Too often I have been asked: where are you from? That is the standard question, always love when people ask instead of assuming. However, the majority of the time I get the most intriguing of questions: are you Asian? Japanese? Philipine? Etc..
Its always fun and very entertaining when getting these very surprised individuals when they ask, they wait to hear the response as eagerly as if they were winning some big bucks! Ja!
My ultimate and most favorite episode happened when I used to work at Home Depot. A Chinese gentleman walks in, spends a good bit of time trying to communicate, sees me and his face lights up almost immediately: says, "you!" Pointing at me very excitedly as he makes his way towards me, continues to say, "YOU! chinese!" you Chinese!"
Before I could even open my mouth to speak, he proceeds to talk to me in Chinese. I was flattered, yet confused I looked at him... Not giving me a chance to say a word he kept talking to me.
I felt so bad and so terrified as this gentleman continued to speak and could not identify in my expression the fact I was not understanding a word he kept saying. I grabbed his hand in a caring compassionate manner said I am not Chinese and tried in hand motions to expain I could not understand him.
He could not believe it, refused to believe it! And he insisted I was Chinese. I began to say Spanish! Mexican!" Yes, I did admit to being Mexican as it was simply to explain! To ease the commotion I grabbed a piece of paper and a pencil, asked him to draw what he was looking for.
It was a humorous, yet heart felt moment. Its a strange feeling when you want to be helpful and want to understand everyone and every language, yet I was helpless. I learnt that day, that I am like a magnet to the diverse cultures, I love listening and hearing their languges, appreciate their beauty of culture and most importantly as human beings. Nothing brings me more satisfaction than to know I have somehow communicated in a way they (cultures), understand and make a positive acquaintance in the process.
When someone looks at my eyes, its like they are trying to read what's in my head. Some people just stand there, you can almost see their brain wheels turning trying to be delicate and unoticed... Yet they get caught squinting and trying to figure it out.
When they learn I am Latina, they are shocked! Had a gentleman from Mexico one time mesmerized with the fact I spoke Spanish! He said, "wow! You Asians learn so fast and well!" I asked where he thought I was from...China he said. So I recalled a few words I had learned and thanked him in chinese, told him I was from Shuangzi! Jajajja
Ah! I get good giggles when that happens.
These eyes are eyes of a dreamer. Eyes that see far and deeper than the outer surface... These eyes, look into the beauty of an inner person and not the worldy and superficial shells of life.
I am blessed :)
And will continue to be amused andamuse others:)
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