Life As A Mzungu

Conversation as I was getting in a matatu (mini bus)...

Me: To Njeru?
Matatu Driver: Yes. Then you give me water!
(I was carrying a water bottle)
Me: No.
Matatu Driver: Why?
Me: Because I don't know you.
Matatu Driver: I am not your friend?
Me: No, I don't know you.
Matatu Driver: Why am I not your friend?

I didn't answer. Just like i didn't bother answering when he proceeded to ask my name and nationality. Once again I found myself ignoring a person who wanted my attention.

I don't usually consider myself arrogant but these days i guess it could be a fitting description of my behavior at times.
Unfortunately I've come to expect tiresome behavior from the Ugandans and as a result I distance myself. Too many times have strangers (like the mentioned matatu driver) started out by demanding things, or wanted to be my new best friend - or even husband - asking for my phone number after barely talking to me for a minute, or in other ways put me in a position where I've had to say no. Now I simply don't invite to conversation. I put up a front.
I know that instead of taking this behavior as a nuisance I should look at it as part of being in a different culture and try to understand what causes many Ugandans to act this way around white people, but I've run out of patience.
I thought that at positive attitude would get me somewhere, but it hasn't. It's proven easier not to greet people or be friendly.
I feel like against my will I've been assigned a role that doesn't fit me. And I'm tired of playing this part. I want to be me again.