My Dad was an out and out extrovert. Dad would stop on the road anyplace to see some one or something. There wasn't a saw mill or any other plant that Dad wouldn't stop at and go in. He was always curious about how things were done.
One time he over did it a bit. He was in a medical teaching center with some one who had an appointment. They had some time and were walking around in the building. There were interesting displays in the hallway. One door was open and it looked like a few students were working so Dad went in to see what was going on. There were tables with large sheets over them. They went up to the students and found they were dissecting a body. It gave Dad a bit of a shock, but he stayed anyway. Finally the lab supervisor came over and politely said, "I don't think you should be in here."
Dad would strike up a conversation anywhere with anybody. There was a deal on in the 1960's where for $99.00 you could ride the bus for 99 days. Dad took this and met many people and had many stories to tell when he got back. .
Dad spent about 20 winters in Phoenix. Again , he talked to many different people. He met a man one day who had a cap on that said Alberta Wheat Pool. This told Dad that the man was from Alberta, Canada and was most likely a farmer because the Alberta Wheat Pool was a large farm organization.
So Dad Started, "Well, how's the old farmer today?"
The guy looked shocked and said , "How did you know I vas a a farmer?"
Dad said, "Your cap gives you away."
Then they started to chat and they found out that the old farmer had come to Dad's home town when he first came to Canada from Germany. He had worked for Mr. Wilson for two years and then moved to northern Alberta where he set up farming. Before they parted he asked my Dad, "What ever happened to Mr Wilson's daughter Alice?"
Dad said, "She married my brother."
So there was a double coincidence. They had something in common as they had lived in the same place. And the old farmer found out what happened to one of the girls that he liked.
So being an extrovert can lead to some interesting adventures. I don't know how my Dad had a son who is such an introvert.
My husband and his father talk to people all the time, like your dad. Me on the other hand, not so much. But, it is amazing what a small world it is!
ReplyDeleteSmall world is a good term to use in this situation.
DeleteHi Red, I bet your Dad was fun to talk to! Your Mom must have been shy ! Introvert..hardly seems like you..but if you say so! :)
ReplyDeleteNow if my Dad came into your museum , he would keep you occupied and all the visitors too. He liked museums.
DeleteHow interesting was that??? Wow - you're Dad was quite a guy. I'm not nearly that brave.
ReplyDeleteDad was curious. He just followed his curiosity.
DeleteA great story...I too love meeting and chatting to folk but don't think I'd go quite as far as your father did.
ReplyDeleteWhen you live on your own , you do have to make an effort to talk to people or it would be a lonely world.
DeleteYour dad sounds like a larger version of my husband.
ReplyDeleteDad alosoliked orchards and would stop for an orchard.
DeleteI know exactly how you felt, my husband is the same as your father and I am more like you. It sometimes drives me crazy that he starts to talk to everybody and it becomes worse when getting older it seems. But you're right, sometimes he has surprising expierences.
ReplyDeleteDad made one European trip and was disappointed to find that his German was not modern. It was like the 1700's when his family left Germany and settled in the Ukraine.
DeleteYour Dad sounds like the kind of guy that I could hang out with. Think about the stories alone he could tell. That is what is so interesting. My Dad was a fisherman, so dealt with many, many people and also came home with many stories. I am fortunate to have some of my Dad's character and sure do enjoy getting oot n aboot n meeting some of those colourful characters that tell stories and then the fun part for me is - I get to share it. You know those people Red that cannot go out the door without some adventure happening - that's just part of my life and it sure is fun. Thank you for this lovely adventure with your Dad.
ReplyDeleteI think today many people stick to themselves too much. They don't have stories. Yes, I can believe you would just fall into adventures.
DeleteI am extroverted, not as much as your dad, but my sister is introverted. We compliment each other. I tell her I've always liked introverts because they are a good audience for me! :-)
ReplyDeleteYou've got it right about listeners. Introverts also think about things before they do them.
Deletewow, i think your dad was an amazing guy! how fun! loved the double-coincidence. :) i wonder how many of those we miss because we're not as extroverted.
ReplyDeleteGood question. We probably miss quite a bit.
DeleteI would love to be the kind of person your dad was. What a wonderful way to approach life. I'll be he would have loved the internet for the people he could come to know right from the comfort of home.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure about Dad and the internet. he loved to have people in his home.
DeleteIf you really were an introvert you probably wouldn't have a blog but would keep your thoughts to yourself. I'm glad you don't.
ReplyDeleteI do avoid crowds. Introverts do learn to cope.
DeleteVery similar experience to my own father. I think in his case there was just a lot of curiousity involved...:)
ReplyDeleteSo you had many interesting tours with your Dad.
DeleteRed I would have loved to meet your father, we could have shared stories of all sorts as I too am an extrovert and love meeting people. I'm not shy and will chat with whomever I may find, I've sure learned a lot in doing so... as I see your Father did as well.
ReplyDeleteI only wish we could swing that same deal for the bus today, I'd tour Canada in a heartbeat!
DAd went down the west coast to California where he stopped and visited. then over to phoenix for another stay and then over to Florida where time ran out and he headed for home.
DeleteI'm not really an extrovert, but I enjoy speaking with strangers. It's amazing to realize what a small world this truly is. I bet your dad had some fantastic stories to tell!
ReplyDeleteYes, he had his own particular slant on the world.
DeleteHow terribly fun!
ReplyDeleteMy husband's grandfather's siblings married three sisters from the same family.
That must have made for interesting relationships. What kind of cousins were they?
DeleteI have a brother who is just like your dad was; as extroverted as they come. He speaks to everyone, and because of his many travels, he has made friends all over the world. I am the introvert, and we more often that not compliment one another. But I think he'd go nuts living my quieter life!
ReplyDeleteut in the end you do better than your brother as you wait and think things through?
DeleteHello Red, your father sounds like the kind of man I would loved to meet!!! That $99.00 for 99 days bus ride sounds like a fun adventure....at a great price. Oh, the 1960's...those were the days! :)
ReplyDeleteHe was sort of two sides. He also had a sober side .
DeleteGreat story, Red. My dad (whose birthday was the day you posted this!) was always eager to strike up a conversation with strangers. It can be a great quality. My wife is the same way, which I confess disturbs me sometimes, but she has had many interesting encounters!
ReplyDeleteIt's funny you mention disturbing. Dad was embarrassing sometimes.
ReplyDeleteMy Grandfather was just like your Dad. He didn't know a stranger. He was loud too. And yes, embarrassing comes to mind.
ReplyDeleteYour Dad sounded like a fascinating guy! What great stories. I am definitely an introvert. I think my Dad might have been an introvert doing a great job of imitating an extrovert! He sure knew how to talk to people (he was a salesman.)
ReplyDeleteWhat a coincidence about your Dad's brother's wife!