Maybe it was the stories he heard from friends, or the displays of bravery, generosity and decency shown by its heroes in the old black and white films. Perhaps it was the aid that arrived in the midst of natural disaster, or the ships that sporadically brought sailors with their cute, bright outfits and festive military bands to his country's shores. Or was it possibly the stories told by relatives who had gone there and returned with tales of splendid cities, smiling people