A question of traits - Conversation in Melbourne

The first time I landed in Melbourne , nearly a decade ago - I was unmistakably recognized as an "Indian". At that time, my entire demeanor was a give away, I guess. And now, In the last two days at least two of them have asked me "Are you from America?". I am not sure, in the interim, what perceptible differences have risen in me. Well it is true, that the last three years, I have been living a resurrected life, not so much in the work I do - but more so in the inner quality of my approach, attitude and sense of what is important, meaningful - and finding in myself that spark of what it is to be truly alive and kicking. But I am not sure if that is being an "American" in that sense of the word. I don't associate myself to any identity, nationally at least. I love American soil because it helps fulfill my destiny, and I am in proud to have been born and bought in India - because it made me what I am today . Beyond this twin likings, I don't make a conscious effort to belong to any particular nationality.

So I was very curious, when this blonde, young, voluptuous waitress in the restaurant, walked up to me and said in her typical Australian accent " Which part of US are you from?". She laid down the bowl of soup and bread that I requested for, along with a glass of Hot water and Lemon, and looked me with those crystal blue eyes - questioning me. I replied " How do you know If am from US and not India".. "Well, Aye, nobody orders so fast in this restaurant except Americans. This is a typical British place, and guests come to relax, drink and question our delicacies. I see you are loaded with books, tablet and you hardly glanced at the menu before you were sure what you wanted to eat..." It was then I looked around to find primly dressed couples and business guests talking to each other in Hushed tones and serious faces. I seemed to be the odd ball out. I was wearing my sport pants, a round neck T-shirt and slippers to go with it. Presentable - but not in the best traditions of Formal dinner dressing. I involuntarily laughed and said " So, you judged me by me dress and attitude..". "No, Not exactly, but I like people who know exactly what they want to do. My father was an American and my mother belonged to Brisbane. As I grew up, I distinctly could see my father care a damn about what others thought and did, as long as he did not offend anybody. Australians are curiously caught in two worlds- Ours and British. And sometimes we end up straddling both without being sure of what we want...

"hmmm, that interesting.. Well, let me tell you, I am not yet an American, but I do live and work in the US. And yes, to an extent you are right.. I wanted to something to eat, and a place to work as I do that. This restaurant was conveniently located to do both.."

She gave a beaming smile and said " yeah, that's what made it look Strange and glaring. This is one of the high end restaurants this side of Melbourne and nobody comes here to have a casual dinner. I have worked here for a couple of years now, and I have seen only Americans do this...".

As I walked back to my Hotel, I was not sure if the young girl had got it right; but there was a point in her judgment. It is easy to pigeon hole people, if they display specific traits. If doing ones own thing is being an "American", then so be it. Frankly, I hadn't realized this..

God bless..

Yours in life,

Bala