Vancouver, Canada...Guest Blog

One of my students--from Bosnia--is studying abroad this semester in Vancouver.  Here's what she's experienced...

   "There is nothing more exciting than seeing your expectations twist and turn like crazy when you see something new to you and to your world. I have been living and studying in Vancouver, Canada for the past three monts and all I can really say is: Wow!

As an international student at MU I thought I already went through all the possible cultural shocks there are when I came to US. Also, I believed that in Canada there is nothing new that can surprise me anymore after living in US for two years. I stereotyped Canada by believing it is an "extension" of the US culture, tradition, ecomony, worldview, everything. I am glad I lived to see how wrong I was.

Vancouver is a cosmopolitan city surrounded by a beautiful Pacific ocean, rivers and mountains, crowded with people from all over the world. The great combination of civilazation and nature is what this city's most valuable treasure is. To my greatest surprise, my plane landed to a very sunny place with 25 degrees celzius in August. That was my first expectation falling apart. Not all Canada is freezing cold. Now it is November and I still did not wear my gloves and a scarf.

Furthermore, I did not have any idea how diverse Vancouver is, especially when it comes to Asian population. That was another new experience for me since I have never been to Asia and had no idea how life might look like over there. To be honest, I did not even know how to differenciate people from China, Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, etc. Well, the greater Vancouver area allowed me to see that too, so I learned a lot about Asian cultures, as much as I did about the Canadian culture. I also found an amazing Bosnian family living close to Vancouver, who introduced me to people from all over Balkans. I ate Bosnian food and had a chance to buy things from back home. Priceless!

The greatest surprise of all was the mentality of people in Canada. I have to say that I have never met so many people at one place who are so open-minded and so well educated. I had an opportunity to speak about some very detailed issues going on in my country with people here, when most people elsewhere did not even know where (and what?) my country is. :)

My school, Langara College, is a small community college, which turned out to be an advantage for me. I got to meet more people, make friends more easily and get to know my teachers better which would be much more difficult if I went to University of British Columbia for example, which is a gigantic school in Vancouver with tens of thousands of students. I will not even mention the partyng experiences I had with friends here :) I found the Canadian schooling system to be different from the American system as well. I noticed that the material was more international and worldwide oriented as opposed to most of my classes at MU.

The greatest thanks for such an amazing experience I had here I have to give to my host family. They broke every single stereotype about host families. Without any exaggeration, I believe that I would not be nearly as satisfied with my studying abroad if it weren‘t for my host family. Since day one I did not have that constatant feeling of being a stranger and and guest in the house that we usually have. I literally felt like home. Everything I wanted, everything I needed was there for me, and most importatnt of all, I always had someone to give me advice or just to be there and listen to me. I now know I have made friends for life.

Another great thing about Vancouver is that it is so close to everything. A couple of times my host family took me to Seattle, WA for the weekend. Other times we would go for a bike ride along the ocean coast or we would go hiking in the mountains. Vancouver itself has a lot to offer and it would take me much more than a "short essay" to describe all the great things you can do in Vancouver. No wonder British Columbian governement's slogan says: "British Columbia – the best place on Earth." I leave that to you to come and see for yourself.

I cannot express the gratitude I feel to Methodist University, especially to the Honors Program, for giving me an opportunity to expand my education, experiences and worldview in such an amazing way like studying abroad.

Lots of love from Van City"

Amalfi Hotel Chicago, Il...The Best of a boutique without the worst

I’m trying to think of a legitimate reason why we wouldn't return to Chicago's Amalfi Hotel (20 West Kinzie Street).  It wouldn't be for the service, location, dependability, cleanliness, accommodations, or perks.  Check-in and –out was a breeze. The room was more than ample-sized for a Chicago hotel.  There's a deluxe breakfast spread every morning on each hotel floor—free.  There’s a drinks and appetizer reception on the 6^th floor every night—again, free.  Newspaper—free.  Water at check-in—free. In 10 minutes after our call, a hotel engineer appeared to fix our minor toilet leak.  The only reason, expressed by my son, is that the boutiqiness doesn't extend beyond the lobby.  Everywhere else, it looks like and acts like a Westin.   But if you’re looking for a boutique, that is, a cramped room with uncomfortable furnishings, outdated mattresses, and dark lighting, which you struggle to discover at the end of meandering halls, look elsewhere.  But if you’re looking for the best of boutique and the best of standard hotel hospitality, stay at the Amalfi.

NH Carlton Amsterdam

     We booked the NH Carlton Amsterdam because of the location, and we weren’t disappointed.  If you arrive before check-in, you'll need to wait until about 2 PM. If you can stay on your feet despite jet lag, there's the flower market with cheese shops and cafes—only a few steps from the hotel’s doors.  You’ll see more tulips than you can imagine, sample loads of cheese varieties, and enjoy a snack or meal at an outside table.  Even on Sunday, when nothing else seems to be open, you’ll find plenty of people watching and food sampling to kill time and acquaint you to one of Amsterdam’s famous sights. If you want to get a feel for the city, ride the tram, which is less than a quarter of a mile away.  It’s cheap and clean. 

But if you’re too tired for touring and have arrived too early to check in, go to the second floor and relax in the massage chair or on a couch, which is what we did.  No one bothered us for hours.

The breakfast is much too expensive for what you get (buffet-style with staff hosting) but looked great.   Maybe, we’re just cheap because it was full of takers willing to shell out 20 eruo.  But once we figured out that they’d sell us coffee to go for 3 euros, we did that. Thereafter, we discovered my favorite coffee, Illy, being sold nearby.  Go up the flower market (there’s only one way because the hotel is at one end) and turn left down the first street.

Ok, so now you’ve checked in.  There’s not much to disclose about our room except that the carpet was noticeably stained; otherwise it was big enough and very clean. Don’t count on the TV for loads of English channels, but you shouldn’t be channel surfing anyway.  You’re in Amsterdam!

When you’re ready to navigate the city, head back down to the lobby.  We found both the day and night reception staff to be quite pleasant and very helpful, serving as concierges, as well. So don't hesitate to approach them and be sure to secure a city map.

Checkout was a breeze. You may get a coupon for your next cheap NH hotel.

Again, you can't beat the location. The only caution I’d offer is that we noticed several NH hotels when we rode the trams around.  So be sure to pick the one by the flower market.

L'Assiette Carreau: Paris dining perfection

L'Assiette Carreau  was the best meal we experienced during our 6-night Paris stay. Among the 4 of us, we ordered 3 of the 5 plats and 2 of the 5 starters. Continually, we each claimed we'd selected the best menu item.No overwhelming sauces or complicated presentations. Superior ingredients were cooked with attention but not unnecessary flourish. Our waiter was helpful and friendly. After many disappointing Paris meals, we ended our trip with a winner!

Grasse's Grandeur

Grasse’s Grandeur

In Châteauneuf-Grasse, we stayed at a picturesque B&B. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/208402  Less like any other B&B we’d ever stayed at, this was more a home.  Along with their delightful teenage daughter Lily, Lucy and Wayne were outstanding hosts.  He picked us up upon arrival, escorted us to a local town, drove us back in the rain, and chatted about his life and their B&B history.  She served us coffee and breakfast, helped us navigate the house and environs, and shared her interests with us.  Friendly and helpful without being pushy or prying, these two British hosts have mastered the delicate mixture of hospitality and livelihood. And OMG, the area—natural and neighboring towns—is serene and interesting.  OK, I wouldn’t go back for the shopping; but certainly, I would go back for the genuine affability of our hosts and the exquisiteness of the surroundings.  I’d rent a car, stay longer, and explore more towns.  Thanks, Wayne and Lucy for a warm welcome that lingered with us long after we departed.  

The Cote d'Azur Is More Than Nice

The Cote d’Azur Is More Than Nice

Nice isn’t what my husband and I expected.  We expected it to be, well, French. But it’s just as much—maybe more—Italian.  Picture being in an Italian countryside village like Assisi but with crepes and us speak English and practice it themselves.  Gloriously, there’s no Parisian language conceit.  In fact, Niceans are more accepting and relaxed all around.  For example, suddenly, while eating al fresco at a “kitchen”-type restaurant, munching on a rather mediocre salad Nicoise (originated in Nice, of course), an older man at a nearby table broke into song, soon joined by his fellow diners.  This went on for quite some time—until they left.  No one except my husband and I seemed to notice, yet alone mind.  Frankly, all my when-in-Rome hospitality convictions failed me as we found their extravagant warbling to be more annoying than charming.  Rather than enjoy the novelty, we analyzed the spectacle to death: What if we tried that? What if we joined it?  What if we voiced our disapproval?  Bad, bad hospitality on our part, I confess. Other than that episode, we found Niceans to be friendly and accepting.

Leaving Nice, we took a 1 Euro bus to journey farther south in the Cote d’Azur to Cannes.  Again, we experienced this pleasant blend of the best of the French and the Italians.  Like most places we’ve traveled to, the native had their own quirks. In Cannes, remarkably, the locals were dressed in multi-zippered attire.  http://obeyclothing.com/women/dresses-skirts/cannes-dress.html We don’t know why.  It was striking—almost ridiculous.  The film festival—scheduled to begin the following week—doesn’t dominate the town as much as you might think.  Cannes consists of three areas:  The first is a long frontage street, facing the water with a casino (or two maybe), older and more modern hotels, and upscale stores. The second lies behind that—streets filled with small restaurants, cafes, a department store, touristy shops, boutiques, delicatessens, and some tourist areas (like a castle and church).  There’s a big city flair in these two sections.  Then, there’s the old section, which is much more subdued and picturesque.  Again, shops, cafes, and boutiques.  But less touristy and hectic.  Walk to the elevator that takes you to the top and look out over the city and the sea.  Rain or shine, it’s a great view. 

Even farther south, is the Grasse area.  We stayed at an awesome B&B run by a British couple.  I believe I’ve already reviewed that.

In each location, we experienced this unique blend of French and Italian hospitality—the panache of the French without their Parisian haughtiness and the culinary triumphs of the Italians without their loud arguing.  Moreover, the step is laid-back, the service is attentive, and the countryside is pleasing. 

Today, we recall our late-May stay in the Cote d’Azur with serenity and nostalgia.

Paris Syndrome

     To be clear, I’m addressing Parisian hospitality, not the national hospitality of France.

     France is my favorite place to visit, and Paris was high on my France list…until now.  I just returned from 6 nights in Paris.  Unfortunately, the Parisians—their rudeness, loudness, condescension, and lack of culinary effort—consistently disappointed me on my trip last week. 

     OK, I’m not saying I had “Paris Syndrome,” which is described by Wikipedia as follows:

Paris syndrome (French: Syndrome de Paris, Japanese: パリ症候群, Pari shōkōgun) is a transient psychological disorder encountered by some individuals visiting or vacationing in Paris, France. It's characterized by a number of psychiatric symptoms such as acute delusional states, hallucinations, feelings of persecution (perceptions of being a victim of prejudice, aggression, or hostility from others), derealization, depersonalization, anxiety, and alsopsychosomatic manifestations such as dizziness, tachycardia, sweating, and others.^[1]

I discovered this entry when I Google searched “Paris disappointment.”  Although I didn’t suffer from any of these psychiatric symptoms, I did suffer colossal disappointment by the way Parisians treated me, including the meals they prepared.  After I illustrate my disappointment with two quick anecdotes (and believe me, there are many from which to choose), I’d like to consider this issue more broadly.   

     Chez Jenny:  We were seated outside and given an English menu.  Thereafter our waiter arrived only to dramatically refuse to serve us because we don’t speak French well enough (and evidently, he didn’t speak English well enough) although he didn’t give us a chance to try and we didn’t try because we already had English menus.  Another waiter replaced the first, we ordered, and the food arrived.  The presentations of 2 of the 4 plates was so bland as to be disgusting—a series of white blobs—which was duplicated by the bland taste.  More than the food though, we were flustered that a waiter would create such a scene about our language inadequacy even though the restaurant clearly compensated for us with its English menu. Day 5 and once again, we were disappointed with our Parisian meal experience.  Understandably, we complained to each other.  Then, we stopped when one of us wondered why we’d contribute to the restaurant’s negativity.  I think it was my son who delivered this much needed hospitality wakeup call.  After all, why should we allow the carelessly prepared food and the condescending service to override our joy at being together while eating outside on a beautiful Parisian street as the daylight begin to wane? Inspired, we all mustered our courage to change focus.  We managed to marvel at the one great meal served by Chez Jenny.  From there, we started to recall the many great meals from our previous travels.

     Pickpocketed:  My husband got pickpocketed in a Paris metro by 3 young girls.  That’s bad enough.  But then, when we tried to report the crime to 2 station attendants, we were rebuffed by their measured disconcern (“unconcern” suggests passivity whereas they were deliberate). No wonder pickpockets thrive.  We were all outraged—as much by the hardhearted officials as by the adolescent criminals .  Our spirits were more than dampened.  Then I called AmEx who helped us with every cancellation and replacement detail.  Pleasantly and efficiently, the representative wiped away our problems and with them, our worries.  Moreover, she renewed our spirits. I tell this story in particular--out of our many Parisian disappointments--to highlight that it’s easier to recover from mistreatment with just a little kindness from someone else. No man is an island after all.

     Toward the middle of our 7 days together, one of us suggested that we “take the high road":  keep greeting shop owners with a fearless “Bon jour!” and exiting with “Merci” despite their surliness; keep tolerating our loud neighbors who yelled out their windows at 3 AM; and keep searching for a bakery that miraculously managed to open by 9 AM and actually have baked bread to sell even to non-French speaking tourists.

     For the most part, we succeeded in taking the high road.  But we are not super humans.  I confess that we were continually downtrodden by one daily Parisian offense. We never graciously accepted that the damn rotisserie chicken place, which  was so elusively open our first day, never bothered to be open again.  Day after day, we checked but our dreams were crushed.  Finally, on our last day, we succumbed to the Thursday food market street vendor.              Yes, rotisserie chicken it was.  But the “roasted” potatoes were cold and the chicken skin lacked its signature crispiness.  We departed Paris early Friday morning, in the dark, without ever devouring our perfect Paris rotisserie poultry. I’m home now, writing this, anticipating tomorrow’s Harris Teeter rotisserie chicken special. Or maybe I’ll cook one myself.  I have some great French cookbooks.

     All anecdotes behind me (and I do feel exonerated by narrating them), I’d like to more broadly address the ethics of these situations.  I wonder that if it’s necessary that we encounter others’ hospitality in order to support our own, then how can we disregard others’ inhospitality?  That is, if hospitality supports us, why shouldn’t inhospitality crush us?

     Isn’t that the question of living ethically.  How do we avoid responding in kind to others’ unethical behavior?  Just yesterday, I read a perfect example of how to be ethical when others may not be.  One of the travelers in Margaret Drabble’s The Seven Sisters recounts a life-changing experience.  On a crowded train, she approached a crying passenger who reported that she’d just had her wallet stolen.  Gone were her identification, money, and credit cards.  Deciding to be a good Samaritan, our storyteller loaned the victim more money than she could afford to—with the promise that it would be returned.  Well aware that her fellow travelers probably judged her to be a gullible fool because she’d never see her money again, this Samaritan arrived at her next hotel and tried to plan how to continue her travels on a much tighter budget.  To her surprise, a brown envelope with the replacement money and opera tickets arrived two days later.  It seems that this victim was honest not only about repaying the money but also, about auditioning for La Scala.  But the moral of the story, explains our storyteller, is not that believing in people pays off because your kindness will be rewarded, but because your character will be rewarded.  She chose not be a cynical person.  Instead, she chose to be magnanimous when all reason supported her disregard.  She chose to risk being generous and hospitable with no guarantees because she wanted to be a person who believes in others and cares for others.  She resolved for herself the two most plaguing hospitality dilemmas. Should we expect any reciprocity for our hospitality?  No.  Should we take all the risks when we perform our duties as hosts and guests?  Yes. 

     My son continually reminded me that I should limit my complaining about “the French” to Parisians.  He’s right. I encourage you to travel to Normandy where they still remain grateful to US WWII soldiers; to the Cote d’Azur where the best of the Italians meshes with the best of the French; to the north where you still cherish their beloved Joan of Arc; and definitely, to Provence where good food, good wine, and friendly folks will enthrall you.  OK, and go to Paris.  Maybe I just had a bad trip.

Sandy Coughlin's The Reluctant Entertainer Well Worth Reading

Coughlin, Sandy.  The Reluctant Entertainer: Every Woman’s Guide to Simple and Gracious Hospitality.  Minneapolis: Bethany House Publishers, 2010.  

Great title…and some very good practical ideas…

"My 10 Commandments of Hospitality"

1.    “Hospitality is not about you.”

I was just reading today that the host’s hospitality goal is not her own self-actualization but an appreciation of her guest’s identity.  Hans-Georg Gadamer has worked on this issue of the possibility of ever knowing another’s “horizons.”       Here’s what Thomas W. Ogletree notes:  “This emphasis is a corrective to the Western tendency to begin and end the experiences of others in terms of his or her own experiences, and who assimilates the moral import of the other into his or her own self-actualization.”  

That’s not easy for me to acknowledge as my other research idea involves female self-actualization.  This connection is something I want to explore further.

2.       “Plan ahead, be organized, and know your recipe.  Learn to delegate.”  This relates to #1.  It’s not about you.  Including others in the planning, execution, and/or clean-up embraces their gifts.

3.    “Set the mood. Keep ambience and the five senses in mind.” 

I bow to my daughters and son on this one.  Flowers, simple and tasteful table settings, mood-inspiring music…You get the idea.

4.       “Avoid perfectionism.  Put fear aside—it’s a robber of anything good.”

It’s really not in the details.  It’s not about the gathering; it’s about the enjoyment of the gathered.

5.    “Share conversation.  Foster friendships by keeping things real.”  If you tend to hide in the kitchen, like I do, invite people to gather there. 

6.    “Demonstrate thriftiness.”     No need to spend and acquire.

7.    “Don’t apologize.  It’s okay to make mistakes…it robs your guests of relaxation.”

Apologizing doesn’t make it go away or better.  It just makes it awkward.  Again, it’s not about you.  Never lose focus on everyone’s enjoyment.

8.     “Be creative.  Use what you have.  Keep things simple.” See # 6.

9.    “Learn from others. Find mentors…” I think of my former neighbor who could craft an elegant meal from the reduced produce section of Winn Dixie.  I think of Theresa Pirron who discarded nothing that could be used for another meal—often more delicious than before.  I think of my former mother-in-law, reading cookbooks in bed and clipping recipes from newspapers.  I think of my mother and her combinations of “meat, potatoes, beans.”  I think of my cousin and her husband at a large farm table with an abundance of local foods. 

10. “Life impact is everything. Experience intimacy and meaning in sharing a meal and gleaning from others’ lives.”

I know this seems like a strange recommendation for this commandment, but read Judith Jone’s Cooking for One.  Every recipe serves an intimate two, I’ve found.  The photos are gorgeous and the text is inspiring. 

Also, buy Sandy’s booka and peruse her blog: http://reluctantentertainer.com/#

Here are some internet resources that she recommends:

Kraft's iFood Assistant (app): food planning and meal preparation, with shopping list

http://www.kraftrecipes.com/media/ifood.aspx

Leftover Wizard at BigOven.com: creates recipes from 3 ingredients you enter

http://www.bigoven.com/recipes/leftovers

SuperCook.com: recipe search engine that creates recipes from ingredients you have

http://www.supercook.com/#

RecipeMatcher.com: your ingredients produce recipes with at least one of them

http://www.recipematcher.com/

Las Chullpas, Peru

Las Chullpas Eco Lodge 

Querocancha S/N, Urubamba 084, Peru 

Las Chullpas is up on the mountain away from town but oh so wonderful! We found no reason to leave except to venture out hiking. The rooms are comfortable but with a rustic feel to them. They have used some clever ideas in the rooms and around the grounds that just put a smile on your face. See what they've done recycling bottles. They have wonderfully hot, hot showers! There are beautiful garden areas to sit in and enjoy a cup of coca tea. Also herb gardens all around. 
Chalo was especially helpful in helping us acclimate to the altitude both with recommendations on hikes in the area before we did the Inca Trail, and food he prepared that helped our stomachs. We were never sick! The breakfast that is included is hearty, healthy and delicious. He uses all natural herbs and local produce. We also enjoyed 2 dinners he prepared that also were just wonderful. 
Moto cars zip you up and down the hill if you desire to go to town. Santino made a great recommendation to go to the restaurant, El Huacatay, which was wonderful. 
Make sure you ask them to arrange pick up at the airport in Cusco if you are heading there first. We didn't know they would do that and ended up with a nightmarish taxi ride.

W New York City

W New York 

541 Lexington Avenue, At 49th Street, New York City, NY 10022

“W on Lexington Ave.--not our usual Starwood hotel experience”

Reviewed September 9, 2010

Although not informed at booking or during several calls to the hotel, our request for adjoining rooms lost us 50 sq. So instead of our usual Starwood upgrade, we were downgraded. No free rollaway or breakfast coupons compensated for the cramped space. Our final bill listed a $148 charge for touching sensored mini-bar items, which resulted in a ten-minute dispute at the reception desk. We needed 3 replacement keys, resulting in being locked out of a room with a baby inside (in a crib, thankfully). Dry cleaning took 3 calls and an extra day to get returned. The hotel took 2 hours for the rollaway and crib to arrive—crying baby waiting. The bathroom was better suited for contortionists. The check-in associate asked me to write a good review on TripAdvisor and use her name, which she wrote on my key card. The W on Lexington Ave. has a long way to go to match our usually satisfying Starwood hotel experience.

Spain...Hospederia Guts Muths

Spain…Hospederia Guts Muths 

C/ Matanza s/n | Santiago Millas, 24732 Leon, Spain 

“Clean, comfortable, unique”

Reviewed June 28, 2008

We were greeted upon our arrival by the friendly and helpful Shubert from the Netherlands. He and his wife operate this 17th century house, providing lodging, meals, and tourist information. The rooms are comfortable and roomy. We booked a triple for about $100. There is a big lobby with seating, a large dining room, a lovely garden for al fresco dining, a lodge with a fireplace, a library, and another sitting room. The neighborhood is country-quiet. You’ll find it to be a good place for a family gathering or a friends’ reunion. This couldn't be more unique and friendlier. An unexpected treat.

Spain...Santiago de Compostela

Spain….Pazo Cibran 

San Xulian de Sales, Santiago de Compostela, Spain 

“best experience”

Reviewed June 28, 2008

l

This 17th century country house affords the traveler a real treat--a taste of the countryside in Galicia, a leisurely Spanish breakfast, an impeccably clean room with grand bath, enchanting communal area, and a lovely lawn/garden. The proprietor not only helped us navigate the place after her friendly welcome, but spent almost an hour on her own computer, helping us find the perfect lodging for our next night's visit. We paid 69 Euro for a triple and a bit more for breakfast. There's dinner if you wish...or you can picnic on the grounds. Stroll down the lane to a small church, enjoying the rushing waterfalls draining onto the street. You couldn't ask for a more pleasant, beautiful, and friendly experience. I am now hooked on the country home experience. 

Faith meets Hospitality

Akhtar, Ayad. American Dervish. New York: Little, Brown and Company, 2012.

Here's the plot background for what I want to address: Nathan is a Jew who hopes to marry Mina who is a Muslim. Intending to convert to being a Muslim, Nathan tells his father, who has lost most of his family in the Holocaust, about his plans. His father warns, “No one will ever see you as anything other than a Jew” (178). But Mina's sister irenically assures Nathan, “It's what's different about us—once you're a Muslim, that's who you are. And it doesn't matter what you were or where you come from—it's a true democracy. Where everyone gets to vote” (178-179).

Hurray for hospitality!

Then, Nathan attends the Islamic Center where Souhef is speaking. We already know that our protagonist's father judges Souhef as contumely and, more pervasively, rejects the faith and practices of the Muslim religion. Nonetheless, Father agrees to accompany his friend and colleague Nathan to the Islamic prayer ritual. Before long, Souhef's speech recalls the transgressions of the Jews, according to the Muslim story, repeating in ex cathedra fashion, “Of Me alone stand in awe!/Of Me alone be aware!” He continues, accusing Jews of self-love and constant dissatisfaction with their lives. The crowd becomes agitated, Nathan flees, and Father and his son Hyat are quickly behind. Souhef is smiling smugly and the crowd, profiling Nathan as a Jew, becomes minatory.

Is it faith that has prohibited hospitality? Or is it bigotry? It's tough for those raised in PC cultures, to appreciate that someone's faith draws a line in the sand, which outlaws contact with and approval of those on the other side. Those of us who live in such cultures may ask ourselves if we stand for anything that rejects anyone. For example, you're gay. So are you supposed to host homophobes in your home just to be hospitable? Or you're a Midwesterner. Are you obligated to treat Yankee-bashers hospitably? Maybe you're a Muslim, a Jew, a Catholic, or a Hindu and view those against your faith as non-believers who should be if not eliminated, at least rejected. In such cases, what's your hospitality obligation? Is standing for, and therefore, against something/body, more integral to your integrity than being hospitable? Or must we all exhibit adiaphorism no matter how unethical that makes us.

What's the difference in being a bigot and being a believer? If I stand for gay rights, I'm not inviting gay-bashers to my house. Does that make me a bigot? Or does that make me a self-actualizer who associates with only those who contribute to my ethical health and my world's ethics? (But that's a different blog: readandexceed.blogspot.com.)

In the classroom, I don't have the luxury of exclusion. I must (and do) insist on abiding by rules of decorum for everyone. However, I don't allow any “bashing.” Essentially, I'm stifling those views and voices. Does privileging political correctness contradict hospitality?  More and more, I'm wondering if hospitality disallows authentic conversations. I'm wondering if there's something more honest, although not hospitable, about declaring “Here I stand. I can do no other”--Luther's alleged declaration before the Diet of Worms?

More and more, I have become intrigued with the limitations of hospitality. Although American Dervish deplores Souhef's diatribe, I'm not sure that it's so clear-cut.