Sometimes we have dreams that we are naked. I think most of us have experienced this, or possibly the dream that you're falling. You wake up with a quick heartbeat, and maybe try to figure out where exactly you are... I had this feeling today. But I wasn't sleeping. It was during my jog through town. I noticed that people on the street were staring at me with confused looks on their faces. Men, women, children. Like they were stunned. It suddenly dawned on me that I must be doing something wrong, and in this country I'm not sure if running around all bundled up in my gym clothes is considered to be wrong... I literally stopped running for a few seconds and looked down. Everything was normal, as far as I could see. I had my pants on. That was the first thing I checked for. And I had 3 shirts on. Backup over backup. My shoes were tied neatly. And I didn't have anything dangerous in my hands. So, it must be the fact that women over here don't run around for exercise like I do.
No, I was not running with my arms flailing around like I did when I was 5 years old. I had good form, a good pace, and was completely enjoying myself until I noticed the stares from the nervous onlookers. So, I shrugged it off and kept going.
Maybe the women don't do what I do for exercise. Maybe if they tried it they would see the benefits not only in their body fat content, but also in their psyche. All problems melt away right along with the extra lbs from the amazing food they eat over here. Oh, and the wine...
After my run I came back to my room and thought about the cultural differences over here. I like it. Some of the things I complain about back home have already been solved over here. Like when I go out for dinner - and I'm not talkin McDonald's - I like to look presentable. I can't stand going to a nice restaurant and seeing people walk in with shorts and baseball hats on. If I can take the time to look nice, I think they can also. The people here always look amazing, as if they refuse to leave the house until they are well put together. Also, the children over here are very well behaved. It's not unusual to see the kids running along 50 yards in front of the parents while out on a stroll. They know to stay in sight, and the parents are enjoying their quiet time while lagging a ways behind. The other thing is the safety. In this place you cannot walk anywhere in public and be off of the camera. They see everything. I can walk alone at night and know that the police have me in sight. I like that.
Now, if they could just get used to seeing the tall, blond, American girl running through the streets all would be fine in my little world over here. I even tried smiling at some of them, but they stepped away like they were scared I would hold my hand out for a high-five as I passed.
odd, I had a similar dream last night.
I was naked, wearing only high heels and a bandanna, running through a field of popcorn with marshmellows raining down on me.
Just then I saw you, but it didn't look like you, it looked like the girl I know at the video store, but you convinced me it was you.
We were trying to get to the ice skate park before it closed, but as we made our way there Godzilla was in the middle of the road doing his nails. I drove around, flew over the buildings, fist bumped an adjacent hawk who seemed like a cool dude, and then landed in a sea of lime pudding. Next thing I know my seat ejects me straight up into the sky and all I can say is "I love pancakes" (which I do btw).
Did you follow all that?:)
Posted by: Early Cuyler | January 03, 2008 at 10:16 AM