I think you both have some great insights and ideas.

Like you, Jane, I love to read. Many do not. I know doctors who never read for pleasure.

I read those books. As a kid Pebble in the Sky influence me as I enjoyed the story.

The deep understanding came in my work as a critical care nurse caring for people and their families during times of crisis. The feelings between parent and child are at once complex and universal.

(By parent include adoptive parents both formal and not)

Music is a wonderful pleasure. I was once with a very stoic man until a song came on the radio. He sang along (in Hindi). Then told us through tears of his mother playing that song when he was little. By sharing that he helped us know and like him. He recently said, "I used to dislike Americans. But I like you ladies. (Those of us who work with him)

Empathetic eye contact or the touch of a hand transends language and culture.

Helping and accepting help can begin a friendship across so called cultural divisions.

Just a few thoughts. I've rarely been out of the US. Your perspectives are enlightening.

Honza - I wonder why you gained a more human rather than nationalise way of thinking than the other English students at your school.