No really, if I see you in those shorts again I will spit on you
Let me begin with apologies for not updating in the last two weeks. Over the time much has happened along with some subjects I can't print on the web but would be happy to discuss in person with dear family and friends.
For this entry allow me the liberty to go in a bullet point style:
• Title: The title of this entry may seem a bit crude but it comes from genuine frustration. We are now in the “high” season or tourist season when European and other Western visitors travel to Mombasa to enjoy the holiday. Other interns and I have begun to classify tourists as good or bad depending on behavior the exhibit when we see them. Fashion is a key give away to a bad tourist. If you are a woman and decide to come to a predominantly Muslim area, please do not wear short shorts and strapless tops when walking by the downtown mosques. My white female friends get spit on because of your misunderstanding of cultural indecency. When you also choose to display arrogance as an excuse of your ignorance, well then let me refer you to the title.
• Work: We’re still going slow at the HOCI. We did some major cleaning of the centre two weeks ago and were preparing for an assessment from KPLC (Kenya Power Lighting Company). Because of it’s frequency of blackout throughout Mombasa I affectionately refer to it as KPLD (Kenya Power Lighting Darkness). However the owner of the building the Center is situated in needed to sign off on an assessment and convincing him took quite a bit of time and persuasion. Today we are supposed to have an assessment. In other areas of work we have been refocusing a massive $13,000 grant that we hope to present to different funders in the U.S. It’s a slow process as the particulars have not been totally explored.
• Family: More and more I’m becoming connected with my host family. As I learn more Kiswahili the language wall crumbles more and more. I’ve become quite popular with the kids in the family. The other day I walked home with my nephew Mohammed from his primary school, which is near the centre where I work. Usually he takes the matatu home with friends but he looked at me his friends and I forked with him in the middle. I looked back at him and said “Twende” (Come on) and he rushed after waving by to his friends. A young male mzungu and seven year old Kenyan boy walking together through Mtopanga, quite a sight for people to stare at.
• Free time: Mostly I spend my free time writing more extensive journal entries in my personal log. Other times I work with another youth group from Mtopanga called Dream Achievers. Over the last week we’ve had two outreaches in which I’ve performed on stage to the stun crowd of on lookers wondering “Anafanya nini ila wazimu mzungu?” What is that crazy white guy doing? I also have begun learning how to cook traditional coast dishes which I will be happy to share when I return.
All for now, I hope to write again soon munguakipenda (God willing)
Comments
Ben,
So glad to see your voice back in print on your site. So many friends and family see your blog as a way to stay connected.
As for cultural improprieties, most stem from ignorance. Tolerance on both sides would seem to move everyone toward acceptance. We all have so much to learn of others to rid ourselves of our cultural illiteracy.
You sound like you’ve cultivated some strong bonds with your host family. How fortunate to be able to extend your circle of friends in that way! I’m anxious to learn all about them upon your return. Please extend my gratitude for their hospitality.
I know progress there is slow but remember it is still progress... woyaya.
Be safe,
Love,
Dad
Posted by: Bob Marcy | July 23, 2007 11:44 AM
Ben, we've missed your entries. It is good to hear from you. I hope you are safe and happy. My worries never end!!!
It is always a blessing to have family and work -- love and challenges -- no matter where you are! It brings a smile thinking of you and your family in Mombasa. . . and you entertaining people on stage!!
We all look forward to your return to your families here! You're a great guy, Ben! We love you very much!
love,
Mom
p.s. did you get the updated return flight itinerary I e-mailed??
Posted by: Mom | July 23, 2007 05:00 PM
Hi you,
I caught up on my reading your entries today! Sounds like you're having a wonderful time and learning a lot. I'm very happy for you ben.
until next time,
kate
Posted by: Katie Anderson | July 23, 2007 05:45 PM
Hi you,
I caught up on my reading your entries today! Sounds like you're having a wonderful time and learning a lot. I'm very happy for you ben.
until next time,
kate
Posted by: Katie Anderson | July 23, 2007 05:45 PM
Good to hear from you again! Looking very much forward to seeing you again soon!
Take care and know we all love you!
love,
Aunt Dawn
Uncle Tom
Posted by: Aunt Dawn and Uncle Tom | July 24, 2007 04:42 AM
Hmmm. I've enjoyed reading all of your posts this summer! Thank you! I'm intrigued by all that you're experiencing and think your foray into the the culinary aspects of coastal Kenya fantastic. Hopefully, you'll share with your dad! Best wishes for a successful finish and take care coming home.
Posted by: Sandy Bauer | July 25, 2007 02:06 PM
Ben,
It was really good to hear from you! I am glad to hear that at least you try to follow the adage, "When in Rome...."
It is frustrating and embarrassing when people do not respect other cultures. Sometimes it's plain ignorance, sometimes indifference, and sometimes lack of sensitivity and awareness. Whatever the reason, it certainly is not the way to build bridges.
It won't be long now until you come home. I'm looking forward to hearing all about your experiences. Until then stay safe. Keep up the good work. You make us proud.
Bev
Posted by: Bev Westberg | July 26, 2007 07:59 AM
Ben,
It was really good to hear from you! I am glad to hear that at least you try to follow the adage, "When in Rome...." It is frustrating and embarrassing when people do not respect other cultures. Sometimes it's plain ignorance, sometimes indifference, and sometimes lack of sensitivity and awareness. Whatever the reason, it certainly is not the way to build bridges.
It won't be long now until you come home. I'm looking forward to hearing all about your experiences. Until then stay safe. Keep up the good work. You make us proud.
Bev
Posted by: Bev Westberg | July 26, 2007 08:03 AM