Peculiar encounter early this Afternoon. After going out for lunch I took a new way home to explore my neighborhood when a woman flagged me down as she rode by in a car. She asked how to get to Puerto Madero so I told her. As she thanked me, things got kooky. When she asked where I was from I told her truthfully that I am from the States but have been living here for a few months. She complemented my Castellano and then put out her hand as though for a handshake but when I took it and instead of shaking my hand she turned it over and placed a tiny, folded piece of paper in my palm (signifying luck, she says). Then asked if I had accepted christ in my life and asked who was the ‘maria’ in my family. I told her I wasnt catholic to which she began to explain what she means by ‘Maria’, but I still didnt understand. On the spot I simply replied my mother and I think she began to pray. Then she puts me on the spot again and asked what I am suffering from in my life. Immediately nothing comes to mind, but I felt weird telling her that my life is perfect so I made up a story about being uncertain of the future (not entirely untrue). Somehow, she understands that to mean that I am looking for love and proceeds to lightly touch my stomach and perform some kind of blessing (Fertility blessing is what it seemed. Scary.) At this point I am getting really nervous. Who does this in the middle of the street? Probably, your friendly neighborhood con-woman, but I put those those thoughts aside and gave her the benefit of the doubt. As a final parting gift she had me put my hand over that same lucky piece of paper and pulled out some bills from her purse with which she did the sign of the cross over my hand. Then told me to pull out my own bills so, going along, I pulled out all i had left after buying lunch, 4 pesos (about $1USD). She did another prayer and put my pesos back in my hand, but I feel like she was looking for another kind of bill (US$$) when she mumbled and motioned to my wallet. Now, I know this was probably the least smartest move, but i had nothing of value; no credit cards, no money so when I let her look inside all she found was ticket stubs, a fotocopy of my passport, and some FLACSO program info. I guess that wasnt interesting so she started for my purse, but I had had enough and pulled back and away from the car. At that, she bid me good luck and good bye and her driver drove off leaving me confused and a bit embarrassed, but mostly violated. What the heck just happened? How did I let it happen? Im still not entirely sure if her intention and blessings were sincere but I will err on the side of caution and assume she was just trying to take advantage of me. I guess I can say that the novelty and romanticizing of the city is wearing off now.
