Post from Michelle:
The women stared at me in confusion. It's a look I am getting used to.
I am standing at a food cart on a busy street in Chinatown ordering steamed dumplings. But when I don't speak Thai, the women murmur among themselves and giggle nervously. Finally, one speaks up, pointing to her Thai face and says, "I thought you same-same?"
This is a phrase I have heard countless times since arriving in Thailand, where I am mistaken as a Thai. I smile politely, explain I am from the U.S., and tell them I am part Chinese. Tim doesn't think I look Thai at all, but apparently the Thai people disagree.
Mistaken identity has occurred in every country I have visited so far. I was mistaken for Panamanian, Costa Rican, Hawaiian, and Samoan. I thought it wouldn't happen in New Zealand, but I was asked if I was Maori, the indigenous people-group of the islands. I have been mistaken as Singaporean, Indonesian, Malaysian, and now, Thai. I call it "the art of camouflage." With my mix of Chinese and English, my face seems to blend into every country I have visited so far. That is, until I speak. Then it is obvious I am a foreigner. It has been a great way to meet the local people - a catalyst for many conversations. Until I reach Europe, I think the confused looks will continue.
I am standing at a food cart on a busy street in Chinatown ordering steamed dumplings. But when I don't speak Thai, the women murmur among themselves and giggle nervously. Finally, one speaks up, pointing to her Thai face and says, "I thought you same-same?"
This is a phrase I have heard countless times since arriving in Thailand, where I am mistaken as a Thai. I smile politely, explain I am from the U.S., and tell them I am part Chinese. Tim doesn't think I look Thai at all, but apparently the Thai people disagree.
Mistaken identity has occurred in every country I have visited so far. I was mistaken for Panamanian, Costa Rican, Hawaiian, and Samoan. I thought it wouldn't happen in New Zealand, but I was asked if I was Maori, the indigenous people-group of the islands. I have been mistaken as Singaporean, Indonesian, Malaysian, and now, Thai. I call it "the art of camouflage." With my mix of Chinese and English, my face seems to blend into every country I have visited so far. That is, until I speak. Then it is obvious I am a foreigner. It has been a great way to meet the local people - a catalyst for many conversations. Until I reach Europe, I think the confused looks will continue.