1. Mensch. Literally translated from yiddish it means "a person", the actual usage is "a fine, upstanding sort of person". Historically the usage been to mean "a male fine upstanding sort of person", but there's nothing whatsoever in the word itself that implies it.

2. To me what feels like a "safe" sequence is "do not solicit eye contact, but if it's made, smile, break eye-contact without lingering, and continue to mind your own business". "Engage in conversation and report your intended route" would be thought of as seriously strange/creepy.

Not walking at quite the same pace would obviously be a more straightforward option.