That is how time here works I have been in country for a year!! I have tried to make a mental list things I do differently (and somethings that I am just so used to I couldn't imagine going without )now since adapting to the culture here...here goes- I drag my feet when I walk A LOT. I remember when I first got into country thinking how annoying it is but now I am so guilty. I walk around, sit on buses or in my house blaring music on my phone thinking I am pretty much the coolest person ever. I might be listening to American or Swahili hip hop, bongo flavor or Justin Bieber....yea I listen to Justin Bieber and sing along. I drink Smirinoff. I crave ugali (cornflour and water mixed in a substance) and I am disappointed if that is not what my neighbors cook for dinner.I deny dirty change, places wont accept it when I try to pay so I dont accept it as change! I raise my eyebrows and that means "yes".I can suck on sugar cane all day everyday (I bet I have no cavities!) A three hour bus ride breaking down only once is short and easy. I speak "donkey", yea I can steer a cart pulled by donkeys. I pretty much greet every single person walk by everyday. Instead of just telling people no I tell them "ohhh tomorrow I will help you farm or tomorrow you can use my ipod...tomorrow means never. I pick up and snuggle any cute baby I see whether I know the mother or not.I also prefer to ride on a bus with a random persons baby in my lap.I let my cell pones ring really loudly a good 3 or 4 times before answering it so everyone can hear my sweet ringtone.I eat lunch at 3pm and dinner at 9pm, and a day without everything shutting down from 10-11 for chai would be unheard of .IT'S NOT A BUS RIDE UNLESS THERE ARE CHICKENS SWAKING AND SHITTING SOMEWHERE ON THE BUS.
Things I have not adapted to....I don't sweep dirt outside..sure it looks good for about a minute, then the wind blows. I still use toilet paper. Most people in my vill shower once or twice a day, I think I max out at once a week.I dot carry things on my head that often, it's painful.
I prefer to bathe in my courtyard. Why would I want to bathe in a cement room when I can bathe under the sun? I also prefer to walk barefoot in my village, I live in the desert & like the way the sand feels in between my toes. THe amount of thorns I've had stuck in my feet because of this...approximately 847.
I have recently visited some of the volunteers villages that live "close" to me (3hrs away). One of the villages is way out in the bush where people speak click, it was an awesome trip.I got a click name, no idea how to spell it but it sounds something like uncle with a click in the middle.It amazes me how different their villages are from mine. They are so far out with around 3000-5000 really chill people. Mine is on a dirt road that leads directly to Dar with 10,000-11,000 really "poa" people.
Letters and packages are not coming anymore! HAS EVERYONE FORGOTTEN ABOUT ME? Just kidding, I know life goes on.
Love,
Maria
