oh, tourists

I remember reading in Lex’s blog last time she was here that it was so exciting the first time someone asked her directions to somewhere and she knew where it was.
Well, that happened to me yesterday! I was just walking along to the internet café in my own little world listening to some tunes on my iPod when suddenly someone grabbed my arm. At first it scared the crap outta me but then I saw it was just two little old ladies. They asked me if I spoke German in German so unfortunately I couldn’t understand them and they couldn’t really understand me! They just pointed to the ‘Kristall Galerie’ in their little tourist book and I tried to just point out where they should walk. They were still pretty far from it so I imagine they got lost with my very vague pointing directions.
But it still felt good that I actually knew where and what they were talking about!! YAY!

I’ve realized lately though that I’m starting to get frustrated with people here. Well, maybe it’s actually more that I’m frustrated with myself because I can’t say no. I feel rude not talking to someone when they talk to me so I am constantly getting stopped in stores and on the street by people either selling something, wanting money or just wanting to be my ‘friend’. I already have three guys labeled in my phone as ‘don’t answer’ because I keep giving out my number! I don’t mean to though!
For instance...I was in Pick and Pay the other day buying light bulbs. Now seriously, what kind of tourist buys light bulbs? They always seem to seek me out though! Anyhoo...I was looking at the wall of light bulbs with my iPod on in my own little world again when I hear someone by me saying “Hello. Hellooooo”
I thought he was talking to someone else but then I turned and he’s staring right at me. So I take my headphones off and we start talking and he asks about Canada and stuff.
We literally talked for like 3 minutes and then he says he wants to take me out for dinner to talk about Canada more just as ‘friends’. I think I’m all clever by saying “I just got my phone and don’t know the number yet. Sorry.” But then he says “Just give me a missed call”. In my head “damn...what do I say to that?”
So he was ‘don’t answer’ number 1.

I’m starting to get better though! I just keep walking now when people ask me questions. I answer them quickly and just keep walking. Often times they’ll still follow but at least I’m starting to get rid of them sooner!

So Kokopelli people – this is something for all of us to learn. Don’t worry about being your lovely Canadian selves.... You just have to be rude sometimes! Oh – and don’t give your name to the guys who sell these little nut things that they carve pictures into. As soon as they know it they carve your name into it and expect you to buy it. I learned that quickly!!

So many lessons for us all to learn! :P