The Pressures of First Impressions

I understand that catching a glimpse of a blonde riding through town on the back of a motorbike might seem weird, but I can’t tell you how overwhelming the whole experience is.  As you drive by, you can read the expression on the villagers faces – some smile, others wave, children practice their English with ‘Bye Bye!” and elders grunt in disgust.  But I never expected it to be so exhausting!  As I am introduced to each head of the village as “American” the pressure to represent my country, my program and my passions is overwhelming.  While I am aware that it is impossible to reverse every stereotype and perhaps accurate depiction of the Ugly American traveler, for most of these villagers it is the first time or close to first time they are meeting an American – and I have to be perfect in living up to their expectations as well as representing my country the best I can.  At the end of the day, after spending 8 hours meeting with villagers for interviews and taking surveys, I hung off the edge of the bike trying not to fall asleep from exhaustion.  I closed my eyes for just a second, soaking in the sun and fresh breeze with the rustle of palm trees over my head (yes – I am pretty sure this place is heaven) and when I opened them, there were at least thirty children lined up at the side of the road, staring at me with curiosity and intimidation.  Of course, embarrassed that I wasn’t on my best behavior, I quickly smiled hoping that would salvage the situation.  As soon as I showed teeth, I saw grinning teeth and glistening eyes waving back at me.  School was out – so we passed over 200 children in green and white perfectly pressed uniform on their way home from school, and although I was exhausted, each smile, wave and squeal I got made it all worth it.