But then again, I'm asked this question even in Canada.
For the most part, Egyptians think I'm a local. How do I know this? Well, if I'm with other obvious foreigners, I am completely ignored. I could be a driver, a gopher, or anybody else who can be loosely defined
as "the help." The only question I'm usually asked (in Arabic) is in the "what are you doing here?" range.If I'm by myself, the advantage is that I end up paying local prices for almost everything.
That is, until I open my mouth. Instantly, I get service, along with a suitably jacked-up price. And the question: "Where are you from?"
Inta min ein?
Min Canada.
Ah! Canada kwayyis! Wa lakin, aslak eih? (Canada's good. But where are you from really?)
When that happens, I feel like I never left home. Canada, that is.
