Incognito

We Americans are odd creatures. It seems over the past few years we've almost been scared into blending to point of getting annoyed when we are discovered. Sure, you get the occasional girl or guy that all too happy to share their entire life story in one breath with anyone who'll listen, but on the whole, especially when traveling, we shrink from being discovered as a red, white and blue kid. I met one such dude yesterday. I was coming up to a cross-walk, anxious to catch up to Paul who was already in the student lounge talking to his parents on Skype. Already waiting for the walk signal was a guy wearing Chacos and an REI messenger bag slung over his shoulder. Call-out time! (hehe heh.) I came up on his left.

"Where in the States are you from?"
Startled that anyone was even talking to him, "I'm from the United S..." realizing a second into his answer what i had asked him. "Uh, Virginia" "How did you know?" He scowled.
"Your chacos." and then i added, "and your REI bag."
He still looked perturbed. The little green walk man lit up. We started to cross.
"Where are you from?" Now realizing he could actually start a conversation.
"Colorado" i paused, "Denver" (to solidify my rights to know all things Chaco and REIish)
He headed straight as i turned left to cross over the next street to get to Paul. He paused for a second.
"They don't have Chacos here?" He had shock in his voice, not sure if it was because he suddenly faced with the prospect of never finding a second pair here or because he'd been clearly type-casted.
"Nope, I figured you were either Canadian or American, then your bag sealed the deal."
He slowly walked straight ahead, bewildered.
"Have a nice day."
"Uh, same, uh, to you."

I think he ran back to his room to switch his shoes and bag. Who knows though, maybe the comfort of his sandals and his sturdy bag won out over his embarrassment.

Was that mean of me? I was getting bored and needed a bit of amusement, but c'mon, at least it wasn't as embarrassing as my tramping bit.