YOU GO FIRST

Sitting at an alfresco café somewhere in Singapore..

Circa 2006

Ending a week-long meeting in Neuchatel, Switzerland, I planned a couple a days in Grindelwald, a little town up in the Alps facing the mighty Eiger. I chose the Hotel Gletschergarten, a 100 year old setup that used to be the home of the manager. In fact, she was born in one of the rooms.

“Good morning. Where should I visit first today?” I asked chirpily of the friendly manager.

“Yes!” she replied proudly in her heavily accented Swiss German English.

I waited, like a puppy eager for a treat. 

“Yes, go visit first”

“Yes” I said looking straight at her.

“Yes, you go first” she smiled.

“Yeap. Where do I go first?”

“Yes, go first” her lips growing thin.

“Okay. Where do I go first?” 

“Yes. Go first!” She almost spat out the words.

I shifted my stance & moved my weight back a bit. Legs open shoulder wide, right leg slightly behind, ready to execute a turning kick.

Then she lifted an index finger & smiled broadly. Took out a map & pointed at a spot marked “FIRST”

“Ahh!!”

FIRST is the name of a place & a lovely place it was.

Words have many meanings. Use wisely. Don't just listen, understand the real meaning.

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