fonda resturant

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Late at night, the group I was with decided to go to a Fonda restaurant. It’s a place were they play music and you eat and drink. The restaurant looked very elegant and expensive, but it seemed like it would be nice cultural experience. We all sat down, and had a glass of wine. After, we had listen to the musicians play for a while I figured it was a good time to leave. When I was about to stand up and ask for the check, my group informed me that there was a 16 euro minimum for the restaurant. At that point during the trip I had already spent too much money, and since I wasn’t directly informed of the minimum I felt I had the right to express that to anyone, and surely they would make it right. My group all agreed that there shouldn’t be a 16 euro minimum. I told the waiter if there was anything that could be done, because some of us weren’t aware of the minimum.
He came back with two men, both of which decided that the best way of handling the situation was to yell at me. At this point during the night, I felt like the odd one out. My group who previously agreed with me about the minimum was now saying the already knew. I am guessing it was because they didn’t want to be patronized by some man. I fought the battle alone, I stood and took the man’s hand and walked away from the group. I explained to him that this was simply a misunderstanding, but for the quality of the restaurant he really shouldn’t be yelling at people. I explained to him how he made me feel, and he explained how he felt. At the end we both apologized.
I also apologized individually to each member of the group. Because even though it’s normal for me to complain it is not normal for them to complain. Because I realize though I am not embarrassed about the situation, they more then likely are. I also felt very condemned by them, that night. Because none of them understood why I stood up, nor why I even complained. Internally I was feeling horrible, for a situation that I normally wouldn’t think twice about. The words of a friend wounded me “this is because you are just an American.”
Those words I never thought would hurt so much but they did, and they do.
This is a process of trail and error, because I have to be mindful of everyone and how they are feeling. And I never want to just fit into this stereotype of just an American, because I am an American and proud of it. But I want to be more then just that.

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Photos

fun
asha, lindsey and me

fonda music
at the lovely resturant

Comments

[Kilate]

I finally made it to your blog!
Sorry for not exploring your blog earlier; adjusting to motherhood has kicked my butt! I managed to read from the very first one to the latest one and it's truly amazing the experience you're having. You writing style is so real...containing sadness and laughter along with deep thought. I found myself looking forward to the next journal. You're awesome at capturing your experience in writing! All these high's and low's that you're going through will only strengthen you and make you a better balanced individual. Live it up, be safe, study hard, and keep us posted...

[Nataly]

Funny experience!
You are kind of old to be realizing that here is much more in the world other than you, don't you think? hahaha. Just kidding. At least you are learning and growing through all these experiences. I was close to you age to, when I learned that you cant always speak your mind inevery situation because sometimes there is just no point other that to make others feel uncomfortble. WE miss you and think about you always.

[Nathan]

American We Are
Eli, we are americans. And you have every right to be proud of it. We complain when something is not right or should be fixed or the quality sucks. That is where customer service and satisfaction comes in. We always strive to be better and want the best. If they want to sterotype us as Americans. Then ask them why everyone wants to be american but for some reason they hate us. They knock you because you are american. Well let them know why it is so great to be american.

[evel_can_evel]

seems so easy
i am not in the right postion at the moment to be explaining to eveyone why my culuture is so great. its as if we are like building a community on board, where there are no culutres. at the present moment its best to blend. but thanks for the motivation :)

[evel_can_evel]

seems so easy
i am not in the right postion at the moment to be explaining to eveyone why my culuture is so great. its as if we are like building a community on board, where there are no culutres. at the present moment its best to blend. but thanks for the motivation :)

[evel_can_evel]

seems so easy
i am not in the right postion at the moment to be explaining to eveyone why my culuture is so great. its as if we are like building a community on board, where there are no culutres. at the present moment its best to blend. but thanks for the motivation :)

[evel_can_evel]

thanks
im veyr glad u got a chance to read it, i dont blame u at all if u dont u have a crazy busy life. but give the baby lost of love . love ya. nana