At two o’clock in the morning we were finally in our hotel beds. We were „in the air“ for more than 20 hours before we arrived in Perth, Australia.
After a good eight hours of sleep, we finally make our way to the city center in search of a breakfast restaurant. It is already lunchtime.
In the recommended “Provision Kitchen” the breakfast menu is unfortunately already cleared away. So I try to explain the situation to the friendly service employee who approaches us.
“We are looking for breakfast, as we just have arrived from Europe ….”
She interrupts me with a sparkle in her eyes: “oh, where from Europe?”
“Not from Italy,” is my spontaneous answer, which I immediately feel a little sorry for.
“I am from Italy, how did you know that,” she looks at me in surprise.
“We are from Germany, and I also can not hide my accent.”
She laughs, comes from Milan, and has lived in Perth for 5 years. We exchange ideas a little, also about football and AC Milan, who recently visited Perth.
Breakfast is no longer available, but there is a Long Black and a Flat White Double Shot for us. We were really looking forward to the Australian coffee culture. And the friendly service staff recommends a hidden alley full of street art and a café that also offers an “all-day breakfast”. Very close.
Small talk opens doors and builds trust. A short conversation about everyday life creates a bridge and sympathy. And is often a good travel guide.
>> Have you had similar experiences?
So, finally we arrive at our late breakfast, which is also accompanied by an attractive sightseeing highlight.
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I am Bernd Scharbert and I’ve often experienced that small talk can turn into big talk. This therefore also plays an important role in the „Four Guiding Principles for Intercultural Leadership“, that I have developed from practice for practice. If you are interested, feel free to contact me.
