Now I know

That awkward moment... when you experience xenophobia first hand.

I travel quite some because of my job. Today I was traveling to San Francisco on a +Swiss International Air Lines flight. I booked the flight really late so I could only find a seat in business class. As it so happened I was seated the first row, right next to the flight attendants.

All good and normal until first few minutes after takeoff when the crew was preparing the dinner menu. Going through the guests list one of them starts speaking in french saying: "I detest romanians", and keeps at it. Another crew member passes by, laughing and calling out a nick name like "rommy" or something. All goes on for another brief moment.

Well... I was right there next to them and I was (at least one of) the romanian passengers. The entire situation was so unexpected that it took me quite some time to digest what was going on. So no, I didn't react in any way. But then that wasn't the end of it.

The same crew member served drinks and whenever he got to me I only asked for my usual: sparkling water. Strangely, he replies: "not any wine? are you sure?". Second time he passed by and asked the same I had to mention that I don't drink alcohol. I guess I didn't fit my romanian profile of a "drunkard".

I really tried not to let it bother me, but I failed and it did ruin my day. All I kept thinking is "this guy detests me and we never ever even got introduced; he doesn't know my name, who I am, what kind of person I am". Worst even, on a commercial flight.

Note to self: never do this to anyone.