One distinguishing trait exhibited from most of the Kenyans I have interacted with is their ability to laugh and find comedy in everything. I don’t know many people who frown upon a good laugh from time to time and I would say I am certainly not one of them. A few instances stand out when I think back over the last couple weeks.
During one of the HIV/AIDs forums to the local Polytechnical College, Henry (an ABD), was demonstrating how to apply a condom effectively. Esther was facilitating him and attempting to roll the condom over his hand and down his wrist (apparently we came without a prop). Even after the third trial they still managed to tear the condom, but not as badly as the first couple attempts. One of the more talkative students then proceeded to ask if it was all right if he were to use a sugar bag instead of a rubber. Without hesitation the response was a blatant no. The student soon continued by going into further detail and asking, “well, what happens if the mood strikes and I don’t have a condom, I only have a sugar bag?” Henry expressed how abstinence must be performed in this particular instance.
Everyday Pat and I struggle interpreting the Kenya accent. A week ago while visiting a pregnant ABD client, we started talking about safety procedures during delivery to prevent mother to child transmission. I chimed in by asking when the due date is, out of sheer curiosity. Seconds after completing this question the three ABD’s, along with the client, started laughing uncontrollably. So, then I sat there and soon began chuckling with them, just because I didn’t want to be the only silent one. When the roaring subsided I wanted to know why they thought that was hilarious. Evidently, somehow every one of them thought I had asked if the delivery was today. I guess they had gotten due date and today mixed up. I tried to put myself in their shoes and then realized even some individuals in America have trouble interpreting what I say half the time. Must be near impossible for them. We then joked about how the newborn ought to named Patmo, which then lead to the answer to my question; the due date was in a month, not today thank god.
A few days ago I was called plump for the first time in my life. I found this humorous, but then came to realize I guess I am plump in relation to most Kenyans.
Lastly, I was interested to find out from a couple Kenyans what their stereotype is of Americans. I learned their perception of Americans is that we are intelligent, curious, and loaded with weapons at all times. I can understand intelligent and curious, I presume, but loaded with weapons seemed funny. I proceeded to fulfill the second stereotype by asking about the third so I asked for more details. The response was even if they have scanned our bodies and come to realize we are without a weapon they are still intimidated because most believe we are all trained in self defense, according to Victor and Wycliffe.
During one of the HIV/AIDs forums to the local Polytechnical College, Henry (an ABD), was demonstrating how to apply a condom effectively. Esther was facilitating him and attempting to roll the condom over his hand and down his wrist (apparently we came without a prop). Even after the third trial they still managed to tear the condom, but not as badly as the first couple attempts. One of the more talkative students then proceeded to ask if it was all right if he were to use a sugar bag instead of a rubber. Without hesitation the response was a blatant no. The student soon continued by going into further detail and asking, “well, what happens if the mood strikes and I don’t have a condom, I only have a sugar bag?” Henry expressed how abstinence must be performed in this particular instance.
Everyday Pat and I struggle interpreting the Kenya accent. A week ago while visiting a pregnant ABD client, we started talking about safety procedures during delivery to prevent mother to child transmission. I chimed in by asking when the due date is, out of sheer curiosity. Seconds after completing this question the three ABD’s, along with the client, started laughing uncontrollably. So, then I sat there and soon began chuckling with them, just because I didn’t want to be the only silent one. When the roaring subsided I wanted to know why they thought that was hilarious. Evidently, somehow every one of them thought I had asked if the delivery was today. I guess they had gotten due date and today mixed up. I tried to put myself in their shoes and then realized even some individuals in America have trouble interpreting what I say half the time. Must be near impossible for them. We then joked about how the newborn ought to named Patmo, which then lead to the answer to my question; the due date was in a month, not today thank god.
A few days ago I was called plump for the first time in my life. I found this humorous, but then came to realize I guess I am plump in relation to most Kenyans.
Lastly, I was interested to find out from a couple Kenyans what their stereotype is of Americans. I learned their perception of Americans is that we are intelligent, curious, and loaded with weapons at all times. I can understand intelligent and curious, I presume, but loaded with weapons seemed funny. I proceeded to fulfill the second stereotype by asking about the third so I asked for more details. The response was even if they have scanned our bodies and come to realize we are without a weapon they are still intimidated because most believe we are all trained in self defense, according to Victor and Wycliffe.
Hi Mo,
ReplyDeleteI love hearing about your adventures. You certainly are experiencing a lot. It doesn't seem possible that you have been gone for 3 weeks. We all miss and love you. Sending hugs, Lisa