That Challenged Look in their Eyes

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Once, or twice, when I was traveling by myself, curious individuals asked me how I can manage to go traveling despite that I come from a country whose most people only find themselves abroad as workers and not as "pleasure and leisure travelers."


Belgian: Did you rob a bank in your country before you came here?


Me: (surprised and confused) What do you mean?


Belgian: How are you financing your travel?


Me: Oh, it is simpler than you think. I robbed a man, not a bank.


Belgian: (smiling), poor man, he is.


Me: So now you know. I'm dangerous.



The other guys sitting around the table got amused and interested upon hearing our conversation.



French: How dangerous are you?


Me: I'm hot.... so don't come near me.


American: whew! (and whistling).


French: What else?


Me: I bite, so don't tickle me.


French: Uh-huh? (smiling)


Me: I ensnare, so don't touch me.



By this time, I sensed the excitement of the 3 or 4 men I barely knew (at least at that time) who were sharing the social room table of the hostel I was staying in. They were smiling and nodding with curious and sparkling eyes. I stood up to leave and told them, "Caution, I'm hot, I bite, and I ensnare. Keep away from me, boys."


From that time on, they regarded me with a mix of curiosity, fear, respect, and that challenged look in their eyes.



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