Snaps

Train stations in India are really incredible. There's certainly a lot to see. The other day while waiting for our train, we watched a large monkey terrorize a family, rooting through their shopping bags and making a big scene, until a brave father shooed it away with his foot. People standing around watching all had a good laugh.

Sarah and I were also standing on the platform waiting for our (now late) train which would take us east from Lucknow to Varanasi. There aren't many tourists in Lucknow, so we were quite a curiosity at the station. That's fine. I like being the center of attention. I just worry about our safety, since we're a bit vulnerable with a few thousand dollars worth of electronic equipment on our backs. I would probably rob me if I thought about it long enough. So I jumped a little when suddenly I saw six young men in their early twenties coming up fast toward me. They stopped right in front of Sarah and me, forming a semi-circle around us. No one was smiling.

"Where you from?" said a portly guy in the center. He held out his hand.

"America."

"Where?"

"USA."

"Ahh.. .USA."

Still no smiles from the crowd. Just looking at me. I turned to glance at Sarah, and saw she was now ten feet behind me and suddenly very interested in the tops of her shoes.

"California," I said.

"California," said the leader.

More silence. I wasn't sure what was going on here and I didn't like my odds. Sarah was backing even farther away. I tried to make eye contact with some of the guys, but they were shifty.

"Excuse me, but can we ask a favor?" said the big one, "My friend would like some snaps with you."

"What?"

"Snaps." As he said this, he put an invisible camera to eye and pressed the shutter.

"Oh! pictures? You want a picture? Yea! That's great! Yea, lets all get a picture. Ok. This is awesome."

I blew a sigh of relief.

"Honey you want to get in the picture?" I asked Sarah, who at this point was halfway to Pakistan.

"Sure."

A camera was produced and the crowd of guys who looked so menacing a moment ago smiled as they gathered around Sarah and me, wrapped their arms around their neighbors' backs and stood straight for the camera.

"OK. One. Two. Three!"

Click.

"And another one? Yes?" The leader smiled and asked. He let go of me and switched places with the first picture taker who now stood next to me in his place. Everyone was smiling.

After the pictures, we stood around for a few seconds, everyone kind of grinning and embarrassed. People walking by wondered what what was going on.

"OK. We must go now," said my new friend.

And at that, one by one, the group, which had increased to about ten guys, shook my hand. I felt like a campaigning politician. One who really believed in his cause and who knew he would win.

-Brendan

Comments

There's no telling what they will use those pictures for.

Oh come on, what a nasty comment! I have been in plenty of pictures with 'local' people while traveling, and the fun part? If you ever happen to see them again, for sure they will bring out the picture again and reminisce about 'how long you have been friends'. And also? I bet there are more people making money off of their travel pictures (of exactly those locals) then any of those portrayed will ever see.

What was nasty about that blog entry? I thought it sounded very real. Honestly, it sounded exactly like something I would think. When I was in France, I took my backpack off and kept it in front of me every time I got on the subway because I was afraid someone would get in it from behind me. People need to be vigilant in foreign countries. You do look like a tourist, even if you try really hard (especially if you try really hard), and people will take advantage of you.

Angela, I think Nic was referring to the comment made by anon, not Brendan's post.
:)
s

i wish you 2 go to malaysia

I was indeed referring to the comment made by anon, not to the blogpost! Of course travelers have to be vigilant, but not to the point of paranoia, and I think the blogpost shows how Brendan and Sarah are able to slowly (but surely) let their guard down and enjoy the interaction with the people who make up the countries they visit. Oh, the great moments I would have missed had I not taken strange invitations from total strangers... :) Enjoy your travels!

See, Sarah's the smart one - edging away slowly. If the guys had turned out to be robbers, he would have turned around and there would just be a smoke cloud where Sarah was standing.

See, Sarah's the smart one - edging away slowly. If the guys had turned out to be robbers, he would have turned around and there would just be a smoke cloud where Sarah was standing.

When my aunt went to Las Vegas these Asian guys that didn't speak english came up to her and wanted her to take their picture.She got confused and thought that they wanted her in the picture so anyway the Asian guys ended up getting there picture took with her and they had to walk off very confused.

Brendan,

I'm sure you can trust your wife, but you still made want to keep her away from Kevin Rose. Well; Unless the two of you are 'swingers', you may not want her near that creep. Listen to Diggnation and you'll understand what I'm talking about. Sounds like Kevin still has strong feelings for Sarah and it kinda sounded like she was very much into that 'moment' during the dinner the two of them had. Sounds like something is up between those two.

Stanley, what are you talking about?

ass-hat!

-"Honey you want to get in the picture?" I asked Sarah, who at this point was halfway to Pakistan.

LoL. That's really funny. Glad to know you guys are mingling around with the locals. Have fun and take care. :)

Locals in India are facinated with foreigners and treat them like mini celebrities esp smaller towns and villages.Just a daily occurence.Bask in the new found fame.