being an outsider
on Clarifel Rodrigo (Tanzania), 13/Sep/2011 12:06, 34 days ago
After living in Tanzania for more than 6 months, there are several occasions that I’ve felt bad and good of being an outsider. I have love and hate relationship with this country. Nevertheless, it continuously shapes me to grow and be a better (I think) person.There are things in Tanzania that I am connected with since these are somewhat related to my culture.the symbol made by Filipinos that considered Tanzania as their second home - on the logo are the flags and national parks of Tanzania and Philippines·        Both are developing countries. However, Philippines have higher GDP per capita with USD 3,700+; PPP (purchasing power parity) compare from Tanzania with only USD 1,400.·        Complaining about the corrupt officials. When you talk to locals, they put the blame on the corruptions of their government officials on the slow progress of their country. In the Philippines, you can hear the same comment from the people and this is openly discusses from the media.·        Hardworking. Doing manual work by their hands under the fierce sun (like digging on their farms or beside the road, carrying blocks at construction sites, cleaning ducts, etc.), peddling, carrying heavy bulks of goods on their heads or using bicycle, etc. ·        Kinship.  Family members support each other like giving financial help to members who are in-need. This is also common in my country. It is typical to accommodate relatives (up to 3rdor 4thdegree cousins or as long as there is a blood relations) at home. ·        Politeness of people and giving respect to elders. They greet anyone regardless if they are strangers or friends. Young people never fail to greet me“shikamo” (an Arabic greeting to senior peopleJ). In my country, we use“po” if we are talking to our seniors – by age or job position; e.g. Kumustapokayo?– How are you?. I also observed at public buses that children offer their seats to elders which are also common in my country. ·        Complaining about the traffic jam (but everybody does regardless of any culture).   ·        Eating lots of rice. Tanzanian loves to eat rice aside from Ugale (maize porridge). We have no ugale in the Philippines but it is common among Filipinos to eat rice 3x a day– from breakfast to dinner. ·        Using spoon or hand during meals. It is common in Tanzania and in the Philippines to use spoon while eating their rice meal or just bare hands while having meal.                                                                              ·        Happy go lucky. Poor people know how to enjoy their life. They don’t complain but they work hard and strive. Filipinos have the same attitude. Both love to laugh and not to take life so seriously. Although I am struggling with the Kiswahili language, with smiles and physical gestures I know that there is a connection between Tanzania and my country.my hand with the hand of my little Tanzanian friendMy limits have been tested many times while living here but I still feel lucky to have the opportunity to appreciate others' culture aside from my own. I’ve got a lot to learn and in the end of my journey to Tanzania – I can say that it’s indeed a worthwhile experience.had an opportunity to revisit our National Heroe's Park (Rizal Park) after more than 20+ years last December 2009 with friends