Yeah a stranger looking at me straight in the eye would make me really uncomfortable. Is it a normal thing to do in other countries??
(and is it me or is the little girl's hand kinda weird?)
Depends on where you are. I grew up in South Carolina, and you're kind of an asshole if you don't smile at every person you pass by and nod or something. You get where you can spot out of towners that way
Oh ok. I'm not used to it, here it would feel like someone trying to engage conversation (and even a bit of the "foot in the door" strategy) but as a custom in itself it's rather nice.
Everyone in France was super nice to us, nicer than the Italians. We asked them in French if they spoke English and they said yes because they wanted an opportunity to practice their English. Idk where the rude French people caricature comes from, those people were lovely
(and is it me or is the little girl's hand kinda weird?)