Paparazzi and Personal Space

Getting hounded as a foreigner...I know it's part of the experience but I have to say the aggressiveness that I've seen so far has surprised me just a bit. I received a ton of staring and the whole asking for my picture in other countries I lived in previously, but it's like a whole new level here. If I'm in any public place, people will constantly come up to me and ask for a picture, with themselves, then with their children, then with their brother and then with their parents etc. It's not just a quick one and done type of thing. For example, I was dropped off at the beach for a short time while my boss did an errand and was not left alone pretty much the whole time I was there. The older women begging for money constantly approached me and stayed for uncomfortable amounts of time, touching my arm and pointing to their mouths. To the point where I had to walk away. If I sat down or stood still, I was approached for pictures and questions.

 I've been followed into a mall and had a guy strike up conversation. I knew he really meant no harm in talking to me but he quickly started to talk about subjects that would make a western woman feel uncomfortable. When I told him that it was a little rude to talk about these things in my culture (especially with strangers), he seemed shocked and apologized. It's really just a cultural sensitivity but it's taking a little time to get used to. When I went with some German friends I made at the guesthouse to the more private beach area just to relax and walk around in the evening, I was followed the entire time by a group of high school boys who asked for several pictures and wanted to touch my skin, look at my eye color, crowd in close to me and generally make me feel uncomfortable. And it was strange because I had an Indian friend with me and he didn't think it was strange at all, nor did he try to dissuade them. The Germans were basically by my side as well and they left them alone. I was surprised at how persistent they were even though I was clearly with a group.

Another part of being here is the lack of personal space. We are so accustomed to giving a wide berth of space in stores, waiting in line, sitting on buses, benches, etc and I forgot how this can be totally dismissed. It's funny at times, like when the store clerk hovers over my every move and today I had a guy practically fall asleep on me on the bus. We were seated in a "ladies only" seat on the bus but he had no intention of getting up. There was space for three people, however, he sat right in the middle and sprawled out like he was the King of Gondor! So I'm hugging the left side, trying to keep from touching him as we make a hundred sharp turns and body jolting stops at crazy speeds, and he falls asleep. How a person can sleep on the bus with the turns, slamming brakes and honking horns is a phenomenon in and of itself, but he managed. So he edges closer and closer, his head tilting farther and farther until he's like about an inch away from sleeping on my shoulder. I really thought I was on one of those candid camera videos...I've seen them! And they're hilarious btw...so I did the only thing I could do...a selfie with him! Other passengers were beginning to notice my predicament and they told the ticket conductor and he eventually made him move since there were other women standing and he wasn't supposed to sit there in the first place!

Two women took his place and after another couple of minutes, they somehow thought they were going to squeeze one more in there but never said a word to me and this fourth person basically tried to climb in my lap to move to sit with her friend but I had a bag and she couldn't get over me so she gave up. If they had even motioned what they wanted, I would have moved but they just went for it. Hello! You've got an inch of space and an entire person...you do the math! Reminded me of the hilarious Brian Regan sketch about airplanes...if you do not know this, watch it! You won't be disappointed :)

Other than these minor inconveniences, things are going well. I taught my first class today and it went well. Looking forward to having a schedule and I think I will get along well with the students and staff. So many names to learn...sigh! My boss Siddeeque, is a funny and friendly guy. He reminds me a little of Jess from New Girl, breaking into random song over everyday occurrences, but totally love that. Makes him enjoyable to be around and the best is when he does a stereotypical "Indian" accent. It's hilarious!! Speaking of comedy, he also introduced me to a Canadian Indian comedian named Russell Peters. I've watched only a few clips, but here's one for your enjoyment!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z2lEKZR2Ohg