joke of the lot; sad, insecure, immature youths, too cowardly to come out of their car. All they succeed in doing is drawing attention to themselves as misfits. They don't just pick on kilties; I've had obscenities shouted at me from passing cars when I've been in trousers too. I remember once watching where they went; the car pulled up some distance away and the four young lads got out and walked into a music shop. I followed them into the shop and browsed around for a minute or two - didn't need to say anything but had the satisfaction of see them squirm anxiously hoping I wouldn't raise a fuss, then I quietly strolled out feeling smug. I've travelled on trains too, where pairs of youths will stand at a window and shout obscenities at bystanders as they pass through stations and level crossings (grade crossings). Fortunately the other 99% of the population have more sense.

[Dreadbelly]

Cessna, would it make you sad to know that some of these knuckleheads that do this are as old as you are?