They happen.
At times and in turns unsolicited, unprovoked, utterly unreal.
1. Flower Market, New Delhi
Random Man: “You there! You are at the flower market and you can’t smile?”
2. Dog Park, High Park, Toronto
Dogwalker [runs up to me and Lou]: “Look at him! Him? He’s beautiful. Lovely bone structure. You’re lucky to have him. Congratulations!”
3. Coffee Time, Kitchener
Woman Steps Through Front Door: “Dang, dang! Y’all got none of them there cheese cussiants, do ya?”
4. Beaches, Toronto
City Garbage Worker [jumps off side of moving truck ]: “Hey! [points to truck driver] He’s Filipino!”
5. Ben Thanh Market, Ho Chi Minh City
Vendor [referring to Stephen]: “He has such a gentle face!”
6. Beaches, Toronto
Random Man [points to Lou]: “Heinz 57! Heinz 57!”
7. Downtown Kitchener
Random Man [blocks my path, bows]: “Ni hao, ni hao, ni hao!”
8. Calgary, Alberta
Random Man [yelling from driver’s side of parked pick up truck as Stephen and I walk down the street]: “Got him walking on the outside of the sidewalk! Good man you got there!”