I’m English. Here, in England, we are painfully polite. Being able to absorb hardship without complaining is seen as a sign of a great strength of character. Because of this, I hate asking for directions. In the past I have wandered around, often in the pouring rain, for hours at a time because it goes against my cultural training to ask a stranger for anything without saying, "Excuse me, I’m so sorry to ask but could you possibly..." This is a phrase I like to avoid. ([Part 5] British backpacker's PH adventure: My Pinoy guardian angel)