First some background: for at least one of the major tribes here, tradition dictates that women kneel in front of the men as a sign of respect. At various times during my time here, people have told me that I need to conform to this cultural norm. I have declined, and though unstated, really don’t see that ever happening.
Today when I went into class, several classmates were already there, and said hello to me as I came in, so I did a small curtsy. My friend Beatrice laughed and asked when I started kneeling. I assure you there was no kneeling on my behalf. So I demonstrated what a real sweeping curtsy would be, then did the little one again. I was having flashbacks to ballet lessons when I was what, six years old? And have you ever tried to do a sweeping curtsy in a denim skirt?
The other day, I was walking to supper with my friend Isaac, who had missed class the day prior, and was asking what he missed. We have one class in which the lectures are, let’s see, less than ideal. However, that day, we actually had a really good lecture. I told Isaac that “she actually teached us!” Teached. I have no idea where that came from. The semester must be drawing to a close, because clearly, I’m getting a little loopy.
For better or worse though, I do have the makings for coffee in my room, and therefore am fortified for the sleepless nights that are required to stuff an entire semester’s worth of information in my head. And a really big mug.
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