A Reformed SG

[hobie16]

just watch out for our 1 finger american gesture of hello.

You mean half a peace sign?

[YANXWIN]

No Hobie16, that's our "this is my age" sign.

After living a few years in another country, I am amazed at the difference in body language and hand gestures. We, as Americans, think everyone understands what we mean. I was a little embarrassed a few times while abroad. I didn't make the same mistake twice, but I did make a few mistakes along the way.

[DisneyMom]

You mean half a peace sign?

I thought it was called the "Hawaiian Good Luck Sign"...
I saw you give it to that man on the Freeway! :D:

[hobie16]

I thought it was called the "Hawaiian Good Luck Sign"...
I saw you give it to that man on the Freeway! :D:

That was the Jersey, "Youse gonna end up in cement shoes." sign.

[DogFish]

Huge thanks for the welcome and supportive comments on my post.

Welcome Dogfish! What part of Europe are you from?

I'm from Scotland, UK.

Is there an alternative you could recommend? Tired guests often step forward when the bus doors open, but there are guests needing to get off first, often laden with children and strollers. Would a two-handed gesture be any better?

And welcome, indeed! We're happy to have you visiting us here in Florida!

There is no alternative I can think of to recommend. The reasons for the driver to respond in the way he did are good and make sense - it's just a cultural thing. I always said "good morning" and "thank you" to the driver and always got a friendly response, so I quickly realised the gesture was nothing more than an effective way of managing the loading/unloading of the vehicle. I changed how I approached the bus by waiting back (behind the ubiquitous yellow line!) until the driver indicated it was ok to board. This seemed to cause less stress and I would guess is what they prefered you do. It really wasn't a big deal and I understand the reasons. If I had taken offense it would have been my mistake as I am certain none was intended. I can't remember any bus driver being rude or snappy. I do remember very clearly several being helpful and friendly - for example actually getting off the bus to give us directions (try getting a bus driver in Scorland to do that and you'll get a black eye!)

It took a few visits but I have come to realise how good the WDW CMs really are. How caring the majority of them are and how they tend to be just straight forward nice people. As a tourist once you stop walking around with a chip on your shoulder and relax (as someone in another thread said - stop thinking that everyone is trying to screw you) then you will have a much more enjoyable vacation. You will also make the lives of those around you easier too - guests and CMs.

[hobie16]

I'm from Scotland, UK.

Scotland?!?! You should have no problems if you speak softly using your Scottish burr. Americans are suckers for English accents and they melt when a Scot speaks.

I worked with a Scot. He was a tech support manager. Whenever we had an irate customer, we'd fly him out to smooth the customer out. His burr had them eating out of his hand.

Another example? Sean Connery. Oops! I mean Sir Sean Connery.

[Goofyernmost]

Scotland?!?! You should have no problems if you speak softly using your Scottish burr. Americans are suckers for English accents and they melt when a Scot speaks.

I worked with a Scot. He was a tech support manager. Whenever we had an irate customer, we'd fly him out to smooth the customer out. His burr had them eating out of his hand.

Another example? Sean Connery. Oops! I mean Sir Sean Connery.

Yes, but who (or possibly whom) would ever tell Sir Sean to stop by word or gesture. He'd be liable to shoot you with his watch.

[hobie16]

Yes, but who (or possibly whom) would ever tell Sir Sean to stop by word or gesture. He'd be liable to shoot you with his watch.

I'd be more afraid of him showing up like this.

[Goofyernmost]

I'd be more afraid of him showing up like this.

My what a weird 007 outfit! That would be from the movie titled..."Oh God No!"

[hobie16]

My what a weird 007 outfit! That would be from the movie titled..."Oh God No!"

This must have been before spray on bronzer was invented.