People in India
Thursday, November 24, 2005
For the most part, people in India are friendly and helpful. They are also very direct. They have no hesitation asking us where we come from or what is wrong with my face.
It is quite interesting, in fact, to see the reaction when they hear the answer. Often a tout on the street will latch on to us as we walk along. He will offer something for us to buy. When we refuse he will abandon the direct approach for Chapter II of SSS (Successful Street Selling) entitled, ‘Become their Friend and They Will Have To Buy.’
‘From which country,’ is usually the first question?
‘Canada,’ we reply.
‘Do you speak English or French?’ (Interesting that most people here seem to know Canada has two official languages. How much do most Canadians know about languages in India?)
‘English.’
‘From which city?’
‘Vancouver.’
‘I have an uncle living there. What is your sweet name? (Everyone here asks for your ’sweet’ or ‘good’ name.)
‘Sandra and Bill.’
‘Your face?’
‘I have cancer.’
At this point their eyes roll up to heaven, they mutter a prayer or expression of sympathy and back right off. It has turned out to be an effective way to discourage the persistent ones.
Almost every shop-keeper asks about my face and when they hear the answer they often say they will pray for me. Many will encourage us with assurances of God’s love and the importance of positive thinking.
All this has endeared us even more to the people of India.
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