A very friendly tour agent in Chennai has given me some tour information with a touchy hand. She ran her hand along my arm, from my arm to my back. I was not very happy, in fact, I felt offended. The way she acted was just like a low quality man who tried to take advantages of a woman. I had a hard time figuring out why she wanted to do that. Later, I just accepted that it was the way she reacted as a friendly person. I showed an angry face with a very big reaction. She sensed my unhappiness straight away and she has responded with a split. I just said thank you and got myself away from that place within a second. I was safe.
Next, I was at Center Chennai. It was amazing. I met a lady. She is the best; a very professional and quality individual. She helped foreign visitors to book their trains. She booked me the trains I wanted within a very short time and I loved her job efficiency. I told her I wanted to reach New Delhi for a connecting flight to London. And, I requested the First Class train or the best class which was available at that time.
"Ms. Wong, welcome to India and I hope that you will have a wonderful stay. I know that you are a good lecturer," she said. I was blushing and noting with thanks. I guessed she must be one of my students' family members.
I was there to wait for my turn. The queue was so long. I was the only Chinese lady and I was alone, therefore, I attracted unnecessary attention from those people who were waiting for the booking. I met some new friends there. I met an English man, two Russians, two Albanians, four Pakistanis, three Arabs and two Italians.
First, a very interesting English introduced himself. He was about 50-60 years old. He introduced himself as the "last" in the country. I was surprised why an individual had such a low self-esteem.
I replied and I said, "Nice to meet you. I am a Malaysian with a big mission to work for a better world to stay on. How can I help you?"
After that, he responded with an angry face, "You're a Chinese in Malaysia. You have no power. Malaysia is meant for Muslims."
"What? I think you must be mistaken. Malaysia is a multi-racial, multi-ethnic, multi-cultural and multi-lingual country. We have equal rights in Malaysia. Power is gained only for respectful individuals. No races involved," I said strongly.
Later, he tried to argue and I did not have any intention to continue the never ending conversation. I just apologized and I told him that I needed a rest because I had a long flight. He continued his own speech and I just kept quiet. He mumbled something to me which I did not quite catch. I heard something like I was silly because I chose to have a transit in India.
Well, I never mentioned anything about my self-help research on the solution of miscommunication.
He tried to talk to 1 Arab couple and they shouted at him. "Mind your own business. Did your mom tell you that not to talk to strangers?"
The English kept quiet.
I was stunned.
Later, two Pakistanis shouted at him. "Keep your mouth shut. Mind your own business." I felt pity for him. He was a friendly person, but, others' perspective could not accept him as a friendly person.
Anyway, I prayed for him that he will gain back his self-esteem and confidence. My advice to him was to stay in his country to build a career and at the same time he should get rid of his negative attitude. Talking positively has its merits definitely.
The two Russians tried to get some information from me. They wanted to travel with me. Of course, I welcomed them to join me.
I had a good experience and a bad experience in Chennai Market for a cloth and a stitch. I love my white dress and it was made by a professional Indian man. And, I hate the blue blouse which was stitched by an European Muslim. She charged me 80 Indian Rupees. However, I did not like it for not sewing a straight line on my dress. It was too bad because there was no money back guarantee. I cannot deny that it was cheap, yet, I requested a better quality with a higher price.
An auto-rickshaw that had been paid and arranged earlier was not present. I was almost late to catch the train. I had to get another driver to send me to Center Train Station. When I reached the Center, a baggage carrier just lifted my baggage without my permission and he ran so fast to the train platform. I ran after him aggressively and I shouted at him. "Hey! My baggage! Please give me back. Stop!" He make me ran after him and eventually, he stopped and he checked on my booked ticket. He pointed at the list which was pasted on the train's body and he asked, "Is this your name?" I replied, "Yes". He quickly ran into the train and searched for my seat. "Ms. Wong, here is your seat. It is 150 Indian Rupees, please. " After I gave him the money he thanked me and he went off. The train just departed after a second. "Oh! Thank you, my Lord. I am on time," I said.
The train travelled towards Canacona Station. I was very disappointed because the lady told me that she will give me the best seat. And, her definition of "the best" was not acceptable to me. I talked to the conductor and I wanted to change to a better compartment. I wanted an air conditional compartment but the conductor did not come back to me. I just accepted on what I had.