The holiday had lasted so long, I barely remembered what it was like to have a job. So when I finally started to work as a teacher this week, it completely drained me of all my energy, and I had to go to bed before ten o’clock every night. When Friday arrived, we felt incredibly deserving of a few days off. 
My main job here in Kenya will be at Tonongoi Primary School, where I will work three days a week teaching English And Creative Arts to Standard 5 (5th grade). I had no idea what this job would be like, and my stomach was filled with butterflies when Monday arrived this week. However, it turned out that nothing really happens on the first day, except that the pupils arrive in their uniforms and have to clean the classrooms and move desks from one room to another. My challenge began on Tuesday. I had been told to arrive at 8 o’clock sharp (meaning European time, I even asked specifically about that), and of course I did. However, it turned out that I was the only one who regarded European time as European time. At 8 o’clock I was the only adult among hundreds of pupils who all looked at me, pointed and giggled a lot. By 0815 the rest of the teachers started to arrive, including the headmaster. It’s not that they try hard not to keep time, I just don’t think time means the same in the country as it does in Norway. In their eyes, they were on time. Enough about the African time for now, let me just conclude by adding that I kind of like the African time, and that I love the fact that they never seem to rush from one thing to another here.
My main job here in Kenya will be at Tonongoi Primary School, where I will work three days a week teaching English And Creative Arts to Standard 5 (5th grade). I had no idea what this job would be like, and my stomach was filled with butterflies when Monday arrived this week. However, it turned out that nothing really happens on the first day, except that the pupils arrive in their uniforms and have to clean the classrooms and move desks from one room to another. My challenge began on Tuesday. I had been told to arrive at 8 o’clock sharp (meaning European time, I even asked specifically about that), and of course I did. However, it turned out that I was the only one who regarded European time as European time. At 8 o’clock I was the only adult among hundreds of pupils who all looked at me, pointed and giggled a lot. By 0815 the rest of the teachers started to arrive, including the headmaster. It’s not that they try hard not to keep time, I just don’t think time means the same in the country as it does in Norway. In their eyes, they were on time. Enough about the African time for now, let me just conclude by adding that I kind of like the African time, and that I love the fact that they never seem to rush from one thing to another here.
About the pictures (haven't got any from my school yet): the top left one is me in front of a typical village shop which sells flour, sugar, sodas, eggs, rubber boots, candy, washing powder and other things you need in Kenyan villages. The bar in front of the shop prevents theft. The picture to the right is of my favourite transportation vehicle: a bodaboda (from the English word "border", they used to take people from the Kenyan to the Ugandan border), notce the sign at the back, saying "Miss Kenya 2007". I haven't tried any in Sigowet yet, but in Kisumu we do it as much as we can. You sit on the comfortable seat at the back of the bike, and it cost you 1-2 NOK to get almost anywhere within the city. The best way of travelling!
1 comment:
This one made me laugh!
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