Getting on the subway during today’s morning commute was quite the, umm, adventure! What was experienced was something a bit strange and unsettling. Fully well knowing my boss-boss would tell me I need to leave some of my “western sensibilities” behind and more fully embrace the culture in which I live, this blog post has to be written!
You see, this morning on the subway ride into work, I hopped on the car as I always do standing near the train car doors as I’m only going a few stops. After somewhat securing my suitcase (tonight I’m flying back to the USA for the holidays and leaving directly from work), I get an odd feeling and look up. Standing about a meter away from me was a man in his 50s that can only describe as a disgruntled member of the nouveau richie based on his apparel and demeanor, who was staring at me to the point where it made me feel uncomfortable. We’re not talking about a passing glance or a quick look away when you got caught but rather a full-on deer in the headlights type stare!
The staring was bad enough, but within a few moments he then began practicing the ancient art of 抠鼻子 (Kōu bízi) or — what Google Translate refers to generously as — “pull nose”. Apparently 抠鼻子 is alive and strong in current generations, so fear not! Or maybe fear? I’m not sure…
Yes, this man was staring at me while he was full on picking his nose. What a way to start the morning! Apparently this is a thing (along with other things) in China and, as such, prompted the government to provide a guide (English language link) to Chinese citizens that are traveling abroad on tendencies that might not seem normal in other societies. I just wish I was able to grab my phone quick enough to snap a picture for all my loyal readers to partake in what I was able to witness today; sadly that wasn’t possible as I was a bit slow on the draw and he got off at the next stop. One thing I am thankful for: The man in question was apparently not into public mucophagy.
So tell me, what would you have done in such a situation where someone is giving you more than a once over and then begins a public mucus extraction during prolonged visual contact?