25a. The Grope

My first tourist groping experience occurred while I was waiting for Craig to come back from the bathroom before getting in the car to head for the Serbian border. The driver was fiddling with something in the car, and I was standing on the other side, when an old man who was apparently a friend of the driver, curiously appeared at my side. I had seen him on the train - I thought he was also looking for a ride. He smiled and stuck out his hand, so I smiled back and took it. Then he's kissing it like I'm the queen.

I'm thinking - ok, old school. Whatever. Next thing his lips are approaching my face. I was taken by surprise, but so as not to be rude, I turn and give him one cheek, and when he comes back again, I give him the other. I am still naively thinking the double kiss is a European thing, and maybe I remind him of his daughter or something.

Sometimes your determination to think the best of people doesn't serve you well.

Next thing I know, he saddled up to me and grabbed my ass with gusto. I jumped back, gave him my sternest look, shook my head and wagged my finger at him like he was a badly behaved child. He just smiled the entire time. I didn't really feel threatened, just a little stupid for not having seen it coming.

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