How to Be a Japanese Tourist Attraction

I was enjoying the quiet breezes and lovely view from an historic overlook in Guam near the SDA mission apartment where I’ve been staying, when two tour busses pulled in and unloaded their cargo of uniformed Japanese tourists—school uniformed.  They looked like they were having the time of their lives, as they spilled out on the sidewalk, and started taking pictures, chasing each other, and laughing.  Apparently there were two schools, although their uniforms were identical.  Maybe it was two classes?  Whatever it was, they took two group pictures, and both groups dominated the peace sign.

I was hiding out in the shade of a tree on a hill that wasn’t too far away.  But eventually, they noticed me.  A sponsor and two girls started walking in my direction, at first acting like they were going somewhere else, but I guessed what they wanted before they got to me.  I smiled and asked how they were doing.  The sponsor commented on the splendid view.  And then…

“Can these girls take a picture with you?”

“Sure,” I said, happy to be a Japanese tourist photo op.  We sported our peace signs, and they were very happy.

Soon, more girls came.  I’m not exactly sure how many cameras now have my face on them, but at least five or six.  Plus a phone, maybe.  However many, it was enough to make me feel famous, important, and…make me smile.  Later, I thought it might have been funny to tell them I was here in Guam because I was sick, especially if the girl with the infection-control-face-mask had come over.  But that would have been a little mean, and I genuinely enjoyed their smiles and repeated “Thank you’s.”  It got my mind off myself long enough to think about what it might be like to be a Japanese student tourist, and be so excited to get a picture with an American!  Haha. 

And that's how to be a Japanese tourist attraction.