The other day I met a personal branding client at the beach and after our one hour session I lingered for a little ‘Me Time’, after all I should practice what I preach. While there a I noticed a well dressed retired couple taking touristy photos of each other. Being a proud West Australian I asked if they wanted me to take a photo of them together. What happened made me ponder the importance of grace.
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| Scarborough Beach © The Ponder Room |
‘Yes please’came their reply and they seemed quite surprised by my offer.
I quickly took two photos showing off the beach in the background behind them. When the husband had handed me the camera I noticed that the zoom button was set on close-up, so I assumed that most of their travel photos would heavily feature the couple, the scenery taking second place.
‘Do you want a close up one too?’ I asked.
They did and as I zoomed in they both hurriedly checked their hair. Photography duties done I handed back the camera and the man declared …
‘We’re from Barbados.’
‘Wow, and you’re taking a photo of our beach, that’s great,’ I replied chuffed that North Cottesloe Beach would be considered photoworthy by people living in paradise.
‘Yes, Barbados is nicer,’ came his rapid reply.
My stunned silence clearly no indication that I felt like I’d just been slapped in the face.
‘Our beaches are crisp, clean, very white sand,’ he continued.
Somehow I managed to keep smiling and nodding even though my inner voice was yelling ‘tell him that Perth is known for it’s white sand.’
‘And the water is more a beautiful pinky colour, it’s a lighter blue, more crystal.’
Was there no end to this flogging. I felt obliged to at least try to defend my hometown.
‘I think,’ I started somewhat hesitantly, ‘sometimes the ocean reflects the sky … and it’s winter here now so the water is not so sparkly. Have you been to Rottnest, the water there is a lovely turquoise?’
‘No, our son lives in Perth and he suggested we go to Rottnest too.’
No doubt, and as they wondered off I pondered …
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Sure Perth isn’t Barbados but there’s a time, a place and a way to point that out to a local.
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How long would their son have suggested they spend in Rottnest, overnight, a week, two weeks? I’ll let you decide.
- I think it was just as well I’d already given the camera back.
2 Comments
No pleasing some people is there xxx
I guess when you live in paradise you’re expectations are high