This man really made me smile. Immediately after I asked for his photo, it became apparent that he didn’t speak English. This is normally a deal breaker. It is very difficult to convince a stranger to let you take their photo if they cannot understand a word you are saying.

But I attempted my usual sign language, which involves pointing at the camera then pointing at the person’s face. (All while smiling stupidly.) And this time it worked. The man straightened his shoulders, stared into the lens of the camera, and smiled. I took his portrait and thanked him profusely.

I began to walk away when I heard him calling to me. I turned around and saw him tugging at his traditional clothing. “Me Pakistan!” he said. “Me Pakistan!”