My Strange Idaho Falls Experience (Teton: hotel, live in, mall) - (ID) - City-Data Forum

Trailhiker · 01-21-2009, 06:38 PM

Not long ago, I made a trip to Idaho Falls to check out a possible job. While I was there, I had some rather uncomfortable experiences that make me wonder if this is symbolic of Idaho Falls or just a rare set of events.

I did not have a vehicle during my visit, so I stayed in a hotel near the job site. On the first full day, I was walking across a public parking lot near the Grand Teton Mall when I noticed a lady (40s-50s) in an SUV seemed to be watching me. At first she was heading the opposite way, but then looped around and started back toward me, but in the next row. When we got to where she could loop around and come over to my row, she literally pulled in front of me to block my path. She rolled her window down and asked what I was doing. I said I was walking to my job, and she then said "I'm going to be keeping my eye on you!"

Then, two days later, I was walking down a sidewalk between the Grand Teton Mall and the the Hitt Rd. Wal-Mart, and another car pulled up along side me and said "Where do you think you're going?"

I have to say I have never felt so uncomfortable in my life. It was like I was a suspect or something. I have never had this problem in any other city, and I travel a lot.

Am I missing something? Is walking not normal in Idaho Falls, or is everyone always suspicious of everyone else? Anyway, I would like to know if anyone has any thoughts on why this happened and if it is something I would have to deal with a all the time.

Sage of Sagle · 01-21-2009, 06:58 PM

Don't take this wrong, but I need to ask... How were you dressed and what race are you? Being non-white isn't going to get you hassled (it's not a racist place) but it gets you NOTICED in North Idaho same as being Japanese would make you stand out, and what you're wearing could also have an effect. I'm just guessing at things here, mind you...

Trailhiker · 01-21-2009, 07:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sage of Sagle

Don't take this wrong, but I need to ask... How were you dressed and what race are you? Being non-white isn't going to get you hassled (it's not a racist place) but it gets you NOTICED in North Idaho same as being Japanese would make you stand out, and what you're wearing could also have an effect. I'm just guessing at things here, mind you...

I don't mind you asking. I am sure that a non-white or foreigner might raise a few eyebrows if they are not frequently seen. But the truth is I am a White American from North Dakota. I am on the shorter side, 5 ft 8 in, but don't think that was it. I have blonde hair and was wearing a polo shirt and jeans.

Torrie · 01-21-2009, 07:14 PM

That's weird.....if that happens again, I take down their license plate numbers and call the police! I don't think that's a normal occurrence. Maybe you look like someone else that might have stirred up trouble with them....I dunno, just an idea. Could be a case of mistaken identity....

Sage of Sagle · 01-21-2009, 08:34 PM

You may just have gotten the couple nasty people in town...

cleosmom · 01-21-2009, 08:35 PM

Okay, I live in Idaho Falls, in fact out east of where you were talking about and I have to admit that's quite odd.

Was it during an off hour? You know, wee hours of the morning? Is your hair styled in a manner to attract attention? Even if, shouldn't have gotten that out of folks around here.

Trace_Rinaldi · 01-21-2009, 08:47 PM

I've been to Idaho Falls several times, and almost moved there a few years back.. we were always impressed with how nice the people were.. Even the kids which is really odd to us, all seemed very polite and "normal" looking... I think you must have just come across a couple folks who missed thier meds, or you look like a serial killer. You didnt have an axe and a plastic bag did you?..lol..

Seriously if it continues I would look into whats going on, but I think it was just a fluke..

DESERTRYDER · 01-21-2009, 09:04 PM

Come on TrailHiker..
Your not telling us about the trench coat you had on and the life size Hanna Montana cardboard cutout you had tucked under your arm..

Trailhiker · 01-21-2009, 10:11 PM

Oh, did I forget to mention the trench coat, axe, and cardboard cutout, my bad! LOL

The first incindent happened at about 2pm, and the second around 9am.

Don't get me wrong, I did encounter some very nice people while I was there too.

cleosmom · 01-21-2009, 10:17 PM

Well, sorry to hear that folks bothered you, it is not typical of our area.

You should have hollered when you were in the area, I would have kept the locals at bay by tossing some raw elk their way

Other than that, how was your experience?