Just Wo(a)ndering!!

  Native American knowledge is, in my case, very meagre. But it does not mean I am unaware and unempathetic to their near annihilation and subsequent plight of the people, their culture and language and teachings! I had a chance to volunteer (after much anticipation and wait) to assist in teaching at a Navajo school in Navajo Nation. It has piqued my interest to learn more about the culture, conflict, the struggles of a race that came close to extinction. There is a lot to be learned of our human behaviors from the past and the danger we are to ourselves in the present and future. The Navajo Nation is located near the Grand Canyon and spans 3 states. It is a hard land, that has been taken away from the people and now leased back to them. Meaning the US government will always own the land and original inhabitants of this nation can only RENT it. So, they don’t build houses, only use a trailer that can be owned and taken with them. The old generation (very few) - speaks Navajo, bu...

  Tipping for Service:  United States service expects to be tipped 20% of the total bill. Now I may think that is exorbitant in many cases. Maybe you think 15% is ok or even 10% or nothing at all. I just heard, 30% is preselected in doordash!  My thoughts on the subject – and not necessarily the amount: If you cannot do that job or don’t want to or you have to rely on another to do it for you – irrespective of the reason, then tip if you are happy with the service. If the person helping you is grumpy, maybe it is their life's hardships, may be the last person was really rude to them, or the employer is not fair.  When travelling, you have to be aware if tipping is allowed, expected or nice to do. Expectation can be from the person helping you, the establishment or culture (yours or theirs). On a regular dinner out – tip depending on the service provided – is it buffet vs a la carte?  Keep change handy, if you don’t have enough, at least I let it be k...