this is why i stick out like a sore thumb here.

so I went to the store to buy some things for tonight. as you all very well know, i can't park for sh*t. I was lucky enough to find 2 empty slots, and of course, at my first try i parked right in the middle of both. LOL.

There was this man by the tree in front of me who saw this and guided me to correct my parking. to anyone from here, its just normal friendly gesture i guess. but im not from here.

so i mouthed "thank you" and smiled from inside the safety of my car. I saw him making his way around the car, kind of checking it out, freaked out, i tried to busy myself with something, delaying my getting out. when i did he was still behind my car and suddenly said "going shopping?", to which i answered silence. when he said it again and got nothing from me, i thought that was it, he was going to leave me alone.

i was surprised that he suddenly talked to a girl from the opposite side parking in a foreign tongue. when i looked the girl gave me a stink eye.

oh. kay?



so off i went, didn't realize he went the same way i did, and i found him checking out another car by the end of the parking lot. i averted my gaze and kept walking across the street to the store. when i thought i was safe, i stole a sideward look and saw him looking my way and talking on the phone.

so yes, all kinds of things went in my head while i try to decide which tomato to get. i had to call my husband. i thought about them trying to carnap c4 (our car) or maybe he was talking to someone who will keep an eye on me while i shop? are they gonna be waiting for me and jump at me to try to get the car by force? or will i walk out of the store to an empty parking slot where our car used to be?

i know. im paranoid. living in manila and commuting my way around has taught me to be warry of this things. better be safe than sorry right?

so as paulo instructed, i asked a clerk to go with me to my car to help me carry the 5gal water container i just refilled. thank God i had a reason or else ill just look like a brat, asking someone to accompany me when all i bought we three bags of grocery. LOL

and no, i never saw the creepy guy again. and i got home safe. but it got me thinking about how that actually is normal here. people are helpful and most like small talk. i was never was a big small talker, if yah know what i mean. just shows how different I am. like i don't belong here.

maybe i'd be more comfortable in a place where people are more, idk, apathetic? haha! how lousy is that. it all boils down to my issues with my personal space.

i don't like being smothered people. im not being rude. i just like being detached, cause once i go the other way, there's no turning back. :)