It's impossible not to notice the stares I'm getting while traveling in China. Especially in the more rural cities of Guilin and Xi'an, but even quite a bit in Beijing, the local people seem fascinated with me. Sometimes the look suggests they can't believe I'm real. They aren't even phased when I look directly back at them. It's a very strange feeling. I'd like to think they're trying to figure out if I'm famous, but I'm pretty sure they're just targeting me, be it just to sell me something or possibly pickpocket. I'm almost certain they think I have money (unfortunately, they're wrong).
I haven't felt unsafe ever. I've walked through enough cities to know to be careful around big crowds. And as the cities get bigger and more modern, too, I feel I'm drawing less attention. The people in Shanghai are more used to it, and they even know more English. Mellie was making fun of me because of this picture. She said, "There's no way we're not a target with you two walking around!" Obviously, I stick out, but she's also talking about her father here with all his cameras. :)
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