Sunday, October 18, 2009
Cursed
Today, a woman cursed me because I wouldn't let her read my palm and give her a couple hundred pesos (less than fifty cents). I don't know why I didn't just give her the money. It was stupid. I mean, it's not like I'm really poor and need to hang on to change. But, once I said no, I really meant no, and I don't like being bullied. So, I took the curse. This is just one moment out of lots of moments in which I feel a bit like a cultural idiot. Is there protocol for how to interact with palm readers? Because when I give a little bit of change to one palm reader, I feel like I'm surrounded by other palm readers who also want to tell me what a lovely couple Greg and I are for some more change, and I don't see others swarmed like this, and I secretly just want to enjoy my afternoon without being approached by so many people, but then I feel like a selfish, petty person because it really is less than fifty cents and only a couple of minutes, and I think that maybe I'm over-thinking what should be a really simple interaction between two people, but then I change my mind and decide it's not so simple and I just don't get it. Inhale. Exhale. The end.
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Oh my. Palm readers. I think the best thing to do is not give them 20 euros! hahaha. I always feel really bad when people in 'non-developed 'countries ask for money. At the temples in Sri Lanka there are always people (mostly kids) selling flowers and offerings and we were always told not to give them money. I was always really upset about it until I saw some poor white tourist buy something and then they got MOBBED by all these kids. Pushed the car around too. It was a little freaky. Anyways, the thought of giving money after that did not sit well in my stomach.
ReplyDeleteSidenote: Went to visit Michelle and Rushdy last night. Michelle had a baby girl names Tara Keira I think (I honestly forget ahhaha). She a big cutie. They asked about you guys.
This may be my favourite post so far.
ReplyDeleteI love you and your wonderful way with words.
Way to be strong and 'take' the curse.
Breathe deep, dear friend.
xo
Those cross-cultural, cross-class, cross-nation exchanges are never simple. I'm had that same feeling on many travels and never ever figured it out.
ReplyDeleteHi friends.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your comments!
Yes, I'm not sure that I'll ever figure out what to do. These particular palm readers are quite aggressive (they tried to pickpocket Greg-o and then when he yelled at them to let him go they followed him for a couple of blocks mocking him and making growling sounds) so my heart isn't really in giving (although I did laugh hysterically when he told me what happened). I do, however, like to give to street performers and don't mind paying a little more to get something off the street instead of at a big store. I also don't mind sometimes giving money to people who I pass on the street who are obviously begging. What I feel uncomfortable with, whether or not I should, is being approached, um, energetically.
So, those are my instincts. I'll let you know if they change or if I figure something else out.
PS Navoda: Baby Michelle and Rushdy! Yay! Please send congratulations. I'm sure she is a cutie!!! I love that she's going to grow up in my old 'hood. She'll love it. Or at least I loved it and I plan on transferring those feelings to her if we ever meet. :)