After visiting and living here for twenty years, I realise that I’m absorbing the different ways.

It even affects my English.

When I see something misspelt it takes some time to adjust my set— shifting from a little doubt to eventual realisation — it is actually wrong and what the correct spelling is

I’m cycling this morning around the base of Chamundi hill. I saw vehicel painted on a lorry, and it felt wrong minutes later I knew the solution

vehicle.

But I didn’t know straightaway. Years ago I would have.

The time it took to convince myself is the sign of a 68 year old falling behind but also adjustment (and confusion) due to different behaviours.

Globally it also happens.

The behaviour of leaders creates a shift to a new normal. Extremes become the middle — as what was unusual and frowned upon becomes acceptable.

Just look at Trump his publically outlandish behaviour gives permission to others to do the same.

Not only that

The behaviour of other leaders before him who’ve shifted but kept it hidden can now be more open about how they’ve been behaving.

The bullies become the norm.

Look around, it’s everywhere.

….

I think we adjust to different norms of behaviour whether it’s spelling or locking up ‘the other’ and our care, compassion and tolerance diminishes.

Reagan speaks.