How to behave in public places..
During our road journey to ‘Pachmarhi’ in March, we stayed for a night at Hotel Marble Rocks, Bhedaghat, a M.P. Tourism Hotel at Jabalpur. After day long drive, were tired. Post check in and refreshing ourselves, we went to the Hotel restaurant for the dinner.
A group of people were already sitting there having their dinner. As we took our seats and placed orders; were completely disturbed by the loud conversation the said group of people were having, laughing, giggling in between. While doing so, they were completely oblivious of the fact that in the process, they were disturbing others seating around them.
Unable to withstand their attitude, I asked one of the waiter to politely request them to low down their respective voice for the sake of others. However, he rightly showed his inability to do so and feared losing his job in case they complain. The only way out for us was to leave the place. At this juncture, the waiter came to our rescue informing us that there was a terrace attached to the restaurant where the dinner can be served.
As we moved out of the restaurant, one of the lady in the group probably realized the reason behind our exit. After some time, she came to our table and offered sincere apology on behalf of her team members. It was great of her not only to realize our discomfort but to come to our place. She was a Doctor and further informed that the entire team members include Doctor couples from neighbouring State who once in a year have gala time together at different destinations. We chatted for long talking about our respective States and the places that can be visited.
The only question that remained unanswered was despite being Doctors and fully knowing the importance of silence in public places (the ‘Silence Please’ board can be seen in every hospital/ nursing home); how come they failed to follow it elsewhere. No doubt, after their hectic duties in the Hospitals/ Nursing Homes; they were fully entitled to their enjoyment but can it be at the cost of others. However, once the trip was over and we returned home, forgot the said episode.
Recently we went to Rajgir and checked in a Hotel. As we entered the restaurant, found ourselves in the same Jabalpur situation. A group of people were already having lunch there. Just as in Jabalpur, they were chatting in high volume and at the cost of the others sitting there. Further, they had let free their children who were running and screaming in the restaurant. I was unable to understand how people fail to differentiate between private and public place.
It was not an one off incident. While we were allotted the ground floor, the said group was just above us on the first floor. In the evening, as we were relaxing with the tea in the garden in front of our rooms; they were standing on the first floor terrace conversing loudly with each other and were made to hear what happens in their homes, offices etc.
We left the garden hurriedly for an evening drive. Later, we strolled in the beautiful front garden of the Hotel keeping ourselves away from our rooms/ rear garden for a while.
This led me to think why the people either at Jabalpur or Rajgir despite being educated were unable to behave in public life. Visiting in group probably gives one passport to do the same.
Back home, the thought that came to my mind: what are the basic courtesy a person or a traveler is expected to maintain at a public place.
In my view, the important aspect is to keep the volume of talk low. The conversation should be in such a way that others are not disturbed. One has to keep in mind that the people sitting there too have the right to enjoy their outing. Proper respect to others and use of common sense are two of the most important ingredients that one should follow in the public places. Hotels/ restaurants are mostly noiseless and as such anything over and above the normal voice turns into noise.
Also important is to keep an eye on the kids. They can be informed before hand that the visit is to a public place and as such their free range should not disturb others. After all, the parents are raising the future adults.
Another important point is to keep the TV volume low during the night time so that the other room occupants are not disturbed. There may be people sleeping in the other room who have to hit the road early and in need of good sleep. Again, if the rooms have been allotted over and above the ground floor, one should not not drag chair or table in such a way that it disturbs people staying below them.
Last but not the least, one just have to think how it will feel if someone’s loud conversation disturbs him/ her or the TV volume in other room makes one sleepless. Give respect and get respect, it’s the basic principle of life.
I sincerely believe that these are small things which can be easily followed but can go a long way in making the trip memorable.
