Difficult Conversatipns....Other Countries Heard From.....

This has been our fifth western RV excursion.....and we've loved each and every one of them. The scenery, the animal life...the people we've met. So many memories of so many special stops. And traveling from mid-May until mid-June we find campgrounds a bit less crowded. Most schools are still in session. And we've also always found lots and lots of Europeans here in rented RVs exploring the National Parks and historic sites and staying at campsites adjoining ours. It's always made for some interesting conversations.

This year was a little more "problematic". We had chances to enjoy lengthy conversations with couples from Belgium, Holland, Germany and of course Canada. We shared information, asked and answered questions and just did what you do when you meet people who share a common interest.

But this time....after visiting awhile....I took the opportunity to ask each of them the following: "So....do you mind telling me what you think about what is happening in the United States?" They immediately knew I was referring to the man who now occupies the Oval Office and their comments followed certain themes.

1. How could you elect such a man?

2. We are concerned and worried about what he may do.

3. How can you explain such boorish behavior from your President?

4. We are just amazed and what is all that tweeting about?

5. He doesn't seem to have a very good command of your language.

Certainly this was not a wide "survey"....a total of about 20 strangers from Europe who were willing to engage. And then I would try to answer.....reminding them these were my feelings. I told them all I was concerned and worried and embassased and disgusted and frightened for the future. Not my future so much as my adult children and my four grandsons.....what kind of future would they see?

The conversation often continued with questions about the popular vote....and just how does our electoral college work and why do we have that anymore? 

I think the thing I appreciated most, aside from the fact that most of the people I spoke with seemed to echo my feelings, was that we were having quiet conversations. 

Thoughtful, quiet conversations.....no real answers....but conversations.....