So I have been here for 2 months ++. Some people were asking me whether there is any culture shocks that I have encountered so far. Erm, I would say that sharing toilet with guys is one of the culture shocks so far.
Today I have encountered another culture shock. Maybe for some people, they wouldn't think that this incidence is considered a culture shock. Because it's getting more common in many other Asian countries as well.
There was this man get off his bike and approached me while I was walking on the street. I didn't stop just to talk to him so he walked with his bike with me. We started talking for a while and at that moment, I felt okay about it. After a while, he suddenly asked to walk me home. I refused for a few times yet he insisted to walk me back. And he even asked whether there is anyone at home. It was so so so so scary.....I was so concerned about me and my roommates' safety.
Luckily on the way back, there is a shop and to get into the shop, you have to walk a few steps of the staircase, so it might be inconvenient for him to bring his bike with him. And predictably, he stopped there.
After I said goodbye to him,
"Sorry if I have scared you.." He said.
I feel so guilty after he said this.
He mentioned in our conversation that he lives alone with his cat. Maybe he just wanted to find someone to talk to in this boring town? He mentioned that since he had nothing to do, so why don't he walk me back as a company. Maybe he just wanted to accompany me since I was alone. He mentioned that he is a psychologist. Maybe it's hard to make friends to be someone treating a condition which a lot people have stigma and discrimination.
I have a lot reasons at first to be scared of due to our safety. Yet, I have also a lot reasons to feel guilty with.
Did I just hurt a good person? I think I somehow did.
I'm sorry, old man..
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