Finding a native among all the foreign faces here gives me the same pleasure that finding Pav Bhaji on Mt. Titlis in Switzerland did. No no that would be overdoing it. That was something else! But the sentiment is close enough. Although it is one that is not mutual, apparently. Here when you come across someone (not necessarily anyone you know) at work or in the apartment building for instance, the custom is to greet. I think its civil and follow it. By habit I tend to smile at anyone who makes eye contact and so it is no surprise that I smile when I come across a fellow countryman. But sadly most often I end up looking like a donkey baring all its teeth and don't even get a friendly nod in return. When this happens I first look at what I am wearing - am I shabby? and then consciously touch my hair. I agree I am no head turner but do I have to be just to be acknowledged as a compatriot? If it’s not the appearance is it my religion? Political views? Or can they by an...