It might be my striking good looks, my incredible resemblance to Ryan Gosling, my amazingly white skin, or something completely different, but I must be famous.
Whether seated or standing, walking or running, inevitably an Indian man or boy, usually in a group will ask to take my photo or a photo with me. I've taken photos with people at temples, lakes, restaurants, hotels, on hikes, while eating, while journaling, on the side of the road, on the beach, you name it. I've taken pictures with anywhere from 1 to 20 people. It gets pretty crazy when the crowd keeps growing and growing. It gets exhausting when I shake everyone's hand after each photo. It is hilarious as one person rotates into the picture and has the next friend take another picture with a different camera.
The first 100 or so photos were fun and flattering. The next 100 or so became slightly less enjoyable. It got easier to ignore people, or laugh, smile, wave and continue on my way, hoping not to seem too rude. But after the wave of flattery, then slight irritation, the next wave was the best. Embracing, putting my arms around, picking up kids, making goofy faces, and smiling as big as I could ultimately made the picture taking experience one of all around happiness and humor. It also led to many new friendships and has left me with fond memories.
I haven't asked yet, but there must be some sort of a nation wide contest of who can get the most pictures with different white guys.
