Hawkers everywhere call out to tourists. I've learned to ignore them politely: a gentle shake of the head, a half smile, no eye contact, keep moving. On my first trip to Thailand I heard more i
nvitations than usual and began to feel a little annoyed. After a couple of blocks an ancient woman stepped into my my path with a grin and pointed to my feet. My sneaker was trailing a foot of untied shoelace. I realized with a rush of shame that I'd been snubbing all the people who were worried I'd trip. I also began to know how observant folks can be when they're undistracted and living small.
nvitations than usual and began to feel a little annoyed. After a couple of blocks an ancient woman stepped into my my path with a grin and pointed to my feet. My sneaker was trailing a foot of untied shoelace. I realized with a rush of shame that I'd been snubbing all the people who were worried I'd trip. I also began to know how observant folks can be when they're undistracted and living small.