As darkness has fallen, and I write by candlelight, I am left to ponder many things after yet another day with no electricity. Today has been one of those days in Afrika that reinforces the idea that many Canadians take much for granted. One simply cannot come to Afrika and expect that their lives will continue in the same vein as they have experienced to date. I have witnessed many who have come, expecting « all the comforts of home », while glorifying in the new, exotic and different. They ultimately leave disappointed and confused; wondering why the travel brochures failed to provide…
The other day, my wife had her life disrupted for the day while the local utility company was in the neighbourhood repairing power lines. We talked that night via Skype, and she was complaining about the inconvenience of it all. When I mentioned that I was in day three of no power here, we both realized that there are many things we in Developed Nations take completely for granted. What seems to be a « major » inconvenience may simply be daily life for others. What it really comes down to is how we perceive things. I know of people in Chilliwack, BC who think nothing of taking five or more showers in a single day. In rural Afrika, showers are exotic. Water may need to be carried up to five kilometers, and it would be unthinkable to use that water to simply pour out over one’s self.
A couple weeks ago, A transformer station in Chilliwack caught on fire, causing power outages between Chilliwack and Abbotsford. Some people where without power for several hours while the fire was extinguished and repairs made. My son, who is in grade 11, overheard several students complaining bitterly that they could not access the internet to check their Facebook pages and the like. Another one of his friends was angered by this, and quickly pointed out that they had no right to complain so – when there where so many people that could be sick or injured and unable to access emergency services. Again… there is this matter of perception. We often tend to see things only through what inconveniences us and fail to see the bigger picture.
There seems to be two primary types of Western travellers who come to Afrika. The first is the consumnate « tourist » – those who have decided to come here to experience the exotic, go on Safaris and engage in cultural tourism (visit the Maasai in their villages and witness how the « natives live ». They come to see the « Big Five » (Lions, Rhinos, Elephants, Cape Buffalo and Leopards), and are disappointed if they fail to see them all. They pile into 4×4 vehicles and thunder across the Serengeti, returning at night to large tent complete with electricity and confortable cushions to relax on. Their meals are prepared by certified chefs and accompanied by the finest wines. In the nearby village… there is no electricity, running water, gourmet food or fine wine. Some people have not bathed in the solar shower or even eaten more than a bit of rice or cassava for the day. Non-the-less, many tourists come and go, certain that they have experienced all that Afrika has to offer.
The second type of Afrikan visitor is the humanitarian worker. They come bound to assist in improving the lives of the impoverished and destitute. They often struggle with what they see – people who are far below Western standards of living and wish to bring a bit of comfort to them. Wells are drilled, houses and schools built and agricultural improvements implemented. They leave Africa, confident that a small bit of Developed Nation technology and understanding has helped those less fortunate. They leave, and believe that the work they have accomplished is good – and many times it is. They return home and celebrate with hot showers and good meals. Life in Afrika continues on.
Perception is a funny thing. We often see things through our own experience and learned understanding. When something is outside of our own understanding, we relate it to what we have learned. If things do not occur as we expect, then the experience is undesirable. Often times, this leads to a system of « Othering », in which we see ourselves and our values at the « top » and others below. We assume that the Developed world is superior to Developing Nations, and feel the need to bring them up to OUR standards. We believe that they somehow need the same things as we do, and we sometimes have trouble relating differences in lifestyles as being « different but equal ». It is sometimes forgotten that what is important or normal for us is not necessarily important or necessary for another. Sometimes we need to step outside of our own realm of experience and relate things not as they « should be », but as they ARE. When we let go of our own expectations, we are often given the opportunity to develop new and positive understandings of the world around us.
My candlelight musings have led to the need to add to my « Afrikan Survival List ». Having left of with number 11, here are my additions:
12.) Electicity in Afrika is not dependable. Costs for power are exhorbitant, and it is crucial to conserve where one can. On any given day, there are huge line ups of people waiting to purchase power at the hydro comany – much as one purchases time on their cell phone. Generators are extremely expensive to use and maintain. Fuel is costly, and generator repairs can cost thousands of dollars. Sub-standard repairs are normal here, and can result in faulty equipment which continuously breaks down. Try to avoid unecessary use of electrical power. Decide whether using that AC is really necessary, and limit its use whenever possible.
13.) Many people come to this place expecting hydro and hot showers on their time schedules. This is not the case. Showers need electricity to run the water pumps. Unless you are satisfied with a « dribble bath », bath when you can – « take ‘em when you got ‘em ».
14.) The darkness of night can offer special opportunities which have been forgotten by many. Light a candle or two. Relax, write, read, play cards or simply take the time to talk.
15.) Plan your menus around unreliable electricity. Food left in refrigerators can spoil quickly with constant temperature fluctuations due to power outages. Make meals in small batches that can be frozen if necessary, and plan to eat leftovers as quickly as possible. Buy dairy products and meat only on the day they are to be used.
16.) Remember that you are not the only one without electricity. Most Tanzanians live with this reality on a daily basis. They have learned to adapt and accept this as normal, and we can also.
The candle has now burned low. My writing is finished and my drink is done. The power has just come back on. It is time to wash up and get ready for bed. Tomorrow is a new day; filled with new experiences and new opportunities.
Until next time,
« Good Night… and Good Luck »
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