Of course, it’s true that if you’re white they’ll stare at you regardless, and usually be very reluctant to talk to you or even say good morning, at least older more traditional folks. Others see a foreigner and are fascinated. A smile works wonders. I think people tend to be more friendly in the countryside than in the city, at least the ones who don’t live there because they just want to be left alone. I’ve had people who don’t speak a lick of English come up and try to strike up a conversation with me. I guess if you live here it’s something you just learn to deal with. Some folks never get over it, being the center of attention, having everyone talk about you, asking the same dumb questions all the time (“wow, you can use chopsticks?”) and all the nonsense that goes along with it. But for me, the opportunity to have conversations with people I would never talk to in an “ordinary” life more than makes up for it.

I was curious to know your thoughts on it?