The Tourist Attraction

I’ll happily admit I’m not that tall for a man in western terms, or even particularly wide, but compared to any run of the mill Chinese man, I’m huge. I tend to be a good 6 inches taller than your average local and I wouldn’t be too far off by saying I’m twice the width. This in conjunction with my white skin, ginger beard and blue eyes make me quite an attraction. The more rural areas tend to be the worst but even in the big cities I have my fare share of adoring fans. I regularly get a “Hallo” yelled at me by passing strangers who expect a “Hi” or at least a wave back. I’ve even been stroked a couple of times but my personal favourite is the photo. There are various strategies used by the Chinese to get me in their photos, firstly there's the simple but effective “ask nicely”. This technique normally reaps the greatest reward as sometime they can get a quick stroke in while they are stood next to me as well as the prized photo. Secondly there's the stand-next-to-him-while-he’s-eating technique. This one’s normally preferred by families with young children as it allows them to usher there kids right up next to me and then start clicking away while I’m struggling with noodles. The final method is to pretend your typing a text on your phone whilst its aimed at me then take a cheeky shot when they think I’m not paying attention. I’ve heard stories from other travellers and by the sounds of things, I’ve got it pretty easy. I’ve been reliably informed blonde women get pestered all the time and anyone with ginger hair even more so. I think poor old Rory, with him sun tanned skin, is starting to feel a little left out. I’ve walked around for 8 months now looking like Casper the friendly ghost next to him and it’s not until now my pasty skins brought me any enjoyment.