I am asked for directions almost anywhere I am. It just happened in Paris, on a metro platform that I wasn’t entirely sure was the correct one for me. A Chinese woman approached speaking precise, hesitant English, showing me the map on her phone, asking which line she should take. I played the part so well I detected the faintest French accent in my voice as I sent her in the correct direction.
In Venice a smiling American approached me.
Do you live here? she asked.
Does anyone live here, I wondered?
No, I said.
Oh! she said, aghast. You look like you belong!
There is only one place I’m never mistaken for a local. When buying gas, or at the grocery store, or in a restaurant, they ask me, Where are you from? Surprising everyone, I always say Here. I was born here.