In Gold Coast, smiling at strangers is a daily ritual

Philip Muchiri, a veteran broadcast journalist, is our lead reporter at the 2018 Commonwealth Games

They say when you go to Rome you do as the Romans do! Strangely, here in Gold Coast, Kenya’s contingent of seven journalists have not been left behind but to adopt to new ways, strange as they may be!

On the streets, it’s not only strange but also funny seeing people walk around smiling all the time, and at everyone!

And as if to give the smile a bonus, they’ll wish each other a good day too.

Understandably, for us Kenyans, it’s an out-of- sort behavior but for the locals here, it’s unethical to pass people on the streets without greeting them.

Be as it may, we have not been spared as we have to dutifully oblige despite our hectic schedule which leaves us tired and worn out after a day’s hard work.

“Hallo, how have you been? These are some of the most common words you hear on the streets and without fail you answer in equal measure. “I’m good, what about you?”, “Thank you” et cetera has been the order of the day.

It may be well meaning (no pun intended) but to a tired and sweating Kenyan journalist walking down Sunset Boulevard from Cararra Stadium, the greetings are unnecessary distraction and intrusion into a private space.

And being the introvert that I am, at first I didn’t notice the beautiful smiles until this day when, with a rucksack on my back, and a camera tripod firmly on my hand, walking down Beach Road from Caville Avenue Tram Station, that we walked to a security guard who was smiling continuously at us. As usual I didn’t smile back but my cameraman, David Kabiru, could afford one; whether forced or natural is up to your guess.

Laced with his broad smile, the security guard posed the now famous question: “Hallo, how have you been? I replied. “Bad.” He smiled back and asked: “Why, my friend? You are in Gold Coast, the most beautiful city in the whole world.”

I looked amazed and posed: “Where can I find an African eatery?

He replied: “I have not seen one here. What exactly would you want to eat? You can try some flake (shark meat) .It is quite sumptuous.”

Being careful of what I consume, I said: “No! No! What I want is a lot of beef.”

He pointed to the opposite direction, to Brooklyn Depot, which, up to now, is my favourite eatery. And my order hasn’t changed anytime time I pass by.

What of the price? Certainly, not pocket friendly!

Meanwhile, on the train to Hellensvell, the last stop in Gold Coast’s two-year -old tram, I couldn’t help but ask someone why people in this town like talking and smiling to anyone, strangers for that matter!

Luckily for me, an old lady was at hand and gave the perfect answer. “You see, this is a tourist town. Some 50 years ago our forefathers didn’t like visitors but we are different; we want more visitors, we must make you feel happy in order to come back again.”

So, when I return home don’t walk past me without smiling. On the same token, feel free to ask: “How have you been; what are you up to, for, at the end of the day, as I gathered, it makes one a happier soul.

Philip Muchiri, a veteran broadcast journalist,  is our lead reporter at the 2018 Commonwealth Games