An Alien Resides Here

on foreignness and humanity

Foreignness…

(An Uber experience)

A strange word for strange times. 

It makes people have this 'something' switch on in their brains when they realize you are foreign. 

They soon will ask the empirical, "Where are you from?" 

It's so funny. You could almost see their neurotransmitters conversing inside their inquisitive brains, like: "He's definitely a foreigner; I wonder where he's from." 

”I'll ask him at the next red light.”

I get away with them not knowing until a long conversation gives me up. It's the accent's fault. But it's great to 'see' their brain working trying to pinpoint the accent. Other foreigners, usually from African countries, are quick to ask. They're truly curious and spontaneous about it. American Caucasians are not as direct in the beginning. 

It is a perfectly reasonable question but some think it could be offensive. Don't ask me why. But once they realize I'm easy-going and friendly, the floodgates open. 

So, what happens then? Usually, with everybody, a barrage of inquiries about the length of time here, what made me come over, what's the difference where I am from, etc, etc…and goes on forever. 

The good part is that these conversations turn interesting very quickly. 

Soon, we are discussing everything foreign. 

Unless I kiddingly say I'm from England. With a smile on my face.

The reaction is almost identical every time. 

They stare at me through their back view mirror, trying to see if that's even possible. Only when they see the smile staying on my face, do they laugh like kids who were given a great unexpected present. 

"No, you're noooot!" As they chuckle relentlessly.

African Uber drivers know how to enjoy what they do. 

Asian drivers, conversely, are much more brainy. It takes a little time but when they finally engage you in conversation, they enjoy an intellectual one, usually about technical issues and brands. 

They're very matter-of-fact-ish and you can learn a lot in just a short exchange of words.

They hardly ever ask where you're from. Maybe they don't notice the "English" accent.

It's wonderful to be a foreigner in many more ways than one. 

American people are truly courteous. And curious. 

I don't believe you have to necessarily be from another country to spike their curiosity. And most love it if you just must mention the South. Especially the Southeast. Don't ask me why but that's what I noticed. 

 The women (of course) are the best. Cafeteria or diners workers, cash register clerks, pharmacists, or nurses in hospitals, receptionists or Uber drivers. Nothing but charm. If it's not "sugar", it is "hun", or "dear", the Latinas, "papi", etc, etc. 

It's good to feel like you belong even if you come from distant lands.

It's good when people open up to you with such ease and candor. It feels comfortable, you feel wanted and it's just like back home. 

And it's not even close to England.

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