May 13, 2008

You know you’ve lived in Africa for 8 months when…

v It’s a miracle if a package arrives, unopened and in less than 2 months

v The sight of a red and white Target bag from the states sparks a bit of nostalgia

v People can’t wrap their heads around the idea of a so called “litter box” for the cat, its totally ludicrous to your neighbors

v The cat runs away and you worry she might show up on someone’s dinner plate

v Normal topic of conversations with American friends consists of debating on how much to pay children to fetch water and who has the latest and greatest food poisoning story

v Before putting on clothing, you give it a good shake…just in case of cockroaches, lizards, etc.

v All the DVD’s in your house have been watched at least 3 times…along with all special features and commentaries

v Men peeing along side the road becomes an everyday normalcy

v Doing laundry for two hours becomes your upper body workout

v Taxi drivers literally fight over who is going to take you to village

v Powdered milk is the beginning of your daily breakfast routine

v Instead of stepping on a scale, Titus the tailor keeps you in check on how much weight you have gained or lost since your last fitting

v You feel like a hooker if your dress or skirt hem goes above the knee

v The toothpaste used to brush your teeth comes from France and Heinz Ketchup is sent down from Egypt

v The sight of dead monkeys for sale (a.k.a “bushmeat”) isn’t shocking any longer

v Reviewing human anatomy in class, a student points to the bladder and tells you it’s the penis (Courtesy of PCV Amber Light)

v Traveling nuns becomes your most reliable form of the postal service

v You feel pretty awesome when you eat an unpeeled carrot, or unwashed fruit for that matter and don’t get sick

v It doesn’t feel strange or racist to yell “black man” at those who yell “white man” at you