Most of the time we really don’t mind but sometimes I get really annoyed with people here who blatantly or even discretely try to get pictures of us. Usually it’s when I’m sweaty. Sweating makes me cranky. Usually it’s Asians taking pictures of my girls, probably because of their long legs and fair skin or Jakeb, probably because of his red hair. I can’t imagine how much worse it would be if my kids were younger.
Today, I was sweating and it annoyed me.
Anna and I were sitting on the grounds of Istana waiting for friends to get through the line and this teenage Asian boy sits down near her and I know good and well his dad is trying to get Anna in a picture of him. I told her to not look up.
After that, this family came by and a guy not so discretely takes out his phone and take a picture of Anna and I.
Annoyed, I get my camera and take their picture and he tried to look away. Sorry buster, I got you! Funny enough the lady appears to be posing for me. 
WHY do they want our picture anyway? What are they telling their families or friends when they sit around their living room and show these pictures of us on their computer screen? Where are they posting them? Are they writing blog posts like I am? They can’t be because they took my picture first so are obviously not annoyed by it. Anyway, I don’t get it. We’re really not freaks or aliens. Promise.
Then there’s this guy.
I’m pretty sure he was trying to get our friend’s young boys who were with us which creeps me out even more. I turned around and saw him and without even thinking grabbed my camera and aimed it right at him. He took his shot. I took mine. He smiled and waved. He was happy. I was annoyed.
I just don’t get it. I know that we are all curious about cultures other than our own and I often snap photos of people that catch my attention so I suppose I shouldn’t be annoyed and just go with it. I really would like to know what they are thinking though, when they take our pictures.
And in case you are wondering what I’m thinking when we take pictures of people from other cultures, here it is.
You make me smile.
You are absolutely adorable!
You are ingenious! (to use a shopping buggy for a stroller)
And I wonder why in all of the beauty of Istana Park you choose to take your family photo in common tree.
Gotta love and embrace diversity!
“‘Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength and with all your mind’ ; and, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ ” Luke 10:27
