Eldest son Adam asks, “We know Bill is busy, but what are YOU doing?”I am observing and absorbing. This is tough work for someone who is used to the 8-5 structure – try it and you’ll see. What does it mean? I have time to walk through the market where the young woman with the tiny baby and I are becoming friends. We look for each other, and now the young men hanging out nearby are looking for me too.
I have time to walk up a dirt side-street, where I can stop and talk to the woman who sweeps out her tiny beauty salon in the morning. The man with the “BlackBoy” stand nods at me while he makes chapatti. I walk by the school where I can hear the kids in their pink gingham dresses (girls) and khaki shorts (boys) practicing English in unison: “The dog walks home with the boy.” I notice the white lace curtains in the doorways and wonder how the heck they keep them clean. I hang out at the Bench Corner Bar (just kidding, but the picture is fun).
Today I stopped for lunch at a place that could be in California -- big palms and shaded patio. As I left, I discovered it is right next to the Iranian embassy, good to know. The cafe watchman told me about a hair salon with a stylist from South Africa who only does mzungu hair. Also good to know.
Observing and absorbing. I am getting my writer’s eyes and ears back, that’s what I am doing.
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