Too tight a fit?
This picture is the inside of the two- story parking garage for bikes. The upper bunks have tracks that extend and pull down like ramps to help get your bike in place. This is 1/2 of one floor. Since I frequently lose my car at Walmart at home, I always park my bike in the same area. A good stategy. But, I have misled you. the parking spaces are not the 'fit' I'm referring to. Tonight, a very nice woman was chatting away to me. Ignorant as I am, I try to blend it by reading body language and shaking my head when others do and nodding or smiling in tandem. This works remarkably well. However, as the conversation extended I was beginning to feel that more was required of me. I could't, at that point, sudden confess I had no idea what she was talking about and never had. We would both feel silly and she might feel offended. Walking away would be too rude. At what point should I confess that I, in fact, am an outsider; an ignorant foreigner and not a compatriot? As a traveler, I try to fit in. I don't wear sneakers. I don't speak loudly and carry a huge purse. It feels wrong to blow it with a languistic confession. I paniced and picked up a Dutch newspaper. So, I was chagrinned to find a 'Dutch in Three Months' course tactfully and thoughtfully left on my table by my gracious hosts.[How did they know? Please don't tell me that lady was a neighbor or friend!] Sorry, I have to go now. I have some studying to do.