A Common Theme between Germany and America

For the previous 2 days of riding, my "Morgen", "Guten Tag" and "Hallo" while riding was met with maybe a 5 - 10% positive reply back. 90% of the time my friendly greeting and smile while passing a walker or fellow cyclist was met with looks, sneers and glares of disdain, disrespect and rejection. 
Well guess what?
Just as soon as I cleared Koblenz and got out of  the city and into the country, nearly every single person greeted me with a smile and a "Morgen". I'm talking like 200+ people. Probably 90 - 95%. 
And more importantly, I saw in their eyes Recognition that I was not German and probably American, Acceptance of that fact and Respect for the fact that I was doing a tour. Because I was out of the city they knew the bags were for serious travel. 
So it was City People Rudeness and Rejection and Country People Courtesy and Acceptance. 

That's the exact same experience I had while bicycle touring in America. 

I guess some things are the same .... No matter where you go. 

That's my Cultural Discovery of the Day. 

Now let's get to Mainz.