I was waiting for tram number 3 in front of Helsinki Central Station. It was a beautiful summer afternoon, after work. Life was peachy and beautiful, and I was minding my own business, aka playing with my phone just like most millennials do while waiting for their ride to arrive.
Suddenly, a man (blonde hair, pale skin, not too tall) came closer to my face and whispered, “Go back in Thailand.” He left while mumbling something like “v*tt*.”
Let’s pause. First, I didn’t come from Thailand. (They are beautiful people, but I have never lived in Thailand. Way to make an assumption!) Second, I might not be a native English speaker, but I don’t think that’s the correct grammar. Third, how dare you!
I was shocked and spent the rest of the afternoon crying my eyes out at home. Years have passed, and I still wish I had said all the things I wanted to say to that man.
Ever since then, I’ve tried my best not to spend too much time in the central station area unless I really have to. I also stopped exercising by walking around the city center, afraid to stumble upon a similar incident again. COVID was a major help, because it allowed me to enjoy safe walks in the city center again.