Funny things...

These funny things really tickled me today…

1. I remembered a situation a few weeks ago where I was working with another volunteer in her TTC. We had an open day for local Primary and Secondary teachers to share ideas about active methodology, songs, games and resources. Having gathered a group of teachers together to show them how to play skittles (made from empty water bottles) we explained some of the maths links and opportunities for children to practice turn taking etc. We carefully set up the skittles ready for the first turn and my friend demonstrated how to roll the ball to knock them down. She knocked over most of the skittles, and modelling how to give children praise, I said, ‘Well done! Let’s clap for her!’

One teacher looked at me, horrified…and with a puzzled look on his face, said:

‘Why ever should we clap for her? She has absolutely demolished the game…’!

Fair point!

2. I invited a friend round for tea the other day and asking him how he liked his tea, he replied that he didn't really have a sweet tooth and wasn't so keen on sugar. We started with 3 tablespoons, but he politely asked for a little more after a few sips...but 5 tablespoons was just right! Not a sweet tooth, eh?

3. After work this afternoon I went into the village to head to the market. On my way I received a phone call… one of the mystery calls where a friend (or a friend of a friend who’s obtained your number) calls but doesn’t tell you who they are. I didn’t recognise their number and asked them who they were.

Mystery Caller: Hi Hazel. How are you? (So they knew me)

Me: I am fine thanks, how are you?

Mystery Caller: I am fine thank you.
Me: I am not sure who I am speaking to as I don’t have your number saved on my phone. Who are you?
Mystery Caller: I’m fine thanks. Did you know the exam results have been released? (A colleague perhaps?)
Me: Yeah I know. But, who are you?
Mystery Caller: I am fine thanks, how are you?
Me: I am fine too. But I said who are you, not how are you.
Mystery Caller: I’m fine!
Me: I am glad you are fine. Please tell me who is speaking.
Mystery Caller: Eh?
Me: Who are you?
Mystery Caller: I am fine thanks, how are you?
Me: No… not HOW are you, WHO are you?

And so the conversation continued until my mystery caller ran out of credit and half of my village were laughing at me as they followed my poor attempts to solve my myetery and increasingly puzzled expression…

4. As a white person living in a small Rwandan village you get used to people being interested in you, who you are, what you are doing, how you do things etc. That’s fine and I’m as interested in their lives and culture and ways of doing things as they are of mine. Curiosity is healthy and I love chatting with people in my village. But I think I know most people now and to be honest, after 6 months everyone must be used to seeing me around the village. I walk to work every day, chat to everyone I meet and pass them again as I return home for lunch and then go back to work.  I am always in the market or in church or at the shops. So it surprises me a little that I still get stared at. I’m nothing new here – anymore! Or, have a look… that’s ok, but say hi too, especially if I greet you first. Please don’t just stare!

This afternoon, as I was in my garden, a man walked past my front gate and as he walked along the path, he stared with an intensity I haven’t seen since I first arrived here! Perhaps there was an elephant or something behind me in my garden? He really had to crane his neck to continue staring, even as he continued past my house. I waved and greeted him, but he didn’t even acknowledge me, just continuing to have a good gawp. It made me feel a little uncomfortable. So when he tripped over, disappearing beneath the hedge, I’m afraid I couldn’t help laughing! OK, I felt a little bit mean, but I think there may be a lesson in there somewhere!

5. Enjoying brunch with a friend who spread his bread first with jam... and then with margarine on top! Different!

OK, maybe on that occasion it was me who was staring!