1. Ireland
Centuries
of turmoil, conquest, famine and subsequent immigration have certainly
taken their toll on the Irish: it’s left them with a deliciously dark
sense of humour and a welcoming attitude towards strangers. That famous
ability of the Irish to find craic (fun times) in boom or bust times
means you’re always in for a treat.
2. Samoa
What’s
this? Samoa reckons they have ‘the world’s friendliest people’? Hmmm,
trouble is there’s no ratifying body for such a claim, meaning the
Samoans have to contend with the challenge of Fiji, which also
self-applies the title. Though readers can rest assured that Samoa
harbours lovely and warm people.
3. United States
Blamed
for the coming of World War III, the Anti-Christ, Bon Jovi, Tom Cruise,
Michael Jackson, rampant street crime and noise pollution through
overloud talking, Americans just take it all in their stride. Americans
may be patriotic and love their country but they’ll invariably welcome
you and help you get the best out of the United States.
4. Malawi
Whereas
other African nations are beset by tribal war and fighting, Malawians
describe themselves as ‘the friendliest people in Africa. Anyone who’s
visited will know that the rare (for Africa) cohesion of the country’s
ethnic groups is solid evidence for this, as is the people’s propensity
to welcome you into their homes as well as their nation.
5. Fiji
Fijians
have got plenty to smile about lush islands, kaleidoscopic reefs,
cobalt sea, a wealth of marine life, world-class diving, romantic
coastlines, awesome cuisine and they love to spread the love around.
Fijians have a rep for helping all travellers feel welcome, thereby
allowing you to uncover the best from this sprawling group of islands.
6. Indonesia
It’s
hard to make generalisations about a country that contains so many
different cultures still, a cliché you’ll hear often is that Indonesian
people greet foreigners with open arms. Fact is they do, but the media
limelight is stolen by the knack of their law-enforcement officers for
welcoming drug dealers and bomb makers in an altogether different
ritual.
7. Vietnam
Vietnam’s
another country inextricably caught up in Western images and
stereotypes: napalm death; tormented American soldiers; assassins hiding
in the rice fields. But Vietnam put all that behind it a long time ago
and is now on a drive to become the new ‘Asian’ tiger economy.
8. Thailand
Southeast
Asia’s most-visited country is bound to offer up a welter of
stereotypes and clichès. Here are some of them: dazzling islands and
beaches; lush and balmy weather; great shopping and great food; the
‘France of Asia’. The Thai people’s gracious hospitality does indeed
take some beating.
9. Scotland
Scotland’s
becoming the destination for visitors to the British Isles, winning out
over London. The Scots have survived English invasion, brutal weather
and the pain of having the world’s worst goalkeepers. This fighting
spirit against insurmountable odds has left them with an extroverted,
buoyant demeanour and a blackly humorous nationalism.
10. Turkey
It’s
a shame that for such a long time the Western world’s image of Turkey
revolved around the drug-smuggling film Midnight Express. Thankfully, we
can report the Turkish people actually have an unsurpassed reputation
for hospitality. With their heavenly cuisine, dreamy coastline and
historical sites, the Turks know there’s no reason to be secretive.