Different people

The Berliners are incredibly helpful. If you just stop awhile and stare in bewilderment at the complex electronic train schedules above you, you will inevitably be approached by some German with "May I help?" in crisp English. Even at the bus stops when you and your partner argue over the right bus to take, some eavesdropping German will offer to end the confusion. My husband and I spent 4 nights in Berlin. It was a favourable experience, learning about German history (from the time it was Prussia to the Nazi Regime, to the division after second world war and until the reunification) and admiring the beautiful architecture. It came as a pleasant surprise to me that Germans are helpful as I always have the impression that they are serious and stiff.

After Berlin and UK I flew over to New York to bunk with my daughter at her college room, whlist my husband returned home to Singapore. On our fist day out after a full day of activities we took the tube home. It was past 10 pm and the train was fairly crowded. About 3 seats away from us a black man had a white sack between his knees. Out of a sudden, he pulled out a long sword from the sack and struck at the row of seats opposite us which was fully occupied. It didnt hurt anyone but the poster above the seats was torn. The woman sitting just beneath the poster screamed and dashed for the door leading to the next car. My daughter and I followed her. There was a commotion when people tried to rush to the adjoining cars. Whilst in the adjoining car the train halted and we could hear voices shouting "Get our of the train". The train remained stationary for quite a long time. After sometime we saw him leaving the train and leaning against the wall at the platform. The train doors however had difficulties closing. Those were tense moments as we feared he might re-enter the train. To our relief the doors finally closed and the train moved on.
However I wondered about the safety of other passengers at the platform or in the train that he might hop onto. This is my third trip to New York. I have from my previous visits already formed an opinion that New Yorkers are not friendly. Now I think I have to be more alert as well.