The white-washed seaside village of Fornells could be just one more tourist trap on another island full of trapped tourists. But, because the people here are so kind and good-humored, and fiercely proud, an authentic experience of life on the island is easily within reach.

There are also many outstanding restaurants, specializing in seafood from the waters around the island. My favorite was Es Port, right in front of the harbor, where you can dine on Menorcan specialties such as Caldereta de Langosta, a rich stew of locally-caught blue spiny lobster.

It helps to speak a little Spanish, even better if you can muster up a bit of Catalan, but language is never a real barrier when hearts and minds are open. I’ve never been able to understand why anyone would use language as a bully stick, to exercise power over someone who managed to cross so many miles to start a new life or just to experience something different.

Certainly, especially in the coastal towns of Menorca, tourism is a major source of revenue. This is true of my city, San Francisco, as well. It’s true of most cities worth living in. That’s why we live in them. And, that’s why people visit them.

So, be kind to tourists. Even when they do or say something really stupid.