The German Tourists

Here's Rafi. Quite a character. He is NOT camera shy AT ALL! He loves to have his photos taken, especially since the inception of digital cameras where he is able to view the picture immediately after it's snapped. In any case, we were at the Volcano park looking at some steam vents at the same time as a couple of German tourists. I see them taking pictures of the steam vents and I didn't think anything of it. Next time I glance over, Rafi is posing with this guy in front of the steam!

I was fairly confident that Rafi had ASKED to be in the photo and was perhaps interfering with this fellow's tourist experience. But as I walked over I heard the German speaking English to his wife. "Honey, look at this cute little Hawaiian boy. Get some more pictures with me and this authentic Hawaiian child!". I couldn't believe my ears. He was literally referring to Rafi as the Hawaiian child!

And there's Rafi, as content as can be, hamming it up with big smiles and waves and handshakes... the works! As I cruised over I said, "Hey Rafi, whatcha doing?" "Oh Anna, I'm getting some pictures taken".

The German then asks me, "Do you know this little Hawaiian boy?" To which I replied, "Yes, Rafi's my brother but he's actually not Hawaiian, he's Canadian".

You should have seen the look of betrayal these people had on their faces. They couldn't believe Rafi wasn't who they thought he was. They were so disappointed and as they repeated what I said, "He's Ca-Ca-Canadian??" they sounded like I just gave them the biggest let-down.

Perhaps my mom felt bad for them which is why she piped in, "It's okay. He actually looks like he could be Hawaiian. Some people even think he's Samoan. This confusion happens all the time".

You know how some people want to believe something SO bad they don't listen to reason? This was one of those times. As soon as the word "Samoan" came out of Gin's mouth, they excitedly asked, "He's Samoan!?!!"

"Oh no, no, he's Canadian but some people think he's Samoan".

"Oh." Again, more disappointment for the Germans.

And Rafi had no clue what was going on. In hindsight maybe we should have set up a booth, "have your picture taken with an authentic Hawaiian for only $0.50 a pose"... I'm fairly confident Rafi would be in for that.