“Lights Out” has happened roughly once a day in the two weeks I’ve been in Ho. It usually happens during daylight hours, corresponds with the beginning of a storm and lasts for about an hour. “Is it lights out, someone will ask? Yeah, it’s lights out.” Simply means the power is out. Makes sense now that I think about it, but I remember thinking “What the hell is everyone talking about? Lights out, what?” It’s actually Lights out right now…
Going out to dinner or ordering a beer is also interesting… To get a waiter’s attention you have to Hisssssss, at them. I felt bad when prompted to do this. But my methods of eye contact and politely saying “excuse me,” were not working. So now, I Hissss at everyone; waiter’s, taxi drivers or anyone who’s attention I need to get. Still feels a little weird but it works.
After you get the waiter’s attention or catch that taxi, make sure you hand them your money with your right hand. Shaking, waving or passing anything with your left is considered very rude. Your left hand is supposed to be used for wiping your bum, and that’s about it.
I’ll try to put up more pics soon. The internet is very slow and this can be very time consuming.
6 comments:
SOUNDS LIKE A BLAST!!! anna is in Bali with Tyler and between your blog and hers...i amd seriously jealous!!! holler be safe
Hi Bren,
Sounds like your getting quite the "education" learning about and being part of the South African culture.
If we ever hisssss!! at anyone around here, we probably would get kicked out of the place.
Have Fun and Be Safe!!
Jack and Ri say "Hi"
sweet...now we have to have you hisssing at us...sweet
Johns,
The internet is slow, so ichat may not work. But we can definitely try. ..
Hey, we had a discussion yesterday at my school about donating all the money we get from recycling bottles to microfinancing with KIVA. They mentioned the people who organize the microfinancing and I wanted to shout, "That's my brother!"
Hissss !!! Can you hear me now. Sorry, I had to do it. The left hand thing, not cool, but I thought it was only the Arabs. Enjoy your newest adventure, one of many that you have made the time and effort to achive. Have fun. Be safe. Can't wait for you to tell us more. Love and Miss You. Dad, Corinne, Emily, Vicky & Richard.
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