As much as we want to, we can’t ignore the fact we’re still tourists. Traveling for longer doesn’t really change that, perhaps it only makes us a bit more jaded.
No matter where we go, we get “asked” to buy something, go into this store, take this tour, or just give some poor self some money. Some with more persistence than others. Saying no so often can wear you out. No stopping. Keep walking. Polite but strong. Keep your guard up.
As a means of self-preservation, I feel I’ve become less friendly. My first thoughts when someone approaches me are “what do you want from me?”, and “how many no’s is it going to take for you to move on?”.
As we rested in Behai Park at the end of our Forbidden City tour, a Chinese lady sat on the bench next to mine and timidly asked if I spoke English. I simply said yes and thought that might be the end of “check out the tourist”. But instead, she proceeded to tell a bit about herself and her family. She teaches English at the middle school level and has one daughter the same age as Olivia. Her English wasn’t great but mostly understandable.
I kept waiting for her to ask me for something, but she just seemed genuinely curious. I think some of the most interesting things about the conversation were the things that weren’t said.
“Could you have more children if you wanted to? My daughter very much wants a brother or sister but I am not allowed.”
“Can you go visit any country you want to?”
I understand the implications behind these questions. It was quite the reminder of the multitude of freedoms we Americans do have.
When it came time to leave, Marc offered to take a picture and email it to her. After trading email addresses, we said goodbye and returned to our hotel, and Marc sent her the picture that night.
The next day, Marc got an email back, thanking us for the picture – and inviting us to dinner at their house. This should be interesting…
