Is using a Christmas light timer not an adequate solution to this problem?

Another idea is to Velcro one of those wall mount inbox paper holders to the side, so you could just slide the clipboard in and out without having to align Velcro or pulling the cart with the board.

I wouldn’t say it’s normal behavior in the US, but it certainly is more common than what you have probably seen in American tourists in SEA. As far as being “upfront”, there is that stereotype compared to some other cultures. In his case though he was just being a dick.

I think OP was saying that traveling opens your mind to new thoughts, not that people don’t travel because their thinking is limited.