Went into a gas station in Austin. An old Austin guy with his hair in a ponytail was playing great old music. I told him I loved it. He was so fun! We both had a nice interaction. I went back. This time it was a sullen Indian woman who was on the phone, didn’t smile, and didn’t even look at me. Meh. Is my disappointment hate? Or am I clocking someone who doesn’t give a shit about assimilating? I was just in Japan and encountered a few Indians in convenience stores. Always disappointing compared to Japanese clerks. Most were sullen. Except at a grocery store, I met a sweetheart of a young Indian woman who’d been there for 2 years. She was all smiles and very helpful. I even went back to her place, and she recognized me and was so friendly. She put in an effort to learn Japanese ways and Anglo ways. I watched her with Japanese customers. She’ll likely be fine because she’s obviously making an effort.