Here are some tips for your next trip to Juba:
-stand in the shade, not the sun.
-if you're walking, walk on the bumpiest part of the road - that's where the fewest cars are likely to drive
-when a drunk guy starts following you on your walk, get as much space between you and him as possible.
-when you're sitting and the flies start to swarm... let them. unless they're swarming your face or getting in your drink, then you can flick them away.
-it's ok to greet people, but I generally use these rules: only greet children if they greet you first. Only greet men if their tone sounds respectful. Greet women without discrimination.
-never assume anything is safe from tiny ants. They will eat your food, even if it's sealed.
-if you charge your Kindle through your computer, do it without your computer plugged in, so that your Kindle doesn't blow up.
-when you hear a bump in the night... assume it's a monkey or a mango.
-don't argue with the expats, they are all convinced they know more than you.... about everything.
-when your driver is driving - do not leave your hand hanging out the window, or your arm, or any body part. While your driver is primarily concerned with keeping you safe - this really only applies to the road, and he will let your arm get snagged by trees and branches, or splashed by mud puddles as he deems appropriate.
-when you visit Logali House, do not expect the waiters to come to you.
-there's one seat where the air conditioner unit drops on people in Logali. Figure out where it is, and keep your computer away from it.
-don't argue with police, you will not win.
-stand in the shade, not the sun.
-if you're walking, walk on the bumpiest part of the road - that's where the fewest cars are likely to drive
-when a drunk guy starts following you on your walk, get as much space between you and him as possible.
-when you're sitting and the flies start to swarm... let them. unless they're swarming your face or getting in your drink, then you can flick them away.
-it's ok to greet people, but I generally use these rules: only greet children if they greet you first. Only greet men if their tone sounds respectful. Greet women without discrimination.
-never assume anything is safe from tiny ants. They will eat your food, even if it's sealed.
-if you charge your Kindle through your computer, do it without your computer plugged in, so that your Kindle doesn't blow up.
-when you hear a bump in the night... assume it's a monkey or a mango.
-don't argue with the expats, they are all convinced they know more than you.... about everything.
-when your driver is driving - do not leave your hand hanging out the window, or your arm, or any body part. While your driver is primarily concerned with keeping you safe - this really only applies to the road, and he will let your arm get snagged by trees and branches, or splashed by mud puddles as he deems appropriate.
-when you visit Logali House, do not expect the waiters to come to you.
-there's one seat where the air conditioner unit drops on people in Logali. Figure out where it is, and keep your computer away from it.
-don't argue with police, you will not win.
Last, but not least... don't make up your mind too quickly. About how your day went, about whether you have an amoeba or a parasite, about how you feel about this country- about anything. This place is full of contradictions, it's confusing and crazy... but in some ways, it's also very good to live in Juba.
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