A random lunchtime in Cleveland…

[almostwitty]

These are apparently Asian doughnuts, as offered to us by the waitress at the Cleveland cafeteria I was at lunchtime. Despite their innate Asianness - I mean, they’re called Asian doughnuts for a reason, right? - I was unable to detect any Asianness in them. No barbecued pork, no wasabi, no egg tart. Nothing.

En route out, carrying our leftovers, we somehow attract the attention of a slightly old man who strikes up a conversation about our leftovers. Assuming he’s after some money, I give him $2. But instead of going away as his London equivalent would do, he carries on talking to us about his job working in the Florida nuclear regulatory commission, his daughter who designed one of the buildings along the street, and he even shows us his drivers licence. For some strange reason, none of it rings true. After all, why would random strangers strike up conversations with other random strangers?

Later on that afternoon, leaving campus, we spot a shedload of police cars and a fire truck surrounding one particular street. It later turns out that a “shameless” person had streaked across the area. As you do.

Originally published at almost witty. You can comment here or there.

Comments

Why would random strangers strike up conversations with other random strangers?

[klynn330.livejournal.com]

Because one of them is Pennsylvanian? It happens ALL THE TIME here. Expecially if you are waiting in line somewhere. Or standing still for any amount of time.

Re: Why would random strangers strike up conversations with other random strangers?

[choirgrrl.livejournal.com]

I was about to say, welcome to the USA. I actually enjoy these little exchanges, but will admit there are times when I just want to tell people, "LEAVE ME ALONE! I am in no mood for quiet pleasantries today!" I never do, however.

Re: Why would random strangers strike up conversations with other random strangers?

[almostwitty]

It's just my social nervousness that renders me quite nervous at small talk. And yet, I somehow manage it mostly without breaking out into a sweat. Although I do wonder why they're talking to me, what their ulterior motive is...

Luckily, in London, random small talk hardly ever happens.

[nikki-z.livejournal.com]

why didn't you give the bum your asian doughnuts ?

i bet you were both disappointed that you did not see the streaker, lol.
the news article is sort of making me uncomfortable.
i always hate how BRUTAL police is coming down on flashers in sports and such. It's not like they are out there with a gun or something!
and the real dangerous exhibitionists are not doing it that way, the are way less public.