Good manners can ease these polarizing times

We live in uncertain, trying times. Uncertain because several surprises have arisen, from general elections and corruption in the “civilized” world to genocide and terrorism. Trying because we are constantly confronted with situations or outcomes that don’t reflect our values. We feel that our own way of life is under threat and that we don’t control it. The past year has brought questions like these: Where’s the balance […]

Dare yourself to connect with strangers.

Finding service with a personal touch IS possible in an anonymous city

In this city of 9 million residents and millions more of tourists, it’s easy to go through the motions and errands of each day anonymously. Locals are adept at getting in and out of places quickly. We walk purposefully, eyes down, and we’re often in a rush. We know how many seconds it takes to cross the street as the crosswalk indicator blinks and how many inches we […]