How did you get the locals to trust you and bring you into the tribe?

How did you get the locals to trust you and bring you into the tribe?
When you live with people, you realize you're not so different. When I first went to go live with them, I went out with three guys my age, and they were cautious but I convinced them to take me out. They thought I was just a tourist, but when they took me out and we were sitting by the fire, talking in my broken Swahili, their broken Swahili, you slowly learn to enjoy each other and that you're not so different. Then you gain their trust, and they bring you into the group. It takes time. It's like anything. It's like me going into deep Brooklyn, with hardcore Italians, you know? There are guys in my stoneyard--I also build and design gardens--these guys, it took them ten years before they talked to me. They're so hardcore! They thought I was just some hipster, artsy guy from New York City, and they're like hardcore working class guys. But once they get to know you, you're not so different. You have the same jokes and experiences, and it's the same way anywhere you go. Well, it's a little different when you're dealing with a Maasi warrior or someone like that, but even then, they're not that different. [Photo via]
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