Incognito American

Today Dennis and I went to the Suceava bazaar with our Romanian friends, Catalin and Dana (pronounced Donna). We had a great time wandering through the narrow aisles and looking at all the things for sale. Since we're leaving soon, it seemed like a good time to take pictures of the bazaar. Plus, we had our friends who would tolerate us taking their pictures while they shopped.

Eventually people started to notice the cameras, and one woman asked me, in Romanian, why I was taking pictures. Before I could answer, others told her I was a foreigner, and that I was there with friends. I tried to tell her I was a tourist, but she had already turned away.

Later, Dana and I were walking through the bazaar by ourselves. A young man was behind us, talking excitedly to a young woman, as well as to others nearby. He said, in Romanian, "I know Americans are here. They're in the bazaar today. I know this." Then he hurried past me and Dana, telling everyone that some Americans were in in the bazaar.

I wondered what exactly he was looking for. What does an American look like? Clearly, whatever he thought, didn't match reality since he rushed right past an American without recognizing her. Was he looking for cameras? Was he looking for fancy clothes? How disappointed he would have been to learn that I was his Mystery American and I am dressed like everyone else, have even less money, and speak Romanian.

This incident amuses me hugely. It means we still stand out, but that we are also integrated here. Success? Nu ştiu.