I've spent a couple nights in El Cajon as a traveler, now. They're not too keen on travelers here, least of which being hitchhikers. The homeless population on the other hand, seem to have a very tight-knit communal bond, far more so than I've seen before. I would imagine this is largely due to the fact that there's such a large degree of economic discrimination, that each other are all that they can rely upon. I've received help in the form of advice and directions from the local rough sleepers much in the last couple days, and not one has been hesitant to assist. The McDonald's that I visited last night for some quick calories and a WiFi connection, on the other hand, put my "for here" order in a bag and gave me the "Have a nice day" that really means "Now get the f* out". I know it won't make any difference to a multi-billion dollar corporation like McDonald's, but I'm going to make a point to stop eating there anyway.
As I finish that last sentence, I am immediately reminded that every rule has an exception. A kindly elderly veteran named Richard greeted me, and as old habits often do, I immediately straightened my posture and gave a confident "Good morning, sir." He smiled, undoubtedly recognizing not only the serviceman's gesture, but my pack as well, offered me money and well wishes. I declined politely, gesturing to my Starbucks cup and joking that I'd "only use it to buy overpriced coffee anyway", but accepted when he insisted. Reinstilled with the belief that the world is largely populated with the kind-hearted, my brief encounter with Richard will be the way I choose to remember this pleasant little suburb of San Diego.
Thanks for the input! I hope your day gets better, sounds like that stick up your butt is making you a bit irritable.
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